[81] Schemes

"Tengen destroyed one of Root's headquarters?" Hiruzen faltered at Danzo's words. "Impossible."

"Nothing's impossible. That individual displayed exceptional taijutsu." Danzo said slowly. "You saw Tengen's strength during the Chunin Exams."

"No, the taijutsu that razed Root's base was different. It required power beyond a Jonin's, capable of generating air cannons." Hiruzen said, shaking his head.

"Whether it was Tengen or not, he's a prime suspect. We thoroughly investigated that period, and no foreign ninja in Konoha possessed such taijutsu prowess." Danzo countered. "Hiruzen, you know how rare such skill is in the ninja world, let alone in Konoha."

"Where's your proof, Danzo?" Hiruzen fixed him with a piercing stare.

"No proof, but doesn't this make Tengen suspicious? If he joins Root, you can rest easy." Danzo said.

Hiruzen took a deep breath, meeting Danzo's gaze. "Danzo, let's be clear. That incident caused only structural damage, no loss of sensitive documents or secrets. Even if Tengen was responsible, I'd forgive him. Besides, the likelihood is slim."

"What are you saying, Hiruzen?" Danzo scrutinized him.

"I'm saying Tengen will never join Root." Hiruzen declared.

"You'll regret this, Hiruzen." Danzo said, his eyes cold.

"Even if I do, my decision stands." Hiruzen replied firmly.

"Fine." Danzo said, giving Hiruzen a long look before turning and leaving the room.

He knew when Hiruzen's mind was set, no argument would sway him.

As Danzo departed, Hiruzen approached the window, gazing into the dark night. "Tengen, I hope I'm right about you. If you ever betray Konoha, I'll deal with you myself. Don't let me down."

Tengen's face flickered in his mind.

Below, Danzo glanced up at the Hokage's building, a cold smirk curling his lips. "Hiruzen, one day the Hokage's seat will be mine."

"And Tengen." He muttered, staring at the starry sky, "your existence feels like a threat." His thoughts turned to Orochimaru.

Tengen, unaware of the exchange between Danzo and Hiruzen, wouldn't have cared if he knew. His current strength could handle most dangers, but he was only beginning. He needed to grow stronger.

First, he'd examine the HD video obtained from Orochimaru's lab.

Back home, Tengen activated the system. The video was from Naruto.

"Naruto." Tengen said, smiling.

The Naruto world held many treasures he coveted: the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, the Rinnegan, and more. Though he wielded the Mangekyo, repeated use would erode his vision, even with a perfect Mangekyo. After several uses, he'd noticed subtle changes in his eyes.

The Eternal Mangekyo was essential. Lacking a sibling, Tengen's only path to it was through the system.

"Let's draw." Tengen said, initiating the extraction.

[Ding! Obtained: Elite Jonin Experience Pack.] The system announced.

"Elite Jonin Experience Pack." Tengen said, surprised. This was a valuable reward.

Previously, he'd relied on taijutsu to contend with ninja. Absorbing this pack would elevate his ninjutsu, allowing him to match Jonin. With his Uzumaki physique, his ninjutsu would rank among the best.

In that state, Tengen could challenge Kage-level opponents.

"Absorb it." Tengen said, taking a deep breath. No reason to delay with such a prize.

A surge of chakra coursed through him, deepening his understanding of chakra manipulation and ninjutsu applications. The knowledge broadened his perspective, making ninjutsu second nature.

This wasn't just about chakra, it enhanced his overall combat prowess. He felt as though he'd fought countless battles, honing his instincts.

Now, even facing Minato Namikaze wouldn't faze him.

With his layered abilities, Tengen's combat strength rivaled Kage-level ninja. Only the most exceptional foes or a Tailed Beast ambush would force him to extremes, like unleashing the Eight Gates.

Having trained in a pseudo-One Punch Man regimen, his taijutsu was monstrous. Fully opening the Eight Gates might even tear space itself.

"I'll refine it tomorrow." Tengen said, glancing at the dark sky. He returned to his bedroom and went to bed.

---

The next day, Konoha buzzed with talk of the Chunin Exams, a rare and thrilling event. Tengen's performance, some said, approached Jonin-level. With time, he'd surely become one.

That morning, he trained briefly, leaving a Shadow Clone to continue while he strolled through the village. Many Konoha-nin nodded to him, a sign of their respect.

"Tengen." A voice called out.

***

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