Chapter 45: Thor's Sword

What transpired at the Hyuga household had little impact on Tetsuya. From yesterday's conversation with Hiashi, it was clear he held no objections to Tetsuya and Hinata's relationship. Hiashi's concern was solely about the other members of the Hyuga clan.

The Hyuga clan's branch house system had always baffled Tetsuya. Hizashi, as the patriarch's younger brother, became part of the branch house while some ancient elders remained in the main family. How was this decided?

But as long as Hiashi didn't oppose their relationship, Tetsuya was unfazed by the others.

The following day, Tetsuya had no missions. After spending the previous day with Hinata, today was reserved for Ino. Following the same process and routine, Tetsuya managed to secure another first kiss from the young girl, embracing his role as a bit of a scoundrel.

When Maru Xing Kosuke saw Tetsuya again, he wore a mischievous smile.

"You're blushing. It seems the Hyuga family's affairs aren't weighing you down," Kosuke teased.

Tetsuya was momentarily surprised that Kosuke knew about his personal matters, but he quickly surmised it was likely the Third Hokage's doing. In Konoha, nothing escaped the Third Hokage's notice, except perhaps for Danzo's schemes.

"It's just a bunch of stubborn old men. Kosuke-senpai, let's take a mission," Tetsuya suggested, walking towards the Hokage building, eager to change the subject.

Kosuke followed, a smile still playing on his lips.

Originally, Tetsuya planned to take on a mission to clear out some nearby bandits, but they were intercepted by Anbu and directed to the Hokage's office.

The Third Hokage greeted them with a smile. "Tetsuya, Kosuke, you're finally here. I have a mission that's perfect for you."

He didn't mention the Hyuga family issues, which were trivial to him. Tetsuya was curious, wondering what mission necessitated direct assignment from the Hokage.

The mission briefing revealed the details. Three years ago, a special Jōnin named Aoi Rokushō had bewitched his disciple, Idate Morino, and stolen the Book of Seals and the Sword of Thor. Under the valiant pursuit of Ibiki Morino, the sealed book was retrieved, but the Sword of Thor remained with Aoi Rokushō, who had since joined the Hidden Rain Village as a Jōnin.

Now, intelligence had surfaced about Aoi Rokushō's plan to assassinate a noble in the Land of Grass. For Konoha, a traitor was one thing, but a traitor with important stolen items was another matter entirely. This mission was to hone Tetsuya's skills and retrieve the Sword of Thor.

"Do you have any questions?" the Third Hokage asked.

Tetsuya raised his hand. "Why is the Second Hokage's sword called the Sword of Thor if he was known for his Water Style and Forbidden Techniques?"

The Third Hokage chuckled, not expecting such a question, but explained. "It's a fascinating misunderstanding. The Sword of Thor is indeed a creation of the Second Hokage, but not his personal weapon. It's designed to convert attributeless chakra into lightning, making it incredibly powerful. Due to the rare and precious materials required—almost entirely chakra-conducting metal—the Second Hokage only made one."

After understanding the details, Tetsuya and Kosuke prepared to leave. The Third Hokage set the mission as A-rank, with a generous reward. If Tetsuya retrieved the Sword of Thor, it would be his to keep.

Though Tetsuya wasn't particularly interested in the sword itself—knowing it was shattered by Sasuke's Chidori in the original story—the chakra-conducting metal piqued his interest. With Shaoming Viguna and Heaven's Blessing and Fate, he needed a suitable weapon to maximize these abilities.

On the journey to the Land of Grass, Tetsuya and Kosuke traveled swiftly, eating and sleeping on the go. The pot Kosuke carried wasn't just for cooking; it doubled as a shield in critical moments.

After a day and night of travel, they reached their destination.

"Stop, who are you?" barked two fierce-looking guards outside a grand official residence.

"We are ninjas from Konoha, here to protect your master after receiving intelligence about an assassination plot," Kosuke explained, stepping forward as Tetsuya remained silent.

Tetsuya didn't care much for feudal nobles. The strange political system in the world of ninjas baffled him. Ninjas, with their immense power, obeyed a group of seemingly useless nobles and daimyo.

Lost in thought, Tetsuya shook his head. Despite his disdain for nobles, he was a pragmatist. As long as they didn't provoke him, he wouldn't trouble them.

Kosuke's explanation satisfied the guards, and they were led inside to meet the noble they were to protect.