"The Valley of the End?"
Hiashi Hyuga's eyes lit up at those words.
Indeed, the Valley of the End was a place filled with ceremonial significance—an ideal location for a duel. It seemed that Heiyan had long intended to challenge him, carefully choosing both time and place.
"Fine!"
Hiashi raised his head proudly, loudly gave an enthusiastic yes, then turned like a gust of wind and vanished from sight.
"Another arrogant guy."
Pakura gritted her teeth as she watched Hiashi's retreating figure, anger mixing with frustration.
She'd been brushed aside twice already.
"What were you about to say just now?" Heiyan suddenly turned around and asked.
"That... when we first met, my attitude wasn't very good. I want to apologize now." Pakura composed herself, swallowed her pride, and bowed deeply before Heiyan.
"It's nothing. I didn't take it seriously," Heiyan replied indifferently.
"And also... thank you for saving me back at the arena," Pakura added softly, blushing slightly as she looked down, like a shy teenage girl.
Had members of Sunagakure seen this side of Pakura, they would surely have been shocked.
Timid and hesitant—this just wasn't like her usual self.
"Oh, you fought against one of my Shadow Clones. I've already received its memories," Heiyan nodded.
"Then... do you remember anything else?" Seeing Heiyan's indifferent expression, Pakura hurriedly pressed on.
"Remember what?"
"You held me in your arms for so long, and you don't remember either?"
Her large, sparkling eyes brimming with injustice, Pakura bit her lip and accused him, "So because it was done by a Shadow Clone, you're just going to deny it, huh!"
Without waiting for Heiyan's reply, she stormed off angrily toward her hotel room.
That's just how girls her age are—quick to get caught up in their feelings.
Heiyan rubbed his temples. Where did this come from anyway?
Come to think of it, in the ninja world, kunoichi strong enough to reach Kage level numbered no more than seven or eight—more rare than snow leopards.
Undoubtedly, Pakura was among them. A heroine of the Land of Wind, she had earned countless merits for Sunagakure.
Unfortunately, she ultimately became a pawn in political machinations. The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, tricked her into going to Kirigakure under the guise of a covert mission, where disguised Mist ninjas stabbed her from behind and finished her off with a rain of kunai. Her death was terribly tragic.
Heiyan realized that Pakura's eventual fate as a pawn in great power politics could already be glimpsed in her current personality traits.
It was time to call it a night.
Feeling tired now, Heiyan simply went straight back to his room and fell asleep.
Still, the fallout from tonight's banquet continued to ripple outward...
On the surface, this dinner appeared merely to be a farewell party hosted by Four Seasons Hotel for ninja from various villages—but in reality, it was a continuation of the Chunin Exams, even serving as their climactic finale.
With a trade agreement at stake, high-ranking officials from Konoha and Sunagakure had dispatched their prodigies to engage in rotating challenges—a fierce and dramatic series of battles that ended with Heiyan defeating seven opponents alone.
He'd just fought his way into legend.
Heiyan's sudden and sensational rise was turning him into a new rising star in Konoha.
The next day, brilliant sunlight stretched across the cloudless sky.
After waking up and carefully grooming himself, Heiyan left his home and made his way straight to the Hokage building.
At the end of Ichiraku Street stood a domed structure leaning against the Hokage Face Rock—the Hokage's office. A giant Chinese character for "fire," symbolizing the spirit and honor of the village, was painted on the roof, clearly visible from afar.
Upon arriving at the first-floor lobby of the Hokage Tower, Heiyan checked in with the receptionist and waited for a bit. Soon after, a beautiful kunoichi escorted him upstairs and led him to the office door.
Outside the door stood two masked Anbu guards, creating an air of solemnity and majesty. Scrolls bearing traditional four-character proverbs lined the walls—sayings like "Deepest Heart, Simplest Form," "Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain" [a ninja principle representing speed, stealth, might, and immovability], and "Treasure Every Encounter."
Creak!
One of the Anbu guards gently pushed open the heavy door and motioned for Heiyan to enter.
Heiyan stepped inside.
Behind him, the grand doors quietly shut.
The two Anbu exchanged glances, both showing surprise in their eyes.
Generally speaking, most ninja summoned to meet the Hokage for the first time showed at least some nervousness—yet Heiyan had remained calm-eyed and composed throughout.
"No wonder he's the genius who defeated seven enemies single-handedly. It seems both his strength and mental fortitude are top-tier."
"I have a feeling Heiyan might soon become our colleague."
The two Anbu whispered softly, their expressions filled with anticipation behind their masks.
Inside the Hokage Office—
As Heiyan walked through the doorway, he immediately saw a massive rectangular desk buried beneath towering stacks of paperwork.
In the middle of that chaotic mountain of documents sat Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, leaning back in his chair puffing leisurely on a pipe. Beside him on the right side of the desk rested a red hat bearing the symbol of fire on its front—a mark of supreme authority over Konoha.
At the same time, Heiyan sensed a cold and piercing gaze.
In one corner of the room, Danzo stood leaning on his cane—an object representing status and power. His eyes fixed on Heiyan, and the pressure he exuded was just as overwhelming as Sarutobi's own.
Puff~
Hiruzen exhaled a smoke ring before finally setting down his pipe and fixing his gaze on Heiyan.
"Heiyan, you've done great this time—you turned the tide by defeating seven Sunagakure shinobi single-handedly. You not only protected Leaf's reputation but also helped the village secure a trade agreement with Sunagakure. This is truly a tremendous achievement."
His tone carried a warm smile and appreciative look.
"Hokage-sama," Heiyan replied respectfully but without any sign of flattery or arrogance, "as a loyal ninja of Konoha, I merely fulfilled my duty."
"Well said!"
Hiruzen became even more satisfied with Heiyan's response and continued, "Feel free to ask for any reward you desire. Don't be shy—speak boldly."
Heiyan pretended to ponder for a moment before replying, "Hokage-sama, to tell the truth, I've always longed to witness firsthand the forbidden technique known as [Multi-Shadow Clone] created by the Second Hokage."
"Oh, the [Multi-Shadow Clone], huh?"
When Hiruzen Sarutobi heard those words, he felt slightly surprised but quickly understood Heiyan's intentions.
"Indeed," he said. "From last night's battle alone, it's clear your chakra reserves are enormous. You managed to fight seven battles in a row using just one Shadow Clone—that proves it. This technique suits you well. However…"
He paused briefly, choosing his words carefully before continuing, "[Multi-Shadow Clone] is ultimately a very dangerous jutsu. How about this? I've heard you and Tsunade get along well, so I'll have her bring the scroll to you and supervise your training to make sure things go smoothly."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Heiyan bowed respectfully, a satisfied look on his face.
Thump! Thump!
At that moment, Hiruzen tapped the table twice more.
Creak.
The office door creaked open as two Anbu entered, each carrying a bundle—one held a full set of ninja gear while the other carried an ancient-looking short sword.
[The Blade of the Forgotten Era]…
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