After leaving Yagura's command tent, Mizunotsuki Yoru returned to his personal quarters.
As the squad leader of ANBU First Unit, Yoru held considerable authority, and naturally had his own private residence within the camp.
Upon arriving, several figures were already waiting for him inside.
The moment he stepped in, Hiromi ran over with quick, anxious steps, eyes full of concern. She fussed over Yoru—checking his arms, shoulders, even holding her fair hand up to his mouth as if inviting him to take a bite.
"I know the battle was intense, but I really didn't get hurt, Hiromi."
Yoru gently pushed aside the red-haired girl who was practically shoving her arm into his mouth, and took a seat at the head of the room.
"My deepest apologies, Lord Yoru."
Mangetsu knelt before him on one knee, head lowered.
"Had I not failed so miserably, none of this would have happened. You wouldn't have been forced into such a dangerous situation."
Mangetsu's voice was full of remorse.
Had he not been intercepted by Jiraiya and the Konoha Jōnin unit while transporting intel, Yoru wouldn't have had to risk his life covering his retreat.
If Yoru had been the one to personally deliver the "Konoha frontline deployment report," Yagura would've surely treated it as a priority—ensuring recognition for his efforts.
Everything that happened was his fault.
"Don't blame yourself, Mangetsu."
Yoru shook his head.
"If not for you, I wouldn't have had the chance to kill Nara Shikaku, the so-called brain of Konoha, and the rest of the results wouldn't have followed."
"If any of them—Nara Shikaku, Hyūga Hizashi, or Yamanaka Inoichi—had made it to the Konoha frontlines, the pressure on Kirigakure would've been suffocating. But now, even with Jiraiya present, a Konoha without its 'brain' is no real threat."
"That outcome is thanks to you."
"Lord Yoru..."
Mangetsu's guilt only deepened.
He had caused it all… and yet in Yoru's eyes, he was being treated like a hero.
Lord Yoru really does look after us… just like always.
"Don't carry the burden alone. You're the Hidden Mist's most promising talent—someone with the potential to become Mizukage."
Yoru smiled as he walked over to Mangetsu and helped him to his feet.
"The brightest rising star of the Hōzuki Clan can't be crying like this, can he?"
"N-No… Becoming Mizukage… isn't even my dream."
Mangetsu shook his head rapidly, saying no more.
Mizukage? That title doesn't belong to me… The only one worthy of it is Lord Yoru.
All I want… is to be the blade that protects him.
After lifting Mangetsu up and patting him on the shoulder, Yoru turned to the others.
"After this mission, ANBU First Unit will likely be disbanded soon. Don't panic—it's not because I don't want to work with you anymore, but because of all the new vacancies."
Seeing the unsettled looks on their faces—especially Hiromi and Yukiko, who were beginning to look completely lost—Yoru quickly offered an explanation.
"The fall of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen has left a lot of top positions open in Kirigakure. All those roles need to be filled. On top of that, we're still in wartime. You'll all earn plenty of merit and be promoted soon—it's inevitable."
"After all… each of you is exceptional."
"But…"
"Don't worry, Yuyuri," Yoru said, cutting her off before she could protest.
"This is all just my guess. Ultimately, it's up to the higher-ups."
"More importantly—there's something else I want to give you all."
As he spoke, Yoru pulled out the scroll Yagura had returned to him—the one containing four of the Seven Ninja Blades.
He infused chakra into the scroll, and the next moment, four legendary blades appeared in the center of the room.
-Kabutowari (Blunt Sword: Helmet Splitter)
-Shibuki (Blastsword: Splash)
-Kiba (Twin Swords: Fang)
-Nuibari (Longsword: Sewing Needle)
As the four stood frozen in disbelief, Yoru smiled.
"As part of our spoils from this mission, Lord Yagura gave me full authority to distribute these swords."
"So, my comrades—pick the blade that suits you best. It's time for you to become the new Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
"W-What?!"
The four were visibly stunned, staring in disbelief at the weapons before them.
They were being offered the chance to choose?
And become the new generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen?!
In Kirigakure, that title wasn't just about raw power—it was a symbol of identity and status.
Suddenly, it all made sense.
Yoru's earlier remark—that they'd likely be reassigned soon—wasn't just speculation. With one of the Seven Swords in hand, none of them would stay in a mere ANBU unit. The Hidden Mist needed them elsewhere—as leaders.
"Can we… really choose freely?"
Mangetsu swallowed hard, unable to conceal the burning desire in his eyes.
He never imagined that he—someone who had endangered Lord Yoru—would now be entrusted with one of the Seven Swords.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and bowed low.
"Lord Yoru… we haven't earned the right to receive these blades. Giving them to us will surely cause controversy."
"No."
Yoru shook his head.
"Mangetsu, these blades may be priceless, but there's one thing you must understand."
"If not for me, these blades would already be in Konoha's hands. They wouldn't be Kirigakure's anymore. It was Lord Yagura himself who told me to handle them however I saw fit—as wartime spoils."
"So if I choose to give them to you, then they're yours. No further discussion needed."
He smiled as he pushed the four blades toward his companions.
If Yagura had entrusted him with them, there was no reason to hand them off to anyone else.
What?
You think he should care about politics and favors?
He was just a lonely ANBU squad captain, born without Ice Release, cast out by the Yuki Clan, and raised in isolation.
What use did he have for diplomacy?
Mangetsu opened his mouth, wanting to argue further—but before he could speak, Yuyuri stepped forward and picked up Nuibari, the blade once wielded by their former superior, Kurisame Kushimaru.
"Longsword: Nuibari… huh. Too bad the Lightning Blades isn't here. Still, this one's not bad."
Her muttered comment drew a twitch from Mangetsu's cheek, but his eyes remained locked on the remaining three weapons.
After a moment's thought, he finally reached out and took hold of the Kiba—Twin Swords: Fang.
But when it came to Yukiko and Hiromi, the two girls exchanged a glance and both shook their heads.
"I'm a support-type shinobi. Keeping one of these swords would be a waste. I'll pass." Yukiko said calmly.
"Same here," Hiromi chimed in with a grin. "As much as I'd love to accept a gift full of Lord Yoru's love and affection, I'm a medical-nin. I wouldn't know how to use it. It'd just be a waste."
"Besides, with Lord Yoru around, I know I'll be protected~!"