Directly beneath the Mizukage Building lay an exceptionally vast space, and within it was a wide-area training arena designed for combat.
Its size was equivalent to three full playgrounds of the ninja academy, and its height reached that of five stories above ground. Surrounding the arena, there were no spectator stands or walls serving as barriers — just white lines drawn on the ground to divide the battle area from the viewing area, where a few long benches were arranged for anyone who wished to sit.
Everything here
was built with a style as rough and simplistic as possible.
It was said that this training ground was constructed during the era of the Second Mizukage — a genuine battle-maniac. Because his position as Mizukage prevented him from freely leaving the village, he simply built a place like this beneath the Mizukage Building, where he frequently sparred with the members of the Anbu Guard.
By the time the Third Mizukage succeeded the seat,
this place gradually became a venue for various internal-only activities.
High-ranking jōnin assessment battles and Anbu Guard elimination matches were all held here — and of course, the selection battles of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were no exception. During the era of the Third Mizukage, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had already changed lineups twice, and each selection took place in this very arena.
At the moment,
over twenty jōnin stood in the viewing area — men and women, young and seasoned.
Judging by the situation, they were likely all candidates participating in the selection.
"This place is a lot bigger than I expected!"
"This was built under the Second Mizukage's orders — of course the area wouldn't be small. If the space was too cramped, it wouldn't be enough for the Second Mizukage-sama to stretch his legs."
Kyoichi stood before one of the benches in the viewing area, surveying the training grounds.
And the one answering him was Jūzō Biwa, who had walked over.
"Jūzō-senpai, what exactly is the format for this selection battle? The number of participants is surprisingly large… could it be a massive free-for-all to determine the final victors?"
"That would be one way to do it — but unfortunately, the Mizukage-sama has no intention of assessing your luck, judgment, or ability to handle chaotic combat this time. The method for this examination is… well, never mind. I'd better not say it, lest someone later accuses me of rigging things in your favor. You'll know once the Mizukage arrives. Besides— for you, Kyoichi, no test method could truly give you trouble anyway."
"If you won't say it, then you won't say it."
Kyoichi didn't mind Jūzō Biwa's half-finished words.
Knowing the rules in advance wouldn't matter to him anyway — he was just asking casually.
As for helping Yūsuke investigate the test in advance… he never intended to interfere on his cousin's behalf. Whether Yūsuke could obtain a blade and join the Seven Ninja Swordsmen — that depended entirely on Yūsuke's own capability. If he could do it, he could; if he couldn't… then Kyoichi stepping in would only be the same as pulling up seedlings to help them grow — pushing Yūsuke toward a dead end.
"Yūsuke, you're planning to fight for a spot too?"
Jūzō Biwa greeted Yūsuke, asking.
"Yes."
Yūsuke nodded. "Opportunities like this are rare. If I miss this one, who knows when another will come? So I decided to come with Kyoichi and try my luck — maybe the two of us cousins will each secure a sword."
"Haha! That's the spirit!"
Jūzō Biwa laughed loudly.
He reached out and patted Yūsuke's shoulder — encouraging the boy.
"Two brothers entering the Seven Ninja Swordsmen together — that sounds wonderful. So… Yūsuke, do your best! For Kyoichi, getting a sword is already guaranteed, but you must work hard!!"
His bold words spread clearly throughout the surroundings.
One could see
many faces showing faintly dismissive expressions.
Yet everyone stayed very restrained.
All here were jōnin.
Even if many of them had never interacted with Kyoichi before, there wasn't a soul who didn't recognize the name of this figure who had been at the center of numerous recent topics. And seeing the familiarity between him and Jūzō Biwa…
No one was foolish enough to stick their head out now to provoke Kyoichi!
If anyone wanted to test whether the Yaksha truly lived up to his reputation…
They could simply wait.
Once the selection battle officially began, they could challenge him fair and square — no need to risk breaking rules by stirring trouble beforehand.
"Jūzō-senpai, are you worried I don't already have enough trouble?"
Kyoichi rolled his eyes.
"Are you afraid?"
"…Afraid? No."
"Then that's fine. And don't underestimate these people — they all have their own goals. They won't change targets just because of a few words. Whether or not I said that won't change the number or quality of your opponents. Speaking of which… Kyoichi, which sword have you set your eyes on?"
Jūzō Biwa stared curiously at him.
"Actually… the Mizukage is here."
Kyoichi didn't give an answer.
The conversation ended as the Mizukage arrived.
Mei Terumī and Gonbee entered the arena as escorts, guarding the elderly Mizukage — Elder Genji — one on each side. The group walked to a long bench in the viewing area and sat down. Instantly, a crowd of jōnin surged forward to offer greetings. Though Genji looked skin-and-bones, a gust of wind looking like it could knock him over…
His health and spirit were surprisingly strong.
With a pleasant smile, he responded to every jōnin who approached.
Kyoichi didn't rush into the crowd immediately.
Instead, he waited with Yūsuke until almost everyone else had been greeted — then he finally walked over with his cousin.
"Kyoichi, you're here as well!"
Sitting on the bench, Elder Genji squinted and looked at both Kyoichi and Yūsuke as they approached.
"And this child beside you is?"
"Koeda Yūsuke — my cousin."
Kyoichi replied.
"Genji-sama."
Yūsuke lowered his head respectfully — greeting the man whose status in Kirigakure stood alongside the Mizukage's.
"Your name is Yūsuke?"
"Yes."
"You brothers are both participating in the selection today?"
"Yes."
"Confident you'll secure a sword?"
"I will do my utmost!"
Yūsuke answered earnestly and formally.
Kyoichi didn't speak — instead exchanging a brief, silent greeting with the girl standing beside Genji.
"Good — a fine young man!"
After a short but sharp Q&A, Elder Genji gave Yūsuke a positive evaluation — which drew many glances from around the arena. The eyes that had been sizing up Kyoichi now shifted toward Yūsuke — as if trying to discern what made him special enough to receive such praise.