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Blood waters (Chapter 25)
🕑 Added 2023-10-18 08:31:39 +0000 UTCChapter 25
Utakata looked at the narrow longsword in his hands that resembled a large needle. A thin wire, mirroring thread, was tied through the eye at the base of its hilt. The sword was razor sharp, light, and unbelievably durable. Utakata has been training for five days with the sword, and it hasn’t dulled even a bit.
The sword was longer than he was tall, so it was tough to use at first. He practiced different grips, feeling the weight and balance of the weapon in his hands. He had to understand its quirks before he could control it effectively. He spent hours each day holding and studying the Nuibari before even using it.
He practiced drawing the Nuibari smoothly and swiftly, ensuring that he wouldn't fumble when the need to use it arose. He also practiced basic strikes, working on his stance, footwork, and the coordination required for combat. He had experience using blades, but a sword this long was a different beast he had to take on.
“Patience is a virtue,” Harusame commented as he saw Utakata struggle to pierce the fruit he threw into the air. “You will not accomplish anything by rushing things.”
“I am not rushing anywhere.”
“You aren’t?” Harusame asked. “Most people would start with basics, but you are already trying to use complex techniques. You need to slow down and calmly grasp your sword’s capabilities. Continue basic stands before the swords feel natural in your hands.”
“I don’t have time for that,” Utakata replied. “I need to learn how to use the sword in combat before I am sent on a mission.”
“Foolish boy,” Harusame could only smile at Utakata. “Nobody but you expects to master one of the Seven Legendary Swords of the Mist in such a short time.”
Utakata ignored his master and continued with his training. The Sewing Needle needed a lot of dexterity and precision to use. And it was true that the sword still didn’t feel right in his hands, but what was a better way to make it feel right if not by using it? Utakata grunted in frustration and threw small apples into the air before trying to pierce them all as they fell.
Of course, out of five apples, he could only pierce three before they fell to the ground. Utakata was always impatient but was ready to work as many hours as needed to learn something. But at the end of the day, he had to accept his master’s words. He should stick with basic footwork and stances. He won’t be able to advance his training if he can’t even use the sword properly.
…
Harusame observed Utakata training from a safe distance. Despite his stubbornness, the boy still listened to him in the end. But Harusame understood why Utakata was in such a rush. The boy felt unbelievable pressure on him. Not only was he a jinchuriki, but he was also one of the seven swordsmen of the Mist. Either of the titles couldn’t be taken lightly, but taking both titles on himself might be a bit too much for Utakata.
But that was the only way for Utakata to thrive in this village. Now, nothing or anybody could stop or hinder Utakata from achieving what he is fated for. No more suicide missions will be given to him, and there will be no restrictions on learning ninjutsu. No clan will be able to demean him. He will be able to use his judgment in the missions and not of those who would only use Utakata for their selfish means.
The Seven Swordsmen are often feared by their enemies due to their deadly skills and renowned swords. This reputation can be advantageous in psychological warfare, as opponents may hesitate to face them. So, the village will use it to its fullest. Harusame believed that it would ease Utakata’s life, even if it were for a little.
The war was on its last legs, and once it was over, maybe the village could enter into a peaceful era for once. As much as Yagura was a ruthless killer, he was equally intelligent. He understands that the methods used by the previous MizuKage didn’t work in favor of the village. It was time to change and adopt different methods to strengthen the village.
“Master Harusame,” Harusame looked away from his student and turned to the messenger. “Mizukage-sama would like to see you.”
Harusame sighed and hoped Utakata wouldn’t be given another mission so soon. But he has never been called by Mizukage for anything good. So, his expectations were low. Taking one last glance at Utakata, Harusame followed the messenger. From how the messenger rushed back to Mizukage, my low expectations lowered even more.
…
As the double wooden doors opened, Harusame entered Mizukage’s office. The walls were adorned with Mist Village symbols and historical artifacts, showing the village’s proud history. But to Harusame, it only seemed like Mizukage wanted to fill the spacious office with something rather than leave it empty. Behind the massive polished wood table on a high-backed chair was Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage.
“How is the six tails doing?”
“Utakata is progressing steadily,” Harusame replied calmly, knowing Yagura wanted to anger him. “How is the mission with three tails going?”
“How much do you know?”
“I know I wouldn't be here if it were a success.”
“The three-tail jinchuriki is dead,” Yagura said, and it painted all the picture Harusame needed.
“Did the leaf discover our plan?”
“It is hard to say.”
“What do you mean hard to say?”
“All thirty shinobi who chased the three tail jinchuriki are dead.”
“What?” Those were high-ranking shinobi, the lowest being at a high-chunin level. “Did the Fourth Hokage intercept them?”
“Nobody knows,” Yagura replied. “I had my best trackers on the scene, and apart from traces of wood release, we couldn’t find anything.”
“That is simply impossible,” Harusame was still in shock. “Are you saying the Leaf has another person capable of using Wood release? It just can’t be.”
“It is hard to say,” Yagura replied. “But we managed to determine that the jinchuriki died too.”
“Damn it all,” Harusame wasn’t a man who would curse much as he lived a long and turbulent life, he had experienced many things, and there wasn’t much that could surprise him. “I have told you and everyone else that this plan was foolish and reckless.”
“And if at that time I was in charge, I would have agreed with you,” Yagura replied. “But my predecessor thought differently.”
“What will happen now? What will you do about those who have made the plan?”
“I would kill them all,” Yagura replied, as Harusame expected. “But the weird thing is that we don’t know who made the plan.”
“What?”
“At the time, it was already too late to change or cancel the plan, so I had no choice but to go with it,” Yagura explained himself. “But it didn’t stop me from investigating the people who made the plan. The problem is that nobody knows who made it. It could have been my predecessor, but nobody could confirm it. And those who were responsible for the plan were found dead. They have killed themselves.”
“Did they choose to die by their own hands rather than yours?” Harusame asked.
“If that is so, how did they know the plan failed?” Yagura asked back. “I was the first to know, and when I went to find them, they were already dead.”
“What the hell?” Harusame was lost for words. In his life as Mist Shinobi, nothing like this has ever happened. What kind of conspiracy was going on in the village?
“I want you to investigate the area where we lost the Jinchuriki and set a seal that will inform us when the three tails reform themselves,” Yagura said, pulling Harusame out of his stupor. “I also want to see if someone has messed with the scene or tried to hide something.”
“I am retired,” Harusame replied. “I have left the life of shinobi.”
“That's why I can only trust you with this. You are our best sealing master.”
“When do I leave,” Harusame sighed in the end.
“As soon as possible.”
“Fine, but I want something in return.”
“Name it.”
“No missions for Utakata for a year.”
“If it were someone else, I would have killed him for asking such an absurd thing,” Yagura let out a tremendous killing intent that made Harusame buckle, but he stood his ground. Harusame wasn’t only the best sealing master in the village but the only one who had experience dealing with tailed beasts. Yagura couldn’t kill him. “We have nothing left but to enter negotiations with Leaf and Cloud. While they are undergoing, the Seven Swordsmen will not leave the village.”
Harusame nodded and left. He needed time to process what he heard about this mission. Yagura could have hidden something from him, but Harusame didn’t think he would create such an elaborate scenario. Did the clans conspire against Yagura? Or was it the Third Mizukage’s plan all along? Something was a miss, and Harusame didn’t like it.
…
Utakata was concerned that his master had left with the unknown shinobi and hadn’t returned yet. Usually, Harusame would tell Utakata what was happening to put his mind at peace. Was it an emergency meeting? Or did Harusame notice something about him and have to report to Mizukage immediately? But what about the unknown shinobi that came for him? Who was he?
The following day, Utakata sensed his master's return. But he didn’t stay long; he was only informed that he would leave the village and should focus on training for a while. Utakata knew something was happening as he had never seen his master so agitated. Harusame never left the village since he became Harusame’s student.
Something was going on, but it didn’t seem to concern him right now. He suspected it was about the three tails jinchuriki, but he didn’t have enough information to confirm it, and asking about it would be too suspicious. So, he could only let it go and concentrate on his training. He still had to learn how to use his sword effectively, and he didn’t want to put the soap bubble ninjutsu on a shelve and forget about it. He also had to try to reach a stable three-tail cloak and sustain it. Apart from worrying about things that didn’t concern him, he had plenty of things to do.
“Hey, kiddo,” Utakata turned to the little girl that came from behind him.
“What do you want, Ringo,” Utakata pretended not to be able to sense her.
“Firstly, don’t get any weird idea,” Ringo crossed her hands. “I only came to you because Kisame and Zabuza refused to train with me. And the other old geezers wouldn’t even listen to me.”
“You want to train with me?” Utakata asked.
“Train with you?” Ringo laughed. “I want to beat you because I couldn’t get real training from others. So be kind and receive my punishment.”
“You are making no sense,” Utakata replied. “But I guess it would be better to use a live dummy than a straw one. But don’t worry, I will stitch the holes I make in you.”
“Oh, now you're going to regret it,” Ringo smiled viciously as she drew the Kiba blades. “I will cook you alive.”
“You will try,” Utakata wasn’t too concerned about the electricity coming from her blades. “Just don’t cut yourself first.”
Ringo was a perfect training partner for Utakata. They were of similar age and power. Even though Ringo had learned from the previous Kiba blade owner, Utakata thought it would be more beneficial for him to fight her. She didn’t look like someone who would hold back. And Utakata learn that he got better faster when he was in real fight.
