"Uh..."
Faced with Mangetsu's question, Araki quickly ran through the Seven Ninja Swords in his mind.
First, he ruled out [Samehada] and [Hiramekarei]. Both swords were practically living creatures, so they probably would not undergo any further modifications.
[Blastsword: Shibuki] could be ruled out as well. Araki could not imagine how petrification and Explosive Tags could work together.
[Lightning Blade: Kiba] was the same.
After that analysis, only [Kubikiribōchō], [Nuibari], and [Kabutowari] remained.
Kubikiribōchō could regenerate by drinking blood. That did not seem compatible with petrification either, but its blade was too fragile and easily broken. Perhaps petrification could add a layer of protection to it?
Araki considered it, decided it did not seem very reliable, and ruled it out as well.
"Kabutowari?"
With only two happy choices left, he chose the blunt sword said to be capable of shattering any defense.
"That's right!"
Mangetsu nodded excitedly. "Kabutowari itself possesses tremendous destructive power. Most weapons and defenses can't withstand its full-force blows. If you add an eye that can petrify enemies and make them brittle, then nothing in this world will be able to block its attacks!"
"Hmm..."
Araki pictured a battle involving Kabutowari enhanced with petrification.
A heavy one-handed axe came crashing down, only to be blocked by the enemy's weapon.
But just as the opponent thought he had successfully blocked it, a layer of gray stone spread across the weapon, turning it directly into brittle, weathered rock.
Then Kabutowari's off-hand weapon—the One-handed Hammer—came smashing down!
Bang!
Weapon destroyed, man dead!
That did sound rather satisfying.
"But Kabutowari isn't in the village right now either. We can only wait until they return..."
Land of Fire, eastern coast.
A group of seven oddly shaped ninja, each carrying swords or blades, quietly stepped onto land.
"So this is the Land