As Kūga soared through the crisp, cold skies, his thoughts inevitably drifted back to his recent conversation with Okamura Tsunemori, the General of the Land of Iron. He replayed the dialogue in his mind, analyzing the old man's words and firm resolve to remain neutral. Though Kūga wasn't easily deterred, he couldn't help but respect Tsunemori's dignified stance. The man was wise, undoubtedly having seen the ebbs and flows of many conflicts, perhaps even understanding things that Kūga—despite all his power and knowledge—did not fully grasp.
"Maybe the old man's right," Kūga muttered to himself as he cut through the wind. "Perhaps neutrality is the best course for the Land of Iron."
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. The Land of Iron was a refuge of peace, a place where war and ninja politics had no foothold. If Tsunemori decided to remain neutral, the samurai could serve as a vital, unbiased entity in the middle of all the chaos. With no alliances to any village, the Land of Iron could be the perfect host for something far more important than an alliance—a Kage Summit. Kūga smirked at the idea.
"All the Kages, gathered in a neutral land, away from their shinobi forces… no ambushes, no tricks. It's a perfect spot for real negotiations. I suppose the old man's neutrality might actually serve a greater purpose."
Satisfied with that line of thinking, Kūga felt his previous disappointment melt away. He had left the Land of Iron on good terms, offering a generous gift of consumable water. That goodwill gesture might not sway them into the conflict, but it planted a seed—one that could bear fruit in the future. At the very least, Kūga was certain that his act of kindness would be remembered, and having a connection to the samurai couldn't hurt when the inevitable storm of war passed and peace was sought.
With those thoughts settled, he turned his attention to his flight itself. The cold wind lashed against his face, but he barely felt it, the sensation dulled by his mastery of Aether. His white hair whipped violently behind him, and his black fur-trimmed coat flared dramatically in the rushing air. Despite the mission and the weight of the war looming ahead, Kūga allowed himself a rare moment of enjoyment, letting the exhilaration of flight take over.
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "It's been a while since I've actually taken a moment to appreciate this," he thought to himself.
Flying was an art, one that few in this world had the privilege of experiencing. Kūga knew he was one of the lucky ones. Mastering Aether granted him the freedom of the skies—something that only a select handful of shinobi could achieve with their chakra. It wasn't just the thrill of moving through the air or the rush of wind. It was the overwhelming sense of freedom that came with defying gravity, soaring above the earth with nothing to pull him down.
In this moment, Kūga wasn't a shinobi, a warrior, or even a strategist preparing for war. He was simply Kūga Seiryu, a man with the power to rise above it all—literally. As he flew higher, the ground below became a blur, vast stretches of land folding beneath him in an instant.
"Yeah," he chuckled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Lucky's one way to put it."
As the mountains and forests rolled past beneath him, Kūga reveled in the sheer joy of flying, pushing himself faster, higher. His grin widened as he realized just how much he loved this—the open sky, the boundless horizon, and the thrill of knowing that while others were bound to the earth, he could soar above it all.
"Let's see how fast I can get back to Konoha," he thought, increasing his speed. The wind howled in response, but all Kūga could feel was the exhilarating freedom of the skies.
.
The biting, icy winds of the Land of Iron gradually faded away as Kūga ascended higher, breaking through the bleakness of the frozen mountains. A warm, golden hue bathed the sky as he flew, the harsh cold giving way to the breathtaking view of clouds tinged with the warm colors of the setting sun. The majestic expanse of sky opened up before him, vibrant and serene, a stark contrast to the bitter chill of the Land of Iron.
Kūga's eyes gleamed as he flew through the clouds, the warmth surrounding him now a welcome embrace. His black fur-trimmed coat flared behind him, and his white hair fluttered wildly in the wind. Below him, the world unfolded, the landscape shifting from snow-capped peaks to lush forests and the rolling hills that bordered the Land of Fire. As the familiar sight of Konoha came into view on the horizon, Kūga couldn't help but smile in pride at its sheer size.
"Not bad for a village that's only a few years old," he thought, the corners of his lips curving into a slight smile.
The village was bustling, even from this distance. Despite its relatively short history, Konoha had grown into a massive settlement, thriving under the leadership of the Hokage and the efforts of the founding clans. Kūga knew that much of its rapid growth was thanks to Hashirama's Wood Release, which had provided free shelter for many. Wooden homes and structures were scattered across the landscape, blending seamlessly with the natural environment.
As Kūga flew closer, his mind drifted to his recent thoughts about Konoha's water supply. "If I donate tons of fresh drinking water, regularly, it could completely eliminate the village's need for water imports. Imagine the costs saved…" He chuckled to himself. It wasn't about money for him—it never really had been—but helping Konoha thrive was a personal victory. After all, what good was power if it didn't benefit the people you cared about?
Gradually, Kūga slowed his flight, his descent becoming more calculated. As he approached the village, he activated his ethereal sense, an Aether technique that allowed him to extend his awareness, covering the entire village like a delicate web. His senses sharpened as he felt the presence of thousands of people moving through Konoha's streets, each chakra signature lighting up in his mind like stars in the sky.
Though many of the signatures were unfamiliar to him, a few stood out. One, in particular, made him grin—a familiar, fiery presence. "Izuna..." Kūga thought, his enhanced vision honing in on the younger Uchiha. From his vantage point, Kūga watched as Izuna handed a single flower to a woman dressed in Uchiha attire, her cheeks slightly flushed as she accepted the gesture. Kūga's grin widened.
"Kid's growing up," he muttered to himself, shaking his head in amusement.
His thoughts drifted momentarily. "Wonder if Tobirama's found someone yet? That strict-minded brat could use a little softening." The idea of Tobirama—always so focused, so rigid—being romantically involved was almost absurd to Kūga, but the thought made him chuckle.
Turning his attention elsewhere, Kūga's eyes landed on another familiar figure. There, near the marketplace, was Kenta. Kūga's grin softened into something more thoughtful as he watched the boy—a red-haired teen—helping an elderly woman carry her groceries. "People are definitely going to question that hair," Kūga mused, noting how Kenta's bright crimson hair stood out like a beacon amidst the usual black and brown heads of the village.
"Speaking of red hair," Kūga thought, his curiosity piqued. He'd never had the chance to meet Mito Uzumaki, the famed red-haired woman who had married Hashirama. "I wonder what she's like?" The thought lingered for a moment before he dismissed it with a shake of his head. There would be time to meet her later.
He pushed his speed a little more, gliding effortlessly towards the Hokage Tower, his fur coat flaring as he picked up the pace. The tower soon came into view, and atop its roof, Kūga spotted the familiar figures of Hashirama, Tobirama, and Madara, engaged in what looked like a serious conversation. Their dark silhouettes against the warm orange sky made them look almost like statues—pillars of strength and leadership.
Kūga smirked, slowing down as he approached. Without a sound, he hovered mid-air just before them, catching their attention with his casual entrance. "What's up, boys?" he called out, his voice carrying a note of playful nonchalance.
The three men turned their heads toward him in unison, their expressions momentarily caught between surprise and amusement. Hashirama, as always, greeted him with a broad, welcoming smile, while Tobirama's brow furrowed slightly, no doubt wondering what Kūga had been up to this time. Madara's reaction was, unsurprisingly, more reserved—a mere glance accompanied by a subtle nod of acknowledgment.
Kūga floated there for a moment, enjoying the sight of the three most powerful shinobi in Konoha gathered together. It felt like he was part of something larger—something great. And despite all his travels and the many places he'd been, Kūga realized that it was moments like this that made him feel grounded. Here, amidst his friends and allies, he was truly home.
.
As Kūga descended gracefully, landing lightly beside the trio, Hashirama was the first to speak. His tone was curious, but his eyes held a trace of concern. "So, Kūga, how was your journey? Any good news from the Land of Iron?"
Kūga let out a soft sigh, shaking his head with a relaxed smile. "They've decided to stay neutral," he said casually, as if it were no surprise. "No alliance, no assistance. Just neutrality. I didn't press further."
Hashirama's brows furrowed in disappointment, but he quickly masked it with a nod of understanding. "That's... unfortunate," he said, his voice reflecting a sense of acceptance. "I was hoping they'd see reason, but I suppose it's not in their nature to take sides."
Tobirama crossed his arms, his gaze sharp and calculating as he spoke next. "Then we'll need to approach more villages. We need all the manpower we can get if we want to maintain a strong front in the coming conflict."
But Madara, ever the strategist, shook his head in quiet disagreement, his crimson eyes gleaming under the afternoon sun. "No," he said in his deep, measured tone. "We've secured an alliance with Sunagakure and several smaller villages. That's more than sufficient." His voice was calm, yet carried an unmistakable weight. "Reaching out further will only stretch us thin. We should consolidate our strength rather than chase after uncertain allies."
Kūga nodded in agreement, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes as he spoke. "Madara's right. While we shouldn't underestimate our enemies, we also can't underestimate ourselves." He turned toward Hashirama and Tobirama, his grin widening. "Sunagakure has its own Kage-level shinobi, and they're more than capable of providing a significant force in the upcoming battles."
His gaze then shifted back to the group as a whole, and with a smirk, he added, "And Konoha? We have Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, Madara Uchiha, Izuna Uchiha... and, of course, yours truly."
They got a little embarrassed as Kūga states their full name.
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle for a moment. "And if push comes to shove, I'll personally wipe out Iwa and Kumo. Consider it handled." Kūga's smile was easy, almost too carefree given the gravity of his statement.
Hashirama, Tobirama, and Madara exchanged subtle glances, each of them harboring the same thought, though none of them voiced it aloud. 'So you're that strong, huh?'
Despite their silence, the tension of realization hung in the air. They had known Kūga was powerful—there was no doubting that. But the sheer confidence with which he spoke about wiping out entire villages was something else entirely.
As Kūga felt the presence of several chakra signatures moving within the Hokage Tower, he glanced at Hashirama with a raised brow and a smirk. "We have guests?" he asked, his tone casual, but the spark of curiosity in his eyes was evident.
Hashirama nodded, his expression shifting to one of seriousness, though his ever-present warmth remained. "Yes, I've summoned a number of shinobi and kunoichi—those with sharp minds and key roles in our war efforts. We need to discuss the strategy with those in charge of the multiple war camps."
Kūga nodded, understanding the importance of this gathering. Without wasting any more time, the four of them moved toward the large office, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.
As they approached the door, Hashirama opened it, and the sight that greeted them was a room filled with silent, attentive shinobi. Each warrior present had their own unique style of clothing—some in traditional shinobi garb, others wearing armor or robes that reflected their clan or personal preferences. Yet despite the diversity in appearance, they all shared the same quiet intensity, their eyes shifting toward the four as they entered.
Hashirama offered them all a warm smile, his leadership evident in his demeanor. He walked toward his desk and gracefully took a seat behind it, the weight of his responsibility almost palpable as he rested his hands on the wooden surface. Tobirama, ever the serious one, moved to stand beside his brother, his sharp gaze scanning the room as if already calculating the next steps.
Madara, on the other hand, walked toward the large windows overlooking the village. His figure cast a long shadow as he leaned against the frame, his eyes distant but his mind undoubtedly focused on the coming war. His presence alone seemed to command attention, even without words.
And then there was Kūga. Always one to stand out, he casually conjured a stool for himself out of thin air, the manifestation of aether subtle but unmistakable. He smiled as he sat, his laid-back demeanor almost a stark contrast to the gravity of the meeting. Yet, the casualness was intentional—an unspoken reminder that he was more than capable, regardless of appearances.
The room remained silent, the gathered shinobi observing the dynamics between the four leaders. There was respect, camaraderie, and an underlying tension of the looming war that hung over them all.
.
Kūga raised his hand, and a large map materialized in the air, hovering above Hashirama's desk. The intricate details of the regions were vividly displayed, showing the borders between the great shinobi nations: Konohagakure, Sunagakure, Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and their neighboring minor villages. The map rotated slowly, casting a faint glow as it hovered near Hashirama and Tobirama, allowing everyone to see the layout of the upcoming war .
Hashirama stood up first, taking charge of the room. His usual warmth remained, but now his eyes were hard, reflecting the gravity of the situation. "Everyone, I know this isn't an easy time for any of us, but we need to focus. Our strategies must be solid, and our unity unshakable. The enemies we're facing are not just skilled, but desperate, and desperate people fight with everything they have."
He paused, letting his words sink in, as the shinobi and kunoichi in the room watched with unwavering attention.
Tobirama then stepped forward, his sharp eyes scanning the room. "Let's begin by discussing the situation with Iwagakure. Suna and Konoha will conduct a joint operation to counter any attacks from Iwa. It's important to remember that Iwa has been strengthening its forces, and they've formed alliances with some of the smaller villages to bolster their ranks. Their numbers aren't small, but numbers alone don't win battles."
He gestured to the map, pointing out the borders between the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth. "We'll be stationing a majority of our forces along these key points," he said, tracing the line between Sunagakure and Iwagakure's territory. "Iwa will likely try to strike Suna first, hoping to cripple them before they can fully mobilize. We can't let that happen. Our forces will form a vanguard, with Suna's best shinobi acting as the initial line of defense, while our own troops support them from key positions along the border."
One of the shinobi in the room, a tall man with scars across his arms, raised his hand and asked, "What about when Iwa starts sending more of their reinforcements? They could push us back into the desert where we'll lose our advantage."
Tobirama's eyes narrowed. "That's exactly why we'll maintain a mobile defense. We'll be ready to retreat into more defensible positions if needed, but with our forces and Suna's combined, we'll ensure they can't strike deep into the Land of Wind without taking heavy losses. They'll be forced to reconsider their strategy once they see how costly it'll be to penetrate our lines. And don't forget, Hashirama's wood release gives us the ability to create terrain advantages even in the desert."
Another shinobi, a kunoichi with short black hair and sharp eyes, voiced her concern. "Iwa's strength is formidable, though. How do we stop them from overwhelming our defenses entirely?"
Madara, who had been silent until now, slowly turned from the window. His deep, commanding voice cut through the room. "Iwa may have numbers and fortifications, but won't expect me since they'll think I'll be stationed at Kumo. I will personally lead the forces that will engage them at the front. We will not simply be defending; we will push into their territory. My station will be at the battle camp in the Land of Grass. From there, we'll launch our counterattacks, striking their supply lines and pushing back their advances. We'll break their momentum before it even begins."
His eyes glinted with a cold resolve, and a few of the shinobi shifted uncomfortably under his intense gaze. But his words instilled a sense of confidence, and there was no doubt in anyone's mind that Madara could, and would, lead them to victory.
The room fell silent for a moment, absorbing Madara's words, before another shinobi cautiously raised his hand. "And what about Kumogakure?" he asked, turning to Hashirama. "Their forces are no joke either. How do we counter their lightning release users and their unpredictable strategies?"
Hashirama leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. His tone was thoughtful but firm. "Kumo is indeed a threat, but their forces are less organized than Iwa. We've already started making alliances with some of the smaller villages in the region to prevent Kumo from gathering too many reinforcements. Our strategy will be focused on creating a war camp in the Land of Hot Springs. From there, we'll monitor Kumo's movements and be ready to intercept them before they can organize large-scale offensives. Our scouts have been deployed to track their shinobi, and we'll use the terrain to our advantage to cut off their supply routes."
The shinobi nodded, but still seemed uneasy. "But... Kumo's jinchūriki—what if they decide to use them in battle?"
Kūga does not look at the person but thinks about it, 'A jinchūriki? I thought that would happen when Hashirama captures them as peace offering?'
The white-haired, who had been sitting on his conjured stool, lazily spinning it in place, finally stopped. His grin widened as he spoke up, cutting into the conversation. "Don't worry about Kumo. I'll be handling them personally."
The room shifted slightly, eyes turning to Kūga in surprise. Kūga raised a hand, his casual tone masking the gravity of his words. "The Land of Hot Springs will be our base of operations for Kumo's skirmishes and full-blown battles. My plan is simple. Kumo may have brute strength, but we'll be faster. I'll lead the forces, hitting their camps and supply routes before they can even organize. We won't wait for them to attack us; we'll take the fight to them."
Another shinobi, visibly skeptical, raised a hand. "But Kumo's shinobi are known for their lightning techniques, and their Raikage is said to be nearly untouchable. How do we weaken them with a person like that?"
Kūga leaned back in his seat, his grin widening even further. "We won't just weaken them. We'll break them. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that'll turn their lightning into nothing more than static. Besides, the Raikage? I'm looking forward to that fight. And if it comes it, I'll lead the charge and wipe out their strongest myself."
The room fell into silence once again, a mix of awe and unease settling over the shinobi as Kūga's confident words hung in the air. Hashirama, Madara, and Tobirama exchanged knowing glances. Kūga had never been one to shy away from grand declarations, but there was something about the way he spoke that made it clear he wasn't exaggerating.
Finally, Hashirama stood up again, bringing the conversation back to the larger picture. "With the joint operations between Konoha and Suna, and Kūga and Madara leading separate forces against Kumo and Iwa, we're confident in our ability to hold the line. The most important thing is that we remain united. If we divide our forces carelessly, we'll lose. But if we work together, we will win this war."
Tobirama nodded in agreement, his eyes hard as steel. "Our enemies are strong, but so are we. We've got the advantage in strategy and in skill. This war won't be easy and a lot will die, but it's winnable."
The shinobi in the room slowly began to relax, murmurs of agreement rippling through the crowd. They still had concerns, but with their leaders showing such confidence and resolve, the doubts were starting to fade.
Madara turned back to the window, his eyes narrowing as he looked toward the distant mountains. "Iwa will regret the day they challenged us. I'll make sure of it."
Kūga chuckled softly from his stool, folding his arms. "And Kumo? I'll make sure traumatize them."
With the strategies laid out and the room filled with a sense of purpose, the meeting continued, with each shinobi and kunoichi offering their input and preparing for the battles ahead. The atmosphere was charged with determination, and despite the looming threat of war, they knew they had a fighting chance, especially with the four people that's leading them.
And Izuna? Well... he has a date, let's not bother him.