Chapter 7: The Shadow of War
Skirmishes on the frontlines had escalated. Kumogakure deployed ninja troops into the Land of Hot Water, which bordered the Land of Fire. There were even reports that the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki had appeared.
When Mugetsu heard this, he understood immediately—the Third Shinobi World War wasn't far off.
Or rather, it had already begun… it just hadn't erupted fully yet.
As a Root ninja, his original self knew far more than most ordinary shinobi.
Since White Fang's suicide last year, the ninja world had been brimming with tension. Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure had all begun to stir.
Back when he was just an anime viewer, Mugetsu had thought White Fang was no different from the other famed powerhouses.
But after inheriting his predecessor's memories, he finally understood the true weight of the name White Fang.
Other shinobi gained fame by fighting to a draw with strong opponents—or defeating them after a hard battle.
White Fang was different.
He gained his reputation through killing. His efficiency on the battlefield was terrifying.
Wielding a chakra short sword, he became a reaper in white light. Whether Genin or Jonin, if you were weaker than him—even slightly—it only took one strike.
It wasn't that White Fang was the strongest in the world, but his combat style was ruthless and effective—perfect for sweeping through the battlefield.
Now that Konoha had lost such a warrior, the other villages had begun to eye their position greedily.
Especially Kumogakure and Iwagakure—villages that suffered minimal losses during the Second Shinobi World War. After years of building their strength, they were ready to challenge the number one village.
---
"Those damned Cloud ninja… Can't they just settle down?" Aya sighed. "It feels like war's about to start again."
"If White Fang-sama were still alive, they wouldn't dare be so bold," Ikeya said indignantly.
"It's alright," Sugito added. "We still have the Third Hokage and Orochimaru-sama. Just like last time, they'll lead us to victory."
Mugetsu asked the question he was most concerned about. "If war breaks out… will teachers be called to the frontlines too?"
He didn't want to leave the Academy. Sure, he could grow stronger on his own, but without the system's rewards, it would be much harder.
"That depends on the scale of the war," Aya replied. "If it gets bad, some teachers might be assigned to units based on their specialties."
Mugetsu could only pray—to heaven, to the Sage of Six Paths, to anyone who'd listen—that he wouldn't be sent too early… or not at all.
The Third Shinobi World War was no small skirmish. Konoha had fought all four of the Great Shinobi Villages. It had been brutal.
And this time, behind the scenes, Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu were scheming in the shadows.
"I'm not worried about being sent to war," Mugetsu said with a smile. "I just wanted to prepare if I'm needed."
He wouldn't say he didn't want to go. That wasn't something a Konoha ninja could admit aloud.
He fell silent after that, calmly practicing his calligraphy until the bell rang. Then he got up and made his way toward Class 1, Grade 1.
---
Peeking through the door, Mugetsu saw that the cheerful mood inside hadn't been affected by the looming threat of war. The children were still laughing and talking.
"Brother! How did the plan go? Did you crush your cousin completely?" Izumo asked, leaning in with curiosity.
"Sigh… Don't even mention it, brother." Kotetsu looked defeated. "Your plan was great… but my cousin is even more devious. He turned it right back on me!"
At first, the plan worked—his cousin got scolded harshly by their aunt.
But before Kotetsu could follow up, his cousin retaliated with the same trick. Since they were only a year apart, the adults didn't take sides.
In the end, they both got punished so many times they had to call a truce.
Together, they labeled the plan a "Forbidden Ninjutsu"—never to be used again.
"That cunning… I'm speechless," Izumo muttered in admiration.
"I've got nothing left to offer. Your cousin's too much for me," Izumo said, half-apologetically.
"It's fine. You've already given me a lot of good ideas. How about this—tell me your troubles, and I'll return the favor," Kotetsu offered.
Izumo hesitated, then confessed, "There's this girl next door I like… but I don't know how to get close to her."
"That's easy," Kotetsu said confidently. "Just give her something she likes."
Izumo thought about it. "She always stares at our flower garden when she walks by. I think she likes flowers… and her family doesn't grow any."
"Then give her flowers! That'll definitely impress her."
Before Izumo could respond—
Ahem.
Mugetsu coughed twice from the front.
Class began.
The noisy room fell quiet instantly, and Mugetsu's calm voice filled the space.
Even though they had only been together for four days, the students already liked their new teacher. His classes were interesting, easy to understand, and always made them laugh.
They listened naturally.
---
[Lecture Completed]
[Evaluation: A]
[Reward: Water Release – Water Formation Wall]
As the reward settled in, knowledge of the jutsu flowed into Mugetsu's mind.
Water Formation Wall. A B-rank Water Release technique. The user spat out a wide barrier of water to block attacks.
Tobirama's version of the technique was even more advanced. Unlike the usual forward-facing wall, his formed a perfect ring—360 degrees of seamless defense.
Digging deeper into the system's granted knowledge, Mugetsu realized something even more surprising:
He had already mastered Water Release Chakra Nature Transformation.
He hadn't been aware of this.
But it made sense. Without some knowledge of Water Release, he wouldn't be able to use Water Formation Wall at all.
Thoughtful system, Mugetsu praised silently. Well done.
---
After school, Mugetsu brought Shisui to the training spot he had found near the small river in the southern forest.
"You've gotten quite good at the Great Fireball," Mugetsu said, arms folded. "Today, I'll teach you a new Fire Release technique."
He clapped his hands together and exhaled—three massive fire dragons surged from his mouth, spiraling into the air before plunging into the river below.
The flames collided with the water, evaporating a huge portion of it and sending up clouds of thick white steam.
Shisui's eyes widened.
"Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique…" he muttered.
He had seen a Uchiha Jonin perform it before.
But this—
Three dragons. One breath. And only a single hand seal.
Shisui was stunned.
Just who is this teacher?
"Watch carefully," Mugetsu said calmly. "I'll demonstrate it again."
He had the boy's full attention now—and that was exactly what he wanted.
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