Chapter 45 - Believe in Your "Strength," Chōjūrō
The head of the Hōzuki Clan kept his expression composed, though his tone carried a trace of respectful formality.
"No matter what, this matter would not have been resolved without the help of Lord Yūdō and the Mizukage. Should the village ever require the aid of the Hōzuki Clan, you need only ask."
Mei Terumi smiled faintly. She could read the clan head's thoughts easily enough.
Still, that suited her just fine.
"Speaking of which," she said softly, her tone light but deliberate, "there is something that requires the assistance of the Hōzuki Clan."
The smile that curved her lips was both charming and dangerous.
The Hōzuki Clan Head was momentarily taken aback, though his expression didn't change. His eyes briefly shifted to the three swords laid out on the desk, and a glint of realization flashed through them.
"The village intends to reestablish the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. After careful thought, I've decided it would be most appropriate for the Hōzuki Clan to oversee this matter."
"After all, throughout history, your clan has always been connected to the Seven Swordsmen, and when it comes to knowledge of the seven blades, no one in the village understands them better than your people."
Mei Terumi's voice was calm yet decisive.
After speaking, she didn't bother to wait for his response. Instead, she clapped her hands lightly.
Whoosh!
In an instant, a shadow appeared beside her.
"Bring Chōjūrō here," Mei said in an even tone.
The shadow gave a small nod, then vanished without a sound.
The Hōzuki Clan Head lowered his gaze slightly, pretending not to have seen the movement at all.
Though Mei's words had sounded like a discussion, they were, in truth, a decision — an order, not a proposal.
Still, this matter brought no harm to the Hōzuki Clan. On the contrary, it carried certain subtle advantages.
After a moment of thought, the clan head came to his conclusion.
Standing to the side, Hōzuki Suigetsu fidgeted restlessly, his eyes darting back and forth. Being in the presence of two powerful figures made him feel enormous pressure.
The man who had brought him here, Yūdō, clearly held an extraordinary status. Even the clan head addressed him as "Lord Yūdō," and he seemed to be one of the village's elders.
But weren't the elders supposed to be the old master Genji?
He had only been away for a few years — when had the Mist Village changed so much, even replacing its elders?
The name Yūdō sounded oddly familiar, though Suigetsu couldn't immediately recall where he had heard it before.
Wait.
Wasn't the First Mizukage also called Yūdō?
The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. Suigetsu's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Eh!!?"
He couldn't stop the startled cry that escaped his lips. The next instant, realizing what he had done, he clamped both hands over his mouth — but it was too late.
The sharp sound broke the calm of the office, drawing the attention of everyone present.
Two pairs of eyes turned toward him, making sweat bead down his forehead.
Mei raised an eyebrow, watching the flustered Suigetsu with faint amusement.
For a moment, she was reminded of another figure — Hōzuki Mangetsu.
The "child loved by the swords," the genius who could wield all seven blades with ease.
But in this shinobi world, genius was common — and the dead ones no longer counted as such.
The Hōzuki Clan Head gave Suigetsu a cold glance. "We'll have a long talk when we return to the clan," he said flatly.
Suigetsu swallowed hard, his face paling.
Knock, knock.
A moment later, there was a knock at the door, and Chōjūrō entered with a faintly puzzled expression.
When his gaze fell upon the Hōzuki Clan Head and Suigetsu, he hesitated, confusion deepening in his eyes.
"Mizukage-sama," Chōjūrō greeted respectfully as he stepped forward.
"Since you're here," Mei said, "let's discuss the reformation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. You'll be directly involved in the process."
"These people will be your future comrades, after all — so I'm entrusting you with evaluating their strength."
Taketori Clan's former settlement.
It was not as ruinous as one might have imagined—mostly because there were no buildings left at all. The entire area was nothing but overgrown weeds.
After so many years, everything of value had long been cleared away.
"I thought there might still be something left here," Yuto murmured, scanning the surroundings. "But it seems there's nothing at all."
Kimimaro stood silently nearby. After a moment, he lifted his gaze to Yuto and said quietly, "Lord Yuto, thank you."
"Oh?" Yuto raised an eyebrow, surprise flashing in his eyes. "You know who I am?"
Kimimaro nodded. "Lord Orochimaru spoke of you."
Yuto's eyes glinted with sudden understanding. So Orochimaru had indeed anticipated that Yuto would come to find him after his resurrection.
"Lord Yuto, my body has nearly reached its limit. I fear I can no longer be of use to you."
Kimimaro's tone was calm but heavy, his eyes dim with resignation.
"Who said you're dying? Just because others can't save you doesn't mean I can't."
Yuto's lips curved into a confident smile.
"But before I heal you, we'll deal with Orochimaru's little gift first—that cursed seal of his. Its corrosion on the body is too severe."
He spoke evenly, then pressed his hand against the mark on Kimimaro's neck.
At once, a surge of cold, sinister chakra burst forth from Kimimaro's body.
But in the next instant, that chakra was drawn rapidly and completely into Yuto's palm.
The suffocating, malevolent energy dissipated like mist, leaving the air suddenly still. Kimimaro's body trembled, the oppressive weight that had clung to his soul for years finally lifting.
He slowly raised his head, the dull color in his eyes beginning to brighten again. "That power… is gone."
Yuto nodded slightly. "Good. That curse was a leash. You're free of it now."
Kimimaro looked at his hands, faint light returning to his expression. "Free…" he whispered, the word carrying disbelief and relief all at once.
"Rest for now," Yuto said, turning away as his cloak rustled faintly in the wind. "Your body is still fragile, but it won't stay that way for long. I'll make sure of it."
Kimimaro bowed his head deeply, his voice quiet but steady. "Understood, Lord Yuto."
The ruins of the Taketori Clan lay silent around them, but for the first time in years, Kimimaro felt the weight of his fate begin to shift.
(End of Chapter)
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