Naruto: Starting with Creating a Genius Persona

Half a month later, in the southeastern border of the Land of Iron, in the Red Armor City.

Red Armor City is a famous large city in the southeastern part of the Iron Kingdom. It guards the main transportation route to the inland, and its commerce is thriving, with the forging industry being particularly developed.

What's even more remarkable is that this city is jointly guarded by a "swordsman" and a "major general".

The term "sword master" is a class, but it falls under the category of "civilian class." It is usually awarded to top swordsmen whose swordsmanship has reached a state of perfection, who have created or mastered a particular style or school, and who have earned widespread respect in the pure martial arts.

The title of Major General is also a rank, but it places more emphasis on military strategy, command ability, and meritorious service to the country. Those who can obtain this honor must be warriors who have commanded large armies on the battlefield and made outstanding achievements, or who have made outstanding contributions to national defense and strategy.

Although the two have different focuses, there is no absolute superiority or inferiority between them. A major general may also possess the martial arts of a "sword master," while a sword master who is not in office may also become a "major general" in the future.

This involves the unique culture and power structure of the Iron Country.

This country has no ninjas, or even daimyo in the traditional sense. They uphold the most classical Bushido spirit, and their citizens practice various military skills centered around swordsmanship.

Those martial artists who practiced martial arts but did not hold public office were called "swordsmen"; while those who served the country and entered the power system were called "warriors".

The entire bureaucratic system of the country was built by these warriors.

The pinnacle of samurai is the leader of the country—the "General," the highest-ranking samurai.

The position of general was not hereditary, but rather filled by a warrior of exceptional skill, virtue, and prestige who commanded respect.

The current Admiral of the Land of Iron is none other than Mifune, the legendary figure who bravely led the samurai to resist the invasion of the demigod Hanzo of the Salamander during the Second Shinobi World War.

Shortly after the Second Shinobi World War, he was elected as a general due to his outstanding achievements and high reputation.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Land of Iron will continue to advance under his leadership for the next twenty years.

On this day, inside the Red Armor Castle Lord's Mansion, the castle lord, Takeda Nobutsuna, who held the rank of Major General, delivered a briefing to Yagyu Soichiro, the president of the Red Armor Castle Swordsmanship Association and a master swordsman of the Jingxin Meichi-ryu school.

"Where did this clueless greenhorn come from?" Yagyu Soichiro put down the briefing, his brows immediately furrowing.

The briefing was simple, summarizing as follows: A young swordsman who calls himself "Isshin" has been tirelessly challenging people around lately. Starting from Forgetown, he has traveled north to Iwamura, Seiryu, Kuroba, Shirataki, and other towns, visiting more than twenty dojos in eight towns to spar with them.

Now, his trail leads to Red Armor City.

"What's the background of this hothead named Isshin? What school of martial arts does he belong to? Who taught such a reckless junior?" Yagyu Soichiro asked in a deep voice, his tone clearly displeased.

Such a high-profile and continuous challenge is rare and impolite in the Iron Country's kendo world, which values ​​etiquette and tradition.

Lord Takeda Nobutsuna shook his head: "His background is unknown. All we know is that he claims to use the Ashina style."

"The Ashina School?" Yagyu Souichirou searched his memory, confirming he had never heard of such a tradition in the Land of Iron, and his brows furrowed even deeper. "Origin unknown?"

"Indeed, we can't find any trace of him," Takeda Nobutsuna analyzed relatively calmly. "However, the swordsmanship he uses is indeed the swordsmanship technique of orthodox samurai like us. It has a solid foundation and is definitely not a wild style. Perhaps... he is a disciple taken in by a samurai during his travels, or the legacy of an old man who has been in seclusion for many years. Such things are not unprecedented."

Upon hearing this, Yagyu Soichiro's expression softened slightly, but the doubt in his eyes did not completely disappear.

Even if there is some connection between their teachers, such behavior is still too ostentatious.

He glanced at the name Isshin on the briefing, and then at the list of defeated gyms, tapping his fingers lightly on the table.

"It seems he's trying to make a name for himself by stepping on other people's reputations." Yagyu Soichiro's voice turned colder. "Since this hothead is almost at Red Armor City, then, according to the rules, someone should teach him what swordsmanship is and what respect is."

Upon hearing this, Takeda Nobutsuna smiled instead: "He really needs to be taught some manners. However, Souichirou..."

He then changed the subject: "According to reports from various institutions along the way, although this young man is reckless, he is indeed young and possesses both exceptional talent and strength. It would be a pity to simply teach him a lesson and let him wander aimlessly, or to allow him to make enemies."

He tapped the briefing with his finger and continued, "What I mean is, once he has learned his lesson and understands the immensity of the world, we might try to recruit him. If he is willing to abide by the rules and has the skills, he can represent our Crimson Armor City in the next National Swordsmanship Tournament."

"Hmph, he'll have to get past me first." Yagyu Souichirou's voice was unquestionable, carrying the unique arrogance of a swordsman: "Rules are rules. Since he chose the wildest path, he must be prepared to bear the heaviest lessons. As for whether he can use it later, and how he can use it, that's a matter for later."

He slightly raised his hand, as if grasping something, and his aura suddenly became heavy and solid: "My iron rod will let this hothead truly understand what it means to be calm and wise."

Although Yagyu Soichiro was renowned as a swordsman, his primary weapon was not a sword, but a specially made iron rod of immense weight.

The so-called "Quiet Mind and Wise Flow" refers to his ability to enlighten the opponent with a single blow.

Whether one can attain enlightenment is debatable, but the effect of making one's eyes see stars and instantly achieve "tranquility and wisdom" is widely acknowledged as immediate and effective, which is the origin of the Tranquility and Wisdom School.

"Very well." Takeda Nobutsuna shook his head with a smile: "Then let's see if this young swordsman of the Ashina School can be enlightened by your blow."

Several days later, in Red Armor City.

The midday sun shines on the majestic city gate and the bluestone-paved streets, giving this important town, famous for its forging, a warm glow.

A figure stood against the flow of people at the city gate.

He was an exceptionally tall and imposing young man with a straight back like a pine tree; he was none other than Yixin, who had traveled north from the southern border.

As was his custom, he planned to first find a tavern or market to find out who was the best fighter there.

However, as soon as he stepped into the shadows of the city gate passageway, before he could even take a good look at the city, a group of people surged towards him on the main street ahead.

The newcomers were all dressed in neat, dark-colored kendo dojo robes, moved swiftly, and had unfriendly eyes; they had clearly been waiting for a long time.

They quickly spread out in a semi-circle, blocking the path of those determined to move forward. The leader, a valiant disciple, stepped forward, chin slightly raised, his tone brimming with undisguised arrogance:

"You're Isshin, right? My teacher wants to see you!"

Yi Xin's gaze swept over the group of visitors, who clearly had ill intentions. His expression remained unchanged as he calmly asked, "Who is your teacher?"

The disciple straightened his chest and spoke in a booming voice:

"The number one swordsman in the southeast of the Land of Iron! President of the Red Armor Castle Swordsmanship Association! Founder of the Jingxin Mingzhi School! Once repelled a mountain torrent with a single blow, and single-handedly defended the Dragon Severing Gorge! Bestowed the title of Iron Courage by the General himself! A swordsman renowned throughout the southeast..."

"Stop! Stop!"

Yixin made a stop gesture and pointed to the street inside the city gate, which wasn't particularly wide.

"There's not enough room for all these people."

.............