NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 58: Chapter 58
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Upon seeing the two figures approach, Fuijwara Tetsuya, Uchiha Mikoto, and Aburame Muto immediately rushed forward.
"Jonin Sensei is battling two Mist Village ninjas in the cabin!" Uzumaki Heiji reported, his voice tense but calm. "He sent us to support you, but... it seems that won't be necessary."
The two members of the Uzumaki clan, Heiji and Namihana, had witnessed Tetsuya and Mikoto's abilities firsthand during the Chunin Exams. The wreckage strewn across the deck told them everything they needed to know.
With a self-deprecating shake of their heads, the pair looked at the carnage. "Guess we were too slow, huh, Tetsuya?"
Fuijwara Tetsuya, eyes still scanning for threats, didn't respond right away. "We should head back to assist Sensei," he said at last, his voice low.
In a world where ninja of the Five Great Nations reached the rank of jonin, none were mere pushovers—especially not those sent by Mist Village on a mission of theft and slaughter. Even for someone as seasoned as their teacher, Yuhi Shin, facing two jonin alone would be a challenge.
"No," Tetsuya said firmly, turning toward Aburame Muto. "We can't go."
Muto flinched at the sharpness in Tetsuya's tone, looking confused. "It's not that I'm scared of dying," Tetsuya continued. "But with our current strength, we're no match for jonin. And if we fall into their hands… what do you think Sensei would do? Keep fighting or save us?"
Silence followed Tetsuya's words. Heiji and Namihana shifted uneasily, aware of the implications. For most ninja, the mission always came first—complete the task, then worry about survival. But Sensei Shin wasn't like that. He wasn't the type to prioritize victory over his team's safety.
Muto's eyes met Tetsuya's, but no words came. Uchiha Mikoto averted her gaze, deep in thought. Even Uzumaki Heiji and Namihana, usually so lively, were speechless. The weight of the conversation lingered in the salty sea air.
"If it comes to it," Tetsuya murmured, "then Heiji, Namihana… you know what you have to do."
"Yeah," Namihana muttered, staring out at the rolling waves. "The helpless feeling… it sucks."
Minutes passed—five, ten, then twenty. The crashing sounds from below deck never ceased. The silence of the waiting was only interrupted by the occasional thud, reminding them of the battle raging beneath their feet.
Finally, Tetsuya couldn't take it anymore. "Mikoto, Muto!" he barked. "Stay with Heiji and Namihana. I'm going to check on Sensei."
"I'll go with you," Mikoto started to say, but just as the words left her mouth, they heard the sound of heavy footsteps echoing from the shadowed hallway leading below deck.
"Sensei!" Tetsuya called out.
Emerging from the shadows, looking utterly exhausted but alive, was Yuhi Shin. His steps were slow and uneven, as if the fight had drained every ounce of strength from him. Tetsuya, Muto, and Mikoto rushed forward, relief washing over them.
"I see you've taken care of things here," Sensei said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Good… that makes my job a bit easier."
The burden of the battle finally lifted, Shin stumbled, collapsing into Tetsuya and Muto's arms just in time.
"Sensei, what about the Mist Village jonin?" Tetsuya asked, concern evident in his voice. "Were you able to defeat them?"
Sunsets coughed, wincing as he spoke. "I managed to kill one. The other… after a long standoff, he broke through the hull and escaped."
"Escaped, huh?" Mikoto sighed, lowering her head. "I suppose that's the best we could hope for today."
As the tension eased, Tetsuya's mind drifted back to the Hokage's instructions before they left on this mission. It was clear now—Hiruzen Sarutobi had anticipated just how dangerous things would get.
———
Morning light streamed through the small cabin windows as the ship bobbed gently in the waves. It wasn't until dawn broke that the sailors, merchants, and travelers dared to venture out from the safety of their rooms. The once-lively atmosphere had grown somber as the scent of blood and the aftermath of battle greeted them.
A few brave souls opened the door and stepped onto the deck, only to recoil in shock at the sight of bloodstains and debris scattered across the floorboards. No one dared to ask questions. Even those who'd lost cargo in the raid kept their complaints to themselves, understanding that meddling in ninja affairs could cost them far more than a few lost goods.
By the time the sun rose high in the sky, casting its warm glow across the ocean, the storm from the previous night had settled. The waves were calmer, almost peaceful, in stark contrast to the violence that had taken place.
Standing on the deck, Tetsuya took a deep breath, feeling the sea breeze on his face. The events of the previous night played back in his mind as he counted his spoils. In the battle against the Mist Village, he had personally taken down ten shinobi: one elite chunin, three chunin, and six genin. The effort had netted him 402 kill points—enough to significantly enhance his skills.
It was a small victory in the grand scheme of things, but progress was progress.
———
As evening approached once again, the ship began to slow its pace. In the distance, the jagged cliffs and verdant hills of the Land of Whirlpools came into view. Their journey had been long and arduous, but finally, they had reached their destination.
Unlike the bustling lands of the Five Great Nations, the Land of Whirlpools was sparsely populated. The island, though small, held a rich history, and its people were closely tied to the Uzumaki clan. Most of the island's population lived in the southern city, with a few scattered villages along the coastlines.
"There it is," Namihana said softly, her voice full of nostalgia. "That's Uzushio Village, home of the Uzumaki."
Tetsuya narrowed his eyes, taking in the sight of the village nestled among the cliffs. "So, this is where it all began…"
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