Chapter 7: The Clouds of War

The friction at the front lines escalated, leading to clashes. The Cloud Village dispatched ninja troops into the Land of Hot Water, which borders the Land of Fire. There were even reports of the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki's presence.

Upon hearing this news, Ryuto realized that the Third Ninja War was imminent.

Or rather, it had already begun, though it hadn't fully erupted yet.

Being a Root ninja, Ryuto knew a bit more than the average ninja.

Since the suicide of White Fang last year, the ninja world had been in turmoil. Both the Cloud and Stone Villages, as well as the Sand Village, were eager to make a move.

Ryuto, having only watched the anime, had thought that White Fang was just like any other renowned warrior.

However, after inheriting the original owner's memories, he understood the weight of White Fang's title.

Others gained fame by fighting renowned warriors to a draw or winning against them. White Fang, on the other hand, was infamous for his high efficiency in killing.

Armed with a short chakra blade, he transformed into a merciless mowing machine on the battlefield, cutting down enemies regardless of whether they were Genin or Jonin, with a flash of white light sealing their fate.

It wasn't that White Fang's strength surpassed everyone else's, making him the strongest in the ninja world, but rather that his combat style was particularly suited to mowing down weaker foes. Anyone weaker than him could easily be slain in an instant.

Seeing Konoha lose such a formidable warrior naturally made the other ninja villages covetous.

Especially the Cloud and Stone Villages, since these two villages had suffered minimal losses in the Second Ninja War and felt confident enough to challenge the top spot now.

"Those darn Cloud ninjas can't seem to stay put. It feels like we're about to go to war again," Aya Ueda sighed.

"If Lord White Fang were still here, they wouldn't dare be so arrogant," Ikeda said indignantly.

"It's okay, we still have Lord Third Hokage and Lord Orochimaru. They'll definitely lead us to victory like before," Sugihito Kimura tried to lighten the mood.

"If war breaks out, will we teachers be assigned combat duties too?" Ryuto asked, voicing his primary concern.

He didn't want to leave the ninja academy. While he could certainly get stronger on his own, it wasn't as satisfying as leveling up with cheats.

"It depends on the intensity of the war. If it gets too fierce, some teachers might be assigned to various units based on their specialties," Aya replied.

Hearing Aya's words, Ryuto could only pray to the deities, hoping he wouldn't be drafted too soon or at all.

The Third Ninja War involved Konoha fighting all four other major ninja villages, making it exceptionally intense. Teachers at the ninja academy wouldn't be spared this time.

Ryuto wasn't afraid of going to the battlefield; he was more worried about being sent there before he had fully developed his skills.

This Third Ninja War was extraordinarily perilous. Not only were the Five Great Ninja Villages fighting desperately, but Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu were also scheming in the shadows.

"Don't worry, Yashiro sensei. We are the strongest ninja village. There's no way the situation will get so bad that even our teachers have to go to the front lines," Sugihito Kimura expressed his confidence in Konoha.

"I'm not worried about going to the battlefield, just asking to be prepared for any situation," Ryuto smiled.

Even though he didn't want to go, he couldn't say it out loud.

Ryuto stopped talking and started practicing calligraphy, only heading to Class 1-A when the bell rang.

From the classroom doorway, Ryuto observed that the shadow of war hadn't affected the children's happiness. The classroom was filled with cheerful energy.

"Bro, how did my trick work? Did you manage to deal with your cousin?" Kamizuki Izumo asked, curious about Kotetsu Hagane's outcome.

"Ah, don't mention it. Your strategy was good, but my cousin is too cunning. He used the exact same tactics against me!" Kotetsu replied, frustrated.

Initially, the plan worked well, getting his cousin scolded by their aunt. But unexpectedly, before he could take the next step, his cousin mirrored his actions. Though both were kids, his cousin was only a year older.

In the end, both got scolded and beaten. They eventually called a truce and declared the tactic a forbidden jutsu.

"Such cunning foes exist," Kamizuki remarked, surprised.

"Your cousin is indeed crafty. I can't think of a new strategy right now," Kamizuki apologised.

"No worries, bro. You've already helped me a lot. Let me share your troubles too," Kotetsu offered.

"There's a girl next door I like, but I don't know how to get closer to her," Kamizuki hesitated but finally confessed.

"That's easy. Just give her something she likes," Kotetsu suggested.

Kamizuki thought about it and agreed. "She often looks at our garden when passing by. She must like flowers, and I don't think they have any at home."

"Then give her flowers! She'll definitely appreciate it," Kotetsu confirmed.

"Ahem, class is starting," Ryuto coughed lightly, reminding everyone.

The previously noisy classroom instantly quieted down, leaving only Ryuto's voice as he began the lesson.

Although they had only been together for four days, everyone liked Ryuto, finding his lessons easy and engaging.

**[Lecture completed]**

**[Evaluation: A]**

**[Reward: Water Release: Water Formation Wall]**

Upon seeing the jutsu's name, Ryuto's mind filled with information about the Water Formation Wall.

It was a B-rank Water Release jutsu that created a water wall for defense.

Interestingly, Tobirama Senju's Water Formation Wall differed from others', forming a full 360-degree protective barrier around him.

Reviewing the newly acquired knowledge, Ryuto realized he now understood Water Nature Transformation, which he didn't know before.

Ryuto smiled, grateful for the system's thoroughness. Without the nature transformation knowledge, he wouldn't have been able to use Water Release jutsu.

Ryuto mentally gave the attentive system a thumbs-up.

After school, Ryuto took Shisui to a training spot he had found, by a river in the southern forest.

"Your Great Fireball Jutsu is coming along well. Today, I'll teach you a new Fire Release jutsu," Ryuto announced.

With that, Ryuto clapped his hands and immediately spat out three massive fire dragons. Under Ryuto's control, the fire dragons circled in the sky before diving into the water, evaporating large amounts of it and causing the river to churn with steam.

"Fire Dragon Flame Bullet," Shisui recognized the jutsu immediately, having seen Uchiha Jonin use it.

Shisui was shocked because Ryuto had produced three fire dragons at once and with just a single hand sign.

Shisui grew more curious about Ryuto's strength.

"Watch closely. I'll demonstrate again," Ryuto said, seeing the desired effect on Shisui's face.

Unlucky day, my phone fell in the water. Hope it doesn't break.

**(End of Chapter)**

Support the novel please 🙏