The Neutral Faction's Resolve

Only after receiving repeated assurances from Hōzuki Mangetsu did Terumi Mei leave, looking thoroughly satisfied.

In truth, her confrontation with Zabuza was a sham; making Hōzuki Mangetsu owe her a favor was the real objective.

"I'm sorry, I've caused you trouble again!"

Zabuza said, looking embarrassed.

It was Hōzuki Mangetsu who had made it possible for him to become one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.

It was also Hōzuki Mangetsu who had single-handedly mediated and extricated him from the entanglement between Suikazan Fuguki and Terumi Mei.

He already owed Hōzuki Mangetsu too much; even if he were to forfeit his life, Zabuza knew he could never repay the debt.

"It's nothing."

Hōzuki Mangetsu waved his hand dismissively. Zabuza was, after all, a top-tier expert in Kirigakure, and securing such a man would be of great help to his future grand ambitions.

"You can't stay in your old residence anymore. Come with me to a certain place."

With that, he took the lead and departed.

Zabuza followed without a moment's hesitation.

He was currently abandoned by all, and the only thing he could do was stick closely to Hōzuki Mangetsu.

Hōzuki Mangetsu brought Zabuza to a corner of the village and came to a stop.

An elderly man wearing glasses walked up to greet them.

"Mangetsu, you finally remembered this old man."

Hōzuki Mangetsu smiled sheepishly and said, "I've been too busy lately, I truly apologize!"

The old man's gaze then fell upon Zabuza.

"Demon Zabuza, welcome!"

He then noticed the long blade in Zabuza's hand and his expression shifted slightly. "It really is the long blade. The Seven Swordsmen have gained another member."

"You are Master Harusame!"

Zabuza's pupils constricted as he immediately recognized the man.

This elder was Harusame of the Neutral Faction, a former teacher at Kirigakure Academy who had instructed many students.

However, during the Bloody Mist Era, Kirigakure ninjas were emotionally detached; they would slaughter their own comrades for the sake of a mission, so they held little affection for their former teachers.

Hōzuki Mangetsu smiled. "Master Harusame, I have come today to ask a favor of you."

He had come this time to settle Zabuza.

Zabuza had offended the two major factions in the village, Suikazan and Terumi Mei; if he continued to stay in the village, he likely wouldn't have a peaceful day ahead.

That was why he had brought Zabuza to find Harusame.

Aside from this old man of the Neutral Faction, no one would dare to harbor Zabuza.

Harusame pushed up his glasses and chuckled. "I knew you wouldn't come to see this old man for no reason."

He naturally understood Hōzuki Mangetsu's intentions.

Besides, the Neutral Faction could not have been unaware of the massive commotion that had occurred earlier.

Harusame gestured with his hand.

"The two of you, please come in and let us talk."

He walked into the room first.

Hōzuki Mangetsu and Zabuza followed closely behind.

Harusame's room was quite simple, but it was kept extremely clean.

"Demon Zabuza, from this day forward you are one of the Seven Swordsmen. I wonder how you view the village?"

He served two cups of tea and spoke calmly.

Zabuza was stunned for a moment; he didn't understand why Harusame would ask such a question, but he was a clever man.

"Lord Mangetsu's will is my will. From now on, I, Zabuza, will obey Lord Mangetsu's intentions."

Very good!

Harusame nodded; he had long since seen that Zabuza had pledged his loyalty to Hōzuki Mangetsu.

His gaze shifted back to Hōzuki Mangetsu.

"Mangetsu, what do you have to say?"

Hōzuki Mangetsu smiled. He knew Harusame was forcing him to take a stand, and their previous conversation had reached this pivotal point.

"I, Hōzuki Mangetsu, swear in the name of the Hozuki Clan: I will protect the village with all my might, protect the comrades within the village with all my might, and I will surely make Kirigakure stand above all other ninja villages."

These words were spoken with ironclad resolve and resonated with power.

"A son of Kirigakure should be exactly like this!"

A sharp glint flashed in Harusame's eyes, and his hands began to clap involuntarily.

Even a personality as cold as Zabuza felt his blood surge with passion upon hearing this.

To make Kirigakure tower above all other ninja villages—what a lofty ideal that was. To achieve such an ambition, how many would have to shed their blood and sacrifice their lives?

He realized once again that beyond being mere killing machines, there was a greater purpose for the ninjas of Kirigakure.

Harusame said excitedly, "Hōzuki Mangetsu, I truly did not misjudge you. Since you possess such grand ambitions, this old man, though lacking, is willing to lend you a hand."

He represented the stable Neutral Faction within the village; since he had declared his stance, it proved that the Neutral Faction now stood behind Hōzuki Mangetsu.

Zabuza also hurriedly added, "This subordinate will also do his utmost to serve Lord Mangetsu and serve the village."

Hōzuki Mangetsu felt a slight sense of relief in his heart; having gained the support of the Neutral Faction, he was one step closer to the position of Mizukage.

"Zabuza!"

Harusame suddenly smiled and said, "A-Jian is currently short one Anbu member. I wonder if the renowned Demon would be willing to stoop to the position?"

Zabuza was pleasantly surprised.

A-Jian was the famous captain of the Missing-nin Hunter Corps in Kirigakure and a veteran of the Neutral Faction.

Within the Anbu of Kirigakure, there existed a special unit known as the Missing-nin Hunter Corps. This unit operated as an independent system, composed primarily of the village's elite ninjas, and was under the direct command of the Mizukage.

They were not responsible for standard village missions, but were instead tasked exclusively with hunting down the village's missing-nin.

The head of the Hunter Corps was A-Jian. In reality, A-Jian was also a representative of the Neutral Faction, which meant the Hunter Corps was a force controlled by the Neutral Faction.

Although their numbers were small, they were vital to the village and often carried out critical missions. Therefore, both Terumi Mei and Fuguki Suikazan would show them a degree of respect.

If they stepped forward to protect Zabuza, he would face no danger in the short term.

"Many thanks, Teacher Harusame!"

Zabuza bowed deeply.

Harusame laughed heartily and said, "With the aid of the Demon Zabuza and his longsword, the Kirigakure Hunter Corps will surely strike terror into the hearts of those missing-nin. Perhaps the Silent Killing Technique can truly flourish within the assassination unit."

Zabuza nodded, gripping his longsword tightly with both hands.

Previously, he had believed a ninja was merely a tool for killing, but after the influence of Hōzuki Mangetsu and Harusame, he now felt that killing could also be a form of contribution.

Soon, under Harusame's arrangements, Zabuza reported to A-Jian and became a member of the Hunter Corps, securing his temporary safety.

"Mangetsu, let me introduce you to someone!"

Harusame said with a beaming smile.

At that moment, a massive bubble appeared before the two of them.

The bubble burst, and a tall, thin figure descended.

"Teacher, you called for me?"

The man looked as if he had not yet fully woken up.

How unruly!

Harusame scolded him with a laugh, then said to Hōzuki Mangetsu, "Mangetsu, this is my young disciple, Utakata. Although he is about your age, his achievements are far behind yours!"

Hearing his master belittle him while praising another, Utakata looked displeased.

He coldly sized up Hōzuki Mangetsu for a few moments.

"You are the leader of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Hōzuki Mangetsu?"

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