NOVEL NEXT Chapter 83: Chapter 83
Sarutobi Hiruzen sure went all out this time.
Fujiwara Tetsuya ran his fingers along the cold blade of the newly gifted weapon. The name Mist Marrow glimmered in the dim light of the room, etched into the steel with meticulous craftsmanship. It wasn't just a weapon—it was a declaration. A testament to his potential and the acknowledgment of the Third Hokage himself.
Crafted from chakra metal by the master smiths of the Land of Craftsmen, this blade was leagues above the training weapons he had been using. Tetsuya allowed himself a small smile. After that sparring session with the Hokage, it seemed he'd finally earned the man's attention.
"I understand, and I appreciate your guidance, Senior," Tetsuya said with a respectful nod as he secured the blade at his waist, mimicking the fluidity of Hatake Sakumo's practiced gesture.
Sakumo stood across from him, arms crossed, his presence calm but commanding. His piercing gaze lingered before he finally spoke.
"There's another matter. One week from now, the Ninja Academy will hold an early graduation examination for a select group of students. The Hokage has decided—you will act as their chief examiner."
Tetsuya blinked, momentarily stunned. "Me? The chief examiner? Senior, you're joking, right? I'm not even nine years old!"
"I don't joke about the Hokage's orders," Sakumo replied evenly, though the faintest trace of amusement touched his tone. "Yes, it's unconventional. Perhaps even unprecedented. But your sparring session with the Hokage has sparked quite a stir. The younger generation—especially the heirs of prominent clans—have become emboldened. Many now believe they're ready to follow your footsteps and graduate early."
Tetsuya mulled over the implications, a knot forming in his stomach. "So the Hokage wants me to crush their spirits, is that it? Show them they're not as ready as they think?"
"Precisely," Sakumo said, his expression unreadable beneath his mask. "Your task isn't just to assess them. It's to temper their overconfidence before it leads to recklessness. Early graduation isn't a necessity right now. We're not in a time of war. Unprepared students would only create complications. And casualties."
Tetsuya sighed, his fingers brushing against the hilt of Mist Marrow. "I see. The Hokage's trying to stop a potential disaster before it starts. Pushing students to graduate too soon… it'd be difficult to pair them with suitable Jonin instructors. And the risks would far outweigh the benefits."
"You understand quickly," Sakumo said, nodding. "During the exam, focus on discouraging those who lack the necessary strength or discipline. And remember—this isn't about humiliating them. It's about protecting them from themselves."
Tetsuya hesitated briefly before nodding. "Understood. I'll do my best to carry out the Hokage's wishes."
"Good. Once the task is complete, the Hokage has promised to classify this as an A-rank mission. You'll receive corresponding compensation."
Tetsuya raised an eyebrow at the mention of rewards but kept his thoughts to himself. Sakumo stretched briefly before moving toward the door.
"Well then, I'll leave you to prepare. If we cross paths again, Tetsuya Fujiwara, I hope to see more of what impressed the Hokage."
"Take care," Tetsuya replied instinctively, watching the older ninja stride toward the exit.
As Sakumo reached the threshold, Tetsuya's mouth moved before his brain could catch up. "Oh, and Senior Sakumo…"
The white-haired man froze mid-step. Slowly, he turned back, his eyes narrowing.
"How do you know my name?" Sakumo's voice was calm, almost too calm.
The air in the room shifted, growing heavy with an oppressive killing intent that made the hairs on the back of Tetsuya's neck stand on end.
Cursing inwardly, Tetsuya realized his mistake. Idiot! Why couldn't you just keep quiet?
"Uh… if I said I guessed, would you believe me?" Tetsuya chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head.
Sakumo didn't respond. His sharp gaze bore into Tetsuya, unblinking.
"Explain."
Tetsuya raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Senior, it's not what it looks like! I've admired the Hatake clan's swordsmanship for years. You've been my idol since I started training! When I saw your white hair and that distinctive short blade at your waist… well, I put two and two together."
For a moment, Sakumo's piercing gaze remained unchanged. Then, almost imperceptibly, his posture relaxed. His hand drifted to his hair, a rare flicker of self-consciousness crossing his features.
"Is it that obvious?" he muttered under his breath.
Tetsuya exhaled in silent relief as Sakumo straightened.
"Fine. I'll let it slide this time. But remember—if you encounter other members of the ANBU, even if you recognize them, do not speak their identities aloud. Not everyone is as… forgiving as I am."
"Understood, Senior! I promise this won't happen again!" Tetsuya said, bowing deeply.
Sakumo lingered for a moment longer before turning and vanishing in a blur, leaving behind only the faintest trace of his presence.
As the oppressive weight in the room dissipated, Tetsuya collapsed onto a nearby chair, wiping sweat from his brow. "Close call…"
He let out a shaky laugh, his hand unconsciously drifting to the hilt of Mist Marrow. The blade felt cool and steady under his fingers, a stark contrast to his racing thoughts.
A chakra-infused weapon crafted by a master smith. It was a symbol of the trust the Hokage had placed in him—and the responsibilities that came with it.
But before he could even think about testing the weapon's limits, he had a much more daunting challenge ahead.
The Hokage's assignment loomed in his mind. A week to prepare, a room full of overconfident heirs to deal with, and expectations higher than the Hokage Monument.
If nothing else, it promised to be an unforgettable week.
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