Chapter 8: Forging the Special Kirikabe Ichimonji
The new secret forging technique was far more time-consuming and difficult compared to the one used for shuriken.
That was precisely why Naraku had told Nawaki to come back in three days.
The grueling forging process began.
Day 1 Naraku worked tirelessly in the forging room. He carefully placed the Oriharukon and chakra-conductive metal into the high-temperature furnace, slowly heating them to their melting points. As the temperature rose, the two metals began to melt and fuse, forming a powerful, resilient alloy.
Next, he executed a series of mysterious secret techniques, using mental force to guide the molten mixture's flow and deformation. He constantly adjusted its shape and internal structure to form the ideal core framework.
Once the preliminary shaping was complete, Naraku took a sharp tool and precisely severed the limbs of the Flying Mantis corpse. These parts were placed in a special container, carefully refined and processed to remove useless impurities and excess tissue. Through intricate steps, the truly valuable components were gradually isolated and purified, eventually condensing into pitch-black liquid droplets.
Day 2 Naraku focused intently on the equipment. He cautiously dripped the black liquid onto the core framework—one drop at a time—like seeds brimming with boundless energy and potential. The droplets seemed to possess their own will, swiftly merging into the framework with perfect harmony, as though they had always belonged together.
As drop after drop was infused, the core began to undergo miraculous changes. The most critical step was using the black droplets to meticulously carve special patterns across the material's surface. These intricate lines resembled mysterious runes or ancient incantations—each stroke carrying profound meaning and power. Through this method, the energy within the droplets was maximized and perfectly fused with the core.
Sweat dripped steadily from Naraku's forehead. After three full hours, he finally completed the engraving.
Then he brought out the last material: fine iron. But after a moment's thought, he also retrieved a portion of the green-grade "Monkey Scarlet Iron Sand" and "Monkey Scarlet Ore." In the ninja world, these might have additional unique uses beyond basic forging.
He melted them together with the fine iron, then layered the resulting alloy over the core framework, applying another secret technique to bind everything. Finally, the sword's rough form took shape.
Day 3 By the third day, Naraku was visibly exhausted. Staring at the sword in his hands felt like gazing at an unparalleled beauty—his own energy seemed drained into it.
He steadied his mind and began the final hammering phase. Blow after blow, the blade sharpened into clear definition. Of course, he didn't forget to etch his signature "N" logo—subtle now, but in the future, weapons bearing this mark would be highly sought after.
Using leftover scraps, he crafted a fitting scabbard to match.
Looking at the completed sword, Naraku felt a surge of pride. Unlike typical Japanese anime katana, this blade was double-edged. Without chakra infusion, it appeared pitch-black and unremarkable—only the wielder and their enemies would discover its true terror.
Ding...
[Congratulations, Forger has crafted a B-grade weapon! Reward: 100 free lottery draws!]
Naraku appraised the blade:
[Kirikabe Ichimonji (Special Edition): This sword embodies the forger's full dedication, forged with an array of precious materials: Oriharukon, chakra-conductive metal, dangerous species components, Monkey Scarlet Iron Sand, Monkey Scarlet Ore, and fine iron. Multiple Vassal Arm secret techniques were employed over three full days of forging—surpassing the original version by a wide margin!
Double-edged blade, 1.2 meters long. Possesses "Durability" and "Sharpness" traits. Excellent chakra conductivity.
Abilities:
Stores a fixed amount of Yang-attribute chakra for a single ultra-powerful strike against the enemy!
Any wound inflicted by Kirikabe Ichimonji cannot heal naturally—even a scratch. The wound persists indefinitely, causing continuous bleeding that cannot be stopped by normal means. Physical suturing and sealing for at least one week is required to halt bleeding. Advanced medical ninjutsu can reduce bleeding duration. Otherwise, the target will bleed to death!]
Seeing the first ability—Yang chakra storage—Naraku knew he'd made the right call.
"Hahahaha! Hahahaha!"
At that moment, Naraku transformed into full Uchiha Mad Laugh mode. This blade was his first true step toward dominating the ninja world!
After cleaning himself up, Naraku brought the Kirikabe Ichimonji (Special Edition) to the Nekomata General Store.
Nawaki was already waiting inside.
"Nawaki-san, this is the sword you requested!" Naraku handed it over.
Nawaki slowly drew the blade. It looked plain—jet-black and unassuming—but he immediately sensed its razor-sharp edge.
"This sword isn't as simple as it appears," Naraku said calmly. "Let's head to a training ground."
Nawaki led him there.
When Naraku saw Orochimaru standing nearby, he went numb. You people bring the gift recipient to test it themselves? No sense of mystery at all?
But Orochimaru hadn't gone dark yet, and Naraku was, after all, a proud Uchiha. It should be fine… probably.
He forced himself to greet politely: "Lord Orochimaru, hello."
Orochimaru smiled faintly. "You know me?"
"I've only heard that the Third Hokage's three disciples are all first-rate genius ninjas—especially you, Lord Orochimaru." Naraku laid on the flattery thick.
"You're quite something yourself," Orochimaru replied smoothly. "To forge such an excellent blade at your age."
Commercial mutual praise complete.
Naraku then explained the weapon's special traits: "Beyond standard durability and sharpness, this blade has two abilities."
"Abilities?" Both men grew curious, wondering if it was something like the Seven Ninja Swordsmen's unique traits.
"Yes. First: it can store a fixed amount of Yang-attribute chakra for a devastating single strike. Second: any wound caused by Kirikabe Ichimonji cannot heal naturally—even the slightest scratch. The wound remains open forever, bleeding continuously and resisting all normal healing."
Orochimaru, ever the researcher, zeroed in on the critical detail: "Completely incurable?"
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