Chapter 51: The Diamond Barbie — Ranmaru
A terrifying surge of lightning exploded at the center of the training field!
However, because the Thunder Blade served as the focal point, the lightning didn't spread outward but instead concentrated entirely at the core.
The surrounding Mist shinobi watching the match all stiffened, their faces growing grim. Just that one strike alone would have been impossible for most of them to block.
"It seems… the new generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist has emerged," murmured a senior jonin from the Hozuki Clan, glancing toward Ringo Ameyuri.
"Piranha Liberation — Continuous Slash!"
A sharp cry came from the heart of the raging storm.
In the next instant, several blades of light tore through the lightning. Chojuro's figure burst out from within, his form slightly battered but still composed.
Seeing this, Ringo Ameyuri's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
As expected of a member of the previous generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen — his strength was even greater than she'd imagined.
Quickly drawing the Thunder Blade from the ground, Ameyuri prepared to strike again, but Chojuro raised his hand.
"That's enough. You've passed."
His voice was calm, but his expression carried genuine respect.
Ameyuri hesitated for a moment, then lowered her blade with a faintly regretful look.
Chojuro sighed in relief, slinging the twin swords Hiramekarei back onto his shoulders. Stepping forward, he patted her lightly on the head.
"That was an impressive technique. You win."
"I didn't win," Ameyuri said seriously. "You didn't even use Hiramekarei's full technique. At best, it's a draw."
Her bright eyes locked on his with open challenge and anticipation.
Chojuro's expression softened into one of helplessness. Why was it that every generation of the Seven Swordsmen — except him — seemed addicted to fighting?
"By the way, you've never formally learned Lightning Blade Arts, right? How did you pull that off?"
He asked curiously, remembering her previous strikes. If he'd known she could use Lightning Blade techniques, he never would've allowed himself to get cornered so easily.
"When I fought Kurotsuchi Raiga, I watched him use it a few times — then I learned it," Ameyuri said with a mischievous grin, flashing her sharp teeth.
Chojuro froze. The phrase "Genius of Lightning Release" from the reports about her suddenly echoed in his mind.
As expected — she truly was the perfect wielder for the Thunder Blade Fang.
Turning toward the Hozuki jonin, Chojuro gave a small nod before leading Ameyuri to a row of five ornate chairs nearby.
"Now, one of these seats is yours."
He scratched his head awkwardly, smiling faintly.
"I hereby declare Ringo Ameyuri the official wielder of the Thunder Blade Fang — and a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
The Hozuki jonin's voice rang out sternly.
A ripple of chatter swept through the crowd, though none voiced objection.
"Ranmaru, look! My sister's amazing!"
Haruna's face flushed with excitement as she clapped her hands repeatedly.
Ranmaru nodded vigorously, eyes wide and glowing. "If she's part of the Seven Swordsmen… does that mean she can help Lord Utakata now?"
"Of course! The Seven Ninja Swordsmen are the strongest — they can help anyone!"
Haruna puffed her cheeks, speaking with full conviction.
Meanwhile, the Hozuki jonin gestured, and another shinobi stepped forward, carrying a scroll. He handed it to Chojuro and then departed silently.
"This scroll contains detailed Thunder Blade training methods, notes from previous wielders, and — most importantly — the complete version of the Lightning Blade Technique you just used."
Chojuro chuckled softly as he handed the scroll to Ringo Ameyuri.
"Thank you, Senior Chojuro!"
Her eyes burned with excitement as she held the scroll tightly. She had long yearned to study the Thunder Blade Fang's unique Lightning Blade Techniques.
"No need to thank me," Chojuro said with a shrug. "Every new member of the Seven Swordsmen receives a scroll detailing their weapon's techniques. But remember — the scroll can't leave the village, and once you finish studying it, it must be returned."
He spoke mildly, though his tone carried quiet authority.
The selection on the training field continued, but since Ringo Ameyuri's success, not a single candidate had managed to qualify.
The Hozuki jonin frowned. He hadn't expected all four remaining swords to find wielders immediately, but he hadn't thought progress would stall completely either.
And where was Suigetsu Hozuki? Why hadn't that brat shown up yet?
Among the Hozuki clan, several names had been considered for the next generation of the Seven Swordsmen, but in the end, the clan leader had chosen Suigetsu as their representative.
Yet the man himself hadn't even appeared. The jonin's expression soured.
Meanwhile, outside the training grounds, Suigetsu lay sprawled across a thick tree branch, staring lazily at the sky.
He wasn't interested in the selection at all. The sword he wanted was the Executioner's Blade — and since wielders couldn't change their chosen weapon later, he saw no point in competing.
Among the crowd gathered around the field, Ranmaru's eyes gleamed with determination. He took a deep breath and began walking toward the arena.
Haruna blinked, startled. "Hey, what are you doing?"
"I'm going to become one of the Seven Swordsmen too," Ranmaru said shyly, though his voice carried firm resolve.
"You idiot," Haruna puffed her cheeks, glaring at him. "A little kid like you? There's no way!"
Ranmaru didn't answer. He just shook his head and kept walking forward.
As he stepped into view, murmurs began to ripple through the crowd.
At first, most thought he was just a child who had wandered in with one of the jonin. But when he kept walking straight toward the center of the field, realization spread.
"What's with that kid?"
"Is this some kind of joke?"
"Hah! What a funny little brat!"
Laughter and mocking voices filled the air.
The Hozuki jonin's brows furrowed slightly as his gaze settled on the boy.
Ranmaru, face flushed with embarrassment, looked at the three remaining blades. After a moment of thought, he approached the largest one — the explosive sword, Shibuki.
"Hey, brat, this isn't a place to play ninja," a Hozuki chunin barked, stepping forward to block him.
"I'm not here to play."
Ranmaru whispered softly, gripping the hilt with both hands — and pulled.
His small face turned crimson from effort, but the sword didn't budge.
Laughter erupted from all sides.
"Hahahaha!"
"Look at him — he can't even lift it!"
But Ranmaru didn't flinch. He simply murmured, "Curse Mark — Level One."
Boom!
A terrifying wave of chakra burst out of his small frame.
In an instant, his tiny body expanded, muscles swelling and twisting as dark-gray markings spread across his skin.
In the blink of an eye, a massive, two-meter-tall figure stood before them — his body built like a mountain of muscle, yet with the same small, childlike head perched on top.
The crowd fell silent, eyes wide in disbelief.
(End of Chapter)
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