Chapter 9 - The Prodigy of Kirigakure: Mangetsu Hōzuki! Ringo Ameyuri!!!
While Genji tasked Mei and Ao with uncovering the truth, Mangetsu Hōzuki asked, his calm almost unsettling:
- And what about the Yuki Clan?
He knew very well that two of the Ninja Swordsmen had been dispatched. Yet neither had returned.
Elder Genji cast him a careful glance. He was fully aware of Hōzuki Mangetsu's obsession with the Seven Ninja Swords. Since the legendary battle involving Might Duy, the Seven Swordsmen had become little more than a hollow name. The seven swords still existed, but their wielders had been reduced to only three.
Even so, Genji had been quietly cultivating a new generation: young, talented shinobi, including Ringo Ameyuri, Hoshigaki Kisame, and, above all, Hōzuki Mangetsu. As a member of the Hōzuki Clan, Mangetsu possessed extraordinary talent.
At present, four of the Seven Ninja Swords - the Long Nuibari, the Heavy Kabutowari, the Explosive Shibuki, and the Twin Blades Hiramekarei - were under his control. It was obvious he wanted the remaining three as well. Of course, Samehada remained in Kisame Hoshigaki's hands, and Mangetsu was not foolish enough to challenge him directly. But the two swords that had vanished? He had no intention of letting them go.
Genji let out a quiet sigh.
- This is hardly the time to concern ourselves with the Yuki Clan.
Ringo Ameyuri spoke up, firm and unwavering:
- No, this matter cannot be ignored. Both Jūzō Biwa and Raiga Kurosuki fell at the hands of the Yuki Clan. That alone proves something extraordinary happened.
She added calmly:
- And besides, I want those swords back.
In the original history, Ringo Ameyuri would later wield Kiba, surpassing Raiga Kurosuki in mastery. Her interest in the swords was only natural.
Genji nodded slowly.
- You make a fair point.
- Very well. I'll entrust this mission to the two of you. The ANBU under the Mizukage will not act independently. This is, above all, a reconnaissance operation. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary.
- Yes, Elder Genji.
…
Meanwhile, Chiba continued to reform and strengthen the Yuki Clan, spending his days in the company of Yuki and her daughter. Through this, he discovered something unexpected: even outside of battle, he could continue refining his abilities. The realization filled him with delight. The power of the Ice-Ice Fruit was steadily advancing.
Yet despite their trust in the clan head, many members of the Yuki Clan still felt uneasy. After all, they had killed two elite jōnin and detained more than a dozen members of Kirigakure's delegation. There was no way the Hidden Mist's leadership would simply ignore this. And yet… no one had come to question them.
On that day, Yuki Yoru and the council of elders came to visit Chiba. Upon seeing them arrive, Yuki blushed and quickly excused herself, while the elders only smiled knowingly.
Yuki Yoru spoke:
- Clan Head… it seems your plan last time was extremely effective. Kirigakure hasn't sent anyone to pursue this.
Chiba smiled calmly.
- That only means the upper ranks of the Hidden Mist are already in chaos. Even if the Mizukage is compromised, he would have sent someone to investigate. But they are not fools. On one side, the Mizukage himself may be under control; on the other, our clan has already slain two members of the Seven Ninja Swords. They would never act rashly.
Yuki Yoru frowned, slowly realizing the implication.
- You mean… they're already here?
- Yes - Chiba replied.
- If my guess is correct, the ones who have come are ANBU directly under the Mizukage.
Through constant practice, his sensory abilities had improved greatly. He could detect covert surveillance with ease. But today, he sensed something different: a new chakra, far stronger than any he had perceived before.
Chiba still could not escape their gaze. He smiled faintly.
- Since you're already here, why not come out openly?
Yuki Yoru and the others froze. They hadn't sensed a thing.
In the next moment, two figures emerged from the shadows: Hōzuki Mangetsu and Ringo Ameyuri.
Ringo smiled, revealing her sharp, serrated teeth.
- So you are the new clan head of the Yuki Clan? Your name is Chiba, correct?
Chiba glanced at her, recognizing her immediately. One of the future Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Unusual teeth, but otherwise a striking kunoichi.
- That's right. And you must be Ringo Ameyuri, and the Hōzuki Clan's prodigy, Hōzuki Mangetsu.
Ringo's eyes widened slightly.
- You know me?
Knowing Mangetsu was expected; his reputation was already well known. But her own name was not yet widely recognized. Chiba merely smiled, saying nothing. That quiet confidence only made Ringo more curious.
Yuki Yoru spoke, her voice cold and wary.
- Are you here on the Mizukage's orders? Or are you here to exterminate the Yuki Clan like the others?
Mangetsu finally spoke, shaking his head.
- No. You could say we came of our own accord.
- Oh?
He continued,
- Rest assured, I have no interest in the Mizukage's purge of bloodline clans. Besides, the Hōzuki Clan itself is a secret technique clan. How could I agree to such orders?
Chiba nodded slightly. The Hōzuki Clan's Hydrification Technique was indeed formidable. They were also one of Kirigakure's great clans. Even the Second Mizukage, Hōzuki Gengetsu, had come from their bloodline.
Chiba smiled faintly.
- Then, if I am not mistaken, you came for the two Ninja Swords.
Mangetsu replied honestly.
- Clan Head Chiba, you are very perceptive… and astonishingly young. Compared to you, even the title of prodigy feels undeserved.
It was the truth. Even Mangetsu knew that facing Jūzō Biwa and Raiga Kurosuki together would have left him with no chance.
Chiba spoke calmly.
- You want the swords. I understand. And I can return them to you. But I have one condition.
Mangetsu and Ringo spoke simultaneously.
- What condition?
Chiba's smile was calm, almost teasing.
- It's very simple. Become my people.
Both froze.
- What do you mean by that?
- Is it hard to understand? - Chiba replied evenly. - You obey my orders. You answer to me.
Mangetsu fell silent, while Ringo narrowed her eyes.
- Are you joking? Why would we ever submit to you?
Chiba chuckled softly.
- There is nothing humorous about it. True, I am only the head of the Yuki Clan for now… but soon I will become the Mizukage of Kirigakure. You may swear loyalty later if you wish… it will simply be too late.
Mangetsu frowned deeply.
- You intend to become Mizukage? The Fourth Mizukage is still alive. Even if he were not, you would never be next in line.
Chiba replied calmly,
- Yagura Karatachi has not been Mizukage for a long time. He has been controlled by genjutsu for years. The atrocities he committed are countless. Even if he was a victim himself, he no longer has the right to sit on that throne.
Ringo reacted instantly.
- How do you know that?
Chiba smiled faintly.
- Who do you think spread those rumors throughout Kirigakure?