NOVEL NEXT Chapter 91: Chapter 91
'On this matter! What are the three of your thoughts?"
"We will follow Hokage-sama's arrangements in all things!"
Without a moment's hesitation, nearly in unison, Fujiwara Tetsuya and his two teammates responded immediately.
Given how much Sarutobi Hiruzen had done to secure this outcome, even if he handed them a worthless teammate — even if it were a pile of dung — they would accept it without complaint.
"Good. Now then, your new teammate has been waiting outside for quite a while."
"Let her in."
With a light chuckle, Sarutobi Hiruzen turned toward the right side of the room and gave an order to the seemingly empty air. In an instant, a masked ANBU operative wearing a fox-shaped mask materialized before them. With a respectful nod, the operative disappeared just as quickly as they had appeared.
A Jonin? Perhaps even kage-level? Or was it some kind of special bloodline ability?
As Fujiwara Tetsuya stared at the empty space where the ANBU operative had stood, his expression darkened with deep thought. With his current strength, he couldn't even detect the faintest trace of that person's presence. This alone was proof of how many powerful individuals Konoha had hidden in the shadows, showing just how strong the village was at the height of its glory.
Perhaps his current abilities weren't enough to ensure his safety after all.
As Fujiwara Tetsuya fell into silent contemplation, the sound of soft, steady footsteps began to approach from outside the door.
---
The door creaked open, and a young woman entered.
"Koharu Tatsu!"
Seeing the girl walk in, Fujiwara Tetsuya's eyes flickered with surprise.
No matter how much he wracked his brain, he could never have imagined that Sarutobi Hiruzen would assign her to his team. This was his opponent from the Chunin Exams!
What was that old fox thinking? Was this some kind of coincidence? Or had Sarutobi Hiruzen noticed the tension between the Fujiwara and Koharu clans and was using this opportunity to mend relations through her?
That damn monkey! Could he stop scheming for just once in his life?
Fujiwara Tetsuya's frustration grew as he glared at Sarutobi Hiruzen. Having such a crafty superior was truly a headache.
Unlike Tetsuya, Uchiha Mikoto's expression darkened the moment she saw Koharu Tatsu enter. Her mind seemed to replay scenes from the Chunin Exams.
"Hokage-sama," Tetsuya greeted respectfully, stepping aside as Tatsu approached.
However, instead of stopping in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen as he had expected, Tatsu halted beside him—positioning herself neatly between him and Mikoto.
"Tatsu, thank you for waiting," Sarutobi Hiruzen said warmly. "From today onward, you'll join Team 13 under Tetsuya's command."
The Hokage's gentle tone had always been his hallmark, but to Tetsuya, it sent shivers down his spine.
"Understood, Hokage-sama. I'll do my best," Tatsu replied, then turned to Tetsuya with a soft smile. "Tetsuya-kun. I'll be in your care from now on."
For a moment, Tatsu's cheeks flushed faintly. It was a look Tetsuya was all too familiar with. He had seen the same expression on Mikoto's face during their quiet moments together.
Unfortunately, that brief lapse of attention earned him a sharp, disapproving glance from Mikoto. Her gaze flicked toward Tatsu, carrying a trace of hostility.
"You're too kind, Tatsu. Let's work together to support each other," Tetsuya said, forcing a polite response. With Sarutobi Hiruzen watching, he couldn't afford to appear dismissive or uncooperative, no matter how troubled he felt.
But deep down, he had a sinking feeling. Team 13—or more accurately, his life—was about to get much more complicated.
"Good. Seeing you all getting along puts my mind at ease," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a satisfied nod. "That's all for now. You're dismissed. I have other matters to attend to."
With that, Tetsuya, Mikoto, Aburame Muto, and their newest teammate Koharu Tatsu left the Hokage's office. As soon as they stepped out of the Hokage Tower, an icy silence settled over the group. Mikoto and Tatsu flanked Tetsuya on either side, their gazes meeting above his head in a silent battle of wills.
Aburame Muto, meanwhile, was completely ignored by the two women.
---
"Uh, Mikoto, Muto, and Tatsu," Tetsuya began awkwardly, feeling the weight of their presence on either side. "How about we find a quiet spot to introduce ourselves properly?"
As a first-time team captain, Tetsuya was already feeling overwhelmed. The occasional "unintentional" brushes from his teammates weren't helping his state of mind. Escape seemed tempting, but he didn't dare run. Sarutobi Hiruzen might still be watching, and there was the added challenge of dealing with Mikoto and Tatsu in the future.
The group eventually arrived at a training ground. It was nearing noon, and the area was deserted, giving them ample space.
"Let's stick to the usual format," Tetsuya said after a brief pause. "A short introduction and a summary of your skills. I'll go first."
Clearing his throat, Tetsuya began. His introduction was simple and straightforward, not much different from his original one when they first formed the team. Muto followed suit, staying true to his reserved and analytical nature.
Then it was Mikoto's turn.
"Things I dislike?" Mikoto's lips curled into a smile, but her gaze sharpened. "Any girl who gets too close to Tetsuya-kun. That's all."
Her words hung in the air, unmistakably aimed at Tatsu. The atmosphere grew tense as Tatsu's expression stiffened, but she quickly masked it with a polite smile.
Tetsuya groaned internally. The day was far from over, and it already felt like an eternity.
═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═
patreon.com/AmbitiousTranslator
🥳Joining Patreon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰 You can access upto 20 advance chapter through Patreon.
https://discord.gg/bYAfGyp98y