Chapter 48: In The Name Of Justice.

While fighting Momochi Zabuza, Kisame said in his unique accent, "Will the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist hand over their blades?" Zenkichi replied lazily, "You don't need to worry about that. I believe they'll give me some face." "Speaking of which... Mangetsu Hōzuki, does your clan still have that scroll that channels the power of the ninja swords?" Zenkichi looked curiously at Mangetsu. That kind of scroll had appeared in the original series and was used by Mangetsu after he was reincarnated by Edo Tensei. Mangetsu nodded. "Most of the Seven Ninja Swords were acquired by our Hōzuki Clan. Our ancestors crafted a summoning scroll, but it can only be used by those of our bloodline." Zenkichi said calmly, "Is that so? Then work hard. You've got talent—I believe you can master all seven swords." Mangetsu was momentarily stunned, then grinned. "That's my goal!" Just then,Yukine's voice sounded. "I sense a large amount of chakra up ahead—looks like a fleet of ships is coming this way." Zenkichi used Observation Haki and smiled. "Relax, they're just a bunch of pirates." In the world of Naruto, it wasn't only shinobi—samurai, pirates, and bandits existed as well. Moments later, several pirate ships appeared on the horizon, opposite Zenkichi's ship. The ships were armed with massive crossbows, each fitted with explosive tags. When triggered, the explosive tags launched the bolts with devastating force, the impact amplified by the chakra-infused mechanisms. "The bolts have destructive kinetic energy—and then the tag detonates afterward!" "A pirate crew with ninja-level tactics... how terrifying." Zenkichi muttered casually. A golden light sparked at his fingertips, and a cross-shaped glow began to spin. A beam of pure light—brilliant and searing—fired from his hand, slicing through the incoming bolts midair. "You guys, take care of the rest." He waved lazily, signaling his students and subordinates to engage. Training alone wasn't enough—true growth came from battle. "A fight at last." A flash of bloodlust crossed Zabuza's eyes. He drew his massive sword and charged toward the pirate fleet. Kisame wasn't far behind, grinning as he leapt into the fray. The others quickly followed suit, blades drawn. Yagura dashed across the water, forming hand signs mid-stride. Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique! A towering water dragon erupted from the sea, bolstered by Yagura's strategic use of the surrounding water, and crashed down, obliterating an entire ship. "Water Style, huh?" Mangetsu glanced sideways. The pride of his clan wouldn't allow him to sit back while someone else stole the spotlight. He immediately activated the Hydrification Technique, a secret of the Hōzuki Clan. This technique not only allowed him to transform into water but also manipulate vast amounts of it in combat. Mangetsu controlled the ocean itself, forming a colossal, vicious sea creature from the waves. With a gaping maw, the water beast swallowed an entire pirate ship, trapping it in an aquatic prison. Lava Release: Monster Melting Technique! Mei Terumī spewed a torrent of corrosive acid, transforming the battlefield into a downpour of acidic rain. Pirates screamed and scrambled in panic as it burned through metal and flesh alike. Ice Release: A Thousand Ice Senbon! Mizunashi Yukine unleashed a hailstorm of razor-sharp ice needles that rained down on the enemy ranks with chilling precision. "So many powerful jutsu..." Kisame and Zabuza couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. They were still sword specialists for now—but both were naturals. Mastering jutsu would be no problem. Zenkichi had already prepared two training modules for them: one for silent assassination, and another focused on Water Release techniques. Just like in the original, Zabuza would walk the path of silent killing, while Kisame would become a water-style turret. "Ninjas?!" "Damn it, why are they shinobi?!" "With this kind of power, what are they even escorting?!" "Retreat! Retreat immediately!" The pirate captain panicked at the display of overwhelming force and ordered a hasty retreat. Facing two Water Release experts on the open sea was suicide. "You think you can run? Not that easy." "If you escape, how could I live up to my cloak of justice?" "With this get-up, I'll be promoted to Admiral for sure!" Zenkichi glanced at his outfit and chuckled to himself. Then he soared into the sky in a burst of golden light particles, reforming high above. Yasakani no Magatama! A barrage of light bullets rained down like meteors, shredding the pirate ships to floating wreckage. The surviving pirates tried to flee by jumping into the sea—only to find Kisame and the others waiting for them atop the waves. "It's over." Zenkichi landed gracefully, his tone calm. [ Ding! Achievement Unlocked – Pirate Annihilation! Template Character: Kizaru. Synchronization Rate: 47%! ] The system notification rang in Zenkichi's mind, filling him with satisfaction. Compared to the earlier mission of suppressing the Kaguya Clan, wiping out pirates had yielded a much higher synchronization rate. "Is it because Kizaru is a Marine?" Zenkichi mused. That seemed the only explanation. Still, he knew the same results wouldn't come from repeating the feat endlessly. The bonus had been achieved—any more would yield diminishing returns. "In the name of justice, confiscate all their treasure!" He snapped out of his thoughts and shouted the order to Kisame and the others. --- "Enjoyed the chapters? Good. Now, cough up those Powerstones~ (^▽^)"