"Inhale———— Exhale————"
Wen Lan took a deep breath and slowly released it.
His heartbeat steadied, and the tension in his nerves receded like the tide.
The next instant—
Scarlet flames burst from the corner of his mouth.
His right hand drew the blade in one swift motion.
Fire wrapped around the sword, tearing through the air with a thunderous roar.
"Flame Breathing — First Form: Unknowing Fire!"
The slash streaked forward like a blazing serpent.
The air ahead twisted under intense heat.
His body shot across the ground, the heat warping the space around him—
The blade aimed straight for Mifune.
First Exchange
Mifune reacted instantly.
He raised his sword horizontally to block.
Metal collided with a blinding shower of sparks, and scorching wind scattered dust into the air.
"Hmm?!"
Mifune's pupils shrank.
"This flame… it isn't ninjutsu."
"And it isn't friction from the air either."
Though surprised, his combat instincts took over.
He lowered his center of gravity, redirected the force, and spun into a counter slash.
Wen Lan drove his blade into the ground in a flash—
Clang!
The strike was stopped instantly.
Sparks erupted everywhere.
Flames crawled along the blade like living snakes.
With a low shout, Wen Lan grabbed the scabbard in his left hand and swept it toward Mifune's abdomen.
Mifune retreated immediately.
Just as Wen Lan prepared to press forward—
Mifune's toes touched the ground.
And then—
He surged forward again at even greater speed.
The blade carried a violent gust of wind, slicing directly toward Wen Lan's throat.
A flash of steel like collapsing snow.
Speed Against Speed
So fast!
Wen Lan was startled.
No time to think.
He twisted his body sideways.
The blade grazed past his neck, leaving a burning sting.
He retreated several steps, facing Mifune once more.
As expected of the man who once fought Hanzo of the Salamander to a near draw.
Using only breathing techniques… this will be tricky.
But if you rely on speed—
Then so will I.
Wind Breathing
Wen Lan gripped his sword with one hand.
His wrist spun sharply.
The blade flipped—
And suddenly, a violent green gale erupted.
A horizontal tornado wrapped around his body and surged toward Mifune.
"Nani?!"
Seeing the massive green vortex rushing toward him, Mifune's pupils contracted violently.
Before his blade could fully retract—
The storm struck.
Air pressure screamed.
Sand and stones were ripped from the ground.
Mifune was forced backward, his feet carving two scorched tracks into the earth.
Then—
He saw it.
A dark silhouette burst from the center of the tornado.
Blade aimed straight at his throat.
At the last possible instant—
Mifune twisted his body sideways.
The blade scraped past his shoulder armor.
Metal fragments scattered into the air.
The figure flashed past him—
Landing behind him in a one-handed stance.
"Wind Breathing — First Form: Dust Whirlwind Cutter!"
The moment Wen Lan finished speaking—
The green tornado slammed into Mifune's chest.
A tremendous force blasted him into the air.
His body spun like a severed kite.
The Outcome
Mifune adjusted his posture midair.
Then landed on one knee.
Wen Lan didn't even look back.
He flicked his blade once—
And sheathed it.
Slowly, Mifune raised his head.
A thin line of blood traced his lips.
When he stood up—
Everyone saw the damage.
His chest armor was shattered beyond recognition.
Shock Across the Field
The crowd fell silent.
The Land of Iron was famous for its steel and mineral wealth—
A prize coveted by every nation.
Yet none of the Five Great Villages dared invade.
Because of one man:
Mifune.
His strength alone deterred war.
And now—
That iron wall of a guardian had been pushed to the brink by a single technique.
Tutai felt his heart tremble.
He could clearly see:
Wen Lan hadn't used the Sharingan.
He hadn't even used the legendary green chakra cloak.
This was pure swordsmanship.
Respect Between Warriors
"Cough…"
Mifune wiped the blood from his mouth.
"This wind… can tear steel apart."
He straightened slowly.
"I have lost."
Wen Lan walked over calmly.
"Lord Mifune, this was a sparring match, not a life-and-death battle."
Mifune gave a bitter smile.
"No need to comfort me."
"At my age, I understand the difference in strength."
He paused.
"Before we began, I already suspected the outcome."
"After all… I cannot cut down a Tailed Beast Bomb."
Wen Lan smiled lightly.
"Your swordsmanship and Flash Step are extraordinary."
"I truly admire them."
Mifune waved his hand, but his gaze remained serious.
"In real combat, victory is decided in a single moment."
"If you truly intended to kill me—"
"I would already be dead."
Wen Lan shook his head gently.
"My sword exists to protect."
"As long as I can protect my village and the people I cherish—"
"Only then will my blade fall."
Philosophy of the Sword
Mifune frowned slightly.
"In true combat, there is no fairness."
"A sword is a weapon for killing."
"Swordsmanship is a technique for killing."
"No matter how beautifully one describes it—"
"That truth remains."
Wen Lan replied calmly:
"A sword is the blade of the heart."
"It can kill."
"It can protect."
"The difference lies in a single thought."
He looked directly at Mifune.
"When you fought Hanzo long ago—"
"Didn't you intend to trade your life for your comrades' survival?"
Mifune froze.
A flicker of realization passed through his eyes.
Slowly—
He sheathed his sword.
Then bowed deeply.
"I have been enlightened."
Wen Lan quickly stepped forward and supported his arm.
"No need for formalities."
"I learned a great deal from today's match."
(Truthfully, he didn't learn much at all—but it was polite to say so. )
The Banquet
That evening, Mifune hosted a grand banquet in Iron City.
Food and drink flowed freely.
The atmosphere was lively and warm.
Three days later—
The Kumogakure delegation finally arrived.
Everyone gathered in the grand council hall.
The room was the same one used for the Five Kage Summit.
Minato sat in the Hokage's seat, placing his hat on the table.
Wen Lan sat beside him.
Shikaku stood behind him.
Other Konoha ninja lined the walls.
Across the room—
Kumogakure representatives stood at the Raikage's side, waiting.
The Raikage Arrives
Bang!
The doors burst open.
The Fourth Raikage, A, strode in with powerful steps.
The first thing he did was check on Tutai and the others.
Seeing they were unharmed—
His tense expression eased slightly.
Mifune rose from the central seat and gestured politely.
"Lord Raikage, please."
A nodded and took his place.
His sharp gaze swept across the room—
Then locked onto Wen Lan.
"Uchiha Wen Lan."
"You've got quite the methods."
Wen Lan leaned back in his chair, smiling calmly.
"Raikage-sama, your willingness to go this far for your comrades is admirable."
"Far better than our former Third Hokage."
"Unfortunately, tricks that worked on Hiruzen Sarutobi won't work anymore."
"Konoha has changed."
"This is the era of the Fourth Hokage."
A snorted.
He slammed his palm onto the table, making the teacups tremble.
"Enough nonsense."
"What else do you want?"
"State your demands."
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