The Village Hidden in the Leaves was alive with energy. Civilians walked the bustling streets, chatting and trading goods, while the occasional laughter of children echoed through the alleyways as they played ninja. Shinobi of all ranks moved through the marketplace, stopping at various stalls to buy equipment—kunai, shuriken, and the occasional exotic weapon from traveling merchants. The smell of fresh food wafted through the air, mixing with the earthy scent of the village's dense trees. Above it all, the towering Hokage monument loomed, watching over the peaceful yet ever-ready village.
Kūga stood on the training grounds, overlooking the serene village in contrast to the intense moment about to unfold. His white hair fluttered slightly in the breeze, and his black fur-trimmed coat rested casually on his shoulders, as if the coming battle were nothing more than a warm-up. Before him, Reifū and Kenta, his two pupils, stood with serious expressions, readying themselves for the final lesson before the looming war.
Kūga's grin widened as he crossed his arms. "Alright, you two. This is it. The last lesson before everything changes. I'll limit myself to a Kage-level shinobi. No more, no less. That means you'll have to bring your best to keep up. Think strategically, and don't hold back. Go all out."
Reifū, standing with her back straight, her eyes glinting with cold resolve, adjusted her stance. Her long black hair swaying as she moved into position, her muscles coiled like a spring, ready to strike. Her hands already glowed faintly with aetheric energy, the power she'd honed over the past months with Kūga.
Next to her, Kenta exhaled, cracking his knuckles. His red hair, a striking feature that stood out in Konoha, gleamed under the afternoon sun. His stance was more relaxed, but his body was tense, each movement betraying the raw power that rested within him. His specialty was brawling, using his enhanced physicality with aether to crush opponents in close-quarters combat.
Kūga raised his hand casually. "Whenever you're ready," he taunted, the amusement in his voice clear.
Without another word, Reifū dashed forward first, her speed blurring as she launched a barrage of kunai infused with aether directly at Kūga. "Aether: Phantom Needles!" she called, her kunai splitting into dozens of shimmering copies, all seeking Kūga's flesh from multiple angles.
Kūga merely raised his hand, manipulating the aether around him to create a thin, invisible wall. The kunai shattered against it like raindrops on glass. "Not bad," he commented, "but you'll have to do better than that."
Suddenly, Kenta was already on him, closing the distance with surprising speed. He roared as he swung a massive fist, coated in swirling red aether, at Kūga's chest. "Aether Technique: Titan's Gauntlet!" Kenta's blow landed with an earth-shaking force, the ground beneath them cracking and splintering under the sheer weight of the attack.
But Kūga wasn't there. He had blinked out of sight, reappearing a few meters away, his grin never fading. "Good power, Kenta. But you're still too predictable."
Kenta gritted his teeth and dashed toward him again, this time keeping his movements more erratic, his fists glowing with swirling red energy as he threw a flurry of punches. "Aether Style: Berserker Barrage!" Each punch released a small shockwave of energy, the sheer ferocity behind the strikes enough to tear through solid stone.
Kūga dodged with fluid precision, sidestepping and weaving between the attacks with ease. "You're improving," he remarked, his voice calm, as if the battle was just an entertaining spectacle. "But let's see how you handle this."
With a flick of his wrist, Kūga sent a pulse of aether into the ground, manipulating the earth beneath their feet. "Aether Technique: Earthbreaker." A massive column of earth shot up beneath Kenta, aiming to throw him off balance.
Kenta, however, wasn't caught off guard. His feet glowed with aether as he jumped off the rising column and twisted in mid-air, launching himself directly at Kūga. "Aether:Titan's Drop!" he shouted, aiming a powerful downward punch fueled with wild aether at his mentor's head.
Kūga stepped back just in time, letting Kenta's fist crash into the ground, creating a crater. The impact sent tremors through the battlefield, but Kūga barely moved, his balance impeccable.
Reifū, however, was already on the move again, her hands glowing with aetheric power. She clasped them together, forming a spear of pure aether energy. "Aether Technique: Spear of Oblivion!" she shouted, thrusting the glowing weapon forward at lightning speed.
This time, Kūga didn't dodge. He raised his hand, and with a gesture, the air around him shimmered as an invisible force deflected the spear. But before he could counter, Reifū's voice echoed again. "Aether Technique: Crescent Edge!"
In an instant, the spear fragmented into several crescent-shaped blades of aether, spinning wildly as they arced back toward Kūga, cutting through the air with a high-pitched hum.
Kūga's grin widened. "Now we're getting somewhere." He raised his hand, and with a sharp motion, the crescent blades froze in mid-air, suspended by his control over the aether. He turned his gaze toward Reifū, impressed. "Nice trick, Reifū. But you'll have to try harder if you want to beat me."
Before either of them could react, Kūga vanished once more, reappearing directly behind Reifū. "Aether: Mirage Step." His hand moved like lightning, aiming a strike at her midsection.
Reifū, however, had anticipated this. She twisted on her heel and narrowly avoided his blow, summoning another technique in an instant. "Aether Style: Phantom Dance!" Her body flickered as she moved through Kūga, leaving behind an afterimage that exploded with aetheric energy.
Kūga felt the force of the explosion but remained unfazed, the glow of aether surrounding him dissipating the impact. He glanced over at Kenta, who was already charging in again, his fists crackling with power. "Here I come, Kūga!" he bellowed.
Kenta leaped into the air, fists raised high. "Aether Technique: Colossus Smash!" He slammed both fists down toward Kūga, the sheer weight of his attack splitting the ground beneath them.
But Kūga's counter was swift. He raised both hands, channeling aether into a single, concentrated point in the air above him. "Aether Art: Displacement Shield!" A shimmering barrier appeared just in time to absorb the force of Kenta's attack, sending shockwaves rippling outward but keeping Kūga untouched.
Kūga then retaliated with a series of rapid strikes, each one infused with precise aether energy. "Aether Technique: Razor Wind!" Invisible blades of aether sliced through the air, aimed at both Reifū and Kenta.
Reifū leaped backward, spinning gracefully in mid-air as she deflected some of the blades with her own aether technique. "Aether Shield!" she called, a protective barrier forming around her, shimmering with energy.
Kenta, meanwhile, barreled forward, taking the hits head-on. His body shimmered with red aether as he absorbed the blows, his muscles bulging as he pressed the attack. "This is nothing!" he roared, his determination pushing him to break through the barrage.
Kūga chuckled. "You're both getting stronger. But this fight's not over yet."
With a wave of his hand, the battlefield shifted once more. The earth beneath them rumbled as Kūga manipulated the terrain, creating jagged spires of rock and chasms that split the ground. "Aether Technique: Shattered Earth!" he called, his voice carrying over the battlefield.
Reifū and Kenta leaped to avoid the shifting ground, their movements now more coordinated, their attacks sharper. Reifū conjured more deadly aether techniques, her movements fluid and precise as she wove through Kūga's defenses, while Kenta continued his relentless assault, using his raw strength to overpower anything in his way.
For what felt like hours, the battle raged on. Each of them pushed their limits, casting new techniques and countering one another with ever-growing skill. And through it all, Kūga watched them closely, testing them, pushing them, guiding them toward the power they would need for the battles to come.
Finally, as the dust began to settle and the energy of the battle waned, Kūga stood before them, his grin now softer, more approving. "Good," he said, breathing steadily. "You're both ready."
.
As Kūga made his way through the streets of Konoha, the evening sun bathed the village in a golden glow. The once bustling marketplace was beginning to quiet down, though the faint sounds of laughter and chatter still echoed through the air. The cool breeze carried with it the scent of oak from the surrounding forests, a comforting reminder of the land that they had fought so hard to protect. Kūga couldn't help but smile softly to himself as he ascended the stairs of the Hokage Tower.
Reaching the top, Kūga found Hashirama standing by the window, his arms crossed, gazing out over the village. The First Hokage's usually warm and bright aura was replaced by something more contemplative as he stood silently, watching the people below.
Kūga approached him, his footsteps light but firm. "How are you holding up, Hashirama?" he asked casually, though there was a note of concern in his voice.
Hashirama glanced over his shoulder, smiling softly when he saw his old friend. "Ah, Kūga," he said with a chuckle, turning back to the view. "I'm doing good, thanks to you, Madara, and Tobirama. It's a lot easier knowing I can count on you all. You know how I am—optimistic, but sometimes... sometimes the weight of the village feels heavy."
Kūga stepped closer, joining Hashirama by the window. He gazed down at the peaceful village, children still playing in the streets, unaware of the approaching war. There was a tranquility in the scene, but also a reminder of the responsibilities they carried. The village they had founded, their dream, had grown into something far larger than they ever could have imagined.
"You're not alone in that, Hashirama," Kūga said, his tone serious yet calm. "We built this village together. We all carry that responsibility. I may not be the Hokage who leads these people directly, but I'm a pioneer, just like you, just like Madara. We're here to guide them, in whatever way we can."
Hashirama's smile softened as he looked at Kūga. "You're right," he said, his voice tinged with gratitude. "I've always been grateful for that. Without you, Madara, and Tobirama... I don't think this dream would have ever been possible."
They both fell into a comfortable silence, watching as the last rays of sunlight painted the village in shades of amber and crimson. The weight of leadership hung between them, but there was also a shared sense of pride in what they had accomplished. They had built something truly remarkable—a village that stood as a symbol of peace and unity, even in the face of war.
Kūga broke the silence, his voice light but with a hint of purpose. "Speaking of responsibility... there's something I've been thinking about."
Hashirama turned his head slightly, curious. "Oh? What's on your mind?"
Kūga leaned forward, his gaze still focused on the village below. "I have the ability to create water—clean, consumable water—from nothing. It's something that can help the village. I want to use that ability to supply Konoha with clean water, to help cut the costs for the village's water supply and, in turn, decrease the taxes for the people. Even if it's just by a little bit, every bit helps, right?"
Hashirama blinked, surprised by the offer. "Wait, you can create water from nothing? That's... almost the same as Tobirama's water affinity, but..." He trailed off, the wheels turning in his mind.
Kūga nodded. "It's similar, but different. Tobirama creates water by manipulating the moisture in the air, drawing it together to form water. What I'm talking about is my power... aether—something beyond chakra. I can create water from the raw essence of the world itself, clean and pure. No need for moisture in the air or any external conditions. It's entirely self-sustaining."
Hashirama scratched his head, a look of disbelief crossing his features. "You really are full of surprises, Kūga," he said with a sigh, shaking his head. "I shouldn't be shocked anymore, but somehow, you still manage to catch me off guard."
Kūga smirked, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall next to Hashirama. "Hey, I aim to impress. But in all seriousness, this could really help the village. Think about it—no more worrying about droughts, no more rationing water during tough seasons. It would ease the burden on the people, even if just a little."
Hashirama's eyes softened as he considered the idea. "It would definitely help the village," he admitted, nodding slowly. "You're always thinking about others, Kūga. It's something I've always admired about you."
Kūga waved his hand dismissively, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Don't get all sentimental on me now, Hashirama. I still need something from you."
Hashirama raised an eyebrow, curious. "Oh? And what would that be?"
Kūga chuckled lightly. "I'll need a business permit. If I'm going to be supplying the village with water, I'll be setting up a business to manage it. It'll be official—contracts, distribution, all that. So, what do you say, Hokage-sama? Care to help a friend out?"
Hashirama's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but then a broad grin spread across his face. "A business permit? You're really thinking ahead, aren't you? I guess that's what makes you a pioneer, always one step ahead."
Kūga shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, if we're going to do this, might as well do it right. I'll need some paperwork to make it official."
Hashirama shook his head, laughing. "You've got yourself a deal. Of course, I can do that much for you!" His voice carried a tone of fondness, the kind that only close friends could share. "I'll get started on the paperwork first thing tomorrow."
Kūga grinned, pleased. "Thanks, Hashirama. I knew I could count on you."
Hashirama leaned back, his expression softening as he looked out over the village once more. "You've done so much for this place, Kūga. You're always thinking about how to make life better for everyone here. It's people like you who keep this village going, even when the times get tough."
Kūga chuckled. "Just doing my part. After all, this village is more than just a place to live—it's a dream we all share. And we're responsible for making sure that dream stays alive, no matter what."
Hashirama nodded in agreement, the weight of those words settling between them. "That's true," he said quietly, his eyes reflecting the fading light. "And with people like you, Madara, and Tobirama by my side... I know this village will thrive, even in the face of war."
The two of them stood in silence for a moment, sharing a quiet camaraderie as the last of the daylight disappeared behind the mountains. The village below, bathed in twilight, seemed peaceful and full of hope, even as the shadows of war loomed on the horizon.
Finally, Kūga broke the silence with a teasing grin. "So, about that business permit..."
Hashirama laughed, the tension breaking. "Yes, yes, I said I'd take care of it!" He clapped Kūga on the shoulder with a wide smile. "Consider it done."
Kūga chuckled. "Good. I'll be expecting it soon."
As they stood together, watching the village they had built, both men knew that while the coming days would be filled with hardship and battle, they would continue to fight for the future of Konoha—just as they always had.