Naruto: Hidden Mist's Great Blacksmith

Izumo still felt guilty because of his identity as a member of the Hozuki Clan.

Even though on Forging Island, Izumo had already fought fiercely against those invaders from the Hozuki Clan.

But in reality, Kaguya Izumi and Daida both witnessed Izumo's actions at that time.

Moreover, Soma knew that Izumo had not participated in the Hozuki Clan's actions.

If Izumo had been involved, the Hozuki Clan's actions would have been much faster and more precise.

It was precisely because Soma knew Izumo hadn't betrayed him that he gave Izumo the contract qualification for Thunder God's Rage.

Otherwise, Soma could have easily given it to Raiga or Ameyuri.

Between the clan and the forging department, Izumo chose loyalty to the forging department.

This is a reward for loyalty.

Additionally, the village is about to take action against the Hozuki Clan, officially exterminating them.

This is a massive operation.

If Izumo can wield Thunder God's Rage and perform well in this event, it will bring Soma more reputation than any ninja using Thunder God's Rage on the front lines.

Just like whenever people mention the night of the Kaguya Clan's extermination, they immediately think of Dragon-Bone.

In the future, when people mention the night of the Hozuki Clan's extermination, they will surely think of Thunder God's Rage.

Additionally, by giving the contract for Thunder God's Rage to Izumo, Soma will gain even more loyalty from him.

With Izumo's strength enhanced, after tonight, he will inevitably inherit the legacy of the Hozuki Clan.

This means Soma will gain access to the entire legacy of the Hozuki Clan: the Water Release Secret Jutsu, the Seven Ninja Swords, and the scroll that can summon the Seven Ninja Swords.

These are all things Soma desires.

Even in the worst-case scenario, if Izumo does eventually betray Soma, according to the third rule of the Blacksmith code, the power of Thunder God's Rage cannot affect Soma, the Blacksmith.

It would be even easier for Soma to kill Izumo.

Genji watched the figures leave for a long time before withdrawing his gaze.

As for the "thank you" Soma mentioned, Genji knew what Soma was referring to.

After this night, the Hozuki Clan will disappear from the surface.

However, there will still be some survivors from the Hozuki Clan, as well as people who are friendly with them.

The fault in this whole matter lies with the Hozuki Clan, not with Soma or Forging Island.

The surviving members of the Hozuki Clan are not part of the radical faction that participated in the actions, and those friendly with the Hozuki Clan also have an objective view of the situation.

But there is a small chance that a few individuals might hold a grudge against Soma because of this.

What Genji is doing is eliminating even that small probability.

Therefore, Genji suggested that after the operation is over, Izumo should take a position under Yagura.

This would focus any small lingering grudges on Izumo and Yagura.

Genji doesn't see this as unfair to Yagura or Izumo.

For Izumo, as a member of the Hozuki Clan, it's only natural for him to bear this burden after what has happened to his clan.

As for Yagura, the "extermination of the Hozuki Clan" was something he firmly pushed for.

Additionally, Yagura was under the control of Genjutsu.

When the time comes, all the hatred can be directed toward the person behind the Genjutsu controlling Yagura.

Soon, Soma and the others returned to Forging Island.

Entering the forging room, Soma began the final processing of Thunder God's Rage.

Not long after, Soma walked out.

Izumo immediately approached him.

"Uehara-sama, is this the tool?"

"That's right."

Soma nodded.

"This ninja tool is called Thunder God's Rage, a type of gauntlet. Try it."

"Yes, Uehara-sama."

Izumo, a bit excited, took it and wore the two gauntlets, fitting them snugly onto his forearms.

In the next moment, Chakra surged through him.

A voice rang in Soma's mind.

[Detected a contractee compatible with Thunder God's Rage (Attribute Compatibility: High). Overall compatibility: Excellent. Would you like to guide Thunder God's Rage to contract with the contractee?]

"So there's even an Excellent rating..."

"Guide!"

[Thunder God's Rage contract successful.]

[Compatibility: Excellent.]

[The abilities of Thunder God's Rage have been enhanced to some extent.]

[Congratulations, host, for obtaining an Excellent-level Lightning Release talent.]

[Detected that the host already possesses an Excellent-level Lightning Release talent. Beginning talent fusion.]

[Congratulations, host, for obtaining a Perfect-level Lightning Release talent. There is still a considerable gap to the next level, keep working hard.]

"A Perfect-level Lightning Release talent means my use of Lightning Release will be even more effective. Additionally, my use of Zudomon's Hammer will also improve."

"Unfortunately, I have too few Lightning Release Ninjutsu."

"To acquire more Lightning Release Ninjutsu, Hidden Cloud Village would be the best target."

"But there's no rush."

For Soma, the number of Lightning Release techniques is just an added bonus.

With Lightning Release, Soma will have more methods at his disposal.

But even without Lightning Release, Soma's strength wouldn't diminish much, as his main techniques are still Water Release.

Izumo clearly felt a surge of closeness, followed by lightning flickering on both of his arms.

He quickly directed the lightning toward the surface of the sea.

A bolt of lightning struck down.

"Boom!"

The water exploded instantly, sending countless sprays of water flying, along with fish and shrimp.

Some were stunned by the high-voltage lightning, while others were even turned into charcoal.

Izumo's eyes gleamed brightly.

"This feeling is far stronger than the Thunder Swords."

Izumo looked down at the Thunder God's Rage on his hands.

"With this Thunder God's Rage, I can use attacks as powerful as Raiga-san's."

"I can defeat Shimura Danzo!"

Izumo, excited, turned to Soma.

"Thank you, Uehara-sama."

Soma smiled faintly.

"Congratulations. The time has come, the operation arranged by Mizukage-sama is about to begin. You should hurry over there and cooperate with them as planned."

"Yes, Uehara-sama."

Izumo quickly left.

Soma recalled the information he received after completing the forging of Thunder God's Rage.

[Congratulations, host, for completing the forging.]

[Thunder God's Rage successfully forged.]

[Completion rating: Excellent.]

[Congratulations, host, for gaining 2000 Swordsmanship experience.]

[Thunder God's Rage]

[Type: Gauntlet]

[Quality: Excellent]

[Abilities: Power of Lightning—crafted from the vital organs of dangerous lightning-based creatures, granting special abilities.]

[Note: According to the third rule of the Blacksmith, the power of this ninja tool cannot affect the forger.]

"With Thunder God's Rage, Izumo's strength should have increased significantly."

"At present, within the entire Hozuki Clan, no one can probably match Izumo one-on-one."

"Especially since Lightning Release counters the Hozuki Clan."

Under the powerful attacks of Lightning Release, the Hozuki Clan would be unable to use their Hydrification Jutsu.

Izumo returned to Yagura's side.

"Mizukage-sama."

"Are you ready?"

"I'm ready."

"Then let's go!"

With Yagura's command, a large number of ninja immediately headed in the direction of Hozuki Island.

Izumo was at the front of the group.

The entire Hozuki Island had already been surrounded.

Izumo arrived at the center of Hozuki Island.

"Izumo?"

"What are you doing here?"

A patrol of ninja noticed Izumo's presence.

Izumo glanced over.

These were members of the Hozuki Clan's radical faction.

The only reason they hadn't participated in the attack on Forging Island, Izumo believed, was probably because their strength was too weak for Hozuki Kazuhiko to choose them.

"By order of Mizukage-sama, the Hozuki Clan has rebelled against authority with intent to revolt. They are to be exterminated!"

The next moment, Izumo raised one of his arms.

"Thunder God's Rage, kill!"

A bolt of lightning appeared above the patrol squad.

"Boom!"

It suddenly struck down.

In an instant, the members of the patrol squad were hit.

One died on the spot.

Three were paralyzed.

Only one, who had been standing further away and was barely affected, quickly reacted and looked at Izumo with disbelief, his eyes widening.

"The Hozuki Clan is planning to revolt?"

"You're going to exterminate the Hozuki Clan?"

"Lightning Release, Lightning Cannon!"

A beam of lightning pierced through.

Izumo harbored intense hatred for these radical faction members.

The more grateful he was to Soma, the more he loathed the Hozuki radicals who wanted to take action against him.

Moreover, the current situation faced by the Hozuki Clan was caused by these radicals, which had led to the suffering of the innocent.

"You are the bane of the Hozuki Clan!"

"Deserving of a thousand deaths!"

"Because of you, the Hozuki Clan is in this state."

"By killing you, the Hozuki Clan will have a future!"

Izumo's roar echoed.

"Judgment, begin!"

"Lightning Release, Lightning Cannon!"

The entire patrol squad fell.

The scent of blood spread.

Soon, the commotion from Izumo's attack drew nearby Hozuki Clan members.

They immediately saw the bodies of the patrol squad members lying on the ground.

And there, not far away, stood the indifferent Izumo.

"Izumo?"

"What have you done?"

"I will kill you!"

One person, who was a close friend of the fallen patrol squad member, saw this and immediately turned red with anger, charging toward Izumo while forming hand seals.

But before this person could reach Izumo, a bolt of lightning struck down, taking the Hozuki member's life.

"Hozuki Clan has rebelled against authority and caused chaos!"

"By order of Mizukage-sama, no mercy shall be given!"

At that moment, the ANBU ninja outside also began to close in and attack.

The entire Hozuki Clan was instantly shocked into panic.

"What is happening?"

"When did our Hozuki Clan rebel?"

"Mizukage-sama has ordered the extermination of our Hozuki Clan?"

"What did we do wrong?"

"But we are the Hozuki Clan."

"We are the clan of Gengetsu-sama."

"Mizukage-sama shouldn't be doing this to us."

"The village shouldn't treat us this way."

Those non-radical members who did not participate in the attack on Forging Island, and even those who were unaware of this action, felt utterly confused and terrified.

"What should we do?"

However, the radical faction members, who knew of Hozuki Kazuhiko's plan but were unable to participate in the Forging Island attack due to their lack of strength or other responsibilities, understood why such an order was given.

"Clan Head's actions have been discovered!"

"Damn it, it must have failed."

"If Soma had already been killed, Mizukage-sama wouldn't have gone this far."

"So ruthless, so vicious!"

"We only wanted to assassinate one person, and now they want to exterminate our Hozuki Clan?"

"This Yagura is even more cruel than the Third Mizukage!"

"Let's fight back!"

"Better to die than let them have it easy!"

Some Hozuki ninjas, filled with anger, charged out.

"Especially Izumo!"

"As a member of the Hozuki Clan, to betray the family and help outsiders against the Hozuki Clan, killing your own family members!"

"Too much!"

"Izumo must die!"

A large number of Hozuki Clan ninjas charged at Izumo.

Soon, dozens of figures gathered in front of Izumo.

One by one, they glared at Izumo with anger.

Izumo looked forward and found that he was not afraid at all.

In terms of numbers, the enemy had an absolute advantage.

But now, Izumo only felt anger and excitement.

"You traitors and pests of the Hozuki Clan… Now, your only value is to let me see how strong the Thunder God's Rage really is."

Izumo raised both arms.

A large amount of chakra flowed into them.

"Kill Izumo!"

"Kill this traitor!"

"Everyone, attack together!"

Angry voices rose as the Hozuki ninjas showed fierce expressions.

Some formed hand seals and used ninjutsu.

Some took out kunai and shuriken.

Some brandished ninjato and charged at Izumo.

It seemed that these people intended to pour all their anger, frustration at the failed plan, and fear of the Hozuki Clan's imminent destruction onto Izumo, aiming to destroy him.

But at that moment, Izumo's attack was ready.

With a large amount of chakra, combined with the power of Thunder God's Rage.

The two merged into one.

Izumo's strongest technique.

"Judge them, Thunder God's Rage!"

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