Chapter 48

"What's wrong? Is there really something even I can't handle?"

Sensing Fujiwara Tetsuya's hesitation, Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice darkened. This kind of pause struck directly at the Hokage's pride.

"No, it's not that! I'm not doubting you, Lord Hokage," Tetsuya quickly reassured. "But this issue..."

He exhaled sharply. "Since you asked, Hokage-sama, I'll speak plainly, even in front of Advisor Koharu."

Sarutobi had just handed him the perfect opportunity to vent. Gritting his teeth, Tetsuya acted as though making a tough decision. For some reason, when her name was mentioned, Advisor Koharu suddenly felt an ominous sense of foreboding.

"Before my match a few days ago, a member of the Koharu clan, someone I'd never met before, approached me. They asked me to deliberately lose to Koharu Tatsu." His voice was calm but deliberate. "However, as someone who carries the hopes of my comrades and family, I refused. After the match, that same person threatened me."

"Lord Hokage, my strength isn't enough yet. I'm afraid..."

He let his words trail off, watching the reaction unfold. Sarutobi's face darkened further, his gaze shifting heavily toward Koharu. The once-comfortable mood in the room grew tense. Even the way Sarutobi looked at his longtime advisor seemed burdened.

"I knew nothing of this!" Koharu Utatane interjected quickly. "Give me two days, and I'll get to the bottom of this. If anyone from my clan is involved, I swear I won't shield them. I'll make sure you're satisfied with the outcome!"

Koharu Utatane knew Sarutobi too well. The moment their eyes met, she realized the truth. Her old friend—the leader of Konoha, the most powerful figure in the village—was furious.

Sarutobi had long championed the commoners and smaller ninja clans. He wanted to break the stranglehold of the village's elite families. But this? This crossed a line.

"No," Sarutobi's voice was harsh. "I don't need an explanation for myself. You owe Tetsuya an explanation."

"Koharu! You and Danzo are my most trusted comrades. For this to happen within the Koharu clan... it's deeply disappointing."

The sudden outburst filled the room, and even Sarutobi seemed to question himself. Had he been too lenient with Koharu with Danzo? With Mitokado?

---

Whistling to himself, Fujiwara Tetsuya made his exit from the Hokage's office. With the three scrolls now carefully sealed and stashed away, he left the political intrigue behind, at least for now.

Those power struggles in the Hokage's office? They were nothing more than a game of manipulation among "friends." The tension and discord on the surface would likely disappear soon enough.

When Tetsuya returned to the clan compound, he arrived just in time for dinner. After a hearty meal, he excused himself from conversation with Tanaka Jirou and Fujiwara Sachiko, retreating to his room.

Ay!

The man he'd soon face was arguably even more formidable than Rasa. Fighting a foe like Ay meant preparing himself to the absolute peak of his ability.

The scrolls provided by Sarutobi Hiruzen were packed with invaluable information: detailed records of the Yotsuki clan's secret techniques, past battles with Konoha, and even strategies for countering their unique ninjutsu. It was a veritable treasure trove of battle knowledge.

However, battles between shinobi weren't won solely through theory. No amount of strategy could guarantee victory. To defeat someone like Ay, with unparalleled combat instincts, he would have to break through the boundaries of theory and put everything on the line.

"System! Show me my stats."

[Host: Fujiwara Tetsuya]

[Rank: Chunin (1/5000)]

[Kekkei Genkai: None]

[Ninjutsu: Konoha-ryu Swordsmanship (35/1000 - Intermediate) - A, Lightning Release: Chidori (45/3000 - Advanced) - A, Water Release: Water Mirror (1/500 - Beginner) - A, Water Release: Water Severing Wave (2/3000 - Advanced) - A, Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet (219/500 - Intermediate) - B, Water Release: Water Fang Bullet (4/500 - Intermediate) - B, Lightning Release: Lightning Beast Tracking Fang (105/500 - Advanced) - C, Water Clone Technique (25/500 - Advanced) - C, Water Prison Technique (75/500 - Advanced) - C, Body Flicker Technique (Intermediate) - D, Transformation Technique (Advanced) - E]

[Kill Points: 1500]

"System, allocate all remaining Kill Points to Chidori."

As the system responded, Tetsuya's eyes grew sharp. Memories of the Third Raikage's legendary final battle ran through his mind. It had taken a full army of shinobi three days and nights to finally wear him down.

Ay, as the son of the Third Raikage, undoubtedly inherited that same bloodline. The idea of trying to defeat such an opponent by playing it safe was laughable.

The only way to stand a chance was to strike at the right moment with blinding speed—using Chidori to pierce through in a head-on clash.

---

The Next Morning

As the first rays of sunlight crept over the village, crowds began to form. Shops closed early, and families moved in droves toward the stadium. Today was the final day of the Chunin Exams.

Shortly after Tetsuya left the compound, Tanaka Jirou, Fujiwara Sachiko, and others led the Fujiwara, Tanaka, and Uesugi clans to the arena. It was the event of the year, and no one wanted to miss it.

Inside the arena, the stands were filled with eager spectators. The air buzzed with countless conversations as the excitement of the final battle built.

In the special seating areas, important figures from the Land of Fire, nobles, and wealthy merchants from all over had gathered. They were joined by Konoha's elite—high-ranking shinobi from every corner of the village.

"The Hokage is here!"

As soon as Sarutobi Hiruzen and his entourage appeared, the atmosphere in the arena shifted. The villagers quieted, their attention drawn to the Hokage and his council as they took the most prominent seats.

Meanwhile, at Konoha Hospital, word had already spread that Tetsuya had reached the finals. Whether by coincidence or Uchiha Kagami's special orders, when Tetsuya arrived to visit Uchiha Mikoto, the Uchiha clan members barely put up any resistance.

Standing beside her hospital bed, Tetsuya remained silent, simply watching her.

Ten minutes passed.

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Tetsuya's figure flickered, vanishing from the room in an instant.

"Such skill at such a young age," murmured an observing Uchiha. "He's already mastered the Body Flicker Technique to this level..."

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