Aftermath - War Winds

Fuma slowly walked back to the stands, holding two water balloons, cleaning the dust and blood off his body.

Being a ninja has its perks. Even if one's combat skills aren't top-notch, one can still wash up, start a fire, or even build structures if their chakra is abundant.

On the stands, the jonin watched the training ground, now reduced to scorched earth, and smiled wryly.

These three undeniably had the capability to command entire divisions in the village's battles.

With such extensive destructive power, each of them was a strategic asset.

The Third Hokage approached, patting Fuma on the shoulder and sighed, "I didn't expect you to grow this much. Kagami would be proud."

Fuma glanced at him, surprised. Was this a reminder that he was considered part of the Hokage's faction?

Smiling, he replied steadily, "Thanks to Konoha's nurturing and your indulgence in letting me be so reckless."

The Third Hokage said no more and turned to arrange the remaining matches.

Minato, unable to contain his excitement, ran over, shaking Fuma's hand repeatedly.

"Teacher, I didn't know you were this strong!"

"Teacher, what was that lightning technique? Can I learn it?"

"Teacher, when will you train me?"

Stars shone in Minato's eyes as he bombarded Fuma with questions. At that moment, Fuma was his hero!

Fuma patted the yellow-haired kid's head and asked, "Didn't you see the final tactic I used? That's the essence!"

Minato pouted, "The jonin said that was child's play and only looked useful because you did it."

Fuma chuckled, "Do you know there's a jutsu that lets you teleport through space, even faster than my Body Flicker?"

Minato's eyes widened in excitement, "What jutsu is that? Can I learn it?"

Fuma laughed heartily, "Not only can you learn it, but it's also meant for you!"

"I secured two slots for forbidden techniques. I'll get that jutsu for you."

"How's that for a deal?"

Minato jumped for joy, feeling deeply touched by Fuma's constant care.

Many jonin around took a breath, envying Minato's good fortune. Regular jonin typically relied on B-rank jutsu, and having even one S-rank forbidden technique was considered impressive.

But this kid, fresh out of the academy, was receiving such treatment. Being Fuma's disciple indeed had its perks.

Several jonin started eyeing the empty slots in Fuma's team, hoping to get their children or clan members a spot.

Fuma took out a sealed scroll and pulled out a coat, draping it over himself.

Yuhi Shinku and Hyuga Tenzo approached.

"Congratulations."

"Congratulations."

Fuma smiled and exchanged the usual pleasantries.

---

In the field, the matches resumed.

Due to the previous battle, the training ground was in shambles, covered in acidic slime from the slugs, creating a harsh environment.

However, it also made the setting more realistic, simulating actual battlefield conditions.

After several rounds, with Jiraiya not participating, Orochimaru and White Fang easily secured victories.

Even the civilian ninja were convinced. Being given a chance to compete was already a great start.

The observing jonin dispersed, leaving behind Fuma, Orochimaru, White Fang, the Third Hokage, and Danzo.

The Third Hokage lit his pipe, taking a deep puff.

"War is likely imminent, unavoidable."

Fuma nodded knowingly, recognizing the timeline was entering the Second Shinobi World War.

However, the intensity of the Second War wasn't too great, mostly considered a series of skirmishes.

The main instigator was 'Hanzo' the Salamander, who felt his power surpassed that of the other villages and sought to elevate Amegakure from its small status to that of the "Sixth Great Ninja Village."

Hanzo aimed to annex the surrounding small countries, targeting Kusagakure, Takigakure, and Tori no Kuni—vassal states of the Fire and Wind countries, which couldn't allow his rampant behavior.

Sunagakure, after being economically drained by Konoha for twenty years post the First War, faced hardships and saw the rise of militant factions seeking to turn the tide by attacking Konoha.

Thus, three factions, with small countries in tow, clashed with Amegakure as the main battleground.

White Fang, with a serious expression, asked, "Lord Third, we have no experience fighting Hanzo. Do you have any information on him?"

The Third Hokage took a deep drag from his pipe and said, "Hanzo, renowned for his salamander, is said to wield unstoppable poison."

"His Water Style jutsu is highly advanced, and he excels in the Body Flicker and kenjutsu, making him very formidable."

"In short, his combat strength is worthy of the title of Kage."

Fuma nodded, having high expectations of Hanzo as a fan of the original series.

According to the databook, Hanzo was a Water Style master, capable of free movement in water, with unmatched prowess in Water Style.

Judging by the era, Hanzo's Water Style was only just behind Tobirama's, indicating his prowess.

Later, even when facing Edo Tensei, Hanzo could break free and maintain his consciousness, subtly surpassing other Kage-level shinobi.

In his later years, despite being over sixty, Hanzo could escape Nagato's Gedo Statue, only to be captured and killed by the Six Paths of Pain.

Unfortunately, Kishimoto didn't give him much screen time, but Fuma was in a real world.

Fuma tried to recall the databook details and asked, "I'm curious, how old is he now?"

The Third Hokage glanced at Fuma, recalling, "He should be around the same age as Onoki from Iwagakure, around fifty."

Fuma nodded, fifty was a ninja's peak age, the same age as the two legends in the Valley of the End battle.

"However, never underestimate him. I fought him in my youth, and even then, his Body Flicker rivaled your speed, Fuma."

Danzo added, "My intel from Root indicates his salamander's poison is lethal, with no known antidote."

Orochimaru, who had been silent, spoke up, "Sensei, assign the battle tasks."

The Third Hokage, smoking his pipe, gave his orders, "We face both Amegakure and Sunagakure, so the situation is not ideal."

"White Fang, you will command the forces against Sunagakure. Your kenjutsu counters their puppet masters effectively."

"Understood."

"Orochimaru, you, Jiraiya, and Tsunade will form a special unit. You will lead and face Hanzo. Be cautious."

"Yes, Sensei."

"Fuma, you will command the hunter-nin unit, eliminating enemy scouts and providing support where needed."

"Understood, Lord Third."

"Be prepared. We cannot strike first, as it would impact our image."

"Wait for Hanzo's move, issue a defensive notice, and then strike decisively!"

"Everyone, the village's peace and the children's smiles depend on us now!"

"Yes, Lord Third!!"

Everyone roared in unison.

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