Chapter 12 - Two Years

Konoha Third Training Ground.

On the field, two small figures clashed before separating once more. Their speed was quick as both were nimble on their feet and their strength. While their raw strength wasn't something impressive, their chakra infused fists were for each one left a small creator.

These two figures were both Kagami Senju and Mira Uchiha. Both were sparring under the watchful eyes of their grandfathers. For both will be sent to the battlefield in the coming days, as two years passed since the Third Hokage came.

Both of them grew taller as they reached the average height for their age. However, their skills surpassed most of their age as both Uchiha Maru and Taiyō Senju went all out on training. Before the Third Hokage visit, neither grandfather was in a rush to train them hard for they wanted both to have a happy childhood that wasn't all training. However, after the visit, neither one wanted to receive news that their grandchild died, so despite their own wishes, they pushed both Kagami and Mira in training.

So after dropping Kagami and Mira from the academy to not waste time. They had kept a very basic schedule that would be split up into three main parts. During the morning, Kagami and Mira would train their bodies and taijutsu skills under Taiyō's watch. After lunch for three hours, both would study in the library before Maru would take over teaching them ninjutsu theory or genjutsu.

Hence after two years of dedicated training, Kagami and Mira reached the stage where according to both Taiyō and Maru they can fight most chunin shinobi. However, after a bit of experiencing various battles this soon could turn into jonin level.

"They truly are talented, much better than us." Taiyō mumbled softly.

"My granddaughter is talented, your grandson on the other hand is something else." Maru snorted.

Turning his head, Taiyō wasn't so thick skin to deny that as he whole heartily agreed to it. Unlike Mira who mastered a fair number of Fire and Lighting C and B-rank jutsu. Kagami on the other hand mastered a fair share of C and B rank jutsu for all five elements.

Then before their eyes, their pupils shrink as they see Kagami clapping his hands together. A hazy outline of a man behind him who too used such a way appeared. Only instead of a large scale wood jutsu, Kagami releases a turrent of water to counter Mira sea of fire.

"He really reminds me of that man." Maru complained. "Sadly he doesn't have Hashirama immense chakra or Wood Release. Otherwise, I would think he is Hashirama's true grandson."

Nodding to his friend Taiyō agreed, but he felt his grandson would be just as impressive or more so. Maybe even become a legend like the Sage of Six Paths. So he hopes his grandson can survive the war fronts and he himself can see his grandson complete wonders.

Then blacklines formed as they watched Kagami pop away and appeared behind Mira. He crouched down as he put his hands together with his index and middle fingers extended. Then as a twinkle appeared in his eyes he swung his fingers upward in a dramatic curve.

"Konohagakure Hiden Secret Taijutsu Technique: One Thousand Years of Death!"

"Kagami! I'm going to kill you!" Mira embarrassed screams were heard.

--

A few days passed since that spar and as the morning rays showed upon the main gate. Kagami with a shiny new headband on his forehead stood next to Mira. Dressed in a sleeveless dark blue vest and dark shorts that reached his knees. A large sword was tied to his back as it was his grandfather's gift for becoming a genin.

His dark eyes looked over to Mira who was dressed in a simple dark red shirt and pants, her headband was also presented on her forehead. A slightly worried look crossed her face as they waited as a large squad formed not far from them.

"We are going to the Suna frontlines." Mira sighed.

While in the past two years the war intensified and hit its climax. Despite the war entering the final stages and dying down to smaller scrambles between the sides. However, the amount of new recruits and shinobi entering the field was still high as Konoha still had to resist multiple countries.

Sure Sunagakure and Kirigakure were the least intense as they were just taking potshots here and there. Kumogakure and Iwagakure were another matter as they were determined as they were still trying their best to invade. Hence the death on those fronts were still among the highest.

"It can't be helped. Recently there was a heavy attack from Suna and with the lack of any spare top fighters such as Minato who is currently helping on the Kumo front with Orochimaru. There are not many shinobi who can take the lead like them, so Suna decided to take the shot." Kagami sighed.

'If it wasn't for the Third Advisors and Danzo petty tricks eliminating or driving away the top fighters of the village. The village wouldn't be lacking in fighters that would deter the other villages to some degree. Sadly the Third is wishy washy on the matters when it comes to his old teammates and advisors.' Kagami thought.

As for why he didn't toss Hiruzen into the same group as his advisors and Danzo much like the fanfics. It was because humans were a complex being that was also full of contradiction and unlike his advisors and Danzo. Hiruzen was a firm believer in Will of Fire and was slightly "soft" when he needed a firmer hand.

So as a believer in the Will of Fire, he loves to see the next generation grow strong. So when he can hand over the reins or eventually dies. He knows the village is in good hands, however his advisors and former teammate Danzo disagree as the next generation means they will lose their status and power.

After nearly another twenty minutes of waiting, Kagami and Mira followed behind the replacement heading to the frontlines. The two of them being the youngest among the group as the next youngest was around fifteen.