CHAPTER 88
"Two versions?"
Guy was momentarily stunned.
For the past few days, he had stayed at home.
Using his own Chakra and his experience with operating the Muscle-Tendon Change Classic, he guided his father, Might Duy.
Helping him adapt to and master the cultivation method more quickly.
He had not gone out at all to inquire about the rumors spreading through the Village.
So he genuinely had no idea what these so-called "two versions" referred to.
"Yeah, Konoha is pretty lively right now!"
The Administrative Chunin leaned closer, his face practically glowing with the excitement of digging up insider information.
He lowered his voice as though he were revealing an earth-shattering secret.
"There are currently two different versions of the story about Sarutobi Sosuke circulating throughout the Village."
"The first version says that as the Commander-in-Chief of Mount Kikyo, he bravely fought the enemy and led from the front."
"They say he even lost an arm and still charged at the forefront of the pursuit."
"According to that version, he's the hero who turned the tide of the battle!"
"A lot of people, especially the shinobi who returned with Lord Orochimaru's reinforcements, are saying that."
He paused and carefully observed Guy's reaction before continuing.
"But the second version... cough, cough."
"They say he made several wrong decisions on the battlefield and nearly got everyone killed."
"They say the eight squad captains jointly removed him from command, preventing a complete disaster."
"Most of the people who came back from Mount Kikyo, especially the wounded survivors, are spreading that version."
The Administrative Chunin pushed up his glasses and stared directly at Guy.
"You came back from there yourself."
"You guarded the Mountain Ridge for so long and later rushed back to the camp."
"So tell me... which version is actually true?"
Guy's expression became somewhat strange.
Instead of answering, he asked,
"Didn't you ask the others who came back from Mount Kikyo?"
"I did!"
The Administrative Chunin immediately nodded.
"I asked plenty of them!"
"Most of them are telling the second version."
"However, there are also people, mainly the reinforcements who returned with Lord Orochimaru, who firmly support the first version."
"Those of us in the rear are completely confused."
Then his eyes sparkled with gossip once more.
"But..."
"Almost everyone spreading the second version mentions your name."
"They all say that if it weren't for you delivering the warning in advance, and if it weren't for what happened later... cough."
"Anyway, they all say you know the inside story better than anyone."
"That's why I'm asking you."
Guy understood immediately.
These were simply two different perspectives.
Or perhaps two different truths mixed together with varying positions, interests, and personal biases.
The first version was likely being promoted by Sarutobi Sosuke himself, or by people whose interests were tied to his.
They were trying to shape him into a hero and repair his damaged reputation.
The second version was the genuine voice of the survivors.
Those who had personally experienced that bloody battle and witnessed Sarutobi Sosuke's actions with their own eyes.
The reason they repeatedly mentioned Guy was because he had been one of the most important participants in the entire incident.
Guy fell silent for a moment before ultimately shaking his head.
He did not explain anything.
Not a single word.
The reason was simple.
Before leaving Mount Kikyo, Akimichi Choza had specifically pulled him aside and given him a piece of advice.
"When you get back to Konoha, eat well, sleep well, recover properly, and continue cultivating."
"Don't worry about outside matters."
"And definitely don't involve yourself in them, interfere with them, or argue with anyone."
"Leave the rest to us."
Guy understood what Choza meant.
Choza was protecting him in his own way.
After all, Sarutobi Sosuke was a member of the Sarutobi Clan.
The matter involved the reputation of an influential clan and potentially even the political struggles among Konoha's upper ranks.
The waters were far too deep.
He was only a nine-year-old Chunin.
Although he had accumulated military achievements, his foundation within the Village was still shallow.
If he recklessly jumped into this whirlpool of public opinion, he would only attract unnecessary trouble and pressure.
Choza and the other squad captains who supported him would handle the matter through proper channels.
For now, Guy only needed to focus on becoming stronger.
Everything else could wait.
The Administrative Chunin watched Guy keep his mouth shut as tightly as a clam.
It was obvious that even torture would not pry any information out of him.
The anticipation on his face quickly faded.
It was replaced by an expression of pure frustration.
The flames of gossip burning in his eyes nearly spilled out.
Yet they had no fuel to feed upon.
Guy remained completely unmoved.
Seeing this, the Administrative Chunin sighed deeply.
He knew he would learn nothing today.
Dejectedly, he leaned back and finally gave up.
Turning around, he retrieved a rectangular wooden box from a cabinet behind him and placed it on the counter.
"Here."
"This is the weapon the Logistics Department forged according to the blueprints and specifications you submitted."
"They rushed it through at top speed."
"The materials are top quality, and the workmanship is excellent."
"It cost a total of four hundred and eighty military merit points."
"My goodness."
"The majority of your war merits were probably poured into this thing."
"What kind of treasure weapon did you exchange for?"
The moment he heard this, Guy's eyes lit up.
Excitement surged through his heart.
This was exactly what he had previously asked Akimichi Choza to help him apply for.
The special weapon he had intended to exchange for with most of his military merits.
He picked up the wooden box.
It felt heavy in his hands.
Without hesitation, he opened it.
Resting quietly upon a layer of black velvet was a pair of...
Nunchaku.
The entire weapon possessed a deep dark-gold coloration.
The material appeared to be a combination of special metal and highly durable wood.
It provided sufficient weight and impact power without becoming cumbersome enough to affect speed.
Each stick was roughly the length of a forearm.
They were polished smooth and perfectly rounded.
The grips were wrapped in black soft rubber designed to prevent slipping and absorb sweat.
Connecting the two sticks was a black alloy chain.
Although it appeared ordinary at first glance, it was exceptionally sturdy.
The interlocking links reflected a cold metallic gleam beneath the light.
The entire design was simple and free of unnecessary decorations.
Yet it naturally radiated a sharp and ferocious aura.
This was precisely the signature weapon that perfectly matched the image of the Blue Beast in Guy's memories.
"This... what kind of strange weapon is this?"
The Administrative Chunin leaned forward.
His face was filled with confusion and curiosity.
"Two sticks connected by a chain?"
"How do you even use this thing?"
"Wouldn't you just hit yourself when you swing it?"
Guy ignored the question.
Grinning, he reached into the box and picked up the nunchaku.
The weapon felt slightly cool.
The balance was perfect.
Its size and proportions seemed as though they had been custom-made specifically for him.
An indescribable sense of familiarity instantly spread from his palms throughout his entire body.
It felt as though the weapon was an extension of his own limbs.
Almost instinctively, he flicked his wrist.
The nunchaku spun.
Then he naturally settled into a fighting stance.
His arms extended.
His wrists exerted force.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The nunchaku seemed to come alive within his hands.
Transforming into two dark-gold whirlwinds.
Sweeping.
Smashing.
Striking.
Entangling.
Lifting.
One basic movement flowed seamlessly into the next.
The air exploded with sharp whistling sounds.
The chain rattled crisply and rhythmically.
Every motion synchronized perfectly with his body.
Although he was only performing a few simple practice movements, the smoothness and control felt astonishing.
It was as though the weapon had always belonged to him.
The Administrative Chunin was completely dumbfounded.
"Wait..."
"This thing can actually be used like that?"
Why was Guy able to wield the nunchaku so naturally?
Part of the reason was that the weapon itself had been excellently crafted and perfectly suited his fighting style.
But the more important reason was something else.
This was his newest Supreme Technique.
...
[Detected that your Medium Grade Supreme Technique, Mercy Blade, has reached the Perfection Realm.]
[Reward: Random Supreme Technique Gift Pack.]
[Open it?]
Without hesitation, Guy had chosen yes.
[Congratulations.]
[You have obtained the Low Grade Supreme Technique: Shaolin Nunchaku!]
...
This was the new Supreme Technique Guy had received after bringing Mercy Blade to Perfection.
Although it was only a Low Grade Supreme Technique, which had disappointed him slightly at the time.
Now, however, as his fingers truly gripped the nunchaku...
A powerful sense of resonance emerged from deep within his body.
Even if Shaolin Nunchaku was only classified as a Low Grade Supreme Technique by the system.
As long as he cultivated it to the Perfection Realm...
The combat power it could unleash in his hands would definitely not be inferior to any Medium Grade Supreme Technique.
The compatibility was simply too high.
It felt as though this weapon had been born specifically for him.
As though this martial art existed solely for him to perform.
After testing the feel for a few moments, Guy carefully put the nunchaku away with complete satisfaction.
Then he decisively spent the remaining twenty-six military merit points on high-quality soldier pills and a batch of explosive tags.
"Thanks."
Guy nodded toward the Administrative Chunin, who was still staring at him with burning curiosity.
He packed the supplies and the wooden box containing the nunchaku into his ninja pouch.
Then he turned, pushed open the door, and left the War Merit Exchange Office.
Behind him, the Administrative Chunin remained standing there.
The fire of gossip in his heart still burned fiercely.
Yet with no way to satisfy it.
Watching Guy's departing figure, he wore the expression of a man being tortured.
In the end, all he could do was release a long sigh filled with regret.
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