Chapter 2:Seven Ninja Swordsmen.

"You said you encountered the White Fang of Konoha?"

The commander-in-chief of the frontline base of Kirigakure Village, Master Genji—a highly respected elder—asked calmly. In the original timeline, he lived until Terumi Mei succeeded as the Fifth Mizukage.

"Yes," Terumi Mei nodded, then cast a slightly complicated look at Zenkichi.

"The reason we were able to return alive from the hands of Konoha's White Fang was because Zenkichi displayed incredible strength."

She didn't hesitate to report Zenkichi's impressive performance to Genji. Talents like his couldn't afford to be overlooked.

"Oh?"

Master Genji raised an eyebrow and cast a scrutinizing gaze toward Zenkichi.

He was well aware of Zenkichi's reputation—a classic underachiever in Kirigakure. But ever since Zenkichi acquired the Kizaru template, he had inherited a terrifying degree of natural talent.

Although the full extent of the Kizaru template had yet to be unlocked, its sheer potential was immediately evident. Kizaru's raw ability ranked among the highest-tier in his original world.

Where others clawed their way to the top with endless effort and danger, Kizaru reached general-level power with a laid-back, almost lazy demeanor. He was living proof that natural talent could rival the harshest training regimens.

It wasn't just the Light Fruit—Kizaru had fought on par with legendary warriors like Silvers Rayleigh and Z, even relying on swordsmanship alone. His physical prowess and technique were undeniably at a quasi-admiral level.

(According to Google, Kizaru is highly skilled in swordsmanship.)

Now that talent resided in Zenkichi, making him one of the top prodigies in Kirigakure.

While his ninjutsu was unremarkable, his physical capabilities and kenjutsu were astounding.

Elsewhere, such a skill set might be overlooked. But in the land of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen—Kirigakure—it was a coveted trait.

Unfortunately, Zenkichi had been mimicking Kizaru's personality a little too well: that detached, uninterested attitude made him look like a slacker. His "salty fish" demeanor bred hesitation among the higher-ups.

The bloody legacy of Kirigakure wasn't solely Obito Uchiha's doing. He may have manipulated the Mizukage, but no one enforced the Blood Mist policies without support from within.

Kirigakure traditionally valued brutality and ferocity. Zenkichi's chill persona made the elders uneasy.

Still, if Terumi Mei claimed he had driven off Konoha's White Fang, they couldn't ignore him.

"In that case, let the Seven Ninja Swordsmen test his strength," Master Genji said after a long pause.

"The Seven Ninja Swordsmen?"

Zenkichi's face twitched. "Each one of them is a freakishly strong monster. That's terrifying."

He shot Terumi Mei a side glance, clearly blaming her for dragging him into this.

Understanding his meaning, Terumi Mei replied firmly, "You have talent and strength. It would be a waste to let that go unused."

Terumi Mei was ambitious. Without that drive, she never would've become the Fifth Mizukage.

Seeing Zenkichi's strength sparked some jealousy in her. If she had that level of ability, she'd already be contending for the title of Fourth Mizukage.

The current Mizukage—the Third, Shirakawa—was aging. Once this war ended, he was expected to step down.

Knowing she couldn't win that race herself, Terumi Mei decided to support Zenkichi instead. Backing the next Mizukage would earn her significant influence—a path to fulfilling her ambitions.

Zenkichi curled his lip. "But I just want a chill life—show up to missions, clock in, clock out. That's the dream."

Terumi Mei was fuming. "Is that something a real person would say?!"

"No way," she snapped. "You can't waste your potential."

Zenkichi shrugged, too lazy to argue. Of course, if he didn't have any talent, he wouldn't bother. But to keep growing, he had to maintain the façade.

Ah… hypocrisy. The true mark of a high-level ninja village.

The path to power was always full of complications.

---

"Master Genji, you want us to fight this kid?"

Fuguki Suikazan, Samehada slung over his shoulder, looked Zenkichi up and down with a smirk.

The Kirigakure ninja system was chaotic—riddled with infighting. The Seven Ninja Swordsmen, despite their strength, barely respected the chain of command.

Zenkichi wasn't surprised. Hands in pockets, he stood facing the Seven Ninja Swordsmen calmly.

"Don't underestimate him," Genji said coldly. "He repelled Konoha's White Fang. Even if all of you go together, you might not beat him."

Fuguki snorted. "This brat? Repelled the White Fang? You're kidding me, right?"

Juzo grinned wickedly. "Alright, no need for chatter. We're all busy. I'll take care of him myself. Don't blame me if I cut him in half."

Genji glanced at Zenkichi, who muttered, "Cut me in two? That's scary… Juzo-san really is a monster."

Laughter broke out among the others—the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were definitely a strange bunch.

"You're asking for it," Juzo snarled.

With a flicker, he used the Body Flicker Technique and appeared right beside Zenkichi. The Executioner's Blade swung down mercilessly—

Slice!

Zenkichi's body split in half—top and bottom separated cleanly, falling limply to the ground.

"How scary! You really cut me in two… that's so mean!"

Zenkichi exclaimed dramatically as he lay motionless.

Everyone's expression changed in an instant.

There was no blood.

Where he was "cut," golden light shimmered. The severed pieces broke into glimmering particles, reformed, and Zenkichi stood again—completely unharmed.

---

Send Powerstones. I won't ask for reviews yet since the fic just started.