"Teacher, I think I can counter your moves in the seventh and twenty-fifth forms like this..."
"If you use that, I can suppress it with this, and your attack will fall right within my prediction," Sakumo Hatake replied calmly, analyzing each motion with precision.
After their sparring session ended, the two sat together to review and discuss the fight.
Watching Uchiha Gen, Sakumo couldn't help but marvel at the boy's rapid progress. Memories of teaching Kakashi floated back—after every session, he would meticulously point out his student's mistakes and strengths.
Once the review concluded, Sakumo asked, "How are the Village's war efforts recently?"
Uchiha Gen replied, "Two days ago, news arrived that Sunagakure once again tried to invade the border near the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain. But they've retreated for now, and a standoff continues at the border."
Sakumo's expression softened with reminiscence as he sighed. "Sunagakure… always a group of reckless gamblers. The Land of Wind's harsh climate and terrain breeds desperate risks. Whenever there's even a small advantage, they gamble everything."
"Teacher is right," Gen nodded. "During the Kikyo Pass battle two years ago, Sunagakure suffered heavy casualties at Orochimaru's hands and sought peace. But now they're attacking again."
Sakumo pondered. "For them to risk another assault on Konoha… it must mean the other Great Ninja Villages are planning something major against us."
He paused, his eyes distant. "Orochimaru… an excellent shinobi, one of the Sannin, and with great prestige. Many thought he might become the Fourth Hokage."
Gen smiled wryly. "Teacher, you're not entirely up-to-date. The Fourth Hokage has already been chosen—but it wasn't Orochimaru."
Sakumo's brow furrowed in surprise. "Not him? But he's exceptional… who then?"
"Is it Tsunade?"
"No," Gen replied.
"Jiraiya?"
"No. It's Minato Namikaze."
Sakumo blinked in disbelief. "Minato… Kakashi's Jonin instructor? But he's too young…"
Gen smirked. "Orochimaru seemed the natural choice, but the Sandaime and his allies wouldn't let him take power. Orochimaru's influence was too strong—he wouldn't be a pawn. Reports suppressed his name on the eve of the selection, instead emphasizing Minato. On the battlefields against Iwagakure and Kumogakure, Minato earned the title 'Konoha's Yellow Flash,' eliminating dozens of enemy shinobi with incredible speed."
"But now… the Fourth sacrificed himself during the Nine-Tails' attack months ago. Sandaime is temporarily filling the role."
Sakumo was silent, digesting the news. "So much has happened… in just a few years."
Gen scoffed. "This is Konoha. For power, even a disciple as talented as Orochimaru could be suppressed."
"And Kakashi? How is he now?"
Sakumo's brow tightened. "If what you say is true, he might get caught in political struggles."
Gen replied, "He's probably in Anbu. The last I saw, he was cold to his peers, isolating himself completely."
Sakumo sighed. "That child has suffered more than most…"
Gen's expression shifted. "Teacher, do you know a Genin named Might Dai?"
A small smile appeared on Sakumo's lips. "Dai… yes. Diligent, full of the Spirit of Fire."
"He sacrificed himself."
Sakumo's face darkened. "How…?"
Gen bowed his head respectfully. "On the battlefield against the Hidden Mist, the frontline met the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Dai held them off alone, displaying unimaginable power and killing four of them on the spot. Even the most seasoned villagers could hardly believe it."
Sakumo's lips curled into a faint smile. "I always knew Dai was strong… able to endure the villagers' scorn without resentment."
He looked up at the sky. Go well, my friend.
Sakumo's expression turned serious. "Sunagakure has been repelled for now, but they will strike again. Konoha may appear strong, but every battlefield skirmish shows weakness. The Shinobi World War is far from over."
Gen chuckled. "Fortunately, Iwagakure and Kumogakure can't fully unite. If they did, the frontlines would be in chaos."
Sakumo's tone grew stern. "Once the war drags on, you Academy students will eventually be sent to the battlefield."
Gen nodded. "I assume preparations are already underway."
"In past wars, Genin suffered the highest casualties. You may feel strong, but even a single misstep can be fatal. Even a Jonin can die to a clever Genin. I will teach you the lessons I learned on the battlefield."
After some time, Sakumo rose. "I should go back."
He explained battlefield traps, then something strange happened. The Shadow Clone he had created shifted—its sharp gaze dulled.
Bang.
The Shadow Clone formed a hand seal and dissipated. At the same time, four surrounding clones removed their barriers and vanished.
Gen exhaled a stream of gray chakra; the nearby weeds withered under its touch.
The teacher is… a departed spirit. This Shadow Clone, influenced by his Yin chakra, is tainted. But it won't affect me if I discard its chakra.
A residual shadow slithered through the bushes.
A foul wind rose.
A giant serpent with red-black markings opened its mouth and lunged at Uchiha Gen.
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