The sky was painted with vibrant shades of orange and pink as Kūga, Reifū, and Kenta trudged through the dense woods, their destination set for the Land of Rivers.
The meeting place was still a good distance away, but the tension that loomed over their journey was palpable. The cool evening breeze brushed against their faces, carrying the smell of damp earth and the distant sound of rustling leaves.
Kūga walked ahead, his posture steady and determined. He didn't speak much, but his mind was clearly occupied with the upcoming meeting.
Behind him, Reifū and Kenta exchanged glances, sensing the weight of the situation but unsure of the full details. Finally, it was Reifū who broke the silence.
"So, Kūga, this meeting we're heading to... what's it really about?" she asked, her voice cautious but curious.
Kūga didn't answer right away, his eyes fixed ahead as they stepped over thick roots and uneven terrain. Eventually, he sighed, his expression thoughtful. "The letter I received contains more than just an invitation. It's about alliances... and war," he said, his voice low but steady.
Kenta, walking slightly behind, furrowed his brows. "War? Who are we supposed to be fighting?"
"It's not that simple," Kūga responded, glancing back at him. "This isn't just a skirmish between a few villages. The letter hints at something much larger—a conflict that could spread across nations. If things go the way I think they will, we might be looking at a war that drags in every corner of the world."
Reifū's face hardened. "A world war?" Her tone carried both disbelief and concern. "I thought the villages were keeping peace after the last few conflicts."
"Peace is always temporary," Kūga said grimly. "Especially when there are ambitions, resources, and power at stake. No matter how much we want to avoid it, war is inevitable when men's greed outweighs their reason."
Kenta's steps faltered for a moment. He wasn't new to conflict, but the idea of a war on such a massive scale unsettled him. His voice was quieter now. "So... what's our role in all this?"
Kūga's eyes flicked to the sky, where the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon. "For now, we're observers. But if war truly breaks out, we'll have no choice but to participate. Whether we want to or not."
They walked in silence after that, each of them processing the reality of what might be coming. The air grew cooler as the sun sank lower, and soon enough, the trees began to thin, revealing a small clearing where they could set up camp. The orange hues of the setting sun bathed the landscape in a warm glow, casting long shadows across the ground.
"This will do," Kūga said, nodding toward the clearing. "We'll camp here for the night. Reifū, I want you to take Kenta and teach him how to hunt. It's about time he learned something other than combat."
Reifū raised an eyebrow but nodded with a smirk. "Sure thing. Come on, Kenta."
Kenta blinked in surprise but followed Reifū as she led him deeper into the forest, away from the camp. As they ventured further, Reifū's pace slowed, and she turned to him with a playful grin.
"Alright, Kenta, hunting's not just about speed or strength. You need patience and a sharp eye," she explained, her voice teasing. "Think you can handle that?"
Kenta frowned, clearly unsure. "I'll try. How hard can it be?"
Reifū chuckled. "You'd be surprised."
They moved quietly through the underbrush, Reifū pointing out signs of wildlife—the way leaves were nibbled at the edges, the faint tracks of small creatures in the dirt. Kenta tried to mimic her movements, but his steps were heavier, less refined.
He stepped on a twig, and the sharp crack echoed throughout the place.
Reifū shot him a look. "Really? You're supposed to be quiet, not announce your presence to every animal within a mile."
Kenta winced, his face reddening. "Sorry…"
"Just pay attention. Follow my lead," Reifū said, her voice softer now but still teasing.
For the next hour, they carefully tracked a rabbit. Kenta's concentration was palpable, but his lack of experience showed.
When they finally spotted the small creature, Kenta fumbled with his kunai, startling the rabbit before he could make a clean throw.
Reifū stifled a laugh as the rabbit darted away. "Oh, come on, Kenta! Even kids can catch rabbits."
Kenta groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm not used to this..."
Reifū shook her head with a grin. "You'll get there. Just don't be so stiff. Loosen up, and don't rely on your strength alone."
As they continued their search, Kenta eventually spotted another rabbit. This time, he remained calmer, following Reifū's earlier advice. With a steady hand, he threw his kunai, and the weapon hit its mark. The rabbit fell, motionless.
Kenta's face lit up with a mix of surprise and pride. "I... I did it!"
Reifū smiled, genuinely impressed. "Not bad. See? Told you it was just a matter of patience."
They approached the rabbit, but as Kenta bent down to retrieve it, Kūga appeared from the shadows, his expression unusually serious.
"Wait," Kūga said, kneeling beside the rabbit.
His sharp eyes scanned the creature before his fingers gently brushed over its fur. "This rabbit... it's laced with chakra. And... poison."
Both Reifū and Kenta's eyes widened in shock.
"Poison?" Kenta asked, recoiling slightly. "But how—?"
"Some animals are used as traps in times of war," Kūga explained. "They're infused with poison, meant to weaken or kill anyone who eats them. It's an old tactic, but effective. This rabbit's been poisoned for weeks, judging by the residue."
Reifū narrowed her eyes. "Someone's preparing for something, then. Maybe even laying traps in the area."
Kenta stared at the rabbit, his earlier pride quickly evaporating. "So... what do we do with it?"
Kūga shook his head. "We discard it, it's basically a zombie before you killed it. Find something else. Be more careful next time."
Reifū and Kenta nodded, and after disposing of the rabbit, they headed off to continue their hunt. Kūga remained by the campsite, his thoughts lingering on the poisoned animal and what it could mean.
As the woods around him grew quieter, his mind drifted to the impending war and its inevitable cost.
War wasn't just about battles and strategy.
It was about the destruction of homes, the deaths of innocents, the terror of the unknown. He knew all too well that war dragged in everyone, even those who wanted nothing to do with it.
Children, women, the elderly... none were spared when armies marched and villages burned. And behind the chaos, there were always darker things, like torture, rape, and cruelty that never made it into the stories of heroes and victors of the original Naruto series.
Kūga clenched his fists, feeling the weight of those thoughts press down on him. War wasn't glorious. It was hell. Well... not for him, but no matter how prepared people thought they were, nothing could truly shield them from its horrors.
He was different... he wasn't like this back before he was reborn, maybe this is Aether calming him down? Maybe... 'I don't know...'
As his companions returned with a freshly beheaded chicken, Kūga shook himself from his thoughts and stood to greet them.
"Good work," he said, eyeing the chicken. "Let's get to cooking."
They set up the fire, and Kūga began showing Kenta how to prepare the chicken. He worked patiently, guiding the boy through the process of plucking feathers, cleaning the meat, and seasoning it. Kenta made a few mistakes—burning part of the skin or adding too much salt—but Kūga remained calm, offering corrections without harsh criticism.
"You'll get the hang of it," Kūga said with a small smile. "It's just like fighting. It takes practice."
Kenta smiled back, though there was a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. As the chicken roasted over the fire, the scent of cooking meat filled the air, and the warmth of the flames offered some comfort against the cool night.
As they ate, Kūga's tone turned serious again. "Listen," he began, "the meeting we're going to... it could lead to something much bigger. A war that will span across nations. And when that happens, I won't be able to protect you both all the time."
Reifū met his gaze, her expression resolute. "We'll be ready, Kūga. I won't let you down."
Kūga chuckled softly. "That's good. But it's not about letting me down. It's about surviving."
Kenta, who had been unusually quiet, looked up from the fire. "What if... what if I'm not strong enough? I can't even beat Reifū in a spar. How am I supposed to survive in a war?"
Kūga smirked. "Don't worry too much, kid. There are strong people out there, sure, but none of them can dream of being as strong as me. And you won't be fighting alone. Just don't get complacent."
Kenta swallowed hard, the weight of those words sinking in as the reality of the war ahead loomed over him.
After they finished eating, Kūga instructed them to meditate and focus on their connection to Aether. As they sat in silence, eyes closed, Kūga watched them, a small smile forming on his lips. They had come so far in less than a year. While they weren't on the level of legends like Hashirama or Madara, they were growing. And that was enough for now.
The future was uncertain, but Kūga knew one thing for sure: these two would be ready, no matter what came next.
.
As soon as the morning sun fully rose above the horizon, casting a soft golden light across the landscape, Kūga stirred from his restful meditation. His companions, Reifū and Kenta, were already awake, packing up their belongings and preparing to move on. The campfire had long since died down, leaving only a faint trail of smoke as a reminder of last night's warmth.
After cleaning up the remains of their campsite, they set off towards the meeting place with purpose in their steps. The morning air was crisp, and the sounds of nature accompanied their journey. Kūga led the way, his expression focused, but there was an underlying tension in his posture as they neared their destination.
About halfway through their journey, Kūga's sharp senses picked up on something. He paused for a moment, his gaze narrowing before a smile crept across his face. Shaking his head slightly, he muttered to himself, "Of course, they'd make him the representative."
Reifū and Kenta exchanged curious glances, clearly puzzled by Kūga's words. They didn't ask him what he was thinking, but their curiosity hung in the air. Kūga, however, seemed unbothered by their confusion and simply continued walking, his pace picking up ever so slightly as they drew closer to the settlement.
As they broke through a line of trees, a familiar sight greeted Reifū. Her eyes widened, recognition flooding her features as they approached a large settlement nestled between two hills. The settlement was bustling with life, merchants and civilians moving about, and shinobi patrolled the perimeter. It was the same settlement near her home, a place she hadn't seen in years.
Reifū slowed her pace, her gaze lingering on the settlement with a bittersweet expression. She glanced at Kūga, her voice soft as she spoke. "Can I…?"
She didn't finish her sentence, but Kūga smiled knowingly. "Sure," he said warmly, but then added with a calm seriousness, "But later. I want you to listen to the meeting first and see how it unfolds. The both of you need to hear what's being discussed. We'll all be involved in this."
Reifū nodded, a spark of excitement in her eyes, her mood shifting. Kenta, observing the exchange, looked at them curiously, tilting his head like a confused puppy. His expression was almost cute in its innocence, drawing a soft chuckle from Reifū.
As they approached the entrance to the settlement, guards flanked the gate, eyeing them suspiciously. After a brief exchange, Kūga and his companions were allowed inside. Kenta, who had never been in such a large settlement before, couldn't help but let out an audible "Wow." His eyes roamed the streets, wide with awe at the sheer size and activity of the place.
Kūga glanced at the boy, amused by his reaction. "This is nothing," he said with a smirk. "Wait until you see my place. Then you'll understand how small this settlement really is."
Kenta's excitement bubbled over at Kūga's words. "Really? I can't wait!" he said eagerly, his face bright with anticipation. The idea of seeing even grander places filled his mind, and he nodded enthusiastically.
They made their way through the winding streets of the settlement, finally reaching a small tower where the meeting was to take place. Guards were stationed at every entrance, their stern gazes sweeping over every visitor. As Kūga, Reifū, and Kenta approached, one of the guards stepped forward, his expression hard.
"State your business," the guard said, his tone neutral but firm.
Kūga didn't miss a beat. His voice was smooth and casual as he replied, "I have an appointment with the daimyo."
The guard stared at him for a moment, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. He glanced at Reifū and Kenta, clearly assessing them as well. After a tense pause, he grunted. "Fine. Go ahead, but don't cause trouble."
Kūga nodded politely, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "We won't," he said, his tone light but assured.
They ascended the tower using a narrow staircase that spiraled upwards, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. As they reached the top, a large room came into view, heavily guarded by shinobi from different villages. Among the guards were ninja from Sunagakure, their sandy brown flak jackets identifying them. One of them, a particularly strict-looking man, stepped forward as they approached.
"This place is currently occupied," the Suna shinobi said sharply, his voice edged with authority. "Please leave."
Before Kūga could respond, a few shinobi from Konoha, standing nearby, caught sight of his distinct white hair. Recognition flashed across their faces, and they immediately paled, their nervousness apparent.
"No, no… he can come in," one of the Konoha shinobi stammered, clearly uneasy as he turned to the Suna ninja. "He's... from our side."
The Suna shinobi frowned, clearly confused by the sudden change in tone. "This meeting is crucial and cannot be disturbed," he insisted, his voice stern. "You know that."
The Konoha shinobi nodded quickly, sweat beading on his forehead. "Yes, I understand. But this person... he's not just anyone. He's a very important figure in Konoha. Please don't question it further."
Kūga watched the exchange with amusement, his lips quirking up slightly as he observed how his presence unnerved them. Reifū and Kenta, standing behind him, shared a glance. They both thought the same thing—Who exactly is Kūga? They had traveled with him for months now, but the way others spoke of him hinted at a far greater influence than they'd ever imagined.
"Fine," the Suna shinobi relented after a long pause, though he still looked doubtful. "But don't cause any trouble."
Kūga stepped through the threshold of the room, his presence immediately drawing the attention of those seated inside. As the Konoha shinobi who had recognized him earlier watched nervously, Kūga gave him a nod of acknowledgment, a silent gesture of appreciation for the smooth entrance. Without further hesitation, Kūga made his way toward the center of the room where the meeting was about to begin.
As his sharp blue eyes scanned the faces of those present, one familiar figure stood out—a man with silver-white hair, sharp features, and a constant air of seriousness: Tobirama Senju, brother to Hashirama and one of Konoha's most formidable minds. Tobirama's eyes caught sight of Kūga, and for a brief moment, surprise flickered in his otherwise stoic expression.
"Kūga," Tobirama spoke, his voice level but edged with curiosity. "I'm surprised to see you here."
Kūga inclined his head, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Someone told me a meeting was to be held here. I figured I'd stop by."
Tobirama's eyes widened slightly at the implication, his mind racing as he wondered if their alliance talks had somehow been leaked. But he quickly shook the thought from his head. 'Of course Kūga would know,' he thought, his lips tightening into a line. 'He has his ways.'
Glancing at the two people standing beside Kūga, Tobirama's eyes narrowed slightly. "And who might they be?"
At that, Kūga gestured for his companions to introduce themselves. Reifū, with her usual grace, stepped forward first. Her long, raven-black hair swayed slightly as she bowed her head politely. "Reifū Genpū," she said with a measured voice, her posture dignified. "It is an honor to be in the presence of one as renowned as yourself, Senju-sama."
Kenta, on the other hand, seemed a bit unsure of how to proceed, his excitement getting the better of him. After a moment of awkward hesitation, he bent forward at the waist in an overly dramatic bow, his voice loud and enthusiastic. "Kenta, sir! Uh, just Kenta... Kūga's apprentice! It's... really nice to meet you, sir!"
Tobirama's brow lifted at the sight, but he gave a curt nod in response. "I see," he replied, his voice carrying a slight edge of amusement as he turned back to Kūga. "And I am Tobirama Senju, younger brother to the Hokage of Konoha. I stand as his advisor and serve in matters of diplomacy and defense."
Reifū and Kenta responded with a polite, "It's nice to meet you," though Kenta's voice was still tinged with an excitable energy that made Tobirama's lips twitch in what could almost be considered a smile.
Kūga's attention, however, had already shifted to the deeper concerns on his mind. "So," he began casually, "how did Hashirama end up as Hokage? And how did Madara take it?"
Tobirama's eyes flicked toward Kūga, his expression darkening slightly. "Hashirama's selection as Hokage was... a natural choice," he said, voice steady but with a hint of tension. "The council and the people supported him, given his vision for peace and unity. It's no surprise, really."
His gaze darkened further, and his voice lowered with a grunt. "Though, if it were up to Hashirama, he would've handed the title to Madara on a silver platter. The fool even offered it to him." Tobirama's tone hardened, his distaste for the idea clear. "Fortunately, Madara didn't care for the position, nor the title."
Kūga couldn't help but chuckle at Tobirama's clear frustration. "You make it sound like Madara's the worst thing that ever happened to you," he teased lightly. "Relax, will you? Madara's not so bad."
Tobirama's response was a grunt of annoyance as he crossed his arms and took his seat at the long table meant for the representatives. "We'll see," was all he muttered before focusing his gaze toward the entrance. Moments later, the door to the chamber opened, and the representative from Sunagakure entered, flanked by several of his guards.
Recognizing the cue, Kūga gestured for Reifū and Kenta to follow him. He moved toward a seat in the back of the room where they could observe without interrupting the flow of the meeting.
The air in the chamber shifted as the meeting began. The representative from Sunagakure, a sharp-eyed man with dark skin and the distinctive red veil of his village wrapped around his neck, stepped forward and took his place at the table across from Tobirama.
Tobirama wasted no time getting to the heart of the matter. "Sunagakure's recent interest in an alliance with Konoha is appreciated, but we need to be clear about one thing—your village has remained neutral for too long in this brewing conflict. Why now? Why seek this alliance when the threat of war has been looming for years?"
The Suna representative didn't flinch. His gaze was steady as he responded. "Konoha's strength is well-known, but neutrality has served us in avoiding unnecessary conflict. However, with the increasing aggression from Iwagakure and the predicted attacks from Kumogakure, neutrality is no longer an option. It's either align with you or be swept up in a war that will destroy our people."
Tobirama's eyes narrowed. "And you're sure your village isn't merely seeking to use us as a shield? Iwagakure's forces are formidable, and Kumogakure's expansionist policies are no secret. How do we know this isn't a ploy for Suna to secure its own position while Konoha takes the brunt of the conflict?"
The Suna representative's expression remained calm, but his eyes glinted with determination. "We offer more than just an alliance in name, Senju. We've been monitoring the movements of both Iwagakure and Kumogakure, and our intelligence suggests that Iwagakure is planning a large-scale invasion using poison-laced animals and guerilla tactics. We've already seen signs of this along our borders. We offer our shinobi to work alongside yours in repelling these threats. It's not a question of if Iwagakure will attack—it's when."
Tobirama leaned back in his chair, considering the information. He cast a glance toward Kūga, whose eyes were half-closed in thought, seemingly unaffected by the tense atmosphere. After a moment, Tobirama turned back to the Suna representative. "And what do you propose? A joint operation to counter Iwagakure?"
The Suna representative nodded. "Precisely. A coordinated strike before Iwagakure has the chance to mobilize their forces fully. We suggest attacking their supply lines and using our knowledge of the terrain to set traps along their routes of invasion. We'll lure them into a vulnerable position and strike before they can react."
Tobirama crossed his arms, nodding slowly. "And what of Kumogakure? Their forces have been spotted near our borders, likely waiting for an opportunity to exploit any weakness we show."
The Suna representative didn't miss a beat. "Kumogakure will be an issue, but they're opportunists. If we can neutralize Iwagakure quickly and decisively, Kumogakure will think twice before engaging in open conflict. They thrive on chaos. If we show unity and strength, they'll hesitate."
For a moment, silence fell over the room as Tobirama weighed the plan. His sharp eyes flickered over the map laid out on the table, tracing the routes mentioned by the Suna representative. Finally, he nodded. "We'll proceed with the joint operation. I'll inform Hashirama, and we'll begin preparations immediately."
The agreement hung in the air, a fragile truce formed out of necessity. Both sides understood the stakes—a full-scale invasion by Iwagakure could tip the balance of power, and any hesitation could lead to catastrophe. But for now, the alliance stood, and preparations for war would begin.
.
As the meeting concluded and the room began to empty, Tobirama stood from his seat, his serious expression never wavering as he approached Kūga. His movements were deliberate, every step carrying the weight of his position as Konoha's chief strategist. When he reached Kūga, his voice was measured, but there was an underlying tone of urgency.
"I heard from my brother that you're on a solo journey for a year," Tobirama began, his piercing gaze fixed on Kūga. "The village needs someone as capable as you. Whether for planning or deployment, we could use your expertise. Is there any chance you might come back early?"
Kūga, who had been casually leaning back in his seat with his usual relaxed demeanor, grinned at Tobirama's words. "Ah, so that's why you're really here, huh?" he teased lightly. "I had a feeling this meeting wasn't just about alliances."
Tobirama crossed his arms but allowed a small, amused grunt to escape him. "It's not that simple, but... yes, we need you."
Kūga's grin widened. "Well, lucky for you, this is exactly why I came."
Tobirama nodded in acknowledgment, his relief masked by his typical stoic expression. "In that case, I can take all of you back to Konoha now," Tobirama said. "We don't have time to waste."
Kūga's grin turned into a sly smirk. "Oh? You finally completed that teleportation jutsu you've been working on for so long, huh?"
Tobirama's hand instinctively went to scratch the back of his head, a rare gesture of mild embarrassment. "I've been busy with village affairs," he muttered. "And Izuna... well, he keeps sparring with me, which hasn't exactly helped with the time I need for experimentation."
Kūga couldn't resist the opportunity to tease. "Excuses, Tobirama. Just excuses."
Tobirama narrowed his eyes but couldn't help but fire back with his own retort. "Not everyone can be like you, Kūga," he said, his voice carrying a hint of a smile.
Reifū and Kenta, who had been standing by silently, exchanged glances. Both of them were processing the easy banter between Kūga and Tobirama. Who exactly is Kūga? they both wondered internally. Reifū's eyes lingered on Kūga a bit longer, the realization dawning on her that his importance stretched far beyond what she had initially understood.
Kenta, ever curious, whispered under his breath, "He knows the higher-ups of Konoha that well?"
Kūga caught the question with his sharp hearing and chuckled. "Don't let it surprise you too much," he said with a wink.
Tobirama cleared his throat, then gestured for the Konoha shinobi to prepare for departure. "We'll head back swiftly," he announced, then turned back to Kūga. "What are you waiting for?" he asked, his eyes glinting with a hint of a challenge.
"Lead the way," Kūga replied, his voice full of confidence.
Tobirama extended a hand, placing it firmly on Kūga's shoulder. Kūga's companions, Reifū and Kenta, were instructed to make physical contact with Kūga to ensure the teleportation worked smoothly for all of them. Reifū, her face slightly flushed, shyly reached out and grasped Kūga's arm. Her touch was tentative at first, but she held on firmly, her heart racing in her chest.
Tobirama, noticing the faint blush on Reifū's face, raised an eyebrow and commented dryly, "Well… I never thought I'd see the day you found someone for yourself, Kūga."
Reifū's face turned an even deeper shade of red at the remark, her grip tightening slightly on Kūga's arm as she looked down, clearly flustered.
Kūga only laughed, the sound warm and carefree. "You always have an eye for details, Tobirama."
Tobirama's face remained stoic, but there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes as he focused on the jutsu. "Ready?" he asked, not waiting for an answer as he activated the technique. In an instant, the world around them warped, and in a brilliant flash of light, they disappeared from the room, leaving the Sunagakure settlement behind.
With a single jutsu, they were on their way back to Konoha.