Hearing that Obito had kept his promise, Ghost Lantern Mangetsu and Kisame Hoshigaki both breathed sighs of relief. These two had survived and adapted to the brutal environment of the Blood Mist Village, earning their current positions. They were not afraid of death as ninja—but that didn't mean they were willing to give up their lives easily.
Obito put away the thunder sword and the teeth lying on the ground. He approached Mangetsu, took out the beheading sword, and tossed it in front of him. "I don't object to swapping one, right?"
Mangetsu gave a bitter smile. "Even if you take all seven swords away, what do I have left?"
Obito ignored the sarcasm and asked instead, "You have a younger brother, right?"
Mangetsu was stunned. "Yes, his name is Suigetsu. He's less than two years old…"
"When you come to report next time, bring him with you." Obito turned and walked over to Kisame.
Mangetsu watched Obito's back and said, "Are you so sure I'll lose my place in the Blood Mist? The Seven Ninja Swordsmen are the pride of this village—second only to Suigetsu himself. Even the Blood Mist's survival depends on our strength."
Obito didn't answer Mangetsu's question and instead went to Kisame. At this moment, Kisame's arms were badly wounded—the skin and flesh torn open, some bones visible from the power of the explosion and the counterattack. The damage showed just how devastating Obito's last strike had been.
After a brief pause, Obito made his decision.
He took out the giant sword Samehada and placed it before Kisame, then picked up Samehada and Fugu Drops. "Kisame, from today you will be the new owner of Samehada. This Fugu Drops… I'll keep it."
Kisame was surprised. "Wait a moment. Though the destructive power of Feidou [the Explosive Blade] is strong, in terms of characteristics, Samehada is the strongest of the Seven Ninja Swords. Surely you know that, right?"
Having witnessed Obito's power, Kisame always spoke respectfully.
How could Obito not know Samehada's strength? It could even absorb the chakra of a Tailed Beast. Fusing with it enhanced perception and granted near-immortal regeneration.
But Obito would never fuse with Samehada for such a small benefit—he refused to become some half-human, half-fish creature, like the fishmen from One Piece.
With only ten tails to fuse with, Obito had to be selective.
So, the giant sword Samehada belonged with the ninja best suited to it.
In the original timeline, Kisame, loyal to his beliefs, refused to betray his comrades until the very end. After capture, to prevent revealing secrets, he bit off his tongue and broke free from control, then instructed Samehada to devour him.
And in the end, he faithfully completed the mission Obito assigned.
Whether it was Obito, Obito's current self, or Kisame—they were all worthy of respect and trust as ninjas.
Obito said sincerely, "A great ninja sword deserves a worthy wielder. Kisame, more than the sword's value, I respect your worth."
Kisame was not flattered but said, "Though you don't know why you value me so highly, I thank you. Also, I have no intention of betraying the Hidden Mist Village. I hope you understand that."
Obito replied, "The choice is yours. I only offer a platform. If one day, you find both your comrades and your own existence are lies, and you can no longer tell who you really are, you will face two paths. If your heart still yearns for darkness, go to the Hidden Mist Village and find an organization called Akatsuki. If your heart yearns for light, then come to… my Hidden Village."
Just now, Obito had named his future ninja village: "Shadow."
Kisame smiled. "You call it 'Akatsuki' ['Dawn'], yet it symbolizes darkness; and 'Hidden' ['Kage'] symbolizes light. Frankly, your naming is… paradoxical."
Obito smiled back. "The appearance and essence of things often oppose each other. Isn't that what makes this absurd yet real ninja world?"
Kisame said, "I can't see that far yet. Maybe one day, I'll face that choice. But for now, I still hope for the light. You say you'll go to the Hidden Mist to join Akatsuki… so how will you join the Hidden Village?"
Obito said, "'It' doesn't exist yet. But it will soon. When it does, its name will be known throughout the ninja world. Finding the way won't be hard—only fear will be."
"Hahaha… I hope your prediction doesn't come true," Kisame said respectfully.
With that, Obito turned and left.
Passing by Ringo Ameyuri's body, he glanced at her. He was slightly surprised because, in his understanding, the Thunder Blade was still in the hands of its first wielder—the 'Black Hoe Thunder Teeth.'
She was one of the seven survivors from the original Seven Ninja Swordsmen who lived into the Naruto era. But thinking carefully, that was just the original anime plot.
"It seems… the original anime's plot isn't recognized in this ninja world. The proof: this Thunder Blade is no longer with Black Hoe but inherited by Ringo Ameyuri."
Ringo was a distinctive kunoichi—young and beautiful—but Obito felt no compassion. Instead, a cold pain pierced his heart when he seized the opportunity.
A killer does not fall for lust.
The reason Mangetsu was left behind was because of her name—and the meaning it carried—which faintly touched Obito's growing coldness.
"Ringo, this is for you."When he arrived at Mangetsu, Obito took out the Thunder Blade and handed it over.
"Did you get this for me?" Mangetsu looked surprised.
"What do you mean?" Obito said.
Mangetsu hesitated.
"You've always wanted to kill me, haven't you? Such a powerful sword will only improve your chances, right?" Obito teased lightly.
"Don't regret it!" Mangetsu shot him a fierce glare, grabbed the Thunder Blade, and slung it behind her back.
Obito smiled faintly. He had long seen that Mangetsu had thunder affinity and exceptional swordsmanship. With this Thunder Blade suited to her, her strength would definitely improve.
After a short break, the three of them continued rushing forward.
"By the way, I saw someone use that Thunder Escape technique you used in battle… What's your relationship with the son of White Fang, Hatake Kakashi?" Mangetsu suddenly asked.