In mid-December, news from Kirigakure in the Land of Water shocked the entire Shinobi World:
Nine-year-old Zabuza Momochi had slaughtered every examinee of his generation, graduating all by himself.
Though rumors of the "Bloody Mist Village" had long circulated through the Shinobi World, many ninja did not believe them. Zabuza's appearance confirmed the rumors of Kirigakure's brutality.
Konoha did not conceal the news. After hearing it, many ninja proudly puffed out their chests. Their village truly was the best in the Shinobi World!
Before the Memorial Stone, Kakashi stared at his father's photograph with a lost expression. He could not understand why so many ninja felt proud upon hearing the news from Kirigakure:
"Father, the village's higher-ups deliberately create 'tools,' yet those 'tools' take pride in it."
"I can feel my comrades' concern for me, but even more people live only for missions."
"Why is the village's atmosphere so divided? Are those 'tools' really worth saving?"
"True ninja need talent. I will not acknowledge those 'tools.'"
"..."
Kakashi routinely reflected and muttered before the grave. Shu Furukawa had advised him to watch more and speak less, but the more he observed, the more confused he became.
The ideals he had absorbed since childhood clashed violently with reality. The Will of Fire took many forms, and most ninja had completely "toolified" themselves, while the village higher-ups did nothing to stop it.
Shu Furukawa also routinely visited Ichiro and Aoi. When Kakashi came over, Shu took the initiative to speak:
"Still feeling confused, Kakashi? The ninja world is just this cruel right now."
"Even if they are both 'tools,' the village's 'tools' are better than the tools of other ninja villages."
It sounded somewhat ironic, but after considering his own mission experiences, Kakashi realized it was indeed true.
Konoha's children did not need to kill in order to become ninja. As long as they worked hard, they could find commissions to take on. Children from other villages, however, began slaughtering one another at an early age just to qualify as ninja.
"Perhaps there should not be so many ninja? The next Hokage will change this situation."
Kakashi asked in return, then, like many young ninja, placed his hopes on the next Hokage.
Shu Furukawa did not give him an answer. He had observed for many years already. The village's interests had long been divided up, and even the Hokage needed to compromise to hold power.
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had done an excellent job maintaining balance. This was one reason why most ninja in the village supported him.
"You're only nine. We still have plenty of time."
"Children cannot involve themselves in adults' affairs. Staying alive and healthy is the priority."
Shu Furukawa smiled and comforted him. No matter how talented a child was, they could not gain a voice in such matters. Kakashi was thinking too much.
As the two left the Memorial Stone, Kakashi brought up a mission from two days ago. Working with Minato Namikaze for the first time had greatly shaken him:
"The Flying Thunder God is simply unbelievable. Captain Minato's reaction speed is even faster than Father's!"
"He's popular among both Jonin and Chunin. Everyone likes teaming up with him."
Kakashi had already been influenced by Minato Namikaze. He had rarely experienced that feeling of being able to rely on someone during a mission, and he acknowledged Minato's talent.
"Minato's most impressive trait may not be the Flying Thunder God. His optimistic attitude is what's truly unbelievable."
"Many ninja in the hospital have psychological issues, but Minato can separate being a ninja from his life."
Shu Furukawa sincerely praised Minato Namikaze. Most ninja lacked that kind of heroic temperament.
"Shu, do you also want to become Hokage someday, like Captain Minato?"
Kakashi asked curiously, but Shu Furukawa laughed and pointed at the short sword on his back as he replied jokingly:
"The Hokage is still too far away. I prefer a power like chakra!"
"..."
Kakashi could not understand Shu Furukawa's words. To him, refining chakra was simply a ninja's instinct, something utterly ordinary.
At the end of December, as the New Year approached, Konoha's higher-ups were somewhat puzzled after receiving news about Sunagakure.
"The Third Kazekage has not appeared at any meetings for the past month?"
"Is Sunagakure secretly planning some operation?"
Inside the Hokage Building office, Utatane Koharu voiced her doubts. Mitokado Homura beside her continued flipping through recent intelligence reports, frowning as he replied:
"Perhaps they are mobilizing the Tailed Beast. Only an operation like that would be kept so secret."
Sunagakure had been developing the One-Tail for many years and had achieved considerable results.
The Magnet Release: Iron Sand series of ninjutsu possessed both offensive and defensive power. The Third Kazekage was also called the strongest Kazekage, and his name had resounded throughout the Shinobi World during the previous war.
Tailed Beasts were the strongest weapons of war. Recalling Jiraiya's report from not long ago, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke gravely around his pipe:
"We cannot rule out that possibility. If Sunagakure intends to deploy the One-Tail in war, there is a strong chance they have already mastered the Tailed Beast's power."
"We are indeed behind in this regard, but fortunately Jiraiya and the others are here. They are enough to deal with any situation."
With the Sannin stationed there, not only was the village internally harmonious, it also projected enormous deterrence outward. Thinking of how Jiraiya had repeatedly rejected his plans, Danzo said unhappily:
"This is not the time to grow complacent. I will contact Amegakure in advance. If war breaks out, the battlefield cannot be within the Land of Fire."
"Root ninja will follow me on this mission. Hiruzen, have Orochimaru leave for the time being."
Sarutobi Hiruzen thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement. So long as it benefited the village, he did not mind his old friend striking hard against outsiders. Still, when he thought of Hanzo, he offered a reminder:
"Though Hanzo is old, we should still avoid conflict."
"I would rather everyone resolve their demands at the negotiating table. War is ultimately the worst choice."
Danzo narrowed his eyes and said nothing. He had no such mercy for a small nation like the Land of Rain. They were not qualified to stand on equal footing with great nations.
The movements of the higher-ups had nothing to do with Genin. With the New Year approaching and the holiday arriving, Obito Uchiha unusually did not go help old ladies. Instead, he accompanied Rin Nohara through the shopping street to buy food.
Seeing Inabi Uchiha, dressed in a Chunin green flak jacket, chatting and laughing with Shu Furukawa by the roadside, Obito instinctively muttered in a low voice:
"What the heck! He only knows how to boast in the clan. I really don't know why everyone recognizes him."
Inabi Uchiha was valued by the clan head, Fugaku Uchiha, and was currently a promising genius within the clan. Obito, an unnoticed nobody, had never received much attention, so he complained now and then.
"Obito, don't talk about your senior behind his back."
"He is still your clansman. You do not want the people in your clan to dislike you, right?"
Rin Nohara turned and reminded Obito. Seeing the girl staring at him with a serious expression, he immediately blushed, rested both arms behind his head, and replied awkwardly:
"I got it, Rin! Once I awaken the Sharingan, I'll definitely surpass that guy."
"I'm the man who'll carry the Uchiha crest and become Hokage!"
"..."
Obito's loud voice caught Inabi Uchiha's attention. However, Inabi only glanced over casually before turning back to Shu Furukawa and saying:
"Furukawa, you can visit the Uchiha Clan sometime. The clan head is very willing to exchange ideas with the village's geniuses!"
"If Lady Tsunade needs medicinal texts and herbs, our clan is also willing to contribute."
Surprised by the Uchiha Clan's friendly attitude, Shu Furukawa smiled kindly and agreed at once:
"I will definitely find time to visit. Lady Tsunade and Lord Orochimaru have spoken to me about it. If war breaks out, the village will still need to rely on the Uchiha Clan's strength."
"'One-on-one, flee on sight.' Everyone in the Shinobi World knows the Uchiha's strength!"
A smile appeared on Inabi Uchiha's long face beneath his black hair. Though Shu Furukawa had not "fled" during the Chunin Ninja Exams and had instead beaten him up, recognition from such an opponent was all the more precious:
"Then I will look forward to your visit, Furukawa."
"Lady Tsunade, I will not disturb you any longer. I'll take my leave first."
Tsunade, who had walked over to Shu Furukawa's side, nodded in acknowledgment. Rarely out on a major New Year shopping trip, she wore her blonde hair loose and was dressed in casual blue Jonin attire. Watching Inabi Uchiha's departing figure, she cast Shu a sidelong glance and teased:
"Since when did you become so close to the Uchiha Clan?"
"Kid, you didn't make any reckless promises, did you? Why is an Anbu squad captain deliberately declaring loyalty to me?"
Tsunade's voice grew quieter as she spoke, and in the end she even leaned over and tapped toward Shu Furukawa's forehead.
Having recently been mentally "contaminated" by Katsuyu, Shu Furukawa was a little dizzy from boobs. He could only step back to avoid her finger and explain seriously:
"We only worked together once on a mission, Teacher. The captain was merely expressing his stance."
"..."