NOVEL NEXT Chapter 84: Chapter 84
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"Big Brother Tetsuya!"
Lost in thought, Fujiwara Tetsuya was startled by a sudden, childlike voice. He turned his head to see a small boy toddling toward him, stark naked, with an innocent grin plastered across his face.
"Well, if it isn't Yusuke! What's up? Need something from me?"
Tetsuya reached out, ruffling Uesugi Yusuke's hair, causing the boy to giggle uncontrollably, his laughter as bright as a bell.
"Big Brother Tetsuya! It's Mikoto! Sister Mikoto is looking for you!"
Still clutching onto Tetsuya's finger, Yusuke managed to squeeze out his message between peals of laughter.
"Mikoto?"
Hearing the name, Tetsuya's expression stiffened slightly. Lifting Yusuke in his arms, he stood up.
If there was one thing that took precedence over his usual routine of training the clan's younger members and honing his skills, it was accompanying Uchiha Mikoto on her daily walks.
Rain or shine, Tetsuya would always show up. Even during thunderstorms, he would show up with an oiled-paper umbrella to ensure she had company.
This habit hadn't gone unnoticed, and in recent days, Tetsuya had caught many a knowing glance directed his way.
---
The banks of a nameless stream outside Konoha...
"So, Tetsuya-kun, you're heading to the Ninja Academy next week?"
Uchiha Mikoto walked beside Tetsuya, her soft voice carrying over the gentle rustling of the wind. She was dressed in a modest kimono, her pale neck peeking out from the collar, accentuating her serene beauty.
Tetsuya, mindful of where his eyes wandered, fixed his gaze on the flowing water ahead.
"Yeah, though I'd be lying if I said I was thrilled about it. Still, it's the Hokage's orders, so I can't exactly refuse."
He paused, glancing at Mikoto with a sly grin.
"But you know, Mikoto, the Hokage went all out this time. He gave me Mist Marrow, a chakra-metal weapon! If I can refine my control over lightning release, the power of Chidori will be even more terrifying."
---
A week later...
The Ninja Academy was unusually lively.
Dozens of students had applied for early graduation, and the Hokage had decided to make a statement with this event. On Sarutobi Hiruzen's orders, the graduation exams were moved to the academy's open training grounds to accommodate a larger audience.
This wasn't a typical exam. All students, from first to sixth grade, were allowed to watch, creating a massive crowd that buzzed with excitement.
By dawn, the training grounds were packed with eager onlookers. In the center of the field stood the examinees—genin hopefuls from grades four to six—each exuding a mix of determination and nerves.
Among them were familiar names like Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Choza, Nara Shikaku, and Nara Suzaku, true prodigies of their respective clans.
"Shikaku, what kind of ninja do you think the proctor will be? A chunin? A special jonin? Maybe even a full jonin?"
In the crowd, Yamanaka Inoichi nudged his drowsy friend.
"How should I know? Too troublesome to think about." Shikaku yawned, his usual lethargy evident. "But I've got a feeling... whoever they send is going to surprise us."
Their conversation was cut short as the academy teachers began to gather at the center of the field.
---
"Isn't that Sanjodou-sensei, Sanjodou Suzuko? She's as stunning as ever!"
"Oi, Momonosuke! Quit ogling other women in front of me, or I'll knock you flat!"
The students erupted in chatter as the teachers took their positions, the anticipation in the air reaching its peak.
"Where's the proctor? The exam should've started by now."
"Do you even know who the proctor is?"
"No idea. The Hokage didn't reveal anything. He just said the proctor's identity was a surprise."
"Typical. It's your fault for not double-checking this! If the proctor doesn't show up, how are we supposed to explain this to the Hokage?"
The tension among the academy staff was palpable. Several chunin exchanged worried glances, their complaints escalating into bickering.
"Enough!" One of the senior chunin finally spoke up, silencing the group. "The Hokage personally chose the proctor. Just be patient. They'll show up."
Reluctantly, the teachers turned their attention toward the entrance, awaiting the arrival of the mysterious proctor.
---
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, two figures emerged from the academy gates.
Yes, two.
Leading the way was Fujiwara Tetsuya, the appointed proctor. Walking beside him, however, was none other than Uchiha Mikoto, dressed in a breezy outfit that drew the attention of more than a few students.
Tetsuya's early morning routine had been disrupted. He'd woken up at the crack of dawn, only to spend half an hour waiting outside the Uchiha compound for Mikoto, who insisted on accompanying him but took forever to get ready.
Looking at her now, he could only sigh inwardly. When it came to beautiful girls, their meticulous attention to detail before stepping out was truly an unshakable universal truth.
Tetsuya's gaze shifted to the academy building ahead.
The Ninja Academy...
It felt strange to be back after all this time. This was his first visit since his own graduation, and now, he was returning as an examiner.
As he stepped onto the training grounds, a hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned to him, the mysterious proctor who had kept everyone waiting.
Tetsuya adjusted the blade at his side, his lips curling into a faint smile.
This was going to be interesting.
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