Chapter 65: The Third Thug

"Regarding the Hidden Mist Village, there is still Kimimaro."

"However, firstly, he is too young, and secondly, Kimimaro is from the Kaguya Clan."

"In the Land of Water, Haku can also be considered one."

"But I don't even know where Haku is now."

After hesitating for a moment, Uehara Soma decided to guide.

Because based on the current situation, the number of Ninjatos he could build in the future would not be few, while there were not many Ninjas in the Hidden Mist Village with sufficient talent.

Uehara Soma only remembered about a dozen names.

It's impossible for all Ninjatos to find contractors with excellent talent and compatibility.

For now, the best ones are the ones in hand.

Moreover, the compatibility between Shiro, Kimimaro, and Nikkari Ao'e may not necessarily reach Excellent.

After being rescued by Orochimaru, Kimimaro regarded Orochimaru as everything.

But Yume Tsubakuro seeks recognition from others.

Haku is gentle, but Yume Tsubakuro is much more combative in nature.

In addition, Uehara Soma believes that among the Ninjatos he will forge in the future, there will definitely be some that can match Kimimaro and Haku.

Geniuses, dying young, in other dimensions, there are actually quite a few who meet these conditions.

"Guide!"

The next moment.

[Contract with Nikkari Ao'e successful.]

[Compatibility, Good.]

[Nikkari Ao'e has gained a certain degree of enhancement.]

[Congratulations to the host for obtaining a Good level Lightning Release Ninjutsu talent.]

"A Good level Lightning Release talent."

"I wonder what level that is."

"It's definitely better than my previous Lightning Release talent."

"But not as good as my Water Release."

"I can learn some Lightning Release Ninjutsu as auxiliary means."

For a Ninja, the more skills they have, the stronger their overall strength tends to be.

Of course, this is the case when they are already proficient in a certain Ninjutsu and then learn other auxiliary means.

If you don't even have a specialty and just learn randomly, it will only have the opposite effect. It not only fails to enhance overall strength but also leaves you lagging behind Ninjas of the same level.

At the moment of completing the contract, Ameyuri Ringo also felt that the small long sword in her hand seemed to become more handy than when she first got it.

Instantly, she grew fond of it.

"Soma-senpai, does this sword have a name?"

"Nikkari Ao'e."

"Nikkari Ao'e? Such an interesting name. Thank you, Soma-senpai."

"You're welcome."

After a pause, Uehara Soma said, "By the way, this Ninjato has a special ability."

As soon as this was said, both Biwa Juzo and Mayuko Ringo's expressions changed.

"Soma, this is too precious."

Previously, Mayuko Ringo thought that Nikkari Ao'e was just an ordinary Ninjato.

Therefore, Ameyuri Ringo didn't refuse.

But hearing Uehara Soma say that, Mayuko Ringo knew that Nikkari Ao'e was not as simple as an ordinary Ninjato.

A Ninjato with hidden abilities, and it was crafted by Uehara Soma.

So it's very likely to be on the same level as Kiriichimonji and the Blue Rose Sword.

"Ameyuri, quickly give it back to Soma."

Ameyuri Ringo had just completed the contract with Nikkari Ao'e, feeling that it was very handy and had a faint sense of familiarity, and she was reluctant to let it go.

But Ameyuri Ringo listened to Mayuko Ringo.

"Soma-senpai, this is too precious, so I'll return it to you."

Ameyuri Ringo suppressed her reluctance and handed Nikkari Ao'e back to Uehara Soma.

Uehara Soma didn't take it.

"Mayuko-senpai, I believe you also know that the Ninjatos I craft have certain special qualities and can choose their own Ninja, so what I said earlier was just a trial."

"It's quite obvious that Nikkari Ao'e just acknowledged Ameyuri."

Uehara Soma looked at Ameyuri Ringo.

"Ameyuri, right?"

Ameyuri Ringo looked down at Nikkari Ao'e in her hand.

"I just felt that Nikkari Ao'e suddenly became somewhat different, holding it felt a strong sense of familiarity, like being with a friend for a long time."

Uehara Soma's gaze shifted back to Mayuko Ringo.

"Mayuko-senpai, since Nikkari Ao'e has chosen Ameyuri, let her use it. As the creator, I prefer my crafted Ninjato to be used by Ninjas it acknowledges."

"This is also good for the Ninjato."

"It's not easy to find another person in the village who can be acknowledged by Nikkari Ao'e."

Mayuko Ringo hesitated for a moment.

"Alright, Soma, if you say so, I won't refuse again"

Mayuko Ringo ruffled Ameyuri Ringo's head.

"Ameyuri, you mustn't disappoint Nikkari Ao'e or Soma. Work hard, and in the future, let Nikkari Ao'e shine in the ninja world like Kiriichimonji and the Blue Rose Sword, don't let Nikkari Ao'e down."

Ameyuri Ringo nodded vigorously.

"Yes, Granny, I will!"

Ameyuri Ringo was delighted, holding Nikkari Ao'e tightly.

"Soma-senpai, what special abilities does Nikkari Ao'e have?"

"After Nikkari Ao'e inflicts a wound, there will be a special power lingering at the wound, affecting the movements of the injured, causing their bodies to stiffen or become uncontrollable."

Uehara Soma explained, "At that moment, Ameyuri, you can take advantage of this opportunity to attack the enemy again."

"The stiffness situation is related to Ameyuri's strength, the chakra used, and the opponent's strength."

Biwa Juzo raised an eyebrow slightly.

"It's a similar ability to Kiriichimonji, but with a different style."

"If this ability is used well, it's equally very powerful."

"Hitting the opponent, causing them to stiffen, gives you the opportunity to hit them again, causing them to stiffen again..."

"Doesn't this mean that as long as you hit the opponent once, if they don't figure out a way to counter it, they'll keep falling into a passive receiving end?"

It all relies on wounds to affect the enemy.

One is good at endurance battles.

The other excels in controlling continuous attacks.

Biwa Juzo thought to himself—this Ninjato is even stronger than the Executioner's Blade, but he didn't know the specifics of the stiffness situation, how large an area near the wound it could affect, and how long it could cause stiffness.

"So powerful!"

Ameyuri Ringo looked at Nikkari Ao'e in her hand, her eyes shining brightly, as if she couldn't wait to try it out.

Uehara Soma turned to Biwa Juzo.

"Juzo-senpai, I forged some Ninjatos late yesterday, so I won't train this morning. I have something to do this afternoon. Let's discuss it, Juzo-senpai, and conserve some chakra and stamina."

Upon hearing this, Biwa Juzo understood that Uehara Soma had received another "commission" for Ninjato materials.

"Alright."

Biwa Juzo felt pleased.

Uehara Soma returned to his room, lying on the bed, but he didn't fall asleep right away. Instead, he pondered.

"Not only the compatibility targets for Ninjatos are traceable, but also Dungeon Instance tasks can be deduced in advance based on the attributes of the Ninjato and the characteristics of the commissioner."

"Kiriichimonji is Akame's sword, so the task is related to Akame, it's Akame's regret."

"The Blue Rose Sword is Eugeo's sword, so the task is related to Eugeo, it's Eugeo's regret."

"God's Hand is Dr. Stylish's ambition."

"Nikkari Ao'e is Yume Tsubakuro's regret."

"And Dragon-Bone is Zenin Maki's Cursed Tool. What task would Zenin Maki have?"

"Ambition? Regret?"

Uehara Soma recalled.

As a member of the Zenin family, she should have been in a high position, but because she lacked cursed energy, she was ostracized by the family. Therefore, she angrily left home to study elsewhere in order to become stronger and prove herself to the family.

Her dream is to become the head of the Zenin family, change the current situation of the Zenin family, and ensure that everyone can live fairly.

She actually cares a lot about her twin sister.

When she returned to the Zenin family to recover Cursed Tools, she was ambushed by her own father, severely injured, and her sister, Zenin Mai, was thrown into the cursed spirit room.

At that moment, Zenin Mai chose to sacrifice herself, breaking the twin bond.

As a result, Zenin Maki gained the power she was supposed to have, greatly increasing her strength.

But her sister's death left Zenin Maki in utter despair.

"So, Zenin Maki's task is most likely to save Zenin Mai."

"But this raises a question."

"The Zenin family wants to break the twin bond between Zenin Maki and Zenin Mai."

"To save Zenin Mai means inevitably becoming enemies with the entire Zenin family."

"And without breaking the twin bond, Zenin Maki and Zenin Mai won't have enough strength."

"Wait..."

"I've fallen into a misconception."

"If it's just about saving someone, there's no need to engage in battle."

"The Zenin family's cursed spirit room can trap sorcerers and ordinary people, but it may not necessarily trap Ninjas, after all, they operate on a completely different power system."

"As long as it's handled properly, there's a possibility of escape."

Uehara Soma had an idea, and a Blueprint appeared.

"The two blank hexagrams mean I can summon two assistants."

"Juzo-senpai, count as one."

"As for the other one, if my speculation about the task is correct, then Ao-senpai would be a better choice."

Right now, Uehara Soma doesn't have many options.

One is Ao, and the other is Mayuko Ringo.

Ao's advantage is having the Byakugan.

Mayuko Ringo's advantage is her ability to use healing Ninjutsu.

In terms of combat strength, Ao hasn't fully recovered from his injuries yet, but he's still stronger than Mayuko Ringo. In the battle against Kaguya Tai, Mayuko Ringo was also seriously injured.

Furthermore, in Uehara Soma's view, the Byakugan's abilities would be more useful in this Dungeon Instance than healing abilities.

A wave of drowsiness washed over him, and Uehara Soma fell into a deep sleep.

Outside, Biwa Juzo began to plan the future training for his disciple, Ameyuri Ringo.

The morning passed quickly.

Uehara Soma woke up.

Biwa Juzo was already waiting at the door.

Uehara Soma opened the door.

"Soma, did you receive a new commission?"

Uehara Soma nodded.

"This time the team requires three members. Juzo-senpai, what do you think about Ao-senpai?"

"Ao..."

Biwa Juzo said, "To be honest, I didn't know much about Ao before. In my impression, Ao was just an ordinary Jonin. But last time, he impressed me."

"He managed to capture a Byakugan from a Hyuga main family ninja."

"Quite impressive."

"And after transplanting the Byakugan, Ao can also use its abilities. His overall capabilities have been greatly enhanced, but his body has not fully recovered yet."

"But if we let Ao handle the planning and intelligence work, then there's no problem at all."

"At present, there's no better choice than Ao."

Uehara Soma smiled.

"Juzo-senpai, your thoughts align with mine. In that case, let's head to Ao-senpai's recovery room."

Biwa Juzo nodded.

"Alright."

When Uehara Soma informed Ao about the "Forging Master Spiritual Land," Ao's eyes widened instantly. Then, he looked at Uehara Soma with excitement and anticipation.

"I'm willing to join!"

Uehara Soma took out the Thug Recruitment Token.

Ao accepted it without hesitation.

A gleam of light flashed on the Thug Recruitment Token.

Then, the color of the recruitment order changed.

"Juzo-senpai, Ao-senpai, are you ready?"

"Ready."

Uehara Soma's mind moved.

[Dungeon Instance opening.]

[Opening successful.]

[Initiating teleportation.]

When Uehara Soma opened his eyes, he found himself in the middle of a city street, a rather modern city bustling with people, noisy chatter, the aroma of street food filling the air.

"Summon thugs!"

[The maximum number of thugs that can be summoned in the current Dungeon Instance has been reached. Once summoned, they cannot be changed. Are you sure you want to summon these two thugs?]

"Yes!"

The next moment, Biwa Juzo and Ao felt a pull on their bodies.

Biwa Juzo was already familiar with this sensation.

For Ao, it was the first time, feeling a bit strange, but he didn't resist.

Two figures appeared in front of Uehara Soma.

It was Biwa Juzo and Ao.

Then, a young girl appeared before the three of them.

Green long hair, tied up in a high ponytail, wearing a tight combat uniform, black stockings, long legs, with red-framed glasses, exuding a contrasting aura.

A hint of sadness appeared in her eyes.

Ao subconsciously became alert.

But Biwa Juzo knew that she must be the client for this mission.

"Ao, this is the client."

Biwa Juzo explained to Ao.

Ao relaxed his guard.

[Mission: Zenin Maki's Regret.]

[Mission Reward: Dragon-Bone Materials.]

[Would you like to accept the mission?]

Uehara Soma's mind stirred.

"As expected, just as I guessed, predicting the client based on the ninja tools, inferring the tasks within the Dungeon Instance based on the client, understanding the plot of other worlds, is also one of the advantages of being a traveler like me."

Uehara Soma silently thought.

"Yes!"

---

You can read up to 50 Advanced chapters and support me at patreon.com/Lookar