A bowstring kept taut for too long will eventually snap.
Kyoichi believed his nerves were tough enough to endure for quite some time, but he saw no reason to test his limits over something so trivial. Life couldn't possibly revolve entirely around training—otherwise, wouldn't he just become a machine that knows nothing but practice and battle?
Even if Kyoichi longed for the day he could witness the realm beyond human reach,
the joys of being human
were not something to be so easily cast aside.
After his discussion with Clan Head Dazen, realizing that the Koeda Clan was already moving steadily toward prosperity and no longer required his constant efforts, he decisively granted himself a small vacation—aside from refining the first Sage Art he had recently developed.
The rest of his days were spent either sleeping,
or wandering the streets and alleys of Kirigakure under Mei Terumī's guidance, sampling all of the village's local delicacies.
However—
After a stretch of relaxation, that restless heart of his began to pound again,
yearning for challenge and excitement.
Then—
"The Seven Ninja Swordsmen Selection Battle?"
Kyoichi turned toward the girl beside him.
"What's this about? It's the first I've heard of it."
"Because it hasn't been made public yet," Mei replied with a teasing smile.
"...Judging by the name, the Mizukage must be looking to fill the vacant spots among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen?"
Kyoichi didn't bother to ask how Mei knew about something that hadn't been officially announced. With her status, she naturally had access to information before anyone else.
The Koeda Clan might have been growing rapidly,
but they were still newcomers in Kirigakure—
it was only natural that their information channels lagged behind.
"That's right," Mei nodded. "The Seven Ninja Swordsmen are a direct combat unit under the Mizukage's command—an elite force responsible for carrying out high-difficulty missions. But right now, only Fuguki Suikazan and Jūzō Biwa remain. If I were Mizukage, I wouldn't let such a crucial unit stay short-handed for long."
"So that means... the Mizukage sent someone to ask if you wanted to join the Seven Ninja Swordsmen?"
"Exactly," Mei confirmed with a light laugh. "Not just me. Many others were approached too—like my cousin Yutaka and my kinsman Ryūsei from the Kirigumo clan."
Her cousin, Terumī Yutaka, was second only to Mei herself in talent among the Terumī clan. If Mei were truly to ascend the Mizukage's seat through the joint backing of the Terumī and Kirigumo clans, Yutaka would very likely become the next head of the Terumī.
As for Kirigumo Ryūsei, there was little need for elaboration—he was the brightest star of his generation within the Kirigumo clan. Unless tragedy struck, the title of clan head would almost certainly one day be his.
"Then why wasn't I approached?" Kyoichi muttered, half to himself.
"Well... maybe the Mizukage assumed you wouldn't be interested in joining the Seven Ninja Swordsmen," Mei guessed, sounding uncertain.
In truth—
she was right.
During their strolls around the village, whenever they passed by the Mizukage's office or Elder Genji's residence, Kyoichi had stopped by to make it clear that he wasn't planning to take up any formal position for the time being.
Because of that,
Yagura Karatachi never sent anyone to invite him, nor asked whether he was interested in claiming one of the famed blades.
Though the Seven Ninja Swordsmen weren't part of any specific department, they were still a combat unit directly under the Mizukage's control—inevitably bound by more restrictions than ordinary jōnin without fixed assignments.
Yagura likely assumed Kyoichi simply disliked being restrained,
and so chose not to trouble him further.
Otherwise,
even if the Koeda Clan's information network couldn't compare to the Terumī or Kirigumo clans, Kyoichi would still have caught wind of such a rumor.
"Kyoichi... don't tell me you're actually thinking of joining the Seven Ninja Swordsmen?" Mei asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"I am a little tempted," he admitted honestly.
"...Why?" Mei frowned, confusion flickering across her face. She seemed worried that Kyoichi hadn't fully grasped what being one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen truly meant.
"Kyoichi," she said solemnly, "don't be fooled by the name. It sounds impressive, but the Seven Ninja Swordsmen are the sharpest blades in the Mizukage's hand—they're always sent on the most dangerous missions. Remember last time? Six went on a sabotage mission deep into enemy lines—five never came back."
That was why—
not only her,
but even her cousin Yutaka and her cousin Ryūsei had declined when the Mizukage's offer came.
True, a powerful sword could enhance one's strength to some degree.
But the Terumī and Kirigumo clans both possessed stable hereditary kekkei genkai.
For prodigies like Yutaka and Ryūsei, mastering their bloodline abilities alone was enough to elevate them to great heights. The Seven Swords? At best, they were embellishments.
To put it less kindly—
those same swords could easily become burdens.
Not everyone had the talent or discipline to divide their focus so completely.
After all, as the saying goes, "bite off more than you can chew, and you choke."
So it was no surprise that Mei and the others had turned down the chance to join the famed unit.
"I'm not particularly interested in the swords themselves," Kyoichi said frankly. "What I am interested in... is the fact that the Seven Ninja Swordsmen are always assigned high-difficulty missions. Joining them—wouldn't that mean more opportunities to take on such tasks?"
"...That's true," Mei admitted, now realizing what he meant. Her mind was sharp—she caught on instantly. "The Seven Ninja Swordsmen are the Mizukage's sharpest weapon. Unlike the Anbu, they operate in the open, so they're often used for high-profile or high-risk missions where that 'blade' must be shown.
Whenever a dangerous mission comes up, they're the first to be called—unless they're all occupied, the task rarely goes to anyone else. But, Kyoichi... if your goal is to test yourself with difficult missions, you don't have to join the Seven Ninja Swordsmen to do that."
"I know."
Kyoichi narrowed his eyes slightly, leaning back on the bench, staring up at the gray, overcast sky.
"A blade sharpened too fiercely grows brittle, and may snap all the easier...
But even if I were content with where I stand now, to face the storms that lie ahead more steadily—this little strength of mine still won't be enough.
Besides... even without whatever trials await us all, I refuse to simply stand still."
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