Mifune led Inoiki through the frost-covered streets of the Iron Country, their footsteps crunching against the snow-packed ground. They came to a stop outside a large building, smoke curling steadily from its chimney. The faint clang of metal striking metal echoed from within. It was the forge—famous across the region, not just for its output, but for the man who worked inside.
Inside, the heat was immediate, wrapping around them like a blanket. The forge blazed at the far end, casting flickering shadows along the stone walls. Standing before it was a man who looked as if he had been carved from iron himself—middle-aged, broad-chested, his arms thick with muscle and streaked with soot. His skin was tanned from years spent beside the flame, his eyes steady and sharp.
The man stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Lord Mifune," he said, then turned his gaze toward Inoiki. "Is he the one?"
Mifune nodded and stepped forward and gestured to the man. "This is Kanemaru," he said. "The best blacksmith in the Iron Country. He'll be the one crafting your weapon."
Inoiki gave a nod of acknowledgment and reached into his cloak, pulling out a carefully folded design. He handed it over. "This is what I want. A massive broadsword—taller than me. But it needs to be more than just one blade. It should disassemble into a hundred smaller weapons—blades, kunai, whatever works. I'll leave the details to your judgment."
Kanemaru took the paper, scanned the rough sketch, and gave a slow nod. "Understood. I'll draft a prototype and have something to show you by tomorrow."
"Good," Inoiki said. "Now, for the materials. Use exactly 120 kilograms of the main metal for the large sword. With the extra 20 kilograms, I want thirteen short swords—same design, same size, same everything. Uniform. And each one should feature a circular interlocking mechanism, inspired by the kanji 友—'tomo,' meaning 'friend.' Make sure that detail is precise."
Kanemaru didn't hesitate. The job was unusual, but the instructions were clear—and the order came from the Daimyo himself. That was all he needed to know.
Kanemaru gave a firm nod as he folded the design. "Alright. I'll sketch a few variations for the short swords as well—you can choose the one you like best. I'll start forging your weapon tomorrow at the earliest."
Inoiki nodded silently. He could tell Kanemaru wasn't the type to make small talk, nor was he interested in building any kind of rapport. That was fine—Inoiki felt the same. This wasn't a partnership. It was a transaction. If they crossed paths again, it would be for the same reason—business, nothing more.
With that unspoken understanding, Inoiki turned and left the forge with Mifune.
The next day, he returned—quiet, direct—ready to confirm the final design before the blacksmith began his work.
Kanemaru had the designs ready when Inoiki returned. Detailed sketches for both the main weapon and the companion short swords were laid out on the table. Inoiki examined each one carefully, his eyes scanning every curve, lock, and symbol.
He pointed to two. "These," he said.
One design was for his massive, transforming broadsword. The other was for the short sword that would symbolize his bond with his closest allies—a group of thirteen, including himself. Each of them would carry the same blade: identical in shape, weight, and the interlocking symbol of friendship carved into the hilt.
With his choices made, Inoiki left the forge. His work here, for now, was done.
He had no missions, no urgent duties pulling at his time. For the first time in a while, he was on a break—an entire month carved out just to have his weapon crafted. That was his main reason for coming to the Iron Country. Originally, it was just to get his sword made. But after acquiring more material than expected, he saw an opportunity to do more. Thirteen swords—for thirteen friends. A symbol. A message.
Now, with the hard part handled, he had time to breathe. Time to enjoy himself in the frozen stillness of the Iron Country.
The village of Konoha basked under the golden afternoon sun, its streets buzzing with life as usual. But today, something was different.
A familiar voice echoed through the village gates.
A boy with spiky blond hair and an unmistakable grin stood proudly at the entrance. Dressed in his signature orange and black jacket with matching orange pants, Naruto Uzumaki had returned.
After two and a half years of intense training under the guidance of the legendary Jiraiya, Naruto had finally come home.
Just as he stepped into the village, Sakura Haruno arrived with Konohamaru and his little entourage. Her eyes widened in surprise—and then joy.
"Naruto!" she called, running up to him.
The reunion was warm and full of teasing banter, the kind that only close friends could share. After a few laughs and playful scuffles, the group made their way to the Hokage's office.
Tsunade greeted them with a smile. Her stern expression softened the moment she saw Naruto and Jiraiya walk in. Tsunade was very happy but she wanted to see for herself how much Naruto had grown.
To test his progress, she arranged a sparring session—with none other than Kakashi Hatake. But there was a twist.
"You won't be fighting alone," Kakashi informed them casually, eyeing both Naruto and Sakura. "This will be a two-on-one match. Let's see what you've learned."
Yes, it was both Naruto and Sakura who were about to fight Kakashi.
Naruto and Sakura exchanged surprised glances. A joint test? Against Kakashi? Things had certainly changed.
They were no longer the inexperienced genin of the past. They had trained, grown stronger, and faced battles that had forged them into true shinobi. And now, their old sensei was putting them to the test once again.
The sparring match began, and it wasn't easy. Hours passed as the three fought across the training grounds in a fierce, tactical clash. Naruto's raw power and unpredictability, combined with Sakura's refined chakra control and strength, made them a formidable pair. But Kakashi was still Kakashi—clever, calm, and impossible to read.
Eventually, the test drew to a close. All three were exhausted, but there was a spark of pride in Kakashi's eyes watching growth of Naruto and Sakura.
With a final nod, he said, "Looks like Team Kakashi is back."
And just like that, a new Chapter began.
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