"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 gave Zenkichi a slightly complicated look.
"The reason we were able to return alive from the hands of Konoha's White Fang was because Zenkichi displayed incredible strength."
Terumi Mei did not hesitate to report Zenkichi's impressive performance to Genji. She believed talents like Zenkichi shouldn't be overlooked.
"Oh?"
Master Genji raised an eyebrow in surprise and cast a scrutinizing gaze toward Zenkichi.
He was well aware of Zenkichi's reputation—a classic underachiever in Kirigakure. However, when Zenkichi acquired the Kizaru template, he also inherited that powerful natural talent.
Although the full strength of the Kizaru template needed to be unlocked over time, the immense talent was granted immediately. Kizaru's raw ability was one of the most elite in his original world.
While many had to claw their way to that level with endless effort and danger, Kizaru achieved general-level power with a laid-back, effortless attitude. He was proof that natural talent could trump even the hardest training.
It wasn't just the Light Fruit—Kizaru could fight on par with legendary warriors like Silvers Rayleigh and Z, even with swordsmanship alone. His physical prowess and skill were undeniably at quasi admiral level.
(As said by Google, Kizaru is quite skilled in swordsmanship.)
With that talent now in Zenkichi's body, he was already one of the top prodigies in Kirigakure.
Even though his ninjutsu talent wasn't outstanding, his physical and kenjutsu abilities were astounding.
Perhaps such talent might go underappreciated elsewhere, but in the land of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen—Kirigakure—it was a prized trait.
Unfortunately, Zenkichi had been imitating Kizaru too well: his detached, uninterested attitude made him look like a slacker. This "salty fish" persona had led the higher-ups to hesitate.
The bloody history of Kirigakure wasn't just because of Uchiha Obito. After all, he only controlled the Mizukage. Without mass support, no Mizukage could enforce a brutal policy like the Blood Mist.
Kirigakure traditionally valued brutality and ferocity in its ninjas. Zenkichi's laid-back attitude made the elders uneasy.
Still, if Terumi Mei claimed he drove off Konoha's White Fang, they had no choice but to acknowledge his value.
"In that case, let the Seven Ninja Swordsmen test his strength," Master Genji finally said after a moment's thought.
"The Seven Ninja Swordsmen?"
Zenkichi's face twitched. "Each one 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 responded firmly, "You have talent and strength. It would be a waste to let them go unused."
Terumi Mei was an ambitious woman. Without that drive, she never would've become the Fifth Mizukage.
Seeing Zenkichi's strength sparked some jealousy in her. If she had such 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 bring her plenty of influence—a path to fulfill her ambitions.
Zenkichi curled his lip. "But I just want to live a nice, 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 this façade.
Ah… hypocrisy. A 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?"
The Watermelon Mountain Pufferfish (Hōzuki Mangetsu's predecessor), carrying Samehada on 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."
The Pufferfish Ghost snorted. "This brat? Repel the White Fang? You're kidding me, right?"
Judo biwa 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 only muttered, "Cut me in two? That's scary… Judo-san really is a monster."
Laughter broke out among the others—Seven Ninja Swordsmen were definitely a strange bunch.
"You're asking for it," Judo snarled.
With a flicker, he used the Body Flicker Technique and appeared right next to 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.
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