Mizukage's Pokémon Ninja Scroll

Chapter 40 Boarding the Ship and Setting Sail

"Long knife * sewing needle?"

"That's right. You see, the Stitch not only makes no sound when it strikes because of its blade structure, but it also has built-in wire that can be used to set traps in the fog. You could say it's a perfect match for your silent killing technique."

Tachibana Kenkawa diligently whispered seductive words in Zabuza's ear, gradually making Zabuza himself waver.

"But the knife skills I learned are mainly slashing, and I don't know any wire techniques."

"Look at what you're saying. Those seven ninja swords are so bizarre. With their unique attack methods, who could have learned them beforehand? Even the Executioner's Blade is completely different from the swordsmanship you're using now."

As she spoke, Tachibana glanced at the 5-60cm short sword that Zabuza was currently using.

"Besides, you can't become a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and use the sewing needle right now. Fighting skills can be practiced. These skills aren't anything special; fighting style is the hardest thing to change."

"So, my style is...using steel wire?"

Seeing that Zabuza was still hesitant, Tachibana Kenkawa put his arm around Zabuza's neck and quickly followed the three people in front.

"Don't worry, I'll send you some combat wire later so you can practice. It's always good to have more skills."

Although Zabuza was still somewhat confused, he felt that Tachibana's words made sense, so he decided to make a note of the matter and focus on his journey.

Because they were traveling with Shimotsuki Ichiro, an ordinary person, the group didn't travel very fast. They took more than two days to reach a port city in the southern part of the Land of Water, stopping frequently along the way.

As a port city near the Land of Fire, it has a very strong commercial atmosphere, bustling with traffic and people, which is quite different from the somewhat oppressive atmosphere of Kirigakure.

However, among the group, Ao and Terumi Mei were not new to overseas missions, and they were already used to such scenes.

As a time traveler, Jianchuan Ju could not possibly think that a city that had only been initially electrified was anything special.

Only Zabuza Momochi, a ninja from a commoner background who had basically never left Kirigakure, felt like a country bumpkin visiting a grand garden, finding everything new and exciting.

Fortunately, this guy was quite concerned about his image, and his face was covered in bandages so his expression was obscured, so he didn't cause any major embarrassment.

Since they had a mission to complete, they didn't linger in the city and headed straight to the port to prepare to board a ship to the Land of Craftsmen.

"So big!"

Zabuza was stunned by the enormous passenger ship before him as soon as he entered the port.

At this moment, Tachibana Kanagawa didn't have time to complain about Zabuza's naiveté. Instead, she looked back at the city composed of stone and wood buildings that the group had just passed through.

Even Tachibana Kanakawa couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

"The contrast between the brick and wood houses and this massive steel ship is indeed too stark."

This passenger ship, several tens of meters long, is painted in blue and white and can carry about four or five hundred passengers. It doesn't seem to be a product of this era at all.

The tourists boarding the ship showed no curiosity whatsoever, and a large number of passengers boarded the ship in an orderly manner with their luggage.

Even after boarding the ship, Tachibana Kenkawa couldn't help but gently touch the metal railing of the large vessel.

Qing clapped his hands, signaling the three disciples to focus their attention on him.

"Alright, it will take another four days to reach the Land of Craftsmen. During the voyage, the three of you will take turns accompanying Mr. Shimotsuki to ensure his safety."

"And what about you, Ms. Qing?"

"I will naturally participate in the protection when necessary."

The three were surprised that Qing, who was usually meticulous in his work, seemed to be slacking off. However, there was nothing they could do but obey orders.

Fortunately, Shimotsuki Ichiro was quite generous and booked a single suite for everyone, which somewhat eased their dissatisfaction.

Otherwise, given the commission level for C-level tasks, people might have to squeeze into four-person rooms.

"Four days, but if you run across the water, it will only take a day and a half to get there."

"So you're planning to carry Mr. Shimotsuki across the sea? And without taking a break the whole time?"

Mei Terumi rolled her eyes and retorted when she heard Zabuza's utterly nonsensical words.

"Alright, you two can wander around the ship for a bit. I'll take charge of protecting Mr. Shimotsuki."

After finishing speaking, Tachibana Kanagawa turned to look at Ichiro Shimotsuki.

The old man simply nodded, not seeing anything wrong with having only a child protecting him.

After all, this mission wasn't actually dangerous for him; it was just that the shop manager insisted on assigning the mission and specifically requested this team to provide protection.

As an old man even older than Kirigakure, he had no interest in knowing what kind of shady dealings were behind this.

After Mei Terumi and the other left, Tachibana Kenkawa stayed with Ichiro Shimotsuki on the deck, quietly watching the sea.

Perhaps he was getting a little bored looking at the sea for too long, Shimotsuki Ichiro turned around and looked at Kenkawa Tachibana, who was teasing Ran-zai, and casually started a conversation.

"Kid, I don't think I've ever seen this kind of summoned beast before."

Upon hearing this, Tachibana Kanakawa stopped what she was doing, but did not give a direct answer.

"Has the old man seen many spirit beasts?"

"Of course, I was there when Kirigakure was first established. I've seen every ninja, big or small, and every summoning beast in the village."

It seems like Shimotsuki Ichiro is bragging, but I don't have any proof.

"Aren't you a specialist in crafting ninja tools? How do you know so much about summoning beasts?"

"You're ignorant, kid. Many summoned beasts also need weapons! Just like you, a frog, you could easily be equipped with a short sword."

When it comes to summoning beasts' short swords, the first thing that comes to mind for Tachibana Kenkawa is Gamabunta's short sword, which is over ten meters long.

That thing couldn't have been made by a person, could it?

"Haha, no need for that, Lan's current attack methods are still quite good."

Jianchuan Ju chuckled, trying to brush it off. Actually, as Lanzai leveled up, he would learn some slashing skills. However, Jianchuan Ju guessed that these skills would be accompanied by the technique of condensing chakra energy blades, so there was no need to equip him with another weapon.

Even if we don't have them yet, it's not too late to prepare weapons after we've actually learned the relevant skills. Right now, my main attack method and Lan's main attack method is still ranged output.

"Tch, ignorant brat."

Old Man Shuangyue seemed a little unhappy that the business hadn't gone through.

However, Tachibana Kanagawa thought that perhaps he really could carry a short sword. Not for attacking or anything, but perhaps it could mislead the enemy into thinking he was a close-combat ninja, which could be somewhat effective.

However, there's no need to hire a master craftsman to make these purely decorative weapons; we don't have the money!

As long as it's easy to wear and doesn't hinder movement, and the quality isn't too poor, and you don't want it to break like Kakashi did with the White Fang when you occasionally have to use it.

Just as Tachibana was thinking about whether to ask Zabuza where he bought his short sword.

A commotion broke out on the other side of the ship's deck.

(End of this chapter)