NOVEL NEXT Chapter 82: Chapter 82
The sparring session between Sarutobi Hiruzen and Fujiwara Tetsuya had drawn to a close.
As the Third Hokage departed, the Jonin who had gathered to watch followed suit, their quiet murmurs fading into the evening air. Hiruzen's parting words weren't particularly profound, but they planted a seed of curiosity in Tetsuya's mind.
Lightning Style and Water Style—two elements he excelled at, yet he'd never thought to truly combine them. The idea of integrated techniques seemed intimidating, but if he could master them, the possibilities were endless.
"Nicely done, Tetsuya!"
The moment the Hokage disappeared from view, a group of familiar faces approached. Yuhi Shin, Aburame Muto, and Uchiha Mikoto rushed over, their excitement evident.
"That was the Hokage himself!" Shin exclaimed, practically vibrating with energy. "You sparred with him! Do you even realize what this means for the Thirteenth Squad's reputation?"
Tetsuya scratched the back of his neck, his tone self-deprecating. "It's not as big of a deal as you're making it sound. I got wrecked in the end."
Mikoto's soft laugh rang out. "Speaking of which, about Chirping Cicada…"
Her gaze shifted to the blade in Tetsuya's hand, the very sword she'd lent him. It was a treasured heirloom of the Uchiha Clan, but Tetsuya hadn't dared to use it recklessly, especially against the legendary Monkey King, Enma.
"It's fine," Mikoto said with a reassuring smile. "I told you, I'm not interested in swordsmanship. Keep it until the Hokage delivers the weapon he promised you. Then you can return it."
Her words were kind, and her gaze was warm, but Tetsuya refused to yield. With deliberate care, he returned the sword to her hands.
"I appreciate it, but I can't keep borrowing it like this. A man has his pride, you know?"
Mikoto chuckled softly but didn't argue further.
---
After the Fujiwara, Tanaka, and Uesugi clans returned to their respective territories, the Thirteenth Squad slipped into a brief period of dormancy. Yuhi Shin spent most of his days shadowing Satou Keiko, their relationship progressing so quickly that a wedding seemed inevitable within the year. Meanwhile, Aburame Muto immersed himself in insect research, rarely emerging from his laboratory unless food was involved.
Tetsuya, however, stayed busy. With limited Kill Points to spare, he focused on training. Ninjutsu, taijutsu, kenjutsu—he left no stone unturned. When he wasn't training, he dedicated his time to mentoring the children of the allied clans, helping them build solid foundations for their futures as shinobi.
Behind the Fujiwara estate, a previously unused plot of land had been transformed into a proper training ground. Tanaka Jiro, ever dependable, had overseen its development, ensuring it was equipped with tools identical to those used in Konoha's official practice grounds. Secondhand ninja tools had been polished and distributed among the younger children, giving them their first taste of practical training.
"Yusuke, Rina! Your kunai throws are too stiff," Tetsuya called out, observing the pair from a distance. "Loosen your wrists! Let the motion flow naturally instead of forcing it."
On one side of the training ground, younger children stood in low stances, balancing bowls of water on their heads, each trembling as they struggled to keep the water from spilling. On the other, Tetsuya worked closely with Uesugi Yusuke and Tanaka Rina, guiding them as they practiced advanced techniques.
"Come on, Tetsuya!" Yusuke pleaded, tugging at his sleeve like an overeager puppy. "Just one more demonstration!"
"Yeah, show us one more time!" chimed in Rina, grabbing his other sleeve with equal determination.
Tetsuya let out an exaggerated sigh, shaking his head. "You two are relentless, you know that?"
The trio's banter was interrupted by Tanaka Jiro, whose normally calm demeanor was replaced by an unusual seriousness. "Tetsuya," he said, his voice low. "The Anbu are here. They've brought orders from the Hokage."
---
The Anbu operative who stepped forward was unmistakable. His white hair, short blade, and standard-issue mask gave him an imposing presence. But it wasn't just his appearance that stood out—Tetsuya immediately recognized the telltale aura of a future legend.
"Hatake Sakumo," Tetsuya murmured under his breath, his tone edged with respect. The White Fang of Konoha, a name that would one day become synonymous with unparalleled skill and loyalty.
Sakumo wasted no time. "Fujiwara Tetsuya," he began, his tone crisp and formal. "I come bearing two tasks from the Hokage. First, this."
Reaching into his robes, Sakumo pulled out a scroll, unsealing it with practiced ease. A short blade materialized in his hands, its surface gleaming with a faint, cold light.
"This is Mist Marrow," Sakumo explained. "Crafted by a master smith from the Land of Crafts, it contains a significant amount of chakra metal. Weapons like this are rare, even among shinobi."
Tetsuya's eyes narrowed as he studied the blade. Chakra metal. It wasn't just a weapon—it was a tool that could enhance his techniques, a potential game-changer in his arsenal.
"What's the second task?" Tetsuya asked, his voice steady despite the excitement bubbling beneath the surface.
Sakumo's gaze met his, and in that moment, Tetsuya felt the weight of the responsibility that was about to be placed on his shoulders.
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