Tensions on the frontlines had escalated into open conflict. The Hidden Cloud Village had dispatched a ninja unit into the Land of Hot Water, which borders the Land of Fire, and there were reports suggesting the appearance of the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.
Upon hearing this news, Mokuzuki knew that the Third Shinobi World War was approaching—or rather, it had already begun, though it had yet to fully erupt.
As a member of Root, Mokuzuki had access to more information than the average shinobi. Since the White Fang's death last year, the shinobi world had been in turmoil. The Hidden Cloud, Stone, and Sand Villages were all stirring with unrest.
When Mokuzuki had only watched the anime, he had perceived White Fang as just another renowned ninja, no different from others. However, after inheriting the original owner's memories, he came to understand the significance of the title "White Fang."
While other shinobi gained fame by battling or defeating well-known opponents, White Fang gained his reputation through his exceptionally high killing efficiency. Armed with a chakra short blade, he became a ruthless, unrelenting force on the battlefield. Whether a genin or jonin, anyone weaker than him was swiftly eliminated.
It wasn't that White Fang was the strongest shinobi or that he surpassed everyone; rather, his combat style made him particularly adept at dispatching weaker opponents. His ability to eliminate foes with such ease made his loss a significant blow to Konoha, and naturally, other ninja villages were eager to take advantage.
The Hidden Cloud and Stone Villages, having suffered relatively minor losses during the Second Shinobi World War, felt they had developed the strength to challenge Konoha.
"Those damned Cloud ninjas—can't they just stay put? It feels like war is imminent again," Ueda Aya lamented.
"If White Fang were still here, they wouldn't dare be so arrogant," Iketani Takeshi expressed his frustration.
"It's alright. We still have the Third Hokage and Lord Orochimaru. We'll win just like before," Suginoto Kimura tried to uplift the mood.
Mokuzuki, however, was more concerned with a pressing question. "If war breaks out, will the academy teachers be assigned to combat missions as well?"
He didn't want to leave the ninja academy. While he could train to become stronger on his own, there was no comparison to the excitement of "leveling up" through the system.
"It depends on the intensity of the war. If it becomes too severe, some teachers might be reassigned based on their specialties," Ueda replied.
Mokuzuki silently prayed that fate would delay his assignment or spare him altogether. The Third Shinobi World War was notorious for its intensity, with Konoha fighting nearly all the major ninja villages simultaneously. It was certain that the academy teachers would be utilized.
Mokuzuki wasn't afraid of going to war, but he was concerned about being sent to the battlefield before he was fully prepared.
The Third Shinobi World War was exceptionally perilous, not only because of the fierce battles between the five major villages but also because of the covert schemes of Madara Uchiha and Black Zetsu.
"Habu-sensei, you don't need to worry. We're the top ninja village. It's unlikely that they'll need to send our teachers to the front lines," Suginoto reassured Mokuzuki with confidence.
"I'm not worried about going to battle. I just want to be prepared in case the situation changes," Mokuzuki smiled, concealing his true feelings.
With that, Mokuzuki stopped speaking and began practicing calligraphy, heading to Class 1 for the new school day when the bell rang.
Looking into the classroom, Mokuzuki saw that the looming shadow of war hadn't dampened the children's spirits. The room was filled with cheerful energy.
"Hey, how did my brilliant plan work? Did you manage to deal with your cousin?" Kamizuki Izumo asked, curious about Tetsu's progress after two days.
"Don't even mention it. The plan was good, but my cousin is too cunning. After following your advice, he ended up using the exact same tactics!" Tetsu said, looking frustrated.
Initially, the plan worked well, and Tetsu's cousin got scolded by their aunt. However, Tetsu's cousin then turned the tables, using Tetsu's own strategy against him. They were both just kids—his cousin was only a year older—so their conflict ended up in a stalemate, with both receiving scoldings and beatings. Eventually, they decided to call a truce and label the plan as an "unusable technique."
"Such cunning," Kamizuki Izumo remarked with a hint of admiration.
"Your cousin is really clever. I can't think of any more strategies at the moment," Kamizuki Izumo admitted, feeling apologetic.
"It's alright. You've given me several good ideas. Now it's your turn to share your troubles, and I'll help you out," Tetsu offered, eager to repay the favor.
"There's a girl in my neighborhood I'm quite fond of, but I don't know how to get closer to her," Kamizuki Izumo hesitated before confiding his problem.
"That's easy. Just give her something she likes," Tetsu suggested.
Kamizuki Izumo thought about it and realized it made sense. "I've noticed she often looks at the flower garden when she passes by my house. She must like flowers, and her family doesn't seem to have any."
"Then give her flowers! She'll definitely appreciate it," Tetsu confirmed.
"Ahem, class is starting," Mokuzuki said, clearing his throat to signal the start of the lesson.
The previously noisy classroom instantly quieted down, leaving only Mokuzuki's voice teaching.
Even though they had only been together for four days, the students had grown fond of Mokuzuki's engaging and enjoyable teaching style, and they listened attentively.
[Class Completed]
[Evaluation: A]
[Reward: Water Style: Water Formation Wall]
Seeing the name of the jutsu, Mokuzuki's mind was flooded with information about the Water Formation Wall. It was a B-rank water jutsu that created a barrier of water for defense.
Notably, Tobirama Senju's version of the Water Formation Wall was different from others. His technique created a full 360-degree barrier, providing complete protection.
As Mokuzuki reviewed the new knowledge in his mind, he realized he had also learned the water chakra nature transformation. Without this knowledge, he wouldn't be able to perform water-style techniques.
He silently acknowledged the system's attention to detail with a mental thumbs-up.
After school, Mokuzuki took Shisui to a training spot he had scouted—a small river in the southern forest.
"You've done well with your Great Fireball Jutsu. Today, I'll teach you a new fire-style technique," Mokuzuki outlined the plan for their training.
With that, Mokuzuki clapped his hands together, and with a single hand sign, he unleashed three massive fire dragons from his mouth. The dragons soared through the air, circling before plunging into the river, evaporating large amounts of water and creating swirling white steam on the river's surface.
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu," Shisui recognized the technique immediately. He had seen Uchiha jonin perform it before.
The fact that Mokuzuki could summon three fire dragons with a single hand sign left Shisui even more impressed and curious about Mokuzuki's abilities.
"Watch closely. I'll demonstrate it again," Mokuzuki said, satisfied that he had achieved the desired effect with Shisui.