Naruto: The Age of Ninja Swords Begins in Kumogakure

Chapter 106 Nine-Tails Jinchuriki

Leaving aside Kushina's resentment, Tamura Hiroshi, after having breakfast, was taken by Kusaya Ichiro to the forge at the back of the mansion.

Although it is called a forging room, it is quite large, measuring fifty meters in length and width, with a huge furnace in the center.

"Starting today, you will follow me to learn forging and hammering in the morning, and in the afternoon you will learn to recognize and identify various ores and metals, as well as various smelting and casting methods."

After lighting the huge furnace, Kusashi Ichiro took out a huge iron hammer, which weighed at least a hundred pounds.

However, it suits Kusaya Ichiro's burly physique quite well, and with the added power of chakra, his strength is indeed incomparable to that of ordinary people.

First, a piece of iron ingot that has been partially smelted is heated until it is red-hot, and then placed on an anvil and smashed down with a heavy iron hammer.

"Clang!"

A dull thud reverberated, and as the hammer was raised, it caused the iron ingot to stand upright. Then, the second hammer blow struck, landing on a different surface.

In this way, while swinging the hammer to forge, the iron ingot is constantly moved to change the landing point, ensuring that every side is hammered and forged, rather than simply being forged into a sheet of iron from one side.

Tamura Hao watched intently from the side, using the power of Kaguya's Sharingan and Byakugan to observe meticulously, and even activating his cheat ability to enhance his comprehension to quickly grasp the mysteries within.

At the same time, it was confirmed that yesterday's guess was correct. Kusashi Ichiro's swordsmanship is indeed related to his hammer-forging skills. He has incorporated hammer techniques into his swordsmanship, which is why he is so powerful and heavy. He swings his sword just like he swings his hammer.

"Do you understand now?"

After completing the first hammering of the iron ingot, Kusashi Ichiro put down the hammer and asked a question.

He could tell from yesterday's battle that the child had an amazing learning ability, so this kind of simple training would definitely not be a problem.

"I understand some of it."

After thinking for a moment, Tamura Hiroshi nodded.

"Give it a try!"

Kusayama Ichiro laughed and pushed the hammer handle over.

Tamura Hao didn't stand on ceremony. He took the hammer and waited for the iron ingot in the furnace to heat up to the same level as before. Then, he used his superhuman strength technique to enhance his explosive power and swung the hammer, which weighed over a hundred pounds, down.

when!

A dull thud reverberated as Tamura Hao raised his sledgehammer, attempting to flip the iron ingot, but failed. He could only extend a chakra thread to make it flip.

He took a deep breath, mimicking Kusashi Ichiro's breathing technique, and then swung the hammer down again.

Just two strikes were enough to shock Kusashi Ichiro, who was standing nearby, because he could see that this disciple had learned his breathing method and even the striking had a subtle rhythm.

Moreover, he didn't even explain it himself, yet he grasped so much just by watching; it's truly incredible.

What surprised him even more was the student's rapid improvement. He was truly integrating what he had seen into his own practice, and his breathing became increasingly steady and gentle, while his training rhythm became smoother and more fluid.

I don't even need to explain this myself!

"You will definitely surpass me!"

When Tamura Hiroshi finished the first round of training, Kusayama Ichiro had mixed feelings, but mostly he was pleasantly surprised.

If it was just a hope before, it is now a certainty.

This child's talent is far greater than I imagined.

"It's because the teacher taught well."

Tamura Hao modestly admitted that he had no difficulty mastering this type of technique.

First, he had a foundation in various aspects of training; second, he had the Sharingan and Byakugan working together; and third, his cheat ability enhanced his comprehension.

For him now, simply learning is not difficult; the difficulty lies in creating new methods and cultivating some basic strengths.

For example, increasing chakra, training in chakra nature transformation, improving physical fitness, and enhancing mental strength, etc.

These cultivation methods are difficult to master through shortcuts, and even if they could be used, there are limits; otherwise, there will inevitably be endless troubles.

Compared to these basic skills that can only be improved little by little, that type of learning is really not difficult for him.

Of course, this is limited to learning techniques and methods. I really can't directly comprehend and learn methods with a bit of metaphysical color, like the sword Zen technique, mainly because I don't have that kind of foundation.

Tamura Hiroshi followed Kusayama Ichiro to learn forging, from forging techniques and theoretical knowledge to swordsmanship and the most essential sword Zen.

He even created a new style of sword-drawing technique based on the Iaijutsu, aiming for a more extreme and explosive style that pushes the limits of power. It's a fight to the death, a technique designed for desperate combat.

Meanwhile, war broke out again on the front lines between Konoha and Iwagakure due to the destruction of the Land of Grass, with Konoha taking the lead this time.

In their view, the fact that Iwagakure dispatched its demolition unit to annihilate Kusagakure was definitely preparation for the upcoming major battle.

At this point, striking first and disrupting Iwagakure's plans to the greatest extent possible is the safest course of action.

Otherwise, once Kusagakure completes its preparations, they will inevitably become even more passive.

The Iwagakure ninja army was somewhat bewildered. They hadn't figured out how the Kusagakure village had been destroyed, but now the Konoha ninja army was attacking them.

Keep in mind that the ceasefire had only been going on for a short time, and they hadn't even had a chance to catch their breath yet.

As the fighting resumed on this front, Sunagakure and Kumogakure also launched a strong offensive. However, Kumogakure focused more on harassment, keeping Konoha's ninja forces tied down on this front.

Honestly, the Third Raikage really didn't want to fight the Uchiha-led ninja army, because preserving the Uchiha's strength would be more helpful in his plans against Konoha.

The stronger the Uchiha clan becomes, the more unstable Konoha will become.

After Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others kill the Senju clan, their next target will inevitably be the Uchiha clan.

A Konoha with internal strife is a good Konoha. Only then can they recruit some children from the Uchiha clan and mold their own Uchiha clan from Kumogakure.

A Sharingan transplanted later in life can never be used as well as the original one.

Even Kirigakure took the opportunity to mobilize its ninja army to officially open the battlefield in the Land of Fire. Konoha was once again in a state of chaos, with waves of ninjas being sent out, and even recent graduates being dispatched to transport various supplies to the front lines.

Fortunately, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire was aware of the severity of the current war situation and provided maximum support in terms of funds and supplies. Otherwise, Konoha would not have been able to hold on, and at that time, they would have had to ask Mito Uzumaki, their pillar of strength, to join the battle.

However, Mito Uzumaki is now quite old. Under normal circumstances, she can barely suppress the Nine-Tails, but if she were to engage in a high-intensity chakra battle, she might run into trouble.

If they can't suppress the Nine-Tails, it might immediately turn around and unleash a Tailed Beast Ball on Konoha, which would be disastrous.

Therefore, none of the Konoha factions wanted to use this trump card, which was also the key to their dominance over the four great ninja villages.

At this time, the four major ninja villages were wary of Mito Uzumaki and did not unleash their full strength to fight, leaving at least half of their powerful ninjas in the villages.

The real fear is that the one who goes berserk will directly descend upon the ninja village and unleash the Tailed Beast Ball; the current war is at most a test.

Even so, they pushed Konoha's power to its limit, and Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others were experiencing both pain and pleasure.

What's gratifying is that this will allow them to further weaken the power of the major ninja clans, especially the Senju, Uchiha, and Hyuga clans.

The painful thing is that the Sand Village front they were responsible for fought the hardest and suffered the greatest losses.

"Why did you call me back at this time?"

Emerging from the sealed scroll, Shimura Danzo's shadow clone asked indifferently.

Previously, he had received orders from the ANBU ninjas that his old buddy had asked him to come back.

He himself had to stay at the front line to command the battle and could not leave, so he could only send out a shadow clone to temporarily seal it with a sealing scroll and have the ANBU ninja bring it back.

"I heard you found several Uzumaki descendants scattered throughout the ninja world, including a girl. The village needs a new Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't waste any words and stated his purpose in summoning Danzo back.

They need a new Jinchūriki; they can't delay any longer.

"You've planted people at the root?"

Danzo's shadow clone's eyes turned cold, and he immediately thought of Orochimaru, but then dismissed the idea.

Currently, they are cooperating well with Orochimaru. Orochimaru is making good progress in his research on the fusion of the First Hokage's cells and the Sharingan, and he also seems quite curious about the Uzumaki clan. It is impossible for them to leak this information and lose their last test subject.

It seems to be someone else. We need to investigate carefully afterwards. We absolutely cannot leave any of Hiruzen's spies in Root, otherwise there will be no secrets left, especially our own grand fusion plan, which must not be leaked.

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent; there was no time for idle chatter now.

"She is not suitable to be the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

With a gloomy face, Shimura Danzo had no intention of handing over the person.

That tool, of course, cannot be handed over, and that girl is also a good backup option.

"The village needs a new Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, which is what you promised. For this, we can help you cover up the experiments you've been conducting on the front lines."

Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that his old friend wouldn't agree easily, so he was prepared.

"You're threatening me!"

His expression darkened further; how could Danzo's shadow clone not see this as a threat?

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent, which was taken as tacit agreement.

I really need a new Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. I can't delay any longer, otherwise I won't have time to build a bond with him and take control of him.

That child will graduate in another year!

"Hiruzen, you'll regret this!"

Staring intently at his old friend, Danzo's shadow clone was truly enraged.

I was fighting desperately on the front lines, and you guys stabbed me in the back? Did you really think I, Danzo Shimura, had no temper?

"Danzo, I am the Hokage!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up, unleashing a powerful burst of chakra.

He was able to become Hokage because of his hard-earned strength.

Even without the assistance of Enma, and despite the reduction in his own strength, he is still stronger than Shimura Danzo and is the strongest member of their small group.

Feeling the pressure of Hiruzen Sarutobi's chakra, Danzo's shadow clone glared fiercely before deactivating, transferring the memory back to his original body.

I am just a shadow clone; I can't do this kind of thing. Only the real body can.

"Hiruzen, wouldn't doing this...?"

Mitokado Yan looked worried, and Utatane Koharu also felt somewhat anxious and guilty.

Since they became high-ranking members of the village, they have never left the village. It was mostly Danzo and the other two who were working hard outside. As a result, Kagami died young, Torifu was seriously injured and stayed at home to recuperate, and Danzo lost an eye.

The last mission to the Land of Whirlpools cost Danzo an arm, and he has been fighting on the front lines for the past year.

But now they're doing this, which is really not very ethical.

Of course, what they were really worried about was Danzo's rage, which would cause a rift in their group and even affect their future plans, which would be terrible.

"I don't want to ask him for the person like this, but we really can't drag this out any longer."

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave a bitter smile. He knew all too well that pressuring Danzo like this would surely anger his old comrade and cause a rift in their small group.

There really was no choice!

I must take control of the new generation of Nine-Tails Jinchuriki; this is the foundation of everything. Otherwise, I will never be able to sleep peacefully again.

For the sake of Konoha's stability, Danzo has no choice but to suffer.

At the same time, Shimura Danzo, who was at the front line, received the memory fragments transmitted by the shadow clone, and his face instantly darkened.

"Since you are so heartless, don't blame me for being ruthless in return!"

With a sinister whisper, Shimura Danzo left a shadow clone to continue overseeing the frontline affairs, while he himself headed to Orochimaru's newly established research base.

They had lost the Kikyo Mountain front and retreated into the Land of Fire, relying on a second line of defense to resist the Sunagakure ninja army's attack. Naturally, their research base was also moved.

"End all experiments on that child, remove all physical scars, erase all memories, and Hiruzen will send someone to pick him up afterwards."

He approached Orochimaru, who was dissecting a corpse, and said something. Although he was very annoyed, he had no choice but to hand the person over now.

"Isn't the teacher getting impatient?"

Orochimaru paused, realizing what was going on.

"That child is eleven years old this year. He will have to graduate at the latest when he is twelve. Before that, he must establish a bond with the new generation of Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. He doesn't have time."

Danzo Shimura snorted coldly, becoming even more certain of his guess.

As expected, Hiruzen chose that child.

"The other child is also very talented."

Orochimaru mentioned another child. He was very familiar with all the Uzumaki descendants he had collected, and there were two more children in the family, both with strong bloodlines.

"He is my tool."

Danzo Shimura resolutely refused. His grand fusion plan still required that tool, and he couldn't let Orochimaru get his hands on it, lest he leave behind some kind of backup plan.

"But without the Uzumaki clan, my research cannot continue."

Orochimaru put down the blood-stained scalpel, turned around, and stared intently at Shimura Danzo.

His experiments could not be stopped under any circumstances.

"My men have discovered a target who appears to be a member of the Uzumaki clan in the Land of Rain, but the Land of Rain belongs to that person, so it's not a good time to take action for now."

Danzo Shimura offered another option: he also valued Orochimaru's research and it could help him perfect the Oni-Garaku technique.

"A demigod!"

Orochimaru understood and was relatively satisfied, as long as the experiment didn't stop.

"I ordered a special ninja sword and a batch of ninja tools from the Land of Iron that can counteract the Third Kazekage's magnetic force. To be on the safe side, you should make the trip yourself."

He revealed a mission, having fought the Third Kazekage many times. His Magnet Release technique was very troublesome, especially on large-scale battlefields.

Any iron ninja tools touched by the opponent's chakra-infused iron sand would be controlled by it, causing them considerable suffering and inflicting heavy losses.

To this end, he specially commissioned a unique ninja sword and a special ninja tool from the Land of Iron, preparing to carry out a plan to kill the Third Kazekage.

Even if we can't kill it, we must severely injure it, otherwise the losses will be too great if we continue fighting like this.

Even the Daimyo's prefecture sent envoys to the front lines to reprimand them for losing their first line of defense and allowing the Sunagakure ninja army to penetrate into the Land of Fire.

I want to become Hokage, and I need the support of the Daimyo's Mansion, so I can't let those people hate me.

"Are they going to make a move against the Third Kazekage?"

Orochimaru stuck out his tongue and licked his lips, showing great interest in the Third Kazekage's Magnet Release.

"We'll make our move once those ninja tools arrive."

Danzo Shimura made no secret of this operation plan, and Orochimaru would still need to help with it.

"I'll set off after I've dealt with the child's physical traces and memories."

Orochimaru was getting impatient. He had experienced the Third Kazekage's Magnet Release firsthand, and even when he and Danzo Shimura joined forces, they could hardly gain the upper hand.

Fortunately, the war in the Land of Whirlpools caused heavy losses to Sunagakure, and the Chiyo siblings are still bedridden, preventing Sunagakure from sending out too many strong warriors.

At present, there is only the Third Kazekage who surpasses the strength of a Jonin. If another strong person surpasses the strength of a Jonin were to appear, it would be troublesome.

According to the intelligence they received, the Chiyo siblings seemed to have largely recovered, and they had to eliminate the Third Kazekage before the two went to the battlefield, or at least severely injure him.

Otherwise, the sacrifices in the future will be even greater, and the defense line may even be breached.

"How's the new arm?"

Danzo shifted the topic to his arm, saying that his Swiftness Arm was nearing its limit and wouldn't last much longer.

"The arm is ready, but I don't know if you dare to use it."

Orochimaru smiled. To him, Shimura Danzo was a good test subject. There weren't many test subjects with strength surpassing that of a Jonin who could also cooperate willingly.

He cherishes it very much!

In response, he specially prepared an arm, which is quite a good work, but it is unknown whether Shimura Danzo would dare to use it.

"You succeeded?"

Shimura Danzo was quite surprised to see the man wearing a breathing mask and immersed in a feeding tube.

He knew this man; he was an elite Jonin of the Senju clan. He had sent someone to secretly infiltrate the battlefield in the Land of Grass and use the cover of war to bring him here.

When he was brought here, he was already on the verge of death. He was then handed over to Orochimaru for treatment, but I never expected him to have changed so much since then.

Dozens of wooden spikes extended from its body, and more than a dozen Sharingan eyes with three tomoe were embedded in its right arm, the skin of which was an unnaturally pale.

At the same time, a golden chain was wrapped around that arm, which was the Vortex Clan's Vajra Lock.

"It wasn't a success; it only brought the three forces to a barely balanced state."

The main problem is that the Sharingan and Uzumaki materials are too poor. At least a Sharingan of the Mangekyou level is needed to barely compete with the First Hokage's cells.

Currently, we can only resist through sheer numbers, but we can also utilize the power of all three simultaneously.

Orochimaru was not very satisfied with this work, mainly because the materials were too poor, especially the Sharingan and Uzumaki bloodline, which were far inferior to the First Hokage's cells.

"We'll transplant it after a new Jinchūriki is born!"

His eyes gleamed; Shimura Danzo was still quite wary of that person and knew he absolutely couldn't cross that line before he passed away.

"It just so happens that the arm still needs time to integrate and absorb his chakra. Adding some chakra from the Uzumaki clan would make it even more perfect."

Orochimaru wasn't surprised; that person's intimidating presence was still quite strong, and the project wasn't truly complete yet.

Although the three forces in that arm were balanced, none of them were particularly strong, so they didn't provide much of an improvement for a powerful ninja like Shimura Danzo who was beyond the level of a Jonin.

If it can be nurtured for another year or two, the effect will definitely be greatly improved.

(End of this chapter)