NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 76: Chapter 76
Seeing that Tetsuya Fujiwara agreed, Shin visibly relaxed, a hint of relief crossing his face. Perhaps, he thought, this was the perfect excuse to take a break and spend some time with Saotome Keiko. The past month had been grueling, but his efforts weren't in vain—his wallet was finally plump again, enough to remind him of an old saying: "A well-filled purse banishes worry."
With Shin's hidden thoughts left unspoken, the team found a clean spot to rest. Tetsuya, in the meantime, directed his full attention to his newly updated stats panel.
[Host: Tetsuya Fujiwara]
[Rank: Chunin (4289/5000)]
[Bloodline Limit: None]
[Ninjutsu Mastery:
Lightning Release: Kirin (1/1000 - Beginner) - S
Leaf Style Swordsmanship (586/1000 - Intermediate) - A
Lightning Release: Chidori (417/5000 - Mastered) - A
Water Release: Water Mirror (134/3000 - Advanced) - A
Water Release: Water Severing Wave (121/3000 - Advanced) - A
Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique (154/3000 - Advanced) - A
Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique (419/500 - Intermediate) - B
Water Release: Water Fang Bullet (98/500 - Intermediate) - B
Water Release: Water Wall (489/500 - Intermediate) - B
Water Release: Water Whip (85/1000 - Advanced) - B
Lightning Release: Lightning Beast Tracking Fang (56/1000 - Mastered) - C
Lightning Release: Earth Walk (158/500 - Advanced) - C
Water Clone Technique (435/500 - Advanced) - C
Water Prison Technique (185/1000 - Mastered) - C
Body Flicker Technique (Advanced) - D
Clone Technique (Advanced) - E]
[Slaughter Points: 6982]
The S-rank jutsu, Lightning Release: Kirin, remained something he dared not test lightly. The ninjutsu he'd gathered from Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Koharu clan, aside from Mystical Palm Technique, were all now firmly under his control. He'd even managed to raise Lightning Beast Tracking Fang and Water Prison Technique to mastery level. Yet, even with Lightning Beast Tracking Fang improved, the nature transformation for lightning chakra remained elusive.
'System, allocate 2000 Slaughter Points to my power level. Use the rest to boost my Leaf Style Swordsmanship.'
After a moment's hesitation, Tetsuya decided that, until he fully understood lightning chakra transformation, it would be wise to focus on enhancing his close-combat skills.
[Ding! Allocation complete. Congratulations, Host, on advancing to Elite Chunin! Chakra permanently increased by 20%.]
[Bonus: 1000 Slaughter Points awarded!]
[Ding! Allocation complete. Leaf Style Swordsmanship proficiency increased! Leaf Style Swordsmanship (1586/5000 - Mastered) - A]
An increase of 20% in chakra capacity! The system was feeling generous this time. Tetsuya felt the surge of power coursing through him, itching to test it out. However, his eagerness was quickly tempered when he caught sight of a familiar pair of sharp, observant eyes nearby.
"Shin-sensei," Tetsuya began, his voice steady, "in the coming days, I'd like to focus on swordsmanship training. You know, my short blade got shattered by that guy, Ay, during the Chunin Exams. If I want a sturdy, reliable short sword, where would be the best place to get one?"
Konoha had no shortage of weapon shops, but the owners were as keen as hawks when it came to turning a profit. A decent short blade in their eyes came with an outrageous price tag, enough to make Tetsuya feel almost hopeless.
"A short sword, hmm?" Shin paused, contemplating the matter. "Well, in the vast lands of the ninja world, no one crafts blades quite like the master smiths of the Land of Craftsmen. But, the Land of Craftsmen is far from Konoha. If we ever get a mission that takes us there, it'll be worth a visit."
Shin's gaze sharpened as he added, "Oh, that reminds me! Lord Hokage still owes you a reward from the Chunin Exams, right? Perhaps, rather than spending your own money, you could mention it to him. If you're lucky, not only might you save a fair sum, but you could even receive a blade far exceeding your expectations."
Understanding dawned on Tetsuya as he met Shin's knowing look. So that was his sensei's idea—suggesting he 'politely nudge' the Hokage into a reward. After all, everyone in Konoha knew about the financial state of the Fujiwara, Tanaka, and Uesugi clans. Given Tetsuya's rapid rise, it was no secret that the Fujiwara clan couldn't afford a finely-crafted short sword. With Hiruzen Sarutobi's stature, he'd surely take it upon himself to fulfill this promise.
And as the Hokage, Sarutobi would hardly offer a substandard blade.
"Understood, Shin-sensei. Once we're back in Konoha, I'll approach Lord Hokage."
Resolved, Tetsuya set his mind on it. In this world, most things were ephemeral—especially promises. It was best to cash them in as soon as possible.
---
"Lord Hokage, that's the full report of our recent missions."
Inside the Hokage's office, Shin had led Tetsuya and the rest of Squad Thirteen back to Konoha, where they reported their recent activities to Hiruzen Sarutobi. Thankfully, Konoha was in a prosperous period, so Sarutobi didn't need to fuss over mission pay.
"Good, I understand," the Hokage nodded with approval. "You've handled some difficult missions recently. It hasn't been easy for any of you."
Konoha's Chunin and Genin squads, even excluding those permanently stationed along the borders, were many. Yet, among these teams, only a rare few showed as much potential as Squad Thirteen—one reason why he prioritized A-rank missions for them.
"Lord Hokage, I apologize for taking up more of your time," Tetsuya spoke up just as Sarutobi prepared to dismiss them. At Shin's subtle prompting, Tetsuya finally stepped forward.
"Oh? Tetsuya, there's no need for apologies." The Hokage's eyes softened as he looked at the young ninja before him. "Is there something on your mind? Feel free to speak—I may be able to help."
Since the mission at Misty Isle, Jiraiya had expressed his admiration for Tetsuya's potential. This had made Hiruzen Sarutobi view the young ninja in a new light, distinguishing him from his peers.
"It's like this, Lord Hokage," Tetsuya began, keeping his tone respectful. "Recently, I've gained some new insights in swordsmanship, but…our clan doesn't have any swords suited to my skills. So, I was wondering if I could use the reward from the Chunin Exams to exchange for a short sword that's both sturdy and sharp."
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