War and Ninjutsu

(Konoha Year 52)

The news of Uzushiogakure's downfall hung in the air, a somber reminder of the fragile peace in the ninja world. My mind raced, trying to comprehend the full impact of such a loss. Uzushiogakure, the Land of Whirlpools, known for its sealing techniques and strong bond with Konoha, was demolished.

What worried me most is what came after, The Second Shinobi War was here. I didn't know much about that war other than that it was when dad's students fought Hanzo and earned the title of Legendary Sannin. That at least meant Ame was in, or going to be in the war.

"Dad," I found myself speaking, my voice barely audible, "what does this mean for us? For Konoha?" The weight of my question felt heavy in the silence that followed.

Hiruzen looked concerned, which was unusual for him. "We're going to face uncertain times," he said. "Losing Uzushiogakure is a big deal. It affects us in more ways than one. It shows that even our closest friends can be attacked. Our enemies might take this chance to see how strong we are."

"Who attacked Uzushiogakure?" I asked.

"It was a combined effort between Kiri, Iwa, and Suna. Both Suna and Iwa have been active and have had skirmishes with us and some of the smaller villages, what surprised us was Kiri taking part as they have been keeping to themselves. This recent attack has only boosted their confidence in their strength, they will likely become more brazen and attack openly soon enough."

"You shouldn't worry though, you are too young to be involved. Not to mention we are prepared and have plenty of strong shinobi to handle the situation," he added.

"What if I graduate early? Would I go into battle then?" I asked.

"No, I have already discussed with the council, we have decided to not send any genin to fight. Instead they will protect the village."

I was relieved, I wanted to graduate early but getting sent to war so early might have killed me before I could even make a difference. Though that made me wonder what changed between the second and third war that had Kakashi's generation fight on the frontline. That meant that even if I didn't fight now I would later. 'Wait! Is Kakashi even born yet? He graduated early so has to be younger than me'.

"Let's leave the discussion of war out for now. How's your training with the tree walking?" Said Hiruzen.

"Oh I figured it out already, I'm just testing to see how long I can hold it. I have also started using chakra to enhance my senses," I said.

Hiruzen's eyes sparkled with a mixture of pride and concern. "You're progressing quickly, which is both a blessing and a curse in these times. Remember, strength in a shinobi isn't just about power or technique. It's also about wisdom and knowing when to act and when to wait."

Knowing now that I wouldn't be involved in the war I asked, "Is there anything I can do now, to help?" 

"For now, focus on your training. Every shinobi contributes to the strength of the village, not just by fighting, but by being the best they can be. And there may be missions that require a genin's unique abilities. We need every shinobi to be ready for what may come."

"I understand dad, I promise to do my best," I stated.

"Since I have free time and you've progressed so quickly, how about I teach you something," he said.

I followed him to a training ground, its terrain was fairly flat with a pond in back. Once there he pulled out a stack of small papers, ripped one out, and handed it to me. "This is chakra paper. It works by pushing chakra into it and based on the reaction it has to your chakra, it allows you to discover what chakra nature you possess."

He pulled one out for himself, it began reacting one side ignited while the other side began crumbling. "Based on the reaction it has, it tells you want elements you have a natural affinity for. If it ignites you have fire, if it splits it's wind, if it gets damp it is water, if crumbles it's earth, and if it crinkles it is lightning. Based on what I said, what elements do I possess?" He said.

"Based on the reaction you should have fire and earth as you natural elements." I replied.

"Correct, that means I have a natural talent for these two elements. But that does not mean I can only use these two, I have learned jutsus for all elements not just my own. I did because each element is weak to another element, because I have earth and fire they would be weak to water and lightning. Learning other elements allows me to overcome that weakness by switching to other elements."

"I understand, though if you already know your elements why do you have so much chakra paper?" I asked.

"It's simple, most of our shinobi are not from clans or have knowledge that would be common to clan shinobi. I offer to help them improve by giving advice and direction on how to pursue their ninja career," he stated.

Now that question was answered I decided to try for myself, I guided my chakra into the paper. There was an immediate reaction with the paper, It split down the middle and both sides caught on fire. Looking up at Hiruzen, "so I have fire and wind?"

I saw him looking at the paper in thought before he continued, "yes you have your primary element of wind,based on how quickly it split into two it is strong. Then is your fire, not only did it ignite quickly but the flame was far hotter than it should be for that size. Overall you have two strong elements to use," he confirmed.

"That's great! Does that mean that what you'll teach me is related to my elements?" I questioned.

"Yes, with such strong elements I think a simple justus for your wind and fire elements would be a good start. I'll teach you how to manipulate your elements at a later date."