Kirigakure Hospital.
A burly, powerfully built man in an oversized hospital gown was performing rehabilitative exercises in an open area.
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
The repeated sounds of air being torn apart in the courtyard fully demonstrated that this man's strength had recovered to a formidable level.
At that moment, another middle-aged, bearded man in a hospital gown approached, his hair tied in a soaring-cloud topknot.
"Fuguki, why are you still training all day?"
Jinin Akebino spoke mockingly. "We're no longer among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen."
Suikazan Fuguki remained focused on his training and ignored him.
Ever since the Third Mizukage had sent people to take their swords from them a month ago, Jinin Akebino would occasionally make a few remarks that made it unclear whom he was mocking.
Thanks to the medical notes from Konoha, Kirigakure's medical standards had improved slightly, and the two men's injuries had healed somewhat faster than expected.
Over the past few days, both of them had nearly recovered completely. Jinin Akebino had only become worse, coming over to spit insults whenever he saw Fuguki training.
Suikazan Fuguki had become practically immune to his words.
"No way?"
Even without anyone responding, Jinin Akebino could keep talking to himself. "Don't tell me you're still dreaming about taking Samehada back? No way, no way?"
Those sarcastic words made Suikazan Fuguki glance at him. "Don't you want Kabutowari back?"
"Of course I do!"
Having gotten a response, Jinin Akebino clapped his hands together with a smack.
"But what's the use of wanting it? We have no value in the Mizukage's eyes anymore, and those two swords already have new owners. Unless they die by accident, otherwise..."
At that point, he seemed to think of something. He gave a strange chuckle and looked at Suikazan Fuguki. "I can still hope that