The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist,a name that once echoed terror across the ninja world,had long been a symbol of Kirigakure's unparalleled strength.
But after the Sandaime Shinobi World War, that legend had all but vanished.
Four were dead.
Three had survived, broken, wounded, and wandering in obscurity.
The village's once-proud blade corps had fallen into history.
Now, under the command of the Godaime Mizukage, Chiba, a new chapter was about to begin.
Chiba surveyed the battlefield of the past: the remnants of the old era, the echoes of blood and betrayal, and the tools of power left behind.
He knew the Seven Ninja Swordsmen would not merely be a force of destruction,they would be the backbone of the village, the instruments of order, and symbols of Kirigakure's rebirth.
"First," Chiba said, addressing the newly loyal Kisame Hoshigaki, who held the legendary Samehada, "this blade chooses its master, and it has chosen you. Your loyalty, strength, and vision align perfectly with its will."
Kisame nodded, the shark-like glint in his eyes reflecting both pride and determination.
"This blade and I… we will protect Kirigakure, and serve under your command, Mizukage-sama."
It was more than a weapon,it was a partnership, a living extension of Kisame himself.
Next, Chiba turned to the task of revitalizing the other swordsmen.
He had already identified candidates stronger and more disciplined than the fallen or broken predecessors.
Each would not only inherit the legacy of their respective swords but also serve as pillars of justice, strategy, and loyalty within the new Kirigakure.
The former threats of the Bloody Mist would be replaced with precision, coordination, and an unbreakable chain of command.
Chiba's vision extended further: I - Each swordsman would operate under strict loyalty to the Mizukage, ensuring no blade could turn against the village; II - Their combat abilities would be unmatched, combining raw power with tactical mastery honed under Chiba's direct guidance; III - They would act as symbols of a renewed Kirigakure, intimidating enemies and inspiring allies.
The first step was complete. Samehada had pledged itself to Kisame. The other swordsmen would soon follow suit, each selected carefully for compatibility, skill, and temperament.
Chiba allowed himself a rare moment of reflection.
The legacy of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen was no longer a story of fear and bloodshed.
It would now stand for strength, loyalty, and the protection of the village.
"Kirigakure's future," Chiba said softly, more to himself than anyone else, "will be forged not in cruelty, but in skill, trust, and foresight.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen will no longer be just a weapon,they will be the embodiment of our new era."
The people of the village, the loyal shinobi, the Elder Council,all watched from a distance, awe-struck.
For decades, the Mist Village had languished in fear and darkness.
Now, with a fully restored and reimagined Seven Ninja Swordsmen, they glimpsed the dawn of a new age, one where Kirigakure could finally stand tall among the ninja world.
Kisame flexed his grip on Samehada, the blade humming almost in agreement.
The other swordsmen would come. And when they did, the Mist would rise once more,not in terror, but in glory.
Chiba's lips curved into that familiar calm smile.
The plan was unfolding exactly as he had envisioned.
The new era of the Mist Village had officially begun.
Ringo Amayuri. Her mastery over Raiton and swordsmanship far surpassed even Kurozuchi Raiga.
With her skill, the Kiba could reach its true potential.
As for the remaining five swords, including the Kubikiri-Hōchō, Kiba-Fugu, Nuibari, Deba-Kogatana, and Shibukia, they were all in the hands of Mangetsu Hōzuki.
In truth, the Hōzuki clan had always been the stewards of the Seven Ninja Swords, keeping the summoning scrolls passed down through generations.
During the Yondaime Shinobi World War, the Edo Tensei Mangetsu Hōzuki had used the scroll to summon four of the legendary swords.
When Chiba visited the Hōzuki clan, he met with the clan head, Kōzuki Kōgetsu.
The Hōzuki clan had a long-standing naming tradition: each generation's name included the character for "moon."
Even the Second Mizukage had been named Hōzuki Gengetsu.
Chiba didn't fully understand their naming conventions, but Kōzuki Kōgetsu welcomed him warmly.
As a family that had supported Chiba even before he became Mizukage, Chiba naturally reciprocated with respect and ensured the Hōzuki clan gained more prominence within Kirigakure.
Kōzuki Kōgetsu summoned his two sons, Mangetsu Hōzuki and Suigetsu Hōzuki.
At this time, Suigetsu was still a child, curious and bright-eyed.
Chiba explained his intentions, and Kōzuki Kōgetsu, unsurprisingly, had no objections.
Mangetsu, however, looked a bit reluctant.
He clearly loved collecting ninja swords, and giving them up,even temporarily,was difficult.
Chiba smiled.
"I understand your sentiment. I, too, have a love for collecting treasures.
But I find that assembling seven living warriors, the new Seven Ninja Swordsmen, is far more meaningful than simply collecting swords."
Mangetsu paused, reflecting, then slowly nodded.
"But now… can Kirigakure even gather enough talent to reform the Seven Ninja Swordsmen?"
"The Samehada and Kiba already have masters."
"I will personally take the Kiba-Fugu."
"But the remaining four,who will wield them?"
Chiba's lips curved into a knowing smile.
"I have already chosen."
"First, the Deba-Kogatana will go to your younger brother, Suigetsu."
For a moment, all three Hōzukis,Kōgetsu, Mangetsu, and Suigetsu,looked surprised.
The elders were stunned.
Suigetsu, however, was overjoyed.
He had long admired the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, but had never been allowed to wield one due to his age.
Now, under the new Mizukage, he was granted the honor.
His eyes sparkled as he exclaimed,
"Thank you, Mizukage-sama! I won't disgrace the Seven Ninja Swordsmen!"
Mangetsu asked, "And the Nuibari and Shibukia?"
Chiba nodded.
"The Nuibari will go to a child from the Yuki clan, named Haku.
Her Ice Release techniques, combined with the blade's sharpness and speed, make her a perfect fit. She is the most gifted of her generation in the Yuki clan."
Mangetsu nodded appreciatively.
"And the Deba-Kogatana?"
"Recommended by Gonbei, it will go to Chōjirō," Chiba replied.
"Though lacking confidence, his talent is among the highest of the new generation."
"And the last sword, the Kubikiri-Hōchō?" Mangetsu asked.
Chiba's expression remained calm, yet his choice was shocking:
"It will go to Momochi Zabuza."
All three Hōzuki clan members froze.
"Zabuza?! The former rogue ninja leader?!"
The new Mizukage's plans were bold, audacious, and, above all, precise.
The new Seven Ninja Swordsmen were taking shape,not just as a revival of a legendary group, but as a force ready to protect and transform Kirigakure in the dawn of a new era.