The next day, the sky was a clear, flawless blue, and a light breeze made the air feel fresh and invigorating.
Such ideal weather was a great advantage for Hidden Heaven Village, as today marked the highly anticipated inauguration of their Tenkage!
As the first rays of sunlight pierced the night and bathed Hidden Heaven Village, figures began appearing on the village’s quiet streets, each with forehead protectors bearing the symbols of various other ninja villages.
These were shinobi from distant villages—rare visitors to Hidden Heaven Village—who had come under the orders of their leaders to witness the inauguration of the new Tenkage.
They arrived from every direction, and though they took different paths, all converged at the central square, where a majestic golden statue stood tall.
Unlike any other day, every store in Hidden Heaven Village had closed, and countless villagers emerged from their cozy homes, heading together toward the central square.
Without a doubt, today would be the busiest, most exciting day of the year for Hidden Heaven Village.
On this special day, Sasuke also rose early. After putting on his Hidden Heaven Village headband, he set out to find Zabuza and Haku, joining them to attend the Tenkage inauguration.
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Navigating the crowded streets, Sasuke, Zabuza, and Haku reached the square, where fully equipped ninja patrols kept watch.
With so many people gathering for the Tenkage inauguration, any potential hostile outsider could cause massive harm to the villagers, so Uchiha Fugaku had instructed the village’s elite ninja units to maintain order.
At the square’s entrance, guards checked identification; only foreign shinobi who had been approved by Hidden Heaven Village could enter, while local villagers used a separate entry.
This was all part of the effort to ensure the Tenkage inauguration went smoothly and safely.
Guided by Sasuke, Zabuza and Haku entered the square without issue. Soon, the monument of Uchiha Fugaku, resplendent in the golden sunlight, came into view.
“Every village has its own iconic Kage monument, but Hidden Heaven Village’s statue is probably the best!” Zabuza couldn’t help but admire the brilliant beauty of the Tenkage statue.
“Hehe… Zabuza-san, if you join Hidden Heaven and eventually become Tenkage, your own golden statue could be here too,” Sasuke replied with a smile.
“To be honored with a monument like this… I could die with no regrets,” Zabuza chuckled softly, not answering Sasuke directly.
Before Sasuke could continue the conversation, the square suddenly erupted in loud cheers as three key figures—Daimyo Oda of the Land of Heaven, the Raikage, and the man of the hour, Uchiha Fugaku—appeared on the highest platform overlooking the square.
At that moment, Daimyo Oda was all smiles, clearly proud to see that Hidden Heaven Village had managed to secure Raikage’s attendance. For the daimyo of a small nation, this was a significant accomplishment.
As time passed, more and more people filled the square, each buzzing with anticipation for the ceremony to begin.
Finally, the appointed time arrived, and a close attendant informed Daimyo Oda.
“Ahem.”
On the high platform, Daimyo Oda cleared his throat and cast an authoritative gaze over the crowd. Gradually, the noisy square quieted down, and his steady voice reached every ear: “Today is a day that will be forever remembered in Hidden Heaven Village!”
“I am honored to announce Uchiha Fugaku as the first Tenkage of Hidden Heaven Village!”
The moment Daimyo Oda’s words fell, the crowd burst into joyous cheers that seemed to shake the very sky.
Amidst the raucous applause, Daimyo Oda handed a bamboo hat bearing the character “Heaven” to Uchiha Fugaku, saying, “Tenkage, I entrust Hidden Heaven Village to you!”
“I will honor the faith you’ve placed in me!” Taking the hat and meeting Daimyo Oda’s gaze, Uchiha Fugaku replied solemnly.
“I swear as the Tenkage to dedicate my life to protecting Hidden Heaven Village!”
Placing the hat on his head, Uchiha Fugaku—now officially the First Tenkage—declared boldly to the crowd.
His words sparked another round of cheers, and the villagers erupted in excitement, waving their hands and cheering, creating a sea of celebration in the square.
“Itachi, becoming Tenkage means earning the admiration and respect of everyone here. Work hard to be the Second Tenkage!” Shisui whispered to Itachi, his gaze admiring as he looked up at Fugaku on the platform.
“I’m not the right person for that role. With your abilities, Shisui, you’d be a perfect Second Tenkage,” Itachi responded sincerely.
Shisui was about to argue further when his expression suddenly shifted. “Something’s wrong!”
At that moment, a slender figure with flowing hair and a poised stance appeared on the platform.
“It’s her?” Sasuke and Zabuza both murmured in surprise.
The figure was none other than Terumi Mei, who had come to fulfill her mission.
As a former shinobi of the Hidden Mist Village, Zabuza naturally recognized Terumi Mei and had crossed paths with her before. Sasuke, on the other hand, knew Terumi Mei from the Naruto anime.
To many fans, Terumi Mei was a beloved character—a beautiful and captivating figure admired by countless male fans.
Of course, “Sasuke” in the real world was no different. Seeing Terumi Mei in person made him want to rush over and embrace his “goddess.” However, knowing he was in the ninja world, Sasuke wisely held himself back, aware that any inappropriate action could earn him a taste of Terumi Mei’s Lava Release technique.
Unlike Sasuke and Zabuza’s surprise, Haku clenched his fists in tension.
Although he didn’t know Terumi Mei personally, he was well aware she was a Mist Village shinobi.
It was clear to him that her presence here was likely related to Zabuza. Preparing himself, he began gathering chakra, ready to defend Zabuza if necessary.