Because the selection for the Seven Ninja Swordsmen would not be open to the public, the news wasn't widely spread at first. It circulated only within the jōnin circles—after all, only jōnin were qualified to participate in the selection.
Later on, the word slowly leaked from jōnin to others, and soon even many chūnin learned that a new generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen would soon be chosen.
As a result—
These past few days, tavern chatter revolved entirely around the upcoming selection. People endlessly guessed which well-known jōnin might take those positions. Major gambling houses even opened betting lines, drawing hordes of gamblers to place their wagers.
Among the many names—
Kyoichi was one of the most-bet candidates.
And not just a few people were betting on him either.
"I heard even Seinosuke placed a bet,"
Yūsuke said while glancing at a gambling hall by the street.
"Rumor is he wagered his entire fortune on you."
"Seinosuke? Since when did he get into gambling?"
Kyoichi was surprised—he had no idea Seinosuke had such a hobby.
"It's not just him. Basically every clan member with spare cash went to different gambling dens to place bets—everyone believes you'll become one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. If the clan head hadn't found out and gathered everyone for a harsh scolding, some people might've even borrowed money just to keep betting."
"...They deserved the scolding. If this gambling craze spreads, the clan could be in real trouble. But—why didn't I get even the slightest hint of this?"
"Because the clan head ordered everyone not to disturb you."
"Oh! That explains why things have been so peaceful lately."
Kyoichi suddenly understood.
Quietly in his heart—he gave the clan head a big thumbs-up.
"Enough of that. Yūsuke… let me ask you again."
Kyoichi turned to his cousin, looking serious.
"Are you certain you want to participate in the selection?"
Right now—
They were walking toward the Mizukage Building.
Because today at 2 p.m., the Seven Ninja Swordsmen Selection Battle would be held in the training arena beneath the building!
Not only Kyoichi was joining—Yūsuke was also planning to seize one of the swords.
"Mhm."
Yūsuke nodded firmly.
"Then think this through… If you fail, nothing changes. But if you succeed and claim a sword—your life will be dancing on a knife's edge. One careless moment, or if you run into monsters like the previous group did… you could die."
"We shinobi make our living on the edge of death."
Yūsuke's voice was calm—no fear, no hesitation.
He met Kyoichi's gaze and said coldly:
"And Kyoichi… you're not the only one who should fight for our clan. I'm a part of it too. There's no reason for me to hide behind you forever."
Kyoichi was speechless.
True—
A shinobi's job was literally to gamble their lives.
After a two-second pause—
He finally muttered: "...No need to compare yourself to me."
At his waist—
The Eye of God swayed as he walked.
"That's not comparing. I just want to contribute to the clan like you do. Sure, joining the Seven Ninja Swordsmen is dangerous… but don't forget—I'm a jōnin too. Maybe not as strong as you, but I'm still a genius!"
For someone nicknamed the "Cool Guy," Yūsuke rarely showed pride—yet now he was visibly confident.
"...Fair point!"
Kyoichi chuckled and exhaled.
"Guess I worried too much."
Back in Iwagakure—
They had earned their jōnin ranks around the same time. Yūsuke was even a year younger, with natural Earth + Wind chakra natures and mastery of their clan's Magic Flute Arts—no real weaknesses in ninjutsu, taijutsu, or genjutsu.
If not for the Eye of God granting Kyoichi power to rewrite his fate—
He might not even be able to beat Yūsuke.
"So which sword do you have your eyes on?"
Kyoichi changed the topic.
Although it was a selection for the Seven, two members—Kisame Hoshigaki and Jūzō Biwa—were still alive. So Samehada and the Executioner's Blade were off-limits.
Only five swords remained:
Thunder Sword: Kiba
Explosion Sword: Shibuki
Long Blade: Nuibari
Twin Blades: Hiramekarei
Blunt Sword: Kabutowari
"Back on the ship, I saw Hōzuki Mangetsu fiddling with those unclaimed swords. Pretty sure he'll choose Hiramekarei. Other than you, no one can compete with him for that one—he's practically a prodigy beloved by swords."
"As for Kiba, you need to be skilled with Lightning Release. I've got zero affinity for that—so that's out."
His reasoning was clear and thorough—this wasn't some impulsive decision.
"That leaves Shibuki, Nuibari, and Kabutowari. Shibuki packs huge destructive force—good for boosting my offense. Nuibari offers trap-setting versatility. But Kabutowari… feels too clunky. Doesn't fit my style."
"So… I'll decide when I see them up close."
Kyoichi nodded—no objections whatsoever.
"What about you, Kyoichi? Going to fight Mangetsu for Hiramekarei? That one seems like the strongest out of the five." Yūsuke asked, curious.
"I'm not sure."
Kyoichi shrugged casually:
"To me, any one of them works. Instead of fixating on the swords, I'd rather sharpen my own strength. I only want to join the Seven so I can grow stronger through real battle."
Yūsuke stared in silence.
So… the weapons others would kill to possess—
To you, they're just optional accessories?
What a show-off.
"...Kyoichi, if I could beat you, I'd punch you for saying that."
Yūsuke muttered after a moment.
"Oh?"
Kyoichi shot a sideways glance and smirked.
"Then please—try. Worst case, I'll only beat you half to death. We're cousins—I'd never hit you for real."
"So getting half-killed is considered mercy now?"
"But of course!!"
Talking and joking—
The two had already arrived at the Mizukage Building.
Before they even asked for directions, staff approached to confirm their identities and guide them down to the underground training arena.