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Chapter – 1137 The Samurai from the Land of Iron II
🕑 Added 2025-03-07 06:52:10 +0000 UTC“This is likely the first and only time the Chūnin Exams have been this intense—and it may never happen again.”
All five Samurai, including Mifune, turned their attention to the speaker. Their eyes widened in surprise as they called out his name in unison, “Hatake Kakashi?”
“Kakashi-sama?” Ayame called out in surprise.
Kakashi shrugged. “Just Kakashi is fine, Ayame-san…”
Ayame shook her head firmly. “How can that be? You are the Hokage’s right hand… Naturally, we must show you the proper respect.”
Not wanting to argue, Kakashi sighed. “Suit yourself…”
“Ayame-nee-san… we’re here too!” From behind Kakashi, Naruto called out, raising his hand to draw attention to himself and Mika.
“Ah… if it isn’t Naruto-chan! Mika-chan!” Ayame clasped her hands together with a warm smile. Then, gesturing toward the seats, she said, “Come on, don’t just stand there—take a seat and give me your orders!”
Kakashi, Naruto, and Mika did just that. After taking their seats, they began placing their orders.
“Miso Chashu Ramen for me! And please top it with extra pork slices!” Naruto said excitedly.
“I’ll have Shoyu Ramen,” Mika added, giving her order.
“And I think I’ll go with Tonkotsu Ramen,” Kakashi said with a smile.
Ayame quickly jotted down their orders on her notepad and nodded. “One Miso Chashu Ramen, one Shoyu Ramen, and one Tonkotsu Ramen… Got it!” She then turned to Teuchi and called out, “Otou-san, we’ve got another order! Make it special—it's for Kakashi-sama, Naruto-chan, and Mika-chan.”
“Coming right up!” Teuchi replied, already beginning the preparations for three more bowls.
Once their orders were placed, Kakashi turned his attention to the Samurai General and greeted him. “Mifune-dono… I hadn’t expected to see your party here.”
Mifune nodded with a light smile. “We’re simply taking this opportunity to explore Konoha. My men were feeling hungry, and since we’ve heard plenty of rumors about Konoha’s famous Ichiraku Ramen, we couldn’t pass up the chance to try it.” After a brief pause, he added, “I must say, in my life as a Samurai, I have visited quite a few Shinobi villages… but Konohagakure is undoubtedly the most prosperous.”
“Konoha has always been like this,” Kakashi said with a small smile.
Mifune stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Despite suffering multiple tragedies over the past two decades, Konoha still stands strong. That resilience… it is truly commendable.”
“If the General of the Samurai of the Land of Iron says so… then I suppose I must humbly accept the praise…” said Kakashi.
Mifune nodded, but his expression shifted to one of concern. “Still, I can't help but worry… With so many people gathered here, what if something happens?” Though he didn’t say it outright, his words conveyed his unease. Internally, he thought, ‘Since Hatake Kakashi is the Hokage’s right hand and effectively oversees the village, he should know whether this is a trap or not…’
Kakashi scratched his cheek awkwardly. He fully understood what it was that troubled Mifune and thought to himself, ‘I should probably avoid saying too much about this.’
However, Mifune was the General of the Samurai from the Land of Iron, and it was necessary to reassure someone of his stature. With that in mind, Kakashi chose his words carefully, speaking just enough to put Mifune at ease. “There’s no need for concern, Mifune-dono. We’ve taken extensive measures to ensure everyone’s safety—nothing will happen during this Joint Chūnin Promotion.” After a brief pause, he added confidently, “And even if something does occur, we have everything under control. So, you and your party can relax and enjoy the semi-finals and finals without worry.”
“You seem awfully confident, Kakashi-dono,” Mifune remarked, raising an eyebrow.
Kakashi smiled and replied, “If I, as the Hokage’s hand, am not confident in our arrangements, then how can we assure the entire village and the tourists?”
His confidence wasn’t unfounded. Now that he knew that members of Amatsukami were secretly participating in the Joint Chūnin Promotion Exam, he understood that if anything were to happen, they would undoubtedly take action, ensuring Konoha’s safety.
Had he not known the true identities and backgrounds of Raijin, Samsara, and Tengu, he wouldn’t be nearly as certain and relaxed.
“Since it’s the Hokage’s Hand assuring us, I suppose I have no choice but to trust in his confidence,” Mifune said with a slight smile.
However, inwardly, he mused, ‘So it might really be a trap. And even if it’s not, making a move probably wouldn’t be in our best interest. Well, it’s a good thing we decided not to act this time…’
His thoughts shifted as he reminded himself, ‘The first objective of the mission has been completed… now, the next step is…’
Mifune's gaze subtly shifted toward the blond-haired Genin sitting beside Kakashi. ‘The Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails…’ Out loud, he addressed the boy, drawing his attention. “And you must be Uzumaki Naruto.”
“Huh?” Naruto blinked in surprise and turned to Mifune. “Old man, do you know me?” he asked curiously.
“Naruto don’t be disrespectful,” Kakashi chided. “This is Mifune-dono, the General of the Samurai from the Land of Iron.”
“Samurai?” Naruto repeated, eyes widening in surprise.
Mifune nodded with a chuckle. “Indeed, I am a Samurai.” He then added, “And yes, I know of you. I’ve watched your fights.” He paused briefly before continuing, “I must say, I’m truly impressed… I never expected to witness someone actually controlling the power of the Nine-Tails.”
“Is it really that big of a deal?” Naruto asked, looking a little confused.
He had never truly considered how difficult it was to harness such power.
Since he had managed to do it without too much trouble, he hadn’t thought much about the significance of his achievement.
Mifune chuckled at Naruto’s cluelessness and patiently explained, “If I recall correctly, the last person to properly control the Nine-Tails was Uchiha Madara, during his battle against the Shodaime Hokage. If you ever visit the Valley of the End, you’ll see just how much that place was affected by their fight.” He paused before adding, “The Nine-Tails isn’t something just anyone can control. I’d say it’s quite a remarkable feat.”
“Haha… is that so? Then that just means I’m awesome!” Naruto said with a grin, laughing proudly.
Mifune chuckled and nodded. “Haha… it certainly does.”
At that moment, Ayame arrived with several bowls, carefully placing them in front of the five samurai. “Here are your orders,” she said with a warm smile. “Please take your time and enjoy your meal.”
“Ah… thank you,” Mifune murmured as he shifted his attention away from Naruto. After a brief prayer, he said, “Itadakimasu,” then picked up his chopsticks and began eating his ramen, followed closely by the other four samurai.
‘It’s certainly not good news for us that he can harness the power of the Nine-Tails. This is going to be troublesome.’
