NOVEL NEXT Chapter 89: Chapter 89
"Got it! Understood!"
"You've done well with this task. It must have been tough on you."
While Tetsuya Fujiwara was standing there, head slightly lowered and lost in his own thoughts, Hiruzen Sarutobi gave him a subtle nod.
This nod, though simple, was a rare acknowledgment of Tetsuya's efforts. Hiruzen's tone carried a touch of approval, even if his words hinted at some dissatisfaction with Tetsuya's methods.
"Though the approach may have been a bit crude," Hiruzen said, "as long as the results are what we need, I'll consider the matter closed. Perhaps, for a while, my ears will have some peace."
"If there's nothing else, Hokage-sama, I'll take my leave," Tetsuya replied politely.
Spending time alone with an old man wasn't exactly Tetsuya's idea of fun. Of course, if Hiruzen was willing to part with the crystal ball on his desk, Tetsuya wouldn't mind lingering for a longer chat.
"Wait," Hiruzen called out just as Tetsuya was about to step out.
"Yes, Hokage-sama?"
"I almost forgot to ask," Hiruzen said with a light chuckle. "How's Mist Marrow treating you? Are you finding it to your liking?"
Tetsuya straightened and responded earnestly, "Thank you for asking, Hokage-sama. Mist Marrow is an exceptional blade. I feel a strong connection with it."
"That's good to hear," Hiruzen replied, finally setting down his ever-present smoking pipe and standing up slowly. "As you've noticed, Kirimaru isn't an ordinary blade. It's one that holds the potential for legacy. I hope you'll treat it with care and respect."
"You have my word, Hokage-sama," Tetsuya assured him.
---
After the graduation exams, Tetsuya once again found himself in a period of inactivity. Just as he was considering visiting Shin for a casual chat, Shin unexpectedly showed up at his doorstep.
"Shin-sensei, what brings you here?" Tetsuya asked, quickly brewing a pot of tea and offering a cup to his visitor. His gaze lingered on Shin's tired expression, his curiosity piqued.
Shouldn't Shin be enjoying a carefree time with Sato Kaiko by now? The two of them were practically inseparable these days, basking in their romantic bliss.
"Tetsuya," Shin began, his voice hesitant, his eyes avoiding direct contact. For a moment, it seemed as though he wanted to speak but couldn't bring himself to say the words.
"Sensei, did something happen?" Tetsuya asked, his tone calm yet probing. "I may still be young, but you should know I'm capable of understanding serious matters. Isn't that why you're here?"
Tetsuya's words seemed to hit home. Shin let out a sigh, the hesitation still visible on his face.
"You're right," Shin admitted. "I'm here because I couldn't think of anyone else to turn to."
He paused for a moment before continuing, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's about Kaiko… She's pregnant."
The news hit Tetsuya like a lightning bolt.
"P-Pregnant?" he stammered, almost choking on the words. Shin was turning out to be wilder than he'd imagined.
Swallowing hard, Tetsuya tried to regain his composure. He now understood why Shin couldn't find anyone else to confide in. If the Yuyama clan got wind of this, it would be disastrous. Even if Shin and Kaiko wanted to stay together, there was no guarantee they'd be allowed to. At the very least, Shin was in for a harsh scolding—or worse.
"So, Sensei, what are you planning to do about this?" Tetsuya asked, his tone more serious now. "You've been with Kaiko-san for so long. She's waited for you all these years. Are you going to let external pressure make you give up on her and the child she's carrying?"
Tetsuya's disappointment was evident. For someone like Shin—a jonin of Konoha and, more importantly, a man—to show hesitation at such a critical moment was disheartening.
"No," Shin said firmly, his eyes finally meeting Tetsuya's. "Kaiko and the child are more important to me than my own life. I would never abandon them."
"Then what's stopping you, Sensei? What are you afraid of?"
"Tetsuya, you're still young, but I know you understand these things. In the Yuhi clan, traditions and family honor are valued above all else—even individual lives. I don't know what will happen if I reveal the truth. Will Kaiko and I be allowed to stay together? Will the child even have a chance to be born?"
Shin's fears were not unfounded. The best-case scenario was that the clan elders would reluctantly accept Kaiko into the family. The worst-case scenario… Tetsuya didn't want to imagine it. Forced separation, the child's life at risk—the possibilities were grim.
Tetsuya scratched his head, trying to think of a solution. "Alright, I understand now," he said finally. "But let me ask you this—how far along is Kaiko-san?"
"About two months," Shin replied.
"Two months? That's manageable," Tetsuya said, a hint of relief in his voice. "Here's what you should do, Sensei. Marry Kaiko-san immediately. Then apply to Hokage-sama for some time away—perhaps a year—or volunteer for a mission on the borders. Whatever it takes, get her out of Konoha."
Shin's eyes widened. "Leave Konoha?"
"Exactly," Tetsuya said, his tone decisive. "Once Kaiko-san has given birth and the child is a few months old, you can return. Just report the baby's birth as being a couple of months later than it actually was. By then, no one will question it."
Shin mulled over the suggestion, nodding slowly. "That… could work. Tetsuya, you're brilliant."
A spark of hope lit Shin's face, replacing the despair that had been there moments before. Tetsuya's plan offered a realistic path forward, one that might allow Shin to protect both Kaiko and their child.
"But what about you and the others?" Shin asked suddenly, his expression clouding over. "If I leave for the border, what happens to our team? What happens to you, Mikoto, and Muto?"
Tetsuya smiled wryly. "Sensei, you're the one who's always telling us to adapt, right? We'll manage. Besides, this is your family we're talking about. They come first."
For a moment, the room was silent. Then Shin let out a deep sigh of relief.
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