NOVEL NEXT Chapter 90: Chapter 90
"You don't need to worry about us! We'll be fine!"
"We've grown enough to stand on our own now!"
"The fledgling eagle must spread its wings and soar someday!"
FujiwaraTetsuya could clearly feel Shin's hesitation. This… this must be what they call a bond forged through time and trials. However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Both he and Shin had their own paths to walk.
"Tetsuya, I'm sorry," Shin muttered, his voice tinged with reluctance.
---
In the end, Shin had been persuaded by Tetsuya. He agreed to Tetsuya's proposal, even though it meant stepping away from the familiar bonds they shared.
That afternoon, the members of Squad Thirteen gathered once more. This reunion, bittersweet as it was, might very well be one of their last. Starting tomorrow, Shin would embark on a new journey, and the others, too, would set off toward their respective futures.
That evening, Shin drank until he was utterly wasted. Tetsuya and the others—Uchiha Mikoto and Aburame Muto—though too young to partake in alcohol, found themselves swept up in the melancholic yet heartwarming atmosphere of farewell. The air was heavy with a sense of finality, but also hope for what lay ahead.
"Shin-sensei, I wish you and Sato Keiko all the happiness in the world!"
Shin's marriage had been hastily arranged, with only two days to prepare. The wedding itself was simple and intimate. On the day of the ceremony, no more than a few dozen guests attended. Apart from the ten or so members of the Yuhi clan who came to assist, Sato Keiko's family, several members of Squad Thirteen, and a handful of special and elite jonin graced the event.
Though modest in scale, the happiness radiating from Keiko's face was unmistakable. Her joy was a testament to the years of perseverance and waiting finally bearing fruit. It had been a long road, but it led to this moment of bliss.
---
Three days after the wedding, Shin left the village with Keiko, heading toward the southern border. Keiko's pregnancy was becoming increasingly evident. If they delayed their departure any further, the secret would inevitably come to light.
"Tetsuya, Mikoto, Muto, " Shin addressed them as they reached the edge of the village. "This is as far as you'll go. The Hokage is likely waiting for you back at his office."
The trio had accompanied Shin and Keiko well beyond the village gates, through the outer forest, and to a bend in the road.
"We understand," Tetsuya replied solemnly. "Shin-sensei, Keiko-san, we wish you a safe journey."
"Let's meet again in a year!" Mikoto added, her voice breaking slightly.
Parting words were always difficult, and the bonds of camaraderie only made the separation more painful. As Shin's small carriage disappeared around the bend, the three young ninja turned back toward the village, their steps heavy with emotion.
Unlike Shin and Keiko, who had a clear destination and purpose, the future of Squad Thirteen remained uncertain. Would they be assigned a new jonin leader? Or would they be split up and reassigned to other squads? For now, their fate was a question mark.
---
At the Hokage's office, things were as Shin had predicted. Sarutobi Hiruzen was indeed waiting for them. Seated at his desk, pipe in one hand and crystal ball within reach, the Third Hokage exuded an air of calm authority.
"Tetsuya, you've arrived," Hiruzen greeted them, straightening up as the three stood before him.
"Hokage-sama, we apologize for keeping you waiting," Tetsuya said respectfully.
Hiruzen nodded, his gaze sweeping over the trio. "Life is full of meetings and partings. Shin's departure is something you're all aware of, so there's no need for me to dwell on it. What matters now is what lies ahead. Until the next time you meet, hold your heads high and dedicate yourselves to your training. Become the strong shinobi I know you can be."
The weight of his words settled over them. Sensing their somber mood, Hiruzen softened his tone. "Don't let this farewell weigh too heavily on your hearts. You're still young, with much to achieve."
"Yes, Hokage-sama. We understand," Tetsuya replied, his voice steady despite the emotions swirling within him.
"Good. Now, let's discuss the future of Squad Thirteen," Hiruzen continued. "While Shin is away on his mission to the southern border, the squad's responsibilities remain. It's time to appoint an interim leader."
The trio straightened, their attention fixed on the Hokage.
"By my decree," Hiruzen announced, "Fujiwara Tetsuya will serve as the acting captain of Squad Thirteen during Shin's absence. Uchiha Mikoto and Aburame Muto will remain as members of the squad."
"Captain… me?" Tetsuya's eyes widened in disbelief. At just nine years old, even by the standards of the shinobi world, this seemed unimaginable. It wasn't wartime, after all.
"Yes, you," Hiruzen confirmed, his tone firm. "This decision wasn't made lightly. It was Shin's final request to me, and I trust his judgment. I believe in your potential, Tetsuya. Do you accept this responsibility?"
Tetsuya glanced at Mikoto and Muto, both of whom looked equally stunned. But beneath their surprise, he saw their trust and belief in him. Taking a deep breath, he nodded.
"I accept. Hokage-sama, I promise to fulfill my duties as the captain of Squad Thirteen to the best of my abilities. I will protect the village and my comrades with everything I have."
Hiruzen's eyes glimmered with approval. "Good. I'm glad to see you rise to the challenge. However, with Shin's departure, Squad Thirteen is now short one member. According to protocol, we will assign a new teammate to your squad soon."
Though the thought of an unknown addition brought a mix of curiosity and apprehension, Tetsuya felt a sense of relief. At least the squad would remain intact, and for now, their paths were aligned.
---
As they left the Hokage's office, Tetsuya's mind buzzed with thoughts of what lay ahead. Shin's departure marked the end of an era, but it was also the beginning of a new chapter. For Squad Thirteen, the road forward would be filled with challenges, but they would face them together—as comrades, as friends, and now, under Tetsuya's leadership.
The journey was just beginning.
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