The Calm Before the War

"Of course, when have I, Naruto, ever lied to you ( ˝ᗢ̈˝ )..."

The words had barely left his mouth when Naruto realized something, turned around sharply, and immediately saw Shinki standing behind him. He excitedly exclaimed.

"Ah, Shinki! You're back! վ'ᴗ' ի"

Shinki nodded. "Yes, with a major battle imminent, I rushed back after dealing with matters in Kumogakure."

Kiba, sitting next to Naruto, said enthusiastically, "Shinki, timing is everything! Everyone was talking about you while we were eating. Why don't you sit down and have a meal together? (•̀⌄•́)"

"Okay! (｡◝ᴗ◜｡)"

Shinki looked around the table and saw that everyone there was a former classmate or teammate, so he agreed and prepared to choose a seat.

Upon seeing this, everyone quickly moved their stools around, shifting their positions rapidly!

Ino, Hinata sitting next to Ino, suddenly found an empty seat next to her!

Hinata was seated next to Naruto.

Seeing everyone paving the way for her, Ino glanced at them gratefully, then turned to Shinki and said shyly, "Shinki-kun, please sit here. There's just one empty seat here...(´つヮ⊂︎)"

Before Shinki could speak, Naruto objected, "Shouldn't men sit with men and women with women...? Wouldn't it be better if I sat with Shinki..."

However, before Naruto could finish speaking, the rest of the group shouted in unison, "Shut up! (▼ヘ▼#)"

Afterwards, Shinki took his seat.

During the meal, Naruto, while chewing on some grilled meat, asked, "Shinki, are we really going to listen to them and not participate in the war?"

"It's such a waste not to use us! (´⌒`｡)"

"Otherwise, with our combined fighting strength, we could sweep through the Fourth Shinobi World War in no time! ୧⍢⃝୨"

Neji said, "Come on, the Shinki was more likely to sweep through the Fourth Shinobi World War; you were just a mere accessory at best. →_→"

Naruto protested, "How can you say that about me? I'm strong too, you know! (´இ皿இ`)"

The learned Shikamaru said, "Never underestimate war. I've read historical records about wars in the Shinobi World. In every war, tens of thousands of Ninja from each village are killed or wounded. Besides that, even more civilians without fighting ability are killed or wounded..."

"Furthermore, the situation on the battlefield changes rapidly. I believe that hiding the Jinchuriki of the Tailed Beasts during wartime is a correct decision..."

Ya was speechless. "Didn't we agree not to talk about the big battle yet? It's too heavy. How about we chat about everyday things today? -_-||"

Everyone fell silent upon hearing this.

With a major battle imminent, they may appear relaxed on the surface, but they are all burdened with a Taiseki on their hearts. Apart from matters related to the battle, they really don't know what to say.

Ino turned her gaze to the Shinki: "The Shinki has traveled all over the human world, so why don't you tell us about your experiences in those places?"

"By the way, have you met any girls you like over the years... (⌯︎¤̴̶̷̀ω¤̴̶̷́)✧︎"

The Hokage's Office.

Tsunade was extremely busy preparing for the battle.

"Our Military Rations Pill reserves are insufficient. Wartime demand for Military Rations Pills is extremely high, so we need to produce more."

The Shizune mode indicated, "There are also some emergency medications..."

Tsunade felt a headache coming on after hearing this. "I remember that the raw material inventory for the medicine is also running low. This means that Ninjas will need to go and gather herbs to produce more..."

Just as Tsunade was pondering who to entrust this task to, Shinki, who had just finished a meal with his friends, arrived at the scene using the Flying Thunder God Technique and reported to Tsunade that he was safe and sound, "Master, I'm back."

Tsunade was overjoyed. "Shinki, it's so good to see you back! Hurry up and pack your things, then take Naruto to the Land of Lightning!"

Shinki remained silent. "Master, I just returned from the Land of Lightning. I just wanted to rest for a couple of days after coming back to the village. ╯╰"

Tsunade thought for a moment and nodded, "Alright, then you should go see Jiraiya when you have time."

"Good."

After finishing Shinki sentence, Kamiki walked out of the Hokage's Office.

Walking through the streets of Konoha, Shinki noticed that everyone was busy with preparations for the impending great battle.

A short while later, Shinki arrived at Ichiraku Ramen and found that the usually crowded Ichiraku Ramen was completely empty today.

"Sigh, it seems that war has a significant impact on people."

"Uncle, a bowl of Tonkotsu, Ramen."

Shinki walked into the Ramen shop.

Teuchi poked his head out and, upon seeing that it was Shinki, greeted him warmly, "Shinki, you're back! ∩_∩"

Is one bowl of Ramen enough? Shall I add some more noodles for you?

Shinki smiled and said, "That works too."

After a while, the Ramen was served, and only then did Shinki realize that the uncle had given him much more than just a little bit of noodles!

The bowl of noodles was almost overflowing, and the Naruto rolls, slices of meat, and eggs were piled up high!

"Uncle, you added more than just a little bit of Ramen," Shinki said with a smile.

The older man in the kitchen chuckled and replied, "This isn't special treatment for you. With a major battle imminent, every Ninja who comes to the noodle shop receives this treatment. ^_^"

"After all, once we're actually on the battlefield, who knows if we'll ever have the chance to come back and eat noodles again..."

Listening to the uncle's increasingly melancholic words, Shinki suddenly realized he had lost his appetite. "Don't worry, uncle, we'll definitely win."

After saying that, Shinki planned to ask the uncle for a takeout box to take the Ramen back for Naruto.

However, just as he took the takeout box, Konohamaru's voice came from outside the store.

"Shinki!"

Shinki turned around and greeted him, "Yo, Konohamaru."

"Shinki, I heard there's going to be a war soon, is that true?" Konohamaru asked doubtfully as he entered the shop.

Shinki nodded. "Yes."

"Then, Older Brother, do you have time to teach me new Ninjutsu? I also want to go to the battlefield, contribute to Konoha, and protect the hope that Grandpa spoke of!" Konohamaru said firmly.

Shinki opened his mouth, about to agree, when he saw Asuma- sensei push open the shop door from outside, saying as he walked, "Konoha isn't so short of talent that we have to send a little kid like you to the battlefield. Otherwise, we'd really be going backwards."

Konohamaru stubbornly insisted, "Uncle, I'm not a child anymore! I'm Genin from Konoha!"

Asuma: "I know, I know, but most of those participating in this battle are Chunin and Jonin. For a Genin like you to Genin to the battlefield is just suicide."

"Konohamaru, listen to me. Don't think about those things. Staying in the village is the most important thing."

Afterwards, Shinki and Asuma Konohamaru chatted for a bit, and finally, Shinki took Konohamaru to the grove outside the village...

Before teaching Konohamaru the new Ninjutsu, Shinki instructed him, "Let me make this clear beforehand: obey the village's decisions. I'm teaching you this new Ninjutsu so you can protect those who remain in the village. You absolutely must not go to the battlefield!"

Konohamaru nodded. "Yes, Shinki, I'll be the most obedient."

Shinki said with a serious expression, "I'm not joking with you."

"Also, after you've mastered the new Ninjutsu, I'll teach you some other things..."