Naruto: I'm in Konoha, my name is Uzumaki Menma

Chapter 312 The Ninja Swordsmen of the Star Country

The detailed physical examination is finally over.

Mianma quickly put on her clothes and waited quietly for a moment.

Hiruko and Orochimaru, each with their own assistants, gathered around several instruments flashing complex data and graphs, exchanging information in hushed tones and recording various parameters.

A moment later, Hiruko looked at the analysis report that had just been printed in his hand, his face showing an uncontrollable shock. He couldn't help but exclaim, "This is incredible! Lord Shura's physical data... perfectly integrates all the characteristics of the Oni-Garara Technique, cell activity, chakra affinity, natural energy absorption efficiency... all have reached the theoretical optimal value! Could this be the legendary 'Sage Body'?"

Orochimaru, who was standing to the side, put down the cell slice image he was observing. His golden snake eyes flashed with amazement and an undisguised desire to study. His hoarse voice carried complex emotions: "Your body cells are not only on par with the cells of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, in terms of activity, but they are even... continuing to evolve and grow at a slow but steady pace."

"This is truly...exciting, Shura-kun. I'm very curious, where exactly will your end be?" He couldn't help but recall that almost mythical legend that circulated at the pinnacle of the ninja world.

He founded the Ninja Cult a thousand years ago and is revered as the Sage of Six Paths!

The assistant, Tono Kazusuke, who was standing to the side, adjusted his glasses, stepped forward, and respectfully reported, "Sir, the more detailed cellular-level comparative analysis, in-depth analysis of chakra properties, and the construction of the potential assessment model are expected to take at least another seventy-two hours to complete. Please wait a few days, and we will submit the complete report as soon as possible."

Mianma nodded, indicating that he understood.

His gaze immediately fell on the bespectacled, somewhat reserved scientist.

This was Tono Kasuke, a special talent he had casually "invited" from Konoha three and a half years ago during the "night of defection" of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans.

In the future, he will be Konoha's top scientist who develops many advanced scientific ninja tools in the Boruto era.

"Suke," Menma said in a calm tone, with a hint of casual conversation, "How have you been these past few years in the Land of Stars? Are you adjusting well?"

Tono Kakusuke was surprised that the busy lord of the country would remember such a lowly person as himself. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he quickly bowed and replied, "No, thank you very much for your concern, Lord Shura!"

"In the past few years, I have learned a lot of new knowledge that I never had before, especially in the application of chakra theory and matter. This is a cutting-edge field that I could never have access to when I was in Konoha. Moreover... the Land of Stars is very tolerant of immigrants, especially orphans like me who have no one to rely on. They have provided excellent research and living conditions, and I have integrated well here."

Orochimaru, who was standing to the side, also offered his rare comment, his voice carrying a hint of approval: "This guy is indeed very talented in the research and development and theoretical transformation of scientific ninja tools. He has a solid foundation and a broad perspective. In my opinion, he can already work independently. If you have any new projects that require manpower, you can consider letting Tono give it a try."

For the past three years, Orochimaru has focused his main efforts on infiltrating the Akatsuki organization and seizing the Mangekyou Sharingan from Itachi Uchiha or the Rinnegan from Pain, and rarely spent long periods of time in the Land of Stars.

Therefore, many of the routine projects and some cutting-edge explorations that were originally Orochimaru's responsibility in the underground laboratory were actually led or independently managed by Tono Kasuke.

Menma nodded upon hearing this, looked at Tono Fusuke, and said directly, "That's exactly what I was thinking. Scientific ninja tools are one of the important directions for the future development of the Land of Stars, and we need more research backbones like you who have ideas and abilities."

"Since Orochimaru also acknowledges your abilities, I plan to entrust you with full responsibility for several key projects related to the optimization of new chakra storage devices and individual combat systems once the physical data analysis report is released."

Upon hearing that he had just been recognized and would be directly in charge of a key project personally overseen by Lord Shura, Tono Kazusuke's eyes behind his glasses instantly shone brightly—a researcher's yearning and excitement for the unknown and for major challenges.

He straightened his back with force, his voice trembling slightly with excitement: "Yes! Lord Shura! I will do my utmost and never let you down!"

After instructing Tono Kazusuke to prepare for taking over the new project, Menma left the underground laboratory, which was filled with a sense of technology and a cold atmosphere, without lingering any longer.

They took a private elevator back to the ground, where Kisame Hoshigaki, the captain of the Anbu, was already waiting outside the exit.

His greatsword Samehada was wrapped in bandages and carried on his back. His shark-like face showed no expression, but his posture was respectful.

Upon seeing Menma emerge, Kisame stepped forward and reported in a deep voice, "My lord, the final stage of the third Ninja Sword Inheritance Examination has begun. According to the schedule, the new successor to the 'Kubikiribōchō' will be decided today."

Menma brought three famous ninja swords from Kirigakure: Samehada, Kubikiribocho, and Hiramekarei.

In addition, there is the Raito Kiba, which Uchiha Hikaru seized after killing Kurosuki Raiga.

Over the years, the Land of Stars has been awarding these powerful ninja swords to the most outstanding ninjas through open and fair examinations and competitions, thus forming the Land of Stars' own "Ninja Swordsmen".

Among them, the Great Sword Samehada was directly awarded to the powerful Kisame Hoshigaki; the Twin Swords Hiramekarei was won by Toshito Morishita in the first tournament three years ago; and the Thunder Sword Kiba was awarded to the champion Sato Saeko in the second tournament a year ago.

This year's third tournament will award the ultimate winner the decapitation sword known for its ability to heal through blood absorption.

Menma nodded slightly and walked towards the first training ground where the competition was being held. Kisame Hoshigaki followed half a step behind, silently keeping pace with him.

As they walked, Menma seemed to remember something. He turned his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over the loyal ANBU captain beside him. With a rare casualness in his tone, he asked curiously, "By the way, Kisame. I heard that your wife, Terumi, is pregnant?"

This news was mentioned by the mother, Kushina, during a casual family chat.

Kushina often interacted with the female members of the Jonin of the Land of Stars. This was not only a social activity among the high-ranking members, but it also brought Menma a lot of interesting first-hand "information".

For example, Kisame Hoshigaki, who looks incredibly fierce, actually became friends with Shisui Uchiha; he dated Terumi for four years, but Kisame was completely clueless when it came to relationships and never took the initiative to propose.

In the end, Zhao Meiling, with her decisive personality, couldn't take it anymore and dragged him to the civil affairs department during a date to get their marriage certificate.

When Kisame belatedly realized what was happening, he went to his friend Shisui for advice and was reminded of the wedding arrangements, so he quickly held a make-up wedding.

Now, three months have passed, and Terumi Ling has resigned from her position as the head of the Dark Unit's intelligence squad to focus on her pregnancy, while Kisame is about to become a father.

A barely perceptible hint of embarrassment seemed to flash across Kisame's shark-like face, but he still maintained a calm tone as he replied, "Yes, sir. We just had a gynecological exam yesterday, and the doctor confirmed that Ling is three months pregnant and her condition is stable."

Menma nodded understandingly and continued, "The work in the Anbu is demanding and stressful. How about I give you a long vacation so you can spend some quality time with her? If needed, I can temporarily bring Kakuzu back to cover your workload, or have Inahi share some of the burden."

In recent years, Kakuzu has been traveling around the ninja world with Gato. With his financial resources and immortality, he has made a name for himself and lived a very comfortable life.

Uchiha Inahi joined the Anbu two years ago. Thanks to her outstanding abilities and the reputation of the Uchiha clan, she is now the vice-captain of the Anbu and Kisame's capable deputy.

Kisame Hoshigaki almost instinctively wanted to refuse. As a pure ninja, he was used to putting missions and responsibilities above his personal life.

However, Menma shook his head, his tone filled with concern: "Kisame, I know you are loyal to your duty. But family and career are not entirely contradictory. I hope that all of you can try to consider the feelings of your families while fulfilling your responsibilities."

“Maternity leave and paternity leave are legal rights granted to every citizen of the Star Kingdom, and they are also a guarantee for your hard work. What’s more, you have worked diligently for the past few years, and apart from necessary dates with Zhao Meiling, you have devoted almost all holidays to work. The accumulated unused leave is not a small amount.”

Kisame Hoshigaki was silent for a moment. He recalled some information circulating privately among the Jonin of the Land of Stars, especially the mysterious relationship between Lord Shura and the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, who was resurrected through the Impure World Reincarnation and was active in the upper echelons of the Land of Stars, as well as Lord Shura's emphasis on "family".

After careful consideration, he said, "That Kakuzu guy... is used to being carefree and has been free for too long. Suddenly asking him to come back to take over the daily management and discipline of the Anbu would probably backfire and cause a lot of trouble. Let Inahisa take over for now. He is familiar with Anbu affairs and is capable enough."

“Okay, it’s settled then.” Mianma readily agreed: “Once Zhao Meiling’s due date is confirmed, remember to tell me as soon as possible. I’ll personally approve a long leave for you so you can have plenty of time to be with your wife, welcome the birth of your child, relax and enjoy yourself.”

"Thank you, sir." Kisame Hoshigaki said in a deep voice. Although his face remained expressionless, a trace of gratitude flashed in the depths of his eyes.

As the two were talking, they arrived at the crowded Training Ground No. 1.

The huge circular arena was filled with star ninjas who had come to watch the battle, creating a lively atmosphere.

On the main stage, in the best position, Uchiha Hikaru personally presided over the final match.

Menma led Kisame Hoshigaki onto the platform, where a group of Jonin from the Land of Stars, including Hikaru Uchiha, Shisui Uchiha, Hizashi Hyuga, and Natsumi, rose to greet him. Menma sat down in the central seat, his gaze sweeping over the training ground below where the fierce battle was raging, and casually asked, "How's it going?"

Uchiha Hikaru stood beside him, slightly raising his head to indicate the two young figures moving quickly and clashing fiercely in the arena. His cool voice carried a hint of objective evaluation: "The two who have entered the finals are both quite strong and each has their own characteristics."

His face was numb as he stared intently.

In the arena, Itada, with his short silver hair, was extremely agile. He skillfully dodged a sharp wind-style ninjutsu launched by his opponent, gripped a standard ninja sword tightly in his hand, and burst out with chakra, instantly closing the distance and attempting to engage in close combat with his opponent.

However, his opponents were by no means easy to deal with.

He was a slightly dark-skinned, muscular young man. Facing Itada's swift swordsmanship, he remained calm, quickly forming hand seals and pressing them to the ground—

"Earth Release·Earth Spear!"

His arms were instantly covered with a hard, rock-like color. The hardened arms did not dodge or evade, but directly met the ninja sword that Itada Suke slashed at him!

clang!
A crisp clang of metal clashing!

If it weren't for the special material of the standard ninja sword in Ita's hands, which was reinforced with chakra metal, an ordinary ninja sword would probably have shattered into pieces after that collision.

Even so, the enormous recoil caused Itada's arm to go numb, forcing him to use the force to leap backward and temporarily avoid the attack.

After forcing Ida-suke back with a single blow, the slightly dark-skinned boy took a deep breath, and his aura suddenly changed, with an unprecedentedly powerful aura erupting from his body!

The surrounding air seemed to be affected, turning a pale yellow, like an airflow enveloping his entire body.

The next moment, his speed suddenly increased several times, like an arrow released from a bow, with an indomitable momentum, he charged towards Ita-suke who had just regained his footing!

This sudden change and explosive force elicited gasps of surprise from the audience.

Uchiha Hikaru introduced at the opportune moment: "That silver-haired boy who uses a ninja sword is named Ita Suke. He is a member of the Anbu and is highly skilled in taijutsu and swordsmanship. His strength is close to that of a special jonin."

"His opponent, named Zilu, is from the former Sunagakure village. He doesn't seem to use conventional ninjutsu, but he is exceptionally talented in taijutsu. He created a special breathing technique called 'Seven-Day Breathing Technique,' which can greatly enhance the body's activity and strength in a short period of time through a special breathing rhythm."

As Menma watched the taijutsu burst forth in the arena, which was somewhat similar to the "Eight Gates Formation," he gradually recalled information about the character "Ziluo."

In the original Sunagakure, due to the over-reliance on puppetry and ninjutsu, people like Zilu, who are not good at conventional ninjutsu, find it difficult to gain recognition.

Later, after Gaara became Kazekage, he was granted special permission to become a genin, and he distinguished himself in the second Chunin Exams.

It seems that in this timeline, after Sunagakure merged into the Land of Stars, he also got the opportunity to showcase his talents.

“Ida Suke… I remember this kid.” Menma nodded: “One of the outstanding graduates of the 58th class of the Ninja Academy. He has good talent. I even specifically told Kisame to take care of this kid. I didn’t expect that in just a few years, he has grown to this level.”

The battle on the field continues.

After initially probing and discovering that Shiro's close-range combat skills were extremely formidable after activating the "Seven Days Breathing Technique," Itada immediately changed his tactics.

Instead of forcing a close-quarters fight, he began to utilize the various ninjutsu he had mastered as an ANBU ninja—alternating between Wind Release and Fire Release, along with precise ninja tool throws—to engage in a flexible tug-of-war with Violet, constantly wearing down her stamina.

While Violet's "Seven-Day Breathing Technique" has astonishing explosive power, it also places a tremendous burden on the body and consumes a great deal of chakra.

Under Ita's targeted tactics, his offensive gradually became less fierce than at the beginning, and his breathing began to become rapid.

Itada Suke astutely seized this opportunity!
After Violet charged forward, in the brief moment between the exhaustion of his old strength and the emergence of new power, he instantly closed in again!

This time, he didn't fight head-on with his ninja sword. Instead, he used exquisite taijutsu footwork to dodge Zilu's hasty counterattack. His ninja sword, like a venomous snake emerging from its hole, stopped precisely in front of Zilu's neck, the cold blade pressed against his skin.

On the training field, Zi Luo collapsed to the ground, feeling the chill on her neck, panting heavily, her face filled with resentment, but she still admitted frankly: "Yes... I lost."

Seeing this, Itada Suke neatly sheathed his ninja sword, reached out to Shiro, pulled him up, and said in a calm tone, "If it were just a pure contest of taijutsu, I would be no match for you. Your 'Seven-Day Breathing Technique' is very powerful. But unfortunately, the rules of this duel do not restrict the use of only taijutsu."

With the help of Ita-suke, Zilu stood up, dusted herself off, and the resentment in her eyes gradually turned into a more determined fighting spirit: "I know! The battlefield is ever-changing, and it's not just about being strong in one area. It's just that it's hard not to feel uncomfortable after losing."

"I will continue to train hard and make up for my weaknesses! I look forward to our next match!"

Ita Sukeya grinned broadly and patted Shiro's shoulder forcefully: "Me too, I'm looking forward to our next match!"

Soon, the referee, Hotaru Jonin, stepped forward and announced loudly, "The final is over! The winner is—Ida Susuke!"

Amidst the deafening cheers from the audience, Itada Suke took a deep breath, straightened his clothes which were somewhat disheveled from the fierce battle, and strode confidently onto the stage.

In the audience area, Otsutsuki Toneri, Suzuhara Ai, Yukimi, Miyajo Chino, Murahashi Hazuki, Sato Sagumo with the Raida Kiba at his waist, and Morishita Toshito with the Hiramekarei twin swords on his back, stood with Ida Suke's classmates or acquaintances from the Ninja Academy.

Sato Sakumo looked at his friend's figure on the stage and couldn't help but burst into laughter. He punched Morishita Toshito's shoulder hard and said triumphantly, "See, Toshito! I told you the new owner of the Executioner's Blade would definitely be that guy Ida! His swordsmanship and perseverance were among the best in our class!"

Morishita Toshito was wincing from the punch, but his eyes were filled with joy for his friend. He reached back and touched the hilts of his twin swords, Hiramekarei, on his back, looking at Sato Sakumo with eager anticipation: "Hmph! Ita is good, but our swords have never truly been compared! How about we settle this sometime?"

Sato Sakumo raised an eyebrow, his competitive spirit ignited, and he accepted the challenge without backing down: "Alright! Who's afraid of who! You decide the time and place, and the loser treats everyone to a barbecue, how about that?"

On the platform, Menma stood up from his seat and personally took down the grotesque, bloodthirsty decapitation sword from the weapon rack beside him.

"Congratulations, Itadasuke." He solemnly handed it to Itadasuke, looked at the determined young ninja, and said in a deep voice, "From this day forward, you will be the second owner of the Executioner's Blade."

"May this blood-drinking blade cut through more evil and obstacles in your hands, protect the peace and justice of the Star Kingdom, and shine with a light even brighter than ever before."

Itada Suke received the heavy, cold guillotine with both hands, feeling the unique texture of the blade. He straightened his back, his gaze meeting Shoma's intense eyes, his voice firm and resolute:
"Yes! Lord Shura! I, Itada Suke, swear by my life and the name of a ninja, that I will live up to the reputation of the Executioner's Blade and will not fail your expectations and trust!"

Just as the knife-giving ceremony was completed and the atmosphere reached its climax.

A member of the Anbu wearing an animal mask suddenly landed next to Kisame Hoshigaki on the platform and gave a brief, urgent report.

As Kisame Hoshigaki listened to his subordinate's report, his blue shark-like face instantly turned serious.

He waved for the ANBU to leave, then quickly walked to Menma's side, bent down, and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear:

"Sir, we have just received urgent intelligence. An explosion occurred an hour ago at the No. 2 puppet production and research workshop in the Wind County. A former Chunin puppeteer from Sunagakure named 'Centipede' took advantage of the chaos to steal a batch of core components for the latest combat puppet models, as well as confidential documents on some core production technologies, and defected. Our pursuit team stationed there has been dispatched and is currently hunting him down."

Upon hearing the name "Centipede," Mianma frowned slightly and murmured:

"Centipede...? So it was him."

[PS: Today's beautiful picture is of Nohara Rin; by the way, her soul didn't enter the Pure Land, right? Could she be reborn through Impure World Reincarnation?]

(End of this chapter)