Chapter 73: Nawaki Who Knows Water Breathing
The next afternoon.
The metropolis of the Land of Iron.
Natsuki and the others followed Tsunade into the Daimyō's residence.
The Daimyō of the Land of Iron sat in a high seat, with samurai wearing katanas at their waists lined up on both sides.
"Daimyō."
Tsunade bowed slightly and spoke.
"Princess Tsunade, welcome."
The Daimyō of the Land of Iron said very politely.
Natsuki's heart could not help but stir.
In the original story, Tsunade was often called Princess.
For a ninja, this was something impossible.
The reason was that the status of ninja in the shinobi world was actually very low.
At their core, ninja were the Daimyō's hired muscle, or rather mercenaries, and were very humble before a Daimyō.
Tsunade was an exception.
Whether it was ninja from other villages or the Daimyō and nobles of various nations, whenever they saw her, they would add the title of Princess.
"Daimyō."
Tsunade took out a scroll and said, "This is the intelligence our Konoha received not long ago."
After she finished speaking, a young samurai walked up to her, took the scroll, and handed it to the Daimyō.
The Daimyō opened the scroll and began reading.
A moment later, his expression became extremely grave.
"Mifune, you read it too."
The Daimyō casually handed the scroll to the young samurai from earlier.
When Natsuki heard Mifune's name, his gaze fell on him.
In the original story, his main scenes were concentrated during the Fourth Shinobi World War.
At that time, he was already sixty-five years old, quite different from his current youthful appearance.
"Daimyō, although the Land of Iron is a neutral nation, we now have a common enemy, so Konoha hopes to form an alliance with you."
Tsunade stated her purpose for coming.
This alliance seemed more beneficial to the Land of Iron, because Konoha was stronger than the Land of Iron, but in reality, that was not the case.
The Land of Fire lay between the Land of Iron and the Land of Rain.
In other words, if Amegakure wanted to attack the Land of Iron, there was a high chance they would attack Konoha at the same time.
"I agree."
After exchanging a glance with Mifune, the Daimyō agreed.
Although Amegakure was a small ninja village, because of Hanzō's existence, its strength far surpassed the Land of Iron.
If the Land of Iron faced Amegakure alone, there would be only one result, defeat.
Although the Land of Fire lay between them, Amegakure could take a detour, and Konoha could also let them pass.
"I still trust Konoha's credibility."
The Daimyō then said, "Mifune, go prepare the alliance agreement immediately."
"Yes, Daimyō."
Mifune nodded, then turned and instructed his subordinates to make the arrangements.
"Preparing the alliance agreement will take time, so we'll sign it tomorrow morning."
The Daimyō paused for a moment, then said, "You must be tired from the journey. Go rest first, and when evening comes, we'll have dinner together."
"Daimyō."
Tsunade said unhurriedly, "These students of mine have admired the swordsmanship of the Land of Iron for a long time. Would it be possible to hold an exchange match?"
The Daimyō subconsciously looked at Natsuki and the others.
He soon smiled and said, "Of course."
Natsuki and the others looked to be around eight or nine years old. No matter how strong they were, they would at most be Chunin level.
What Tsunade said about admiring the swordsmanship of the Land of Iron probably was not just a polite remark. Whether emotionally or logically, he should agree to this exchange.
"Mifune, you handle the preparations."
The Daimyō instructed, "Call over your senior and junior fellow disciples, as well as your students."
"Yes, Daimyō."
Mifune said with a calm expression.
His thoughts were the same as the Daimyō's. He believed Natsuki and the others had come here because of the Land of Iron's reputation.
Tsunade could guess what they were thinking, but she did not say more.
Because saying more was pointless. Everything had to be proven with strength.
"How about setting it after the evening banquet?"
The Daimyō thought for a moment and asked.
"That works."
Tsunade nodded.
After the discussion ended, Natsuki and the others followed Mifune to the rooms arranged for them to rest.
Soon, it was time to eat.
The Daimyō valued them greatly, and the dishes served were excellent in color, aroma, and taste.
They were delicious, but still could not compare to the food Natsuki made.
After the meal, it was time for the exchange match.
The exchange match was held in the courtyard of the Daimyō's residence.
Although it was already dark, under the illumination of various lights, it was no different from daytime.
"I will introduce our guests to everyone."
Mifune raised his hand and said, "This is my student, named Yagyū Musashi. His strength is roughly equivalent to a Chunin."
"I want to challenge him!"
Nawaki said impatiently.
"Nawaki, wait until Mifune finishes the introductions."
Tsunade glared at Nawaki and said.
Mifune continued with the introductions.
Although many samurai had come, the vast majority of them were at Chunin level, while a small number were at Jonin level.
"The first match, Yagyū Musashi versus Nawaki!"
After confirming both sides' willingness, Mifune announced loudly.
"Nawaki, good luck."
Natsuki spoke.
"Don't worry, I'll definitely beat him!"
Nawaki said with a face full of smiles, "After all, I learned your Water Breathing!"
After he finished speaking, he went onto the field with the Greatsword, Samehada, on his back.
Yagyū Musashi subconsciously looked at Samehada.
This was also a sword?
"Be careful."
Mifune's gaze sharpened as he recognized Samehada. "That is one of Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swords, the Greatsword, Samehada."
Hearing this, Yagyū Musashi immediately became cautious.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of Kirigakure had a great reputation, and he had heard of them too.
Swordsmanship, Iai Slash!
Yagyū Musashi's body flashed, and he charged toward Nawaki.
As he approached, he suddenly drew his sword.
The blade was like lightning, its tip stabbing straight toward Nawaki's heart.
The moment Nawaki saw him move, he immediately used Water Breathing.
Water Breathing not only strengthened Water Release, but could also comprehensively enhance the body.
The blade light he originally could not see clearly was immediately captured by his eyes.
Water Breathing, First Form, Water Surface Slash!
Nawaki gripped the Greatsword, Samehada, and smashed it out directly.
Water surged out, forming a huge arc of light in front of him.
With a boom.
The katana and Samehada collided.
Yagyū Musashi only felt his body shake, then he kicked off with both feet and retreated backward.
"Again!"
Nawaki shouted excitedly.
Water Breathing, Second Form, Water Wheel!
His body twisted, and Samehada followed his movement, forming a spinning slash from top to bottom.
Water flowed around him, rotating like a water wheel.
Yagyū Musashi was horrified.
He subconsciously raised his sword to block, but it was already too late.
The immense force caused his katana to bend.
The water flow then slammed into him.
Yagyū Musashi screamed, and his entire body spun twice on the ground like a top.
The Daimyō of the Land of Iron, Mifune, and the others immediately fell into dead silence.
They had thought victory was already in their grasp, but in the blink of an eye, it had become a crushing defeat.
But could Yagyū Musashi be blamed?
No.
"What swordsmanship is that?"
Mifune could not help but ask.
He considered himself well-informed. He had heard of all kinds of swordsmanship in the shinobi world, large and small.
But this style of swordsmanship was completely unheard of.
"Water Breathing."
Nawaki raised his hand and said, "It's a swordsmanship style Natsuki created himself."
Mifune subconsciously looked in the direction he pointed.
When he saw that it was Natsuki, he could not help but freeze.
His first reaction was that Nawaki was lying.
How could an eight or nine-year-old child possibly create such powerful swordsmanship?
Even in the Land of Iron, one would have to be at swordmaster level to create this kind of swordsmanship.
Swordmaster level was equivalent to Jonin.
But Nawaki had no reason to lie.
Especially in front of Tsunade. Lying would damage Konoha's credibility.
(To be continued.)
