The Hidden Mist Blacksmith, forging the glory of the Ninja Sword Style!

But if they were given a real chance to use their Zanpakuto, most members of the Hozuki clan would be overjoyed.

"Shu, how do we determine if it's compatible with the Zanpakuto?"

Yagura, holding the sword of wisdom, asked the question.

Before Uehara Shu could answer, Zhanlong's voice rang out first.

"Uncle, we're not compatible and can't be partners. Don't force it. It's not good for either of us. I'm telling you the truth. I'm a straightforward person, so please don't take offense."

Yagura: ""

Chapter 157 The Choice of the Sword of Wisdom

Yagura handed the Sword of Wisdom back to Uehara Osamu.

"Xiu, the consciousness of this ninja sword is quite unique."

Uehara Osamu gave an awkward laugh.

Uehara Shuu couldn't be sure about Zhanlong's personality.

It's a replica of Drufflinger, but it's not Drufflinger.

Instead, a new consciousness was born.

Once this consciousness is born, it is as if it has already "grown up," without any process of cultivation or education.

Therefore, whatever personality Zhanlong was born with is exactly what he is.

Uehara Shuuya couldn't change it.

"Zhanlong, tell me what kind of partner you want."

"Yes, Master Forger."

Zhanlong thought for a moment and then said...

"I go by intuition. I can partner with anyone who gives me a comfortable feeling, but I can't say for sure until I actually meet them."

"If I had to choose, I'd recommend someone with similar abilities to mine."

Yagura raised an eyebrow and looked at Uehara Shu.

"A ninja skilled in chakra absorption techniques?"

Osamu Uehara answered.

"Those who are good at this are more likely to succeed."

Yagura nodded.

"In that case, I'll have the ANBU ninjas select a list."

After a pause, Yagura continued, "Shu, regarding the Kirito Ichimonji incident, it's regrettable. I didn't expect Taketori Neko to do such a thing. I have already dispatched ninjas to pursue Taketori Neko."

"I will definitely bring back Kiriichimonji and Ryukotsu."

Yagura was unaware that the actions of the Bamboo Cat were ordered by the Third Mizukage.

"Thank you, Lord Mizukage."

Yagura waved his hand.

"This is what I, as the Water Shadow, should do; it's not simply for your sake."

"As the Mizukage, I am very fortunate that Kirigakure has produced a talent like you."

"Otherwise, the village's situation would definitely be much worse now."

"I still remember the situation in the village for a period of time after the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were defeated."

"But thanks to the Zanpakuto you forged, I've completely come out of this situation now."

Yagura said with a sigh.

Uehara Osamu and Ao escorted Yagura to the dock.

"Yagura-senpai, it's pitiful. I wonder what your feelings would be if you knew the truth. It's better if you never know."

Ao put himself in Yagura's shoes and imagined it, concluding that he would definitely hate the Third Mizukage and Kirigakure.

Uehara Osamu did not respond.

This wasn't a decision made by Uehara Osamu; he was simply aware of it.

"By the way, Xiu, given the situation with the Sword of Wisdom, Kisame would be quite suitable, right?"

Kisame Hoshigaki is skilled in chakra absorption techniques, a fact known to many.

Qing also knows.

Uehara Osamu nodded.

"Maybe."

the next day.

A dozen or so ninjas arrived at the forging island.

In front of the House of Contracts.

They were queuing up.

Qing came to the front of everyone.

"Everyone already knows the rules of the House of Contracts, right? Enter in an orderly queue and make contact with your Zanpakuto. If someone is recognized by the Zanpakuto, the contract activity ends."

Everyone looked at each other.

"clear."

Last time, because some people were dissatisfied that the first pufferfish demon to enter completed the contract, leaving the rest of them without even a chance to try, a conflict almost broke out.

However, under the strong leadership of Juzo Biwa, they were suppressed.

All of these people who came this time had been deliberately warned by the ANBU ninjas beforehand.

"Then, let's begin."

"The first"

Qing read out the first person's name.

A middle-aged man walked in.

"Minister Uehara."

Uehara Osamu pointed to the Sword of Wisdom on the table.

"Pick it up and grip the handle."

"Yes."

Middle-aged people should do the same.

No notification sounded in Uehara Shu's mind.

Zhanlong did not react.

"next."

Third, Fourth

People entered one by one and then exited one after another.

Up to a dozen or so people.

These people all came with high hopes.

Being able to come here already means standing out from the crowd, and they desperately want to gain the recognition of their Zanpakuto and become members of the Shinigami squad like Juzo Biwa and the others.

They also lived out their "second life".

They possess greater strength.

To make a name for oneself in the ninja world.

But now, out of more than a dozen people, not a single one has gained the approval of their Zanpakuto.

Was the situation the same before?

"Isn't the approval of these Zanpakuto a bit too demanding?"

One person couldn't help but complain, but didn't dare to speak too loudly, for fear that Qing would hear him.

Another person lowered their head, looking somewhat doubtful.

"Speaking of which, what exactly are the standards for the recognition of a Zanpakuto?"

“The people who came last time are completely different from the people who came this time.”

One of the young men said, "It was based on my abilities and talents. Before the ANBU ninja notified me, they checked my abilities and confirmed that I knew the Chakra Absorption Technique before sending me."

"And there's also Senior Raiga, who is skilled in Lightning Release, which is why he gained Raiji Blade's approval."

Kisame Hoshigaki is ranked twelfth.

Because we arrived quite late.

Uehara Osamu did not let Kisame Hoshigaki cut in line.

Firstly, whether or not they are compatible depends mainly on Uehara Shuu, aside from the Zanpakuto itself.

Secondly, Kisame Hoshigaki had only recently lost Kiriichimonji.

Even if it wasn't Kisame Hoshigaki's responsibility.

With the strength of the Taketori Neko, there are few ninjas in the entire Hidden Mist Village who can defeat him.

Moreover, this is a ninja of Kisame Hoshigaki's age.

Moreover, Uehara Osamu knew the truth: the entire plan was arranged by the Third Mizukage.

However, the other people in Kirigakure would have some reservations about Kisame Hoshigaki.

The responsibility for the loss of Kiriichimonji was attributed to Kisame Hoshigaki.