Chapter 65
The prototype of the village and its organization had begun to take shape. Although the Baishou Teaching Academy was primarily an educational institution, its instructors needed to be formidable in order to command respect. Strength was of paramount importance, especially given their rivalry with the Beasts Pirates. Naturally, Zixu himself was more than qualified to join.
As for Orochimaru, his strength was undeniable, but their alliance remained fragile. Even though Zixu now possessed the power to suppress him, forming a deeper partnership with someone as cunning as Orochimaru was tantamount to inviting disaster. He had to remain vigilant.
Hyuga Chinano and Hatsuizumi can be considered for recruitment. Neji as well. Gaara will be a strong candidate after Orochimaru has trained him sufficiently. As for Karin... She has excellent perception. Once we determine which of the Uzumaki Clan's secret techniques she has mastered, she may also join."
Zixu retrieved two renowned swords and a "Brother Brand Steel Pipe" from his sealing scroll. He tested their weight in his hands. "The steel pipe feels decent, but I still prefer swords. Using two blades simultaneously makes it difficult to concentrate my strength on a single point, which is inefficient."
Deciding against dual-wielding, Zixu stowed the steel pipe away, keeping only Yubashiri and Shigure. Despite their fame, they were only mid-to-low-tier among renowned swords. Zoro's Yubashiri had once been corroded and destroyed by the Rust-Rust Fruit, while Shigure had been severed by Law's power, though Tashigi later managed to wield it to defeat Monet.
Nearby, Aburame Hatsuizumi stealthily approached, her gaze fixed on the two swords. She seemed particularly intrigued by Shigure. "Oh? This blade has an elegant form..."
It made sense—after all, the glasses she now wore once belonged to Tashigi. With a shrug, Zixu handed her Shigure. "It always felt strange for me to wield a sword originally meant for a woman."
Hatsuizumi beamed, immediately leaping away while murmuring excitedly about techniques like "releasing insects as sword energy" and "concealing them within the scabbard to ambush foes upon unsheathing." Zixu could not help but feel an inexplicable worry for Shigure's future.
"Still, with proper mastery of Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki), anything can become a weapon," Zixu mused. "It's time to awaken it. System, you mentioned that I was close to awakening Busoshoku Haki before. Can I use fewer points?"