NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 74: Chapter 74
Return to Konoha
They'd both wanted to escape that island, he and Mikoto Uchiha. And now, with the weight of the island still hanging between them, they were finally back in the Hidden Leaf Village, free and surrounded by the people they'd missed.
As they stepped off the ship and onto the bustling docks of the Hidden Whirlpool Village, Jiraiya greeted them with an exaggerated wave and a big grin.
"Tetsuya, don't get all sentimental on me now!" he said, waving his hand dismissively though his tone was warm. "That's just not like you. Besides, if we're placing blame, it was my own carelessness that got you two tangled in this mess. At least you're both back safe and sound. That's what matters."
Tetsuya met Jiraiya's gaze, still feeling the weight of all they'd been through. "You're as grand as ever, Lord Jiraiya," he said solemnly, yet there was a hint of relief in his voice.
"Oh, stop it! Now, as a celebration for your safe return, I, the great Jiraiya, will treat you to sushi!" Jiraiya declared, trying to lighten the mood.
For the first time in days, Tetsuya's expression softened as he chuckled, glancing at Mikoto, who offered a rare smile.
Together with Jiraiya, they made their way to the nearest sushi shop, enjoying the familiar taste of home after what felt like a lifetime.
---
Back in the Hidden Whirlpool Village, Team Thirteen took two days to rest and recover. They spent most of their time in quiet, catching up on sleep and regaining the energy the island had drained from them.
During that time, an elite Jonin from the Uzumaki Clan personally paid them a visit on behalf of Ashina Uzumaki, a courtesy clearly made out of respect for Jiraiya's influence.
Two days later, after bidding farewell to their hosts, including Uzumaki Heiji and Uzumaki Namihana, Tetsuya and his team set off for the Leaf Village. They were joined by a new addition to their group—a silver-haired older man who had been with the Uzumaki.
As they journeyed, memories of the island lingered in Tetsuya's mind. Yet with each passing mile, he felt a quiet sense of peace returning, one step closer to the familiar streets of Konoha.
---
Homecoming
After days of travel, Tetsuya Fujiwara, Jiraiya, Shin, and the rest finally arrived back in the Leaf Village. As they approached the village gates, each of them felt a wave of relief wash over them. The sight of the towering gates, the familiar chatter of villagers, even the smell of street food vendors—they were home.
Once inside, Jiraiya turned to them, his gaze steady but warm. "Well then, Tetsuya, Muto, Mikoto—you've all done a great job on this mission. Now, take two days off. Go home, spend time with your families, and get some rest. Shin and I will report on the events in the Hidden Whirlpool Village."
Tetsuya, Mikoto, and Muto nodded, understanding the weight of the information they'd uncovered. The political entanglements of Mist Island and the Hidden Whirlpool were far beyond their rank, matters that were best left in the hands of the Hokage and his advisors.
After a few more words of encouragement, Jiraiya and Shin departed, leaving the three young ninjas standing at the entrance to the village. The bustling streets of Konoha stretched before them, familiar yet somehow different. The island had changed them in ways they couldn't quite put into words.
"Well then, Mikoto, Tetsuya, I'll see you both in two days!" Muto said with a mischievous glint in his eye. He couldn't help but wonder what might have really happened between Tetsuya and Mikoto during their time stranded. After all, on the journey back, he often felt like a third wheel in their story.
Waving them off, Muto turned toward the Aburame Clan district, his insect jar clinking softly as he walked away. Tetsuya and Mikoto were left alone in the familiar hum of Konoha, yet the air between them felt thick with unspoken words.
---
"Mikoto…" Tetsuya started, his voice faltering as he turned to her.
"Tetsuya, would you… walk me home?" she asked softly, her eyes meeting his with a warmth that caught him off guard.
The question was simple, but to Tetsuya, it meant so much more. Without a second thought, he nodded. "Of course," he replied, a smile breaking across his face. Together, they set off down the road, the quiet comfort of each other's presence enough to fill the silence.
They walked through Konoha's familiar streets, passing vendors, old friends, and familiar sights, but their surroundings faded into the background. To Tetsuya, the village felt different—perhaps it was the comfort of being home, or perhaps it was the lingering bond from their time on the island. He couldn't say for sure.
As they neared the Uchiha district, Mikoto slowed, her gaze shifting as a familiar face came into view. She glanced back at Tetsuya, a faint smile playing on her lips as she slipped inside, disappearing into the shadow of her clan's gate. Tetsuya hesitated for a moment, offering a reassuring smile of his own before turning to go.
The eyes of the Uchiha seemed to follow him as he walked away, crimson Sharingan gazes observing his every step.
Even a Chunin like him could feel the weight of those eyes—silent, watchful, and always vigilant. Still, he walked on, a quiet satisfaction in his heart.
---
When Tetsuya returned to the districts of the Fujiwara, Tanaka, and Uesugi clans, a chorus of joyful shouts greeted him. Children from all three clans swarmed around him, laughing and tugging at his sleeves.
"Uncle Jiro! Auntie Sachiko! Everyone!" Tetsuya called out, his voice brimming with warmth.
Tanaka Jiro and Fujiwara Sachiko emerged from the crowd, their faces lighting up with smiles that felt like home. Tetsuya's heart tightened at the sight of his family. After all he'd been through on Mist Island, standing here with them felt like a dream.
As they shared stories and laughter, he found himself grateful for every familiar face, every small gesture of affection. This was what he had fought for, what he had longed for during those lonely days on the island.
---
Two days later, the Hidden Whirlpool mission was officially concluded, and Tetsuya, Mikoto, and Muto were each recognized for their service. Completing an A-rank and an S-rank mission had earned them not only praise but a generous reward.
To their surprise, Lord Hiruzen had arranged an additional bonus—a gesture of apology for the danger they'd faced on Mist Island.
Tetsuya and Mikoto each received a hefty sum of two hundred thousand ryo, enough to transform the lives of the children in the Fujiwara, Tanaka, and Uesugi districts.
When Tetsuya handed over the money, Jiro's hands trembled, his voice breaking with emotion. "Tetsuya… This… this money…" He was overwhelmed, the weight of the bills a tangible reminder of the sacrifices his nephew had made.
Tetsuya placed a reassuring hand on Jiro's shoulder. "It's for everyone," he said, his voice soft but firm. "This is for our future."
As they stood together, Tetsuya felt a profound sense of peace settle over him. His time on the island, the hardships he had faced, the memories he'd made with Mikoto—all of it had led him back here, to this moment.
He knew the path of a ninja would continue to demand sacrifices, but standing among his family, surrounded by their gratitude and love, he felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.
The island was behind him, yet the bond he had forged with Mikoto, the lessons he had learned—those would remain with him, guiding him as he moved forward.
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