Skirmishes at the front lines were escalating. Conflicts had already broken out. Kumogakure dispatched a ninja unit into the Land of Hot Water, which bordered the Land of Fire—and reports suggested the Eight-Tails' jinchūriki had been spotted.
Hearing this, Takuya knew: the Third Great Ninja War wasn't far off.
Or rather, it had already begun—it just hadn't fully exploded yet.
Thanks to the original body's identity as a ROOT ninja, he knew more than the average shinobi.
Ever since White Fang's suicide last year, tension across the ninja world had been bubbling under the surface. Kumogakure, Iwagakure, even Sunagakure—every major village was stirring restlessly.
Takuya used to think White Fang was just another big name among many. But after inheriting his predecessor's memories, he truly understood the weight behind that title.
Most famous shinobi earned their reputation by defeating strong opponents. White Fang earned his by slaughter. His efficiency on the battlefield was unmatched.
With just a chakra blade, he became a merciless killing machine—flash of white, and whether you were a genin or a jōnin, it was over.
It wasn't that White Fang was the strongest in the world—his combat style was just particularly suited to wiping out anyone weaker than him. Fast. Brutal.
So after Konoha lost a powerhouse like him, the other villages naturally started eyeing the situation.
Especially Kumogakure and Iwagakure, who had suffered relatively little during the Second Ninja War and now felt confident enough to challenge the top dog.
"Those damn Kumogakure shinobi… can't they sit still for once? Feels like war's coming again," Ayaka Ueda sighed.
"If White Fang were still alive, they wouldn't dare act so arrogant," Isamu Ikeya said, clearly bitter.
"It's okay, we've still got Lord Third and Lord Orochimaru. We'll win like always," Sugito chimed in, trying to lighten the mood.
"Will teachers be drafted for combat if war really breaks out?" Takuya asked, cutting straight to the point.
He really didn't want to leave the Academy. Sure, he could still get stronger on his own, but nothing beat the sweet grind of a system-based power-up.
"It depends on how intense it gets. If things get really bad, some teachers will be reassigned based on their specialties," Ayaka replied honestly.
Takuya prayed silently that he wouldn't be chosen—or at least, not anytime soon.
Because the Third Great Ninja War was about to be hell on earth. Konoha was going to clash with all four other major villages. The scale would be insane.
Takuya didn't fear the battlefield itself—he feared being sent out before he was ready.
This wasn't just another war. It would be filled with brutal fights, shadowy schemes, and high-level manipulation—especially with Madara and Black Zetsu pulling strings behind the scenes.
"Hoshino-sensei, don't worry," said Sugito confidently. "We're the top village. It'd never get so bad they'd send out the teachers."
"I'm not worried," Takuya smiled. "Just asking—gotta be prepared for anything."
Of course, that was a lie. He was very worried—but he wasn't about to say it out loud.
He returned to his desk and practiced calligraphy until the bell rang, then made his way to his Year 1, Class 1 classroom.
Peeking through the door, he saw the kids laughing and playing, untouched by the looming war clouds.
"Hey bro, how'd my genius plan go? Did you crush your cousin completely?" Kamizuki Izumo asked eagerly.
"Don't even bring it up," grumbled Koutetsu Hagane. "The plan was good, but my cousin's too cunning. After I pulled it on him once, he started using it on me!"
It had started off well—his cousin got scolded by their aunt. But before Koutetsu could make his next move, his cousin struck back using the exact same trick. Sure, Koutetsu was young, but his cousin was only a year older—still a kid himself.
In the end, they both got caught and punished. The two had no choice but to call a truce and label the scheme a "forbidden jutsu"—never to be used again.
"Such devious cunning…" Izumo muttered in awe.
"Yeah, my cousin's too slippery. I'm out of ideas for now," he admitted.
"That's fine, bro. You've helped me enough. Now let me return the favor—tell me your troubles," Koutetsu said, ready to repay his strategist.
"…There's a girl I really like. She lives next door. I just don't know how to get closer to her," Izumo confessed after a moment.
"That's easy! Just give her something she likes," Koutetsu offered immediately.
Izumo thought for a second. "She always stares at our garden when she passes by… I think she likes flowers. Her family doesn't seem to grow any."
"Then it's settled! Give her flowers—she'll be super grateful," Koutetsu nodded sagely.
Ahem! Takuya cleared his throat twice, signaling class was starting.
The lively classroom immediately fell silent, everyone turning their attention to him.
Though they'd only had him for four days, the students already loved their cheerful and engaging teacher. Discipline came naturally.
『Lesson Complete』
『Evaluation: A』
『Reward Acquired: Water Style – Water Wall』
Takuya immediately recalled everything about the jutsu.
This B-rank Water Release technique created a wall of water as a barrier. Notably, Tobirama Senju could use it to create a perfect circular shield, offering 360-degree protection.
As he reviewed the new information, Takuya discovered he'd also unlocked Water chakra nature transformation—something he previously didn't have.
Of course, he thought. What's the point of giving me a water jutsu if I can't use it?
He silently gave the system a thumbs-up for its attention to detail.
After school, Takuya brought Shisui to the training spot he'd found earlier by the river in the southern forest.
"You've gotten pretty good with the Great Fireball," he said. "Today, I'm teaching you a new Fire Release technique."
He clapped his hands together, formed a seal, and opened his mouth—unleashing three massive fire dragons. Under his precise control, they soared through the air before diving into the river, instantly vaporizing a huge amount of water and sending thick white steam rolling across the surface.
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu," Shisui identified it immediately. He'd seen clan jōnin use it before.
That recognition only deepened his shock—Takuya had fired three dragons in one breath, and with just one hand seal.
Shisui was getting more and more curious about his teacher's true strength.
"Watch closely. I'll show you again," Takuya said, noting the expression on Shisui's face with satisfaction.