Chapter 53: Chapter 53
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"Today's definitely a good day!"
Yuhi Sensei was practically beaming as he looked over at Tetsuya and Mikoto. "To celebrate you two being back, I've decided—tonight, I'm treating you all to yakiniku!"
With that declaration, Yuhi Sensei clapped his hands, his excitement palpable. Leading Tetsuya, Mikoto, and Aburame Muto down the bustling street, he was already halfway toward the nearest barbecue joint.
After obliterating Yuhi Sensei's wallet, the four finally split up for the evening. Tetsuya, standing at the end of the street, pulled out what was left of his coin purse and gave a rueful grin.
"Well, what's left of it, anyway."
With the few coins he had, Tetsuya bought some fresh candy, stuffing it into his bag before dashing off toward the clan compound. He hadn't told Jirou and Sachiko that he was getting out of the hospital today. It was a surprise—one he was sure would catch them off guard.
Family. Friendship. Love. All of it mattered to Tetsuya. Every bond.
"Uncle Jirou! Aunt Sachiko! I'm home!" His voice rang out as he barreled through the gates.
---
A few days later…
The Hokage's Office.
"So, Tetsuya, you've made your decision? You've picked the two A-rank jutsu?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, looked over at Tetsuya with a kind, grandfatherly smile. He had even set his pipe aside for this conversation—rare for him.
"Yes, Lord Hokage, I've made up my mind."
"Oh?" The Hokage raised an eyebrow. "Tell me, what jutsu have you chosen? Perhaps I can offer some guidance."
As the man known as the "Professor," Hiruzen was renowned for his mastery over countless ninjutsu, especially advanced ones. Based on Tetsuya's performance in the Chunin Exams, Hiruzen felt confident he could steer the young man in the right direction.
Tetsuya took a breath before responding, "The two jutsu I've chosen are the Medical Ninjutsu, Mystical Palm Technique, and the Water Style, Great Waterfall Technique."
"Mystical Palm?"
Hiruzen's expression shifted slightly at that. While choosing the Great Waterfall Technique made perfect sense—one of the more powerful Water Style jutsu, capable of both massive destruction and terrain alteration—the Mystical Palm Technique was a different story altogether.
The Hokage frowned slightly but remained calm. "Tetsuya, you realize the Mystical Palm Technique isn't just any ordinary medical ninjutsu, right? It's heavily reliant on Yang chakra. And if I recall correctly, your chakra affinity is Lightning and Water. Choosing that might waste a valuable opportunity."
The Hokage paused, considering his words carefully. "Instead, why not select something more aligned with your affinities? During the Second Hokage's time, he developed a variety of powerful Water Style techniques. For instance, Heaven's Cry could fill the gaps in your current abilities and offer the devastating potential you're after."
Tetsuya smiled politely, grateful for the advice, but remained resolute. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. I understand I don't have an affinity for Yang chakra, but I believe that with enough effort, I can eventually master the change in chakra nature. I don't want to miss this rare chance."
Chakra nature transformation was no easy task. For most people, it took years—sometimes a lifetime—to master even a single chakra nature, let alone two or more. But Tetsuya had a secret weapon—the system. With enough time and the right sacrifices, he could unlock Yang chakra before anyone expected it.
He had already made up his mind. No amount of persuasion could change it.
"Tetsuya." Hiruzen leaned forward, his voice softening. "Can you tell me why you're so set on learning Mystical Palm? What's driving you to this?"
Tetsuya's eyes met the Hokage's. "It's simple, Lord Hokage. I want to master an advanced medical technique so that, in the future, when my comrades fall in battle, I can save them. I don't want to stand helplessly by while they die in front of me. That's all."
The Third Hokage fell silent. Bonds. Protection. It was all about the connections that shaped them, wasn't it?
"I understand." Hiruzen finally spoke, his tone resigned but respectful. "I won't try to dissuade you anymore."
He leaned back in his chair. "However, I need you to remember that these two jutsu are for your use only. You are not to teach them to anyone else without my explicit permission. Understood?"
Tetsuya nodded, his resolve unshaken.
Hiruzen could see the determination in the young man's eyes. It was both reassuring and disheartening. He, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had been through countless battles, witnessed too many sacrifices. Yet here he was, preparing these young shinobi to face even more danger.
It weighed heavy on his heart.
---
After leaving the Hokage's office, Tetsuya couldn't help but smile to himself. With both Mystical Palm and Great Waterfall Technique secured, he felt more confident than ever. As for the other rewards promised from the Chunin Exams, Hiruzen had mentioned they would be delivered to him by the Anbu soon enough.
Still, there was a lingering curiosity. Rested up and recovered, he was more than ready to get back into action. With only 3,000 kill points, he couldn't afford to sit around any longer. It was time to take on new missions, earn more points, and strengthen himself.
Thinking over his next moves, Tetsuya walked slowly, enjoying the calm pace as he made his way toward the clan compound. As he turned the corner, nearing the entrance, something unusual caught his eye.
A small crowd had gathered at the gates—members of his clan, including Uncle Jirou and Aunt Sachiko. But what stood out the most were the unfamiliar figures they seemed to be conversing with, smiling tensely.
Tetsuya's eyes narrowed as he recognized three of the visitors. Among them was a Jonin from the Koharu Clan—the same clan that had tried to pressure him during the Chunin Exams. Standing next to him were two Chunin, both of whom had shown up months earlier, attempting to force Uncle Jirou into selling off part of their land.
What are they doing here?
His body tensed as he approached the gate, moving closer to Jirou. Instinctively, his hand hovered near his weapon pouch. Every fiber of his being was on alert. There was no room for mistakes—not with the children of the clan playing nearby.
Tetsuya's eyes were cold as ice as he stepped forward, ready for anything.
The Jonin from the Koharu Clan, sensing the tension in the air, turned slightly to meet Tetsuya's gaze. There was no mistaking the silent message between them. Tetsuya wasn't backing down—not this time.
"Relax, kid. I'm not here to cause trouble. Last time… that was on me. I let clan matters get in the way of my duties as a Konoha Jonin, and I acted recklessly. So, I've come to make it up to you."
He pulled out three scrolls from his pouch and shoved them into Tetsuya's arms before turning to leave. "These are a token of my clan's apology. Let's put the past behind us."
Without waiting for a response, he left with the others in tow.
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