Chapter 76: Promotion, Special Jonin!

[Name: Uehara Soma]

[Comprehensive Strength: Special Jonin]

[Swordsmanship: Skilled (5300)]

[Body Modification Technique: Familiar (2000)]

[Forging Technique: Good (Proficient—Forging Island bonus, God's Hand bonus)]

[Mission Items: Thug Recruitment Token X2]

[Blacksmith Reputation: 402]

[Evaluation: As a Blacksmith, the foundation is decent. Due to having a personal forging site and forging equipment, the Forging Technique receives bonuses, with a chance of producing high-quality ninja tools or better.]

[As a Ninja, possessing a certain level of strength, stronger than cannon fodder.[

Uehara Soma felt a slight sense of emotion.

"It's been about half a year, and my strength has finally reached a somewhat respectable level."

Special Jonin.

It's a decent strength before the upcoming Fourth Great Ninja War.

Even in a village like Konoha, which never lacks elite ninjas, one can have their own exclusive uniform, a good reputation, and earn everyone's respect.

Mitarashi Anko, Gekko Hayate, Morino Ibiki...

"But I should be stronger than the average Special Jonin."

"After all, regular Special Jonin only excel in one aspect."

"But my Water Release isn't just outstanding; it's exceptionally so."

"In addition, I have a Good-level talent in Taijutsu and Lightning Release."

"My Kenjutsu has also reached the Skilled level."

"As long as my combat abilities keep up, I'll have decent fighting strength."

Facing the sunlight, Uehara Soma squinted.

"However, the reason my basic attributes have improved so quickly isn't just because training has brought out my previous accumulations, nor is it just because I gained a Good-level talent in Taijutsu."

"There's another very important factor, which should be the random attribute points I obtained from the Lottery."

"A ten consecutive draw is bound to yield several points."

"Last time, I did a twenty consecutive draw."

"I directly obtained eighteen attribute points, either boosting my spirit or enhancing my physique."

"That's why I can undergo a qualitative change in Juzo-senpai's eyes."

"Reputation, for me, is indeed a good thing."

Mayuko Ringo approached Uehara Soma.

"Soma, I'm leaving. I'll leave Ameyuri on Forging Island. Please take care of her."

"Senpai, don't worry."

The group escorted Mayuko Ringo to the location of the island's dock.

A small boat was stationed on the water.

Standing on it was an ANBU ninja.

With a light leap, Mayuko Ringo landed on the bow in the next moment.

"Grandma!"

Initially, Ameyuri Ringo didn't seem to feel much, but as the boat sailed away, she seemed to gradually realize something.

Being in the Hidden Mist Village, Ameyuri Ringo didn't follow the Bloody Mist's training methods.

Instead, she was raised by Mayuko Ringo from a young age.

As the chief medical ninja of the medical department, Mayuko Ringo had such authority.

Therefore, from childhood to adulthood, Ameyuri Ringo hardly ever separated from Mayuko Ringo.

"Ameyuri, you are a ninja!"

Biwa Juzo's voice echoed.

Ameyuri Ringo's body stiffened momentarily. Then, she forcibly suppressed her emotions, refraining from speaking, just staring intently at the boat getting farther away.

"Yes, sensei."

...

A figure entered the Mizukage's Building.

The Third Mizukage looked at Kaguya Masui entering.

"Masui, have a seat."

"Mizukage-sama."

Kaguya Masui didn't sit but stood opposite the Third Mizukage, bowing slightly.

"Have all matters concerning the Kaguya Clan been handled?"

"We've dealt with most of it."

Kaguya Masui said, "Those people have been buried, the traces along the road have been cleaned up, only the damaged houses are left unattended."

"I've gathered the remaining members of the Kaguya Clan and relocated them."

"So there's no rush to deal with those houses."

The Third Mizukage nodded.

"With you leading the Kaguya Clan, Masui, I have complete confidence. I hope you can manage and cultivate the remaining members of the Kaguya Clan well, restoring them to their former glory as soon as possible."

"Mizukage-sama, please rest assured, I will do my best."

Kaguya Masui paused.

"By the way, Mizukage-sama, I actually have two requests for this visit."

"What requests?"

"The Kaguya Clan used to control many industries, but now, with the decline in the population of the Kaguya Clan, they are no longer able to manage these industries, so I want to take action."

This is obviously a wise move.

Given the situation of the Kaguya Clan, they are bound to be unable to hold onto these industries.

If they cannot hold on, forcing themselves to do so will only result in getting nothing.

But if they take action now, they can still get a relatively good price.

Kaguya Masui said that he hoped the Third Mizukage could show some face in light of the Kaguya Clan's tragic situation.

In that case, the new owner wouldn't push things too far out of respect for the Third Mizukage.

"Alright, I'll arrange for someone to handle the handover with you. I won't let your Kaguya Clan suffer losses. Anything else?"

"Thank you, Mizukage-sama."

"And the second request?"

"I want to go to Forging Island in person to express my gratitude to Soma, Juzo-senpai, and Ao-senpai."

"Alright."

This wasn't an unreasonable request either. With the permission of the Third Mizukage, Kaguya Neko was allowed to leave the Hidden Mist Village with Dragon-Bone. Moreover, the members of the Kaguya Clan were already aware of the situation on Forging Island.

Additionally, Kaguya Masui, in the eyes of the Third Mizukage, was one of the few in the Kaguya Clan who had affection for the village, as well as the ability and talent to be trusted.

In the afternoon, Kaguya Masui directly arrived at Forging Island.

He brought four gifts along.

After passing through the inspection of the ANBU ninja and ensuring there were no issues, Kaguya Masui boarded Forging Island.

"Someone's here."

Ao's voice echoed.

Everyone paused and looked over.

Kaguya Masui's figure approached them.

"Juzo-senpai, Ao-senpai, Chief Uehara... and this must be Ameyuri. I've come uninvited, please forgive the intrusion. I'm Kaguya Masui."

"Thank you very much for your assistance with the Kaguya Clan's affairs."

"These are tokens of appreciation for each of you, please accept them."

Kaguya Masui placed the gifts down.

Biwa Juzo looked at Kaguya Masui.

"Masui, the matters of the Kaguya Clan are in the past. Don't dwell on it. People must look forward. Now, you're the Clan Head of the Kaguya Clan, aren't you?"

"Not bad."

"Lead the Kaguya Clan onto the right path as soon as possible. Remember, don't make the same mistakes again."

"Juzo-senpai, I understand."

Ao glanced at the four gifts.

"Masui, we'll accept the gifts. Don't dwell on the Kaguya matter. There's no need for any psychological burden. Since Mizukage-sama said it's in the past, then it's in the past."

Kaguya Masui nodded.

"Yes, Ao-senpai."

Uehara Soma observed Kaguya Masui.

Soma had heard some things about Kaguya Masui's situation.

Like Uchiha Shisui, Kaguya Masui cared about both the village and the clan.

Being caught in between was very painful.

When members of the Kaguya Clan realized that Kaguya Masui's loyalty wasn't solely to the clan, they directly detained him, fearing the leakage of internal clan information.

But what the Kaguya Clan didn't expect was that, aside from Kaguya Masui, there was also Kaguya Neko within the clan. Moreover, Kaguya Neko valued the village much more than the clan. 

So, just as the Kaguya Clan had barely detained Kaguya Masui, Kaguya Neko promptly reported to the Third Mizukage. Initially, there was supposed to be some time for reconciliation between the two sides. 

However, a member of the Kaguya radical faction happened to overhear the conversation between Kaguya Neko and Kaguya Masui. At this moment, the Kaguya radicals learned that Kaguya Neko had long sold out the Kaguya Clan completely, which sent them into panic. 

They immediately decided to launch a civil war and simultaneously assassinate Kaguya Neko. However, the assassination attempt failed. With the information obtained from Kaguya Neko, the Third Mizukage decided to exterminate the Kaguya Clan ahead of schedule. If it weren't for Uehara Soma's suggestion, the remaining members of the Kaguya Clan might have been reduced to single digits by now.

Kaguya Masui was very polite. However, Uehara Soma noticed that Kaguya Masui's demeanor wasn't just politeness; it seemed like he was being cautious as well. This might have been triggered by the situation within the Kaguya Clan. 

Kaguya Masui probably hadn't anticipated such an outcome before. Uehara Soma couldn't help but wonder, "How would Uchiha Shisui feel if he saw Uchiha Itachi wiping out the Uchiha clan? What kind of emotions and mindset changes would he undergo? Is it similar to Kaguya Masui's situation?" 

"Compared to Uchiha Shisui, Kaguya Masui is actually quite fortunate. At least, more people from the Kaguya Clan survived compared to the Uchiha. And, Kaguya Masui is still alive." Kaguya Masui looked at Ameyuri Ringo. 

"Ameyuri, this gift is partly to thank Mayuko-senpai for treating Neko, and partly to apologize to Mayuko-senpai. What Kaguya Tai did was too much."

Ameyuri Ringo shook her head "Masui Senpai, you don't need to apologize. This was done by Kaguya Tai, not by you, Masui Senpai." 

"Regardless, Kaguya Tai is still a member of the Kaguya Clan. I am now the Clan Head of the Kaguya Clan, so it's my responsibility to apologize." Kaguya Masui paused after speaking. 

"Soma, can I speak with you alone for a moment?" Uehara Soma hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure." 

However, Uehara Soma didn't move. Biwa Juzo and the other two voluntarily left, walking a short distance away but not too far. At this distance, if anything happened, Biwa Juzo could provide support immediately. 

"Soma, thank you very much." Kaguya Masui sighed. "I know all about what happened. If it weren't for you, Soma, our Kaguya Clan might not exist anymore. You've saved our Kaguya Clan. If you need any help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."

"We, the entire Kaguya Clan, no matter the cost, will definitely help you, Soma." 

Uehara Soma waved his hand. "Masui Senpai, there's no need to make it sound so serious. I just did what I had to do. By the way, Masui Senpai, do you have any plans for the future?" 

"To stabilize the clan," Kaguya Masui replied. "As the Clan Head, being able to do this for the first time satisfies me. I wish the war could end soon," Kaguya Masui continued. "Soma, please don't mind my sudden visit. I won't disturb you further. I'll take my leave now. If you need anything that the Kaguya Clan can help with, feel free to come to us anytime" 

Uehara Soma nodded. "Safe travels, Masui Senpai." Kaguya Masui stopped halfway and suddenly paused, turning back.

He watched Kaguya Masui leave, not taking his eyes off her until her figure disappeared. Then, he shifted his gaze back to Biwa Juzo and the others. "Kaguya Masui's gifts seem quite substantial." 

They hadn't been opened yet, but Ao had already inspected them with his Byakugan. It was a precaution, fearing there might be something inappropriate. 

"Half of it is probably gratitude, and the other half might be to win favor. Given the current situation of the Kaguya Clan, many people in the village are probably eyeing them suspiciously." 

"The Kaguya Clan definitely wants to garner some allies." 

"Kaguya Masui has changed quite quickly. Before, when I met him. He was a somewhat naive young person. Now he's much more mature." 

The topic about Kaguya Masui didn't last long. Soon, the four of them arrived at the training ground. Uehara Soma and Biwa Juzo headed to the center of the training ground. Ameyuri Ringo and Ao watched the match. 

Uehara Soma held a Ninjato in his hand. However, it wasn't a special Ninjato, just one crafted from Ten-fold Steel, far superior to the assembly line products from the Land of Iron, but correspondingly, much higher in cost. 

"Begin!"

Meanwhile, in another distant location, a fierce battle was also underway. Kamui Bridge. Uchiha Obito's eyes spun wildly with the double Tomoe Sharingan as a Kunai fiercely pierced through, stabbing the vital point of the Iwagakure Ninja, the one who abducted Nohara Rin and injured Kakashi's left eye. But just then, an incredibly massive rock appeared out of nowhere directly above Uchiha Obito.

Uchiha Obito sensed the danger and looked up suddenly. However, at that moment, Uchiha Obito realized that he couldn't dodge anymore. His heart sank to the bottom of the abyss.

In a dark and gloomy place, an old man, with tubes protruding from his body, looked up in a certain direction with an expressionless face. "It's about time!"

---

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