Dense golden light bullets fell from the sky, overwhelming the Kaguya ninja.
The Kaguya were like warriors from the feudal era, using flesh and blood to face a hailstorm of bullets from the industrial age.
Golden bullet holes riddled their bodies—this was precisely why Zenkichi didn't go for the kill. If he had, it wouldn't have been mere penetrating damage. The golden light bullets would have torn their bodies to pieces.
On a distant rooftop, the leader of the Mizunashi clan, Yanagi Mizunashi, and the head of the Oniden clan, Oniden Heishui, stood side by side, watching from afar as Zenkichi suppressed the Kaguya clan.
"Have you given up?"
Oniden Heishui suddenly spoke.
"Go back and restrain your clan members. Try not to provoke the village. The current Kirigakure isn't something we can oppose,"
Mizunashi Yanagi sighed, speaking helplessly.
They were both deeply dissatisfied with the Third Mizukage's inspection order. Due to fear and mistrust of the higher-ups, they worried it was a ploy to weaken them.
However, unlike the Kaguya clan, they weren't foolish enough to act out and draw attention.
Now, seeing the consequences the Kaguya faced, they had wisely reined in their rebellious thoughts.
---
"Done!"
Zenkichi descended from the sky, nodding with satisfaction at the downed Kaguya ninja.
"Although they're seriously injured, they can still recover with proper treatment."
"Leave them to Lord Mizukage. He'll decide whether the Kaguya clan stays or goes."
Zenkichi turned and gave orders to the ANBU operatives behind him. Then, glancing at Mei,Yukine, Yagura, and Mangetsu:
"You four, get ready. I've got a perfect training spot. We're heading out tomorrow."
He intended to confront Uchiha Madara soon—but before that, he needed to send his apprentices and subordinates overseas for training.
Their current strength was still too low to shoulder the responsibilities of being Zenkichi's trusted allies.
---
The next day.
Wearing a yellow-striped suit, a white cloak, and brown sunglasses, Zenkichi stood proudly in front of his students.
"Zenkichi?"
Terumi Mei looked at him, clearly surprised. His outfit was far from traditional.
"I had these custom-made. What do you think?"
Zenkichi adjusted his cloak with pride.
"Very unique—and handsome!"
Mizunashi Yukine. replied quickly, prompting a wary look from Mei.
"Captain, are you taking us out to train?"
Mangetsu refocused the group.
"That's right! You're all talented, but talent without training is meaningless."
"With your current level, finding proper opponents here is hard."
"There are strong ninja in the other villages, but Kirigakure isn't at war with them. It wouldn't be wise to provoke them."
"So, I've decided to take you overseas. I've heard of a professional ninja competition happening there."
"That should be the perfect environment to test yourselves and grow quickly."
"Oh, and one more thing—we're going in an unofficial capacity. Remove all Kirigakure symbols from your gear."
Zenkichi explained casually.
"Overseas? Sounds exciting."
Terumi Mei removed her Kirigakure forehead protector. The others followed suit and dressed like wandering ninja.
---
Not long after…
A massive ship cruised across the sea. Zenkichi lounged on a deck chair, sipping tea and sunbathing—bored but relaxed.
Nearby, Kisame Hoshigaki and Momochi Zabuza sparred using wooden swords.
"Mr. Zenkichi, is it really safe to let them fight like that?"
"Even with wooden blades, their strikes could break bones."
Mizunashi Yukine walked over, frowning slightly at the brutal sparring.
"Sweat more in training, bleed less in battle."
"A broken bone now might save their life in a real mission."
"Ninja work isn't safe—we risk our lives every day."
"In our academy, graduation exams involved students fighting each other."
"This is nothing in comparison."
"If they're strong, they'll break the other's bones. If not, they'll learn their place."
Zenkichi spoke calmly without looking up from his book.
Zabuza nodded. "Teacher Zenkichi is right! Compared to graduation exams where we fought for real, this kind of sparring is tame."
Kisame agreed in his deep, gravelly voice, "Exactly."
Yukine went silent, eventually nodding in understanding.
Zenkichi glanced up with a slight smile.
"Good. You both have the right attitude."
"Once you become jōnin, I'll give each of you a ninja blade. You'll become members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
Zabuza's eyes lit up. "Are you serious, teacher?"
He had a natural affinity for swordsmanship and a particular fondness for the Executioner's Blade.
"If possible, I'd like the Executioner's Blade," Zabuza added.
Kisame chimed in, "If I could choose, I'd take Samehada."
Mangetsu scoffed, "Not just anyone can handle those swords."
"The Executioner's Blade requires immense physical, arm, and wrist strength. Samehada might even turn on its wielder."
Zenkichi looked at Mangetsu calmly.
"Don't underestimate them. I believe they can—and they will—master those blades."
--
60+ chapters on P@treon btw....
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