Because they were about to reach the most crucial and difficult step in the forging process—
The fusion of Sky-Red Copper and Black Gold Stone!
This time, Kazuki was in no rush.
Instead, he retrieved a previously forged clone kunai from his storage ring and infused it with his chakra.
Poof!
A plume of white smoke rose, and an identical materialized clone of Kazuki appeared beside him.
Although this materialized clone didn't possess as much chakra as a shadow clone, it was more than sufficient to assist in the forging process.
With all preparations complete, it was time for the highlight of the entire forging sequence.
Kazuki steadied his breath and refined his chakra, simultaneously controlling his clone to channel chakra separately.
They guided their respective energies into the two blazing-hot ores, gradually drawing them closer together, initiating the fusion.
Success hinged on what happened when the hammer struck—
Would the ores truly merge, or would the forging attempt fail yet again?
This step was the most crucial part of crafting a Kusanagi sword. A single misstep would render the entire forging process useless.
Kazuki had failed twice before at this exact stage.
Now, standing at the precipice of either success or failure, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of nervousness.
"Hah!"
With a deep breath, he gripped the hammer tightly in both hands and brought it down with full force onto the glowing minerals before him.
Clang!
The dreaded sound of shattering minerals didn't come.
Instead, a crisp, bell-like resonance echoed through the forge, clear and pleasant to the ear.
Kazuki's eyes widened in surprise before joy overwhelmed him. He nearly leaped off the ground in exhilaration.
This time—
He had succeeded!
Ding! Forging successful!
Forged Item: Primary Kusanagi Sword!
Ding! Congratulations!
The host has successfully forged a two-star Wind-Fire attribute Primary Kusanagi Sword!
System Rewards: +1 Wind Attribute Comprehension, +1 Fire Attribute Comprehension!
A system notification rang in Kazuki's ears.
Immediately, a warm, invigorating energy surged into his body from the void, washing over him.
The sensation was soothing, as if he were immersed in a rejuvenating hot spring.
For half an hour, the energy circulated within him, before gradually dissipating.
Kazuki slowly opened his eyes, sensing a profound change in himself.
The wind around him felt alive, flowing in natural harmony.
The forge's flames flickered as if responding to his presence.
He had developed a newfound affinity with these elements—
Astonishing!
After adjusting to these changes, Kazuki shifted his gaze to the sword before him.
This first-ever Kusanagi Sword he forged—
It had both Wind and Fire attributes!
Feeling a surge of excitement, he opened his system panel to inspect its properties:
[Primary Kusanagi Sword]
Rank: Two-Star Weapon
Attributes: Wind, Fire
Skills: Wind Blade, Skywind Spear, Fire Bomb, Fire Barrier
Contract Status: Unbound
Without hesitation, Kazuki bit his thumb and smeared his blood onto the sword.
Ding! The host has successfully contracted the Primary Kusanagi Sword (Wind & Fire)!
At this time, Kazuki's system panel displayed the following:
[Host: Kazuki]
[Age: 6 years old]
[Forging Level: Beginner]
[Unlocked Weapons: Clone Kunai (100%), Substitute Kunai (100%), Transformation Kunai (100%), Primary Space Ring (21%), Primary Kusanagi Sword (16%)]
[Self-Created Weapon: None]
Kazuki furrowed his brows. Is my forging level still only at the beginner stage?
He found it puzzling. Over the past months, his forging skills had improved rapidly. His craftsmanship had already surpassed many blacksmiths who specialized in ninja tools, even those from the Land of Iron. Yet, according to the system's assessment, he was still classified as a beginner?
"System, what are the requirements to advance to an intermediate blacksmith?" he asked.
[To advance, the host must successfully forge a weapon of four-star difficulty.]
[Upon reaching the intermediate level, the host will gain the ability to create original weapons. Successfully crafting an original weapon will yield even greater rewards.]
Four-star difficulty…
Kazuki sighed. It seemed that reaching the intermediate level would take some time. But he wasn't in a rush—he was only six years old. There was still plenty of time to refine both his forging skills and his overall strength.
After storing his Kusanagi Sword in his inventory, Kazuki returned to his room and fell asleep.
The Next Morning
Tenten, always full of energy, woke up early to prepare breakfast. Once she was done, she headed straight to Kazuki's room.
Having drained his physical strength, chakra, and mental energy the previous night, Kazuki was still fast asleep.
"Big brother, we can't skip class!" Tenten said with a bright smile as she shook him awake.
"Got it… zzzz…"
"...?"
Later in class, Kazuki finally began to recover from the exhaustion caused by forging the Kusanagi Sword.
My body still isn't strong enough… he thought to himself. If I want to craft higher-grade weapons, I need to improve my physical endurance.
His determination to train under Might Guy became even stronger.
After School
As usual, Kazuki, Tenten, and Rock Lee headed to the training grounds in Konoha to work on their taijutsu.
"Yo! Kazuki, Tenten, Lee! You three are early today!"
Might Guy's booming voice greeted them.
"Hmm?"
His sharp eyes suddenly focused on Kazuki.
"Kazuki… Your chakra… It's already approaching the level of a Chunin?!"
Might Guy's expression turned serious as he observed Kazuki. Even though he lacked the Byakugan, as an elite jonin and taijutsu expert, he could instinctively sense the changes in someone's physical prowess and chakra reserves.
Kazuki had always performed well in training, but this level of improvement was unnatural. He had personally designed their training regimen, and even for a genius, such rapid growth shouldn't have been possible in such a short time.
"How did you improve so quickly?!"
Kazuki simply smiled in response.
Might Guy's curiosity intensified. "Huh?!"
Would Kazuki reveal his secret?