A new day.
Natsuki handled his affairs in Konoha as usual.
But in the afternoon, Tagorihime's summons came.
Genji and the others from Kirigakure were making their move.
Natsuki opened an Air Door and arrived outside the Daimyo's mansion in the metropolis of the Land of Water.
The sky had just darkened.
The three Snake Princesses immediately appeared before him.
"Report the current situation."
Natsuki instructed.
"Lord Genji and the Kirigakure ninjas have split into three groups."
Tagorihime unhurriedly said. "The first group went to Hiruko's residence. They probably plan to capture him and extract his memories."
"The second group went to the Daimyo's villa, attempting to abduct the Daimyo."
Tagitsuhime continued. "Among them is Hoshigaki Kisame."
"The third group went to find the twelve Guardian Ninjas, presumably to investigate their movements on the night of the Daimyo's assassination."
Ichikishimahime added.
"Which group is Genji in?"
Natsuki asked.
"Genji and Hoshigaki Kisame are the same group, targeting the Daimyo's villa."
Tagitsuhime replied.
Natsuki nodded slightly.
The Daimyo was naturally the most important.
To avoid unexpected trouble, Genji personally went.
"Tagorihime, you will take the Guardian Ninjas to deal with the Kirigakure ninjas at Hiruko's residence."
Natsuki immediately began giving orders.
Kirigakure's ninjas attacking Hiruko without a clear reason, attempting to capture him and take his memories, was actually an extremely excessive act.
Moreover, Hiruko was also a Guardian Ninja.
For the Daimyo of the Land of Water, the Guardian Ninjas were his people.
Kirigakure's actions were undoubtedly targeting his people, which was essentially not giving him face.
Taking advantage of this point, they could completely sow discord between the Daimyo of the Land of Water and Kirigakure.
"Tagitsuhime, you will take me to the Daimyo's villa."
Natsuki continued.
"Yes, Master."
The three Snake Princesses responded in unison.
"As for Ichikishimahime..."
Natsuki paused and said. "Prepare to launch the rescue operation for the slaves."
Ichikishimahime nodded.
Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime immediately dispersed.
Tagitsuhime led Natsuki, traveling toward the Daimyo's villa at high speed.
The villa was located on a lakeside on the outskirts of the metropolis, relatively secluded.
While traveling, Tagitsuhime introduced the current situation at the villa.
"There are over fifty Kirigakure ninjas. Besides Genji, there's also one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Hoshigaki Kisame."
"How many people are defending the villa?"
Natsuki asked.
"Besides the Daimyo, there are only fourteen Guardian Ninjas."
Tagitsuhime replied.
Fourteen Guardian Ninjas.
That meant, besides Hiruko, there were thirteen Guardian Ninjas.
"With the Guardian Ninjas not yet aware and Genji having the advantage of numbers, he will definitely succeed."
Tagitsuhime said very objectively.
"What happens if you intervene?"
Natsuki asked again.
"They are no match for me."
A proud expression immediately appeared on Tagitsuhime's face.
Unlike the other Snake Princesses, she was more petty.
Natsuki reached out and patted her bottom, stopping her from continuing.
Not long after, the two arrived at the villa.
Dense fog was everywhere.
The Kirigakure ninjas had already made their move.
Natsuki didn't hesitate and immediately rushed into the villa with Tagitsuhime.
But he purposely kept a low profile.
Sword light crisscrossed.
When passing by Kirigakure ninjas, the Kirigakure ninjas were instantly bisected.
Natsuki's attack was very rapid.
By the time the Kirigakure ninjas reacted, they were already dead.
Tagitsuhime followed behind Natsuki, controlling the ground with Sage Art: Inorganic Reincarnation, ensuring that the killed Kirigakure ninjas wouldn't make any noise.
She did this to give the remaining Kirigakure ninjas a surprise.
Natsuki and Tagitsuhime continued forward.
All the Kirigakure ninjas along the way were cleanly dealt with.
By the time Natsuki found the Daimyo of the Land of Water, there were less than twenty Kirigakure ninjas left alive.
These people all gathered in one area.
A fierce battle was ongoing.
Genji and Hoshigaki Kisame dealt with the Guardian Ninjas, while the other Kirigakure ninjas surrounded the Daimyo.
Natsuki glanced at them, locking onto the two leading Kirigakure Jonin.
Three arrows were shot in succession.
Petrification spread instantly.
The two leading Jonin, along with one Chunin, were killed on the spot.
The remaining Kirigakure ninjas were immediately thrown into chaos.
"Who is it?"
Genji was the first to react, hurriedly turning his head to look.
However, due to the fog, he couldn't see anything clearly.
Sage Art: Inorganic Reincarnation!
Tagitsuhime immediately took action.
The ground came alive, making the Kirigakure ninjas unable to dodge.
The Guardian Ninjas fighting alongside them were not affected, and thus were momentarily stunned.
"Who is there?"
Genji roared.
Natsuki drew his bow continuously, killing Kirigakure ninjas one by one from a distance.
"Elder Genji, I'll go check it out!"
Hoshigaki Kisame rushed into the fog.
However, what greeted him was a silently falling arrow.
Hoshigaki Kisame held the Samehada in both hands and slashed with full force.
Clang!
A crisp metallic sound rang out.
Hoshigaki Kisame raised his head, his eyes subconsciously widening.
Because the Samehada's blade had actually broken.
Natsuki's current arrow was made of Chakra Metal and had been enhanced.
In terms of sharpness and sturdiness, it was on par with the Seven Ninja Swords.
And when enhanced with Armament Haki, it became far sharper.
It was normal for the Samehada to be unable to withstand it.
Of course, this was also related to Hoshigaki Kisame's current strength being far inferior to what it was in the original work.
After all, he was only a Chunin now.
Before Hoshigaki Kisame could react, a second arrow had already hit his throat.
The Samehada and Hoshigaki Kisame collapsed together.
Genji's face changed drastically.
He hurriedly retreated.
But it was too late.
A figure appeared, and a short sword suddenly stuck to his neck.
Genji subconsciously looked at the person coming.
An unfamiliar face, and the clothes seemed to be ordinary clothes.
The only thing that could prove this person's identity was the forehead protector on his head.
It was the forehead protector of an ordinary Land of Water ninja.
"Who are you?"
Genji asked in a deep voice.
The person who appeared was naturally Natsuki.
The forehead protector on his head also came from a Land of Water ninja.
It was prepared for this situation.
If he wore Konoha's forehead protector, it would be discovered by Kirigakure.
But wearing the Land of Water's forehead protector made everything clear.
Obviously, all of this was orchestrated by the Daimyo of the Land of Water.
Natsuki didn't answer.
He slashed Genji's throat with one stroke.
His face remained expressionless, as if he were doing something completely insignificant.
Genji's eyes widened, filled with shock and unwillingness.
He couldn't believe he was killed so easily.
The next moment, his body fell straight to the ground.
Almost simultaneously, all the Kirigakure ninjas were killed.
Whether it was by Natsuki's arrows, Tagitsuhime's Sage Art: Inorganic Reincarnation, or by the Guardian Ninjas, they all died here.
The fog gradually dissipated.
Natsuki put away the bow and arrow and placed a mask on his face.
Then he walked toward the Daimyo of the Land of Water.
The Guardian Ninjas were immediately on guard.
"He's on our side."
At this moment, Hiruko stepped out of the fog, walked up to Natsuki, and said. "He is my friend and my most trusted partner."
Natsuki glanced at him, thinking to himself that Hiruko could really act.
The Daimyo of the Land of Water stepped forward, a faint smile appearing on his face, and asked. "Hiruko, is what you said true?"
The appearance of Natsuki relieved him immensely.
No matter who this person was, as long as he was Hiruko's trusted partner, then that was fine.
After all, Hiruko had saved his life.
"Of course it's true."
Hiruko nodded and introduced. "He is now the captain of the Kuja Pirates."
"I see!"
The Daimyo of the Land of Water's eyes suddenly lit up.
Suppressing the excitement in his heart, he hurriedly asked. "I heard the Kuja Pirates specialize in robbing evil merchant ships and liberating slaves. Is this true?"
"It is true."
Natsuki nodded and replied.
"Sir, why do you do this?"
The Daimyo of the Land of Water asked curiously.
"To establish the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
Natsuki was very direct. "The Seven Warlords of the Sea is a ninja force that can counter the Five Great Ninja Villages."
"Counter the Five Great Ninja Villages?"
The Daimyo of the Land of Water was momentarily stunned.
He had never dared to think of such a thing.
"The Five Great Ninja Villages have an extremely large influence. Even we Daimyos must rely on them for national defense."
The Daimyo of the Land of Water said.
"If the Seven Warlords of the Sea is established, it will have the influence of the Five Great Ninja Villages."
Natsuki paused and asked. "Is the Daimyo interested in supporting us?"
"What do you mean?"
The Daimyo of the Land of Water was slightly taken aback.
"Once the Seven Warlords of the Sea is established, it can replace Kirigakure's position in the Land of Water."
Natsuki explained.
"This..."
The Daimyo of the Land of Water hesitated.
"Daimyo, Kirigakure just tried to kill you, and you still plan to support them?"
Hiruko reminded him.
The Daimyo of the Land of Water gritted his teeth.
Kirigakure had truly infuriated him, especially this time.
First, Kurosuki Raiga tried to assassinate him. Then Genji tried to abduct him.
The thing that angered him the most was that they didn't have a clear reason for it.
What did he do?
To make Kirigakure's ninjas treat him this way!
Even though they failed.
"I can support the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
The Daimyo of the Land of Water made up his mind and said.
Although the Seven Warlords of the Sea was far from a match for Kirigakure, their existence could still serve as a check against Kirigakure.
But the most important thing was that all his Guardian Ninjas almost died tonight.
He needed more people to protect him.
"I hope the Seven Warlords of the Sea can serve as my Guardian Ninjas."
The Daimyo of the Land of Water added.
"That is exactly what we planned."
Natsuki said without changing his expression.
"Then, when will the Seven Warlords of the Sea be officially established?"
The Daimyo of the Land of Water asked expectantly.
"Very soon."
Natsuki replied. "What I can tell you is, the Seven Warlords of the Sea currently has over thirty members, and ten of them are Jonin."
Besides the three Snake Princesses, the ten Jonin included the thirteen Guardian Ninjas present.
Natsuki had controlled the Guardian Ninjas when he killed Genji and the others.
The Daimyo of the Land of Water didn't notice.
After all, the Guardian Ninjas were the same as before.
The Blood Curse had no effect on a person's daily behavior.
It only kicked in when it was needed.
For example, when Natsuki gave orders.
"Ten Jonin? Doesn't that rival Kirigakure?"
The Daimyo of the Land of Water was greatly surprised.
Although Kirigakure had more than ten Jonin, the ones that could be used in battle numbered about that.
"Of course."
Natsuki said confidently. "These Guardian Ninjas have also seen our strength tonight."
The Guardian Ninjas nodded, revealing expressions of lingering fear.
Natsuki's strength left the deepest impression on them.
He killed people like cutting grass, and whenever he drew his bow, someone would definitely die.
"Tonight's matters must be kept strictly confidential."
Natsuki looked at the Daimyo of the Land of Water and said. "I don't want the entire ninja world to know about the relationship between the Seven Warlords of the Sea and you."
"Don't worry. I understand the severity of this matter."
The Daimyo of the Land of Water immediately said.
If Kirigakure knew of his relationship with the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Kirigakure would definitely be very angry.
And there would very likely be a situation where ninjas surrounded the metropolis.
"As for the corpses of Genji and the others, I will take them away."
Natsuki said.
"Please go ahead."
The Daimyo of the Land of Water didn't refuse.
Natsuki opened an Air Door and transported all the corpses into the Infinity Castle.
"Hiruko, what do we do next?"
After witnessing Natsuki's strength, the Daimyo of the Land of Water trusted Hiruko even more.
"Don't alert anyone. Continue as if nothing happened tonight."
Natsuki spoke in Hiruko's place.
He looked at the Guardian Ninjas and continued. "However, for safety's sake, you all need to leave the Land of Water for a while."
"I understand."
The Guardian Ninjas said in unison.
None of them objected, just like they hadn't objected to having the Blood Curse planted in them earlier.
After all, the person who had planted the Blood Curse in them was Natsuki.
They weren't even aware of it, so naturally they wouldn't object.
"Daimyo, in twenty days, I will send people to pick you up and bring you to a safe place."
Natsuki said to the Daimyo of the Land of Water.
"Understood."
The Daimyo of the Land of Water nodded in agreement.
At this point, he was already riding a tiger and couldn't get off.
Even if he wanted to regret it now, Natsuki definitely wouldn't give him the chance.
Natsuki left.
He didn't immediately return to Konoha, but went to the main island of the Land of Sea.
This was the largest island in the Land of Sea and the capital where the Daimyo of the Land of Sea resided.
This was also the location Natsuki planned for the headquarters of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Over an hour later, a summons came from Ichikishimahime.
Natsuki followed her summons, opened an Air Door, and arrived.
"Master, the slaves are all here."
Ichikishimahime pointed at the densely packed crowd.
There were hundreds of people, maybe even thousands.
These slaves were undoubtedly the poorest class.
Whether in terms of clothing or physique, they were far inferior to ordinary villagers.
Natsuki reached out and casually opened an Air Door.
This Air Door was special, used solely for transporting people.
He didn't require the slaves to have any identification; they just needed to walk into the Air Door.
Then, they could transport themselves to the designated location.
This was a new ability of the Door-Door Fruit that Natsuki had developed: the Transport Door.
Its effect was as the name suggested: one-way teleportation to another location through the door.
Its advantage was that the door could remain open for an extremely long time.
Its disadvantage was also obvious: one-way transport, and the destination was fixed.
"The other side of the door is your new home."
Natsuki looked at the densely packed slaves and said nonchalantly.
His tone, his movements, all appeared very calm.
As if he were doing something insignificant.
Some slaves immediately walked toward the door.
Driven by the herd mentality, other slaves followed.
Not long after, all the slaves were transported to the Land of Sea.
Natsuki closed the Air Door and opened another one.
He walked into the second Air Door with Ichikishimahime.
The two were transported to the second location where slaves were concentrated.
This time, Ichikishimahime's snakes had already gathered the slaves together.
Natsuki did the same and opened a Transport Door.
"Master, you can leave this matter to me alone."
Ichikishimahime thought for a moment and said.
After all, the Transport Door didn't need Natsuki's control.
As long as Ichikishimahime led the slaves to enter the Transport Door, they could be transported.
"These slaves are wary of you guys. You can only do this by force."
Natsuki shook his head and said. "Doing it by force will definitely cause a commotion, and you will attract Kirigakure's attention. I need to end this operation as quickly as possible."
Hearing this, Ichikishimahime stopped talking.
Natsuki waited for the slaves to be transported, then opened an Air Door and rushed to the third location.
Time slowly passed.
By the time all operations ended, Natsuki had transported over seven thousand slaves.
Most of them were civilians who had been captured and turned into slaves due to wars.
A small portion were criminals.
Natsuki separated these criminals into a specific location.
Reformable ones would be given another chance.
Unreformable ones would be directly executed.
It's worth mentioning that crimes like theft or robbery due to hunger weren't considered crimes in his eyes.
What he considered crimes were things like committing murder for pleasure, rape, or deceiving others for personal gain.
After finishing all his work, Natsuki stood on the main island of the Land of Sea.
He stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the slaves gathered on the plaza.
Beside him were the thirteen Guardian Ninjas who had accepted the Blood Curse.
And before him were the three Snake Princesses.
"Kneel!"
Natsuki's voice was calm, but it possessed a deterrent power that made people submit.
All the slaves knelt in unison.
"From today onwards, you are citizens of the Land of Sea."
Natsuki continued. "The Seven Warlords of the Sea will protect you, and in return, you must contribute your labor."
"Thank you, Lord!"
The slaves said in unison.
Natsuki nodded.
His motivation for liberating these slaves was purely to unlock Conqueror's Haki.
Whether it was to establish his own forces, or to make them do things, it would all have to come later.
But without a doubt, these slaves were his private property.
[Congratulations to the host for unlocking Boa Hancock template ability three: Conqueror's Haki.]
The character panel notification that appeared confirmed that his efforts weren't in vain.
Conqueror's Haki, the rarest among the Three Types of Haki.
In One Piece, only a handful of people possessed it.
Conqueror's Haki's effect wasn't physical damage, but rather mental intimidation that rendered the weak unconscious.
Besides that, it could also deter animals.
In fact, Natsuki had already achieved the effect of Conqueror's Haki through genjutsu.
But Conqueror's Haki didn't require the use of chakra.
He could release Conqueror's Haki anytime, anywhere, intimidating enemies.
Most importantly, Conqueror's Haki was an emotional ability.
The stronger the will, the stronger Conqueror's Haki becomes.
In One Piece, Conqueror's Haki could even clash with another Conqueror's Haki, overpower the enemy's Haki, and render them helpless.
Of course, that was the top tier.
Natsuki had just unlocked it.
He would have to slowly learn how to use it.
Time reached July.
The Ame-Konoha Power Company completed the construction of its first hydroelectric power station.
The electricity generated was initially supplied only to the Land of Rain.
The power station required a running-in period.
As they ran in, they continued to build more power stations.
According to estimates, they could start supplying power to Konoha and the Land of Fire by next year.
Meanwhile, the ninja world's situation was very tense.
Kumogakure and Kirigakure had already clashed more than ten times.
Both sides had casualties.
But the scale wasn't large, so it wasn't considered a Great Ninja War.
However, what surprised Natsuki the most was Iwagakure's proactive attack.
After Orochimaru became Hokage, Iwagakure's Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, launched attacks on Konoha's borders.
Konoha immediately retaliated.
Both sides, you came and I went, already tangling at the border.
Sunagakure was relatively restrained.
It was mainly because Konoha's northwestern border neighbor was the Land of Rivers, not the Land of Wind.
And the Land of Rivers had the Akatsuki organization keeping watch.
Although the Land of Rivers bordered the Land of Wind, the ninja forces of the Land of Rivers were in the Akatsuki organization's hands.
Without Natsuki's approval, it was impossible for Sunagakure to station troops in the Land of Rivers.
In a sense, the Akatsuki organization's control over the Land of Rain was a buffer for Konoha against both Sunagakure and Iwagakure.
Sunagakure didn't want to see such a situation.
However, they didn't dare to act rashly.
Because the Land of Rivers was nominally a subordinate of the Land of Fire.
If Sunagakure attacked the Land of Rivers, it would immediately draw Konoha over.
They didn't want to face Konoha's offensive alone.
Therefore, Sunagakure was waiting for an opportunity.
July tenth.
Once again, it was Uzumaki Kushina's birthday.
Because of the tense situation in the ninja world, Natsuki couldn't take her out to play.
But Natsuki still prepared a birthday feast for her.
At noon, they had lunch at Tsunade's house.
In the evening, they gathered at Orochimaru's house.
The gathering at Orochimaru's house was more formal, with Jiraiya, Namikaze Minato, and Yakushi Nonou also present.
"Happy birthday!"
Everyone said in unison.
Uzumaki Kushina looked at the scene before her, her face full of smiles.
Natsuki smiled and handed her the gifts he had prepared in advance.
This time, he gave her weapons.
Two short swords specially made for her.
Their materials came from the Box of Ultimate Bliss, along with some Chakra Metal.
Among the weapons from the Seven Ninja Swords, both the Kubikiribocho and the Samehada were now in his hands.
But their materials were insufficient to forge a new weapon.
He planned to collect all the weapons of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and then forge a new weapon all at once.
"Thank you!"
Uzumaki Kushina gave him a big hug.
Her heart was filled with sweetness.
August arrived.
Before Uzumaki Kushina could enjoy herself for long, news of war came.
Iwagakure and Sunagakure joined forces, attacking Konoha on two fronts.
In fact, Sunagakure originally bordered Konoha to the west.
But Sunagakure's first move was not to attack Konoha.
They attacked the Land of Rivers.
After annexing the Land of Rivers, Sunagakure and Iwagakure formed a pincer attack on Konoha.
The Third Great Ninja War officially began.
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