Chapter 708 : Kazekiri (Patreon)

Sitting in his office, Hiruzen was going through the updated bingo book. He flipped through the pages until he found what he was looking for. He chuckled and muttered, “So they figured it out, huh?”

Without taking his eyes off the book, he ordered, “Call Fujin here.”

One of his Anbu Guards disappeared from the room. Minutes later, Fujin appeared in his office. Hiruzen passed him the bingo book and said, “Take a look.”

The page Hiruzen had opened had Fujin's entry in the bingo book. He muttered, “So, they doubled my bounty to a 100 million Ryo, huh?”

Hiruzen said, “It looks like they figured out some details due to your involvement and the trap.”

Fujin nodded and said, “Yeah, Darui and others had seen me use explosive tags earlier. So, it isn't surprising. Still, I guess they haven't figured out all the details yet. Otherwise, they might have raised the amount much higher.”

Hiruzen chuckled and said, “There is no point in increasing the bounties any further. If someone has the strength to kill you, then they can't be bought anyway. The 100 million figure is just to signify the threat you pose.

Such a bounty amount isn't really a threat to you as no one will try to claim it. The only reason why Kumogakure did this was to send a message to other hidden villages. They should soon enter into talks with Iwagakure using.”

Fujin was surprised, but after thinking about it, he found Hiruzen's words logical. Even if his bounty was increased to 1 billion, who would bother trying to kill him? He thought, ‘Now that I think about it, there is one who might be tempted. I wonder if I'll have a third round against Kakuzu soon…’

Seeing Fujin nod, Hiruzen added, “Of course, it doesn't mean that there aren't any bounties beyond that amount. However, they are generally reserved only for individuals who are extremely hated. The village that issues such a bounty usually goes all out to ensure that person dies. Turn seven pages.”

Fujin flipped the pages and saw Akuro's bounty. It was twice that of Fujin's! Fujin felt a bit peculiar and wondered, ‘So if someone kills me, does he get 100 million or 300 million Ryo? Hmm, it might be fun to create more such identities and wreak havoc. It'll be amusing to see a dozen pages in the Bingo book being occupied by me.’

Even though Fujin thought so, his expression hadn't changed even a bit. Hiruzen asked, “Do you recall running into someone like this?”

Fujin shook his head. Hiruzen sighed and said, “The fact that they put up the image of his mask implies that no one in Kumogakure knows what he looks like. Looking for Akuro will be difficult if he refuses to show himself.”

Fujin agreed and added, “True, but if his personality is as he displayed, I doubt such a person can stay without creating chaos.”

Hiruzen shrugged and said, “Only time will tell. Anyway, I had another reason to call you. Come with me.”

Both flickered out of the room as Fujin followed Hiruzen to Oto Momo's house. He asked, “Is my new sword done?”
Hiruzen nodded and said, “Yes, Fuji did a great job completing it in such a short time.”

Momo immediately opened the door and welcomed the two of them inside. They entered and saw Furutani Fuji and some of his apprentices. However, unlike the previous time, each one of them seemed completely spent this time.

Even Fujin couldn't help but think, ‘It looks like they really went all-out this time. I wonder if this is their way of saying that I'm not welcomed in the Land of Iron, hehehe.’

The previous time they met, Hiruzen had threatened to send Fujin to the Land of Iron when he was engaged in negotiations. Looking at their condition, Fujin was sure that they did everything in their power to ensure that didn't happen.

Hiruzen smiled and said sympathetically, “It must have been tough on you, Fuji-dono.”

Fuji sighed in exhaustion and replied, “You don't know the half of it. However, it's fine. It's not often that I get a chance to craft a sword of this caliber. I just wished that we weren't constrained by time.”

Before Fujin could say anything, Hiruzen hurriedly said, “Unfortunately, the situation is as such. Not everything can be as we like.”

Fuji nodded while Fujin glanced at Hiruzen. Hiruzen acted as if he didn't feel his gaze and thought, ‘Fortunately, I reacted quickly. Otherwise, this brat might have asked Fuji to work on another sword.’

While Hiruzen believed that Fujin was mature enough not to do that, he didn't dare to test it. Fujin could only shake his head at Hiruzen's antics and wondered, ‘I have been taking it easy on him lately. I wonder if I should give him more headaches.’

Fuji sighed again and said, “That is true. Anyway, even though I had very little time, the sword we crafted still fills me with pride. It is undoubtedly the best sword I have crafted.”

Fuji opened up a scroll while speaking and summoned a box out. He opened the box and took out the sword he had crafted. However, instead of looking at the sword, he was staring at Fujin and Hiruzen's reaction.

When Fuji took the sword out of the box, both Hiruzen and Fujin were startled. However, neither showed anything on their face and continued maintaining a straight face, leaving Fuji disappointed.

Fujin thought, ‘Interesting, though I doubt someone like him will have the guts to do something like this.’

Hiruzen thought the same and concluded, ‘This must be Mifune's decision. He wants to tell me that they aren't completely out of the loop. This must be due to my earlier threat and the losses Kumogakure took.

With Kumogakure suffering, Konoha can take over the mine in the Land of Hot Water and others can't do much to stop us. After all, Suna is supposed to be allied with us and Kiri is embroiled in a civil war. Onoki won't act under these circumstances. It's understandable that he is worried about the situation.

However, he has no reason to worry. With Orochimaru and Suna likely working together, I can't make a move on that mine even if I wanted to.’

The reason why the two of them were surprised wasn't the sword, instead it was the sword's sheath. It was crafted from a lightweight, dark wood and lacquered in a deep navy-blue finish with silver accents, which was normal. However, it featured intricate engravings of Flying Sabertooths, Fujin's summons, depicted mid-flight amidst swirling winds.

The only time Fujin displayed his summon to his enemies was when he retreated from the trap laid by Kitsuchi. As such, the Samurais shouldn't have been aware of it. Carving it on the sword's sheath was a message to Hiruzen that Mifune had gotten this information from Iwagakure.

It showed that the Land of Iron could get information from Iwagakure and the two sides could cooperate in case Konoha decided to act unilaterally. Even though Kumogakure was weakened, Konoha couldn't afford to antagonize Iwagakure and the Land of Iron at the same time.

Seeing that he had failed to get a response from Hiruzen and Fujin, Fuji removed the sword from its sheath while saying, “I've crafted the sword as per your requirements to the best of my abilities. Though it isn't as hard and sturdy as the Sword of Kusanagi, it is very close.”

He handed the blade to Fujin and said, “Check it and see whether it fits properly.”

Fujin held the sword and observed it. The sword was sleek and slender with a faint bluish hue, hinting at its unique composition. The blade's edge was honed to an extraordinary sharpness, capable of cutting through the toughest materials with ease. The hilt of the sword was wrapped in a combination of dark, navy-blue silk and white leather, providing both comfort and a firm grip.

Fujin swung his new sword a few times to get an idea of its balance. He quickly realized that the sword's balance was meticulously tuned, making it incredibly responsive and agile. It was even more suited for him than his previous blades.

In addition, the sword was considerably lighter than his previous swords, which would further complement Fujin's speed and precision in battles. Considering that his main requirement was sturdiness and durability, Fujin was surprised that Fuji managed to make the sword so light.

He muttered, “This sword is amazing. I have never felt more compatible with a sword.”

Fuji smiled and said with pride, “I had already crafted two swords for you earlier. So, it was easier this time to make the sword even more compatible with you. Of course, this is what I'd have done for any sword. You should have sensed what makes this sword special, right?”

Fujin grinned and flowed his wind chakra into the blade. His eyes momentarily widened as he felt how smooth the chakra flow was. He thought in surprise, ‘So smooth! It's almost as if the sword was an extension of my arm!’

Fuji explained, “Even though the sword is exceptionally sturdy, the most remarkable feature of the blade is its ability to channel wind chakra. I incorporated a special lattice structure within the blade's core that amplifies and seamlessly guides Wind Chakra along the blade's length.

It will make you feel like the sword is an extension of your will and help you by enhancing your vacuum slashes and razor-sharp wind currents to another level.”

Pride could be felt in Fuji's voice as he enthusiastically explained the features of the sword. He continued, “Considering the features of the sword, I have named it Kazekiri!”