ALL NOVEL Chapter 35: Chapter 35
The Koharu clan, despite their status as ninja, hadn't been on the scene for long. Only in the last decade or so had they started to gain any real influence.
Every ninja with the potential to become a jonin was seen as a precious asset to the clan.
"Koharu, don't worry!"
Orochimaru's voice was calm as he reassured his old friend.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze shifted to Tetsuya Fujiwara, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
Advanced Water Release jutsu—Water Severing Wave. And that Lightning Release jutsu, Chidori, an A-Rank technique. This kid is remarkable.
As for Jirou Tanaka and his companions, they were frozen in place, as if they'd just witnessed something beyond comprehension.
"Stop! Stop! I surrender! I surrender!" cried Koharu Tatsu, tears brimming in her eyes as the sharp jets of water shredded every tree and mound in the arena into dust.
Facing the surging water streams, she whimpered softly, unable to hold back her tears. Tetsuya's aggressive battle style had completely frightened this usually composed young kunoichi.
"It looks like I've won," Tetsuya said, releasing his jutsu as soon as he heard her concede. In a blink, he was at her side.
However, despite Tetsuya's warm smile, Tatsu felt no comfort. Instead, she shuddered and scooted further away from him, trembling slightly.
"What, you're going to stay on the ground all day?" he teased. "At this rate, your clothes are going to get ruined."
The tension between Tetsuya and the Koharu clan wasn't her fault—those were adult matters. No reason to drag an innocent girl like her into it. Plus, some things needed to be done for appearances, even if just to maintain his image.
After hesitating for a few seconds, Tatsu tentatively grasped Tetsuya's extended hand, her fingers trembling as he helped her stand up.
"Fujiwara Tetsuya!"
"Fujiwara Tetsuya!"
Cheers erupted. With his boyish good looks, impressive water-style jutsu, and just the right touch of chivalry, Tetsuya was quickly becoming a crowd favorite.
It didn't hurt that most of the voices cheering for him were female.
"Come on, we should clear the arena now," Tetsuya said as Orochimaru's raspy voice announced the end of the match.
Tatsu, still in a daze, let Tetsuya lead her by the hand toward the exit. It wasn't until Koharu Takano appeared that she seemed to snap out of her trance, quickly pulling her hand away from his.
"Kid, you've got talent, I'll give you that. But you'll regret this, mark my words," Takano snarled.
There was too much attention on them, and with Jonin Yuhi Shin standing behind Tetsuya, Takano had to hold back his fury. He muttered his threat under his breath, then took Tatsu by the arm and marched her out of the arena.
"Hey kid! How did Tatsu's hand feel? Was it soft?" A playful voice cut through Tetsuya's thoughts as he watched Tatsu leave. Uchiha Mikoto had appeared beside him without him even noticing, her calm gaze carrying an invisible pressure.
"Mikoto!" Tetsuya jumped. "W-what are you even talking about? Hand? What hand? I was just trying to irritate the Koharu clan, you know, playing up my character."
Mikoto's face remained calm, but she couldn't suppress a small chuckle. "If that's the case, then fine. But still, congratulations, Tetsuya. You've made it to the quarterfinals!"
Her laughter was like a bloom of snow blossoms—pure, serene, and gentle. For a moment, Tetsuya was spellbound.
"Mikoto! You smiled! You finally smiled!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.
His awe was met with a smack to the back of his head, pulling him back into reality. It was the first time since that day in the Fujiwara, Tanaka, and Uesugi districts that Tetsuya had seen Mikoto's smile, and it took him completely by surprise.
Suddenly, a system voice echoed in Tetsuya's mind:
[Congratulations, kind-hearted host! You've completed the temporary mission: 'Rescue the Girl in the Abyss of Hatred!' Through your perseverance and impressive display of power, Uchiha Mikoto now views you as a new bond of light in the depths of her hate.]
"Temporary Mission Complete..."
[Congratulations! You've received the A-rank Water Release technique: Water Mirror Jutsu, and 500 kill points!]
Hearing this, Tetsuya's steps faltered.
That was it? The mission was completed just like that? He thought it would take more effort, especially given how serious it had seemed at first.
Could it be… that Mikoto, too, was drawn to strength like other girls?
Tetsuya took a deep breath. He had a feeling that Mikoto's personality might be more complex than he had anticipated. But understanding her fully… that was a challenge for another day.
For now, he had other things to focus on.
---
As the crowd's attention was focused on the ongoing matches in the arena, Tetsuya's mind was preoccupied with his newly acquired jutsu—Water Mirror Technique.
If he wasn't mistaken, this was one of the Fourth Mizukage's signature moves, an incredibly advanced Water Release technique. It allowed the user to create a mirror image of their opponent, replicating not only their appearance but their strength and jutsu as well.
A powerful trump card, without a doubt.
The Water Mirror Jutsu was impressive, but Tetsuya knew that using a secret technique like this, especially one from Kirigakure, would draw a lot of unwanted attention. At his current age and rank, it would cause more trouble than it was worth.
Meanwhile, the third round of the tournament continued. Senju Seito and Minazuki Chione were locked in battle. At first, Seito had the upper hand in close combat, but now they were stuck in a stalemate.
Seito, a user of both Water and Earth chakra, had spent most of his time mastering Water Release techniques. His dream was to become like the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, and one day command the ocean's fury with his jutsu.
A noble dream, no doubt. But Seito's current abilities were nowhere near Tobirama's level.
Especially now, facing the Ice Release of the Minazuki clan, his water techniques were completely outmatched.
It was only his massive chakra reserves that had kept the battle even this long, but once those were depleted, it was only a matter of time before he would fall.
Poor guy, Tetsuya thought, watching as the minutes ticked by. Seito had all the resources of the Senju clan but didn't know how to properly diversify his skills.
Time dragged on, and with Seito's labored breathing, the third match finally came to an end.
The winner: Minazuki Chione.
"Mikoto, go get 'em!" Tetsuya called, as the next match was about to begin.
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