Chapter 15: The Aftermath, Whispers of War

Hanma slowly walked back to the stands, holding two water globes in his hands as he washed the dust and blood off his body.

Being a ninja had its perks. Even if one's combat prowess wasn't up to par, they could at least take a bath, start a fire, and those with ample chakra could even dabble in construction.

The Jonin on the stands looked at the now-scorched training ground before them and smiled wryly.

These three individuals undoubtedly had the strength to command in a village battle.

The sheer scale of destruction made each of them strategic assets.

The Third Hokage approached, patted Hanma on the shoulder, and sighed, "I never thought you'd grow to such an extent. Kagami would surely be pleased."

Hanma glanced at him in surprise. Was this a reminder that he could be considered part of the Hokage's faction?

He smiled and responded steadily, "Thank you, Konoha, for nurturing me, and thank you for giving me this chance to indulge."

The Third Hokage said no more and turned to organize the remaining matches.

Minato, barely able to contain his excitement, ran over, grabbing Hanma's hand and shaking it repeatedly.

"Sensei, I didn't realize you were so strong!"

"Sensei, what was that lightning technique you used? Can I learn it?"

"Sensei, when will you train me?"

Stars sparkled in Minato's eyes as he bombarded Hanma with questions. At this moment, Hanma was his idol!

Hanma patted the yellow-haired head, asking, "Didn't you see the final tactic your sensei used? That's the essence!"

Minato pouted, "The Jonin said earlier it was a child's trick. Only you, Sensei, could make it seem useful."

Hanma laughed and replied, "Did you know there's a jutsu that lets you traverse space freely, faster than my Body Flicker Technique?"

Minato's eyes widened, and he nervously asked, "What technique is it? Can I learn it?"

Hanma laughed heartily and said, "Not only can you learn it, it was meant for you!"

"Sensei secured two Forbidden Jutsu slots this time, and I will choose this technique for you. How about that?"

Minato jumped for joy, feeling a warm sense of being cared for.

Most of the surrounding Jonin held their breath. Truly fortunate! Ordinary Jonin mainly used B-rank standard jutsu, and having one S-rank Forbidden Jutsu was considered a strong foundation.

This kid, straight out of the Academy, received such treatment. Being Hanma's disciple truly had its perks.

Many eyes turned, thinking of getting their children or clan members into Hanma's still-vacant team slots.

Hanma pulled out a sealing scroll, took out a coat, and put it on.

Yuhi Jin and Hyuga Tenzo approached.

"Congratulations." "Congratulations."

Hanma waved his hand, engaging in routine pleasantries.

---

Inside the training grounds, the competition continued.

Due to the earlier battle, the entire training ground was in shambles, with acidic residues left by the slugs everywhere, making the environment harsh.

If anything, it made the battlefield feel more real.

After several rounds, with Jiraiya not participating, Orochimaru and White Fang won their matches without much difficulty.

Even the civilian ninjas accepted it; having a chance to compete was a good start.

The witnessing Jonin dispersed, leaving Hanma, Orochimaru, White Fang, the Third Hokage, and Danzo behind.

The Third Hokage lit his pipe, taking a deep puff. "War is likely inevitable."

The Second Shinobi World War wasn't particularly intense, more like localized skirmishes.

The main reason was Hanzo of the Salamander, who had gained immense power, feeling the need to make a mark on the world.

Confined to the small Land of Rain, Hanzo felt uncomfortable and desired to lead Amegakure to a grand victory, transitioning the "Five Great Shinobi Villages" to "Six Great Shinobi Villages."

Hanzo attempted to annex nearby small countries, targeting the Grass, River, and Bird countries, which were vassals of the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, making his actions intolerable.

Sunagakure, economically drained by Konoha for twenty years post-war, faced hardships, and the militant faction saw this as a chance to attack Konoha and change their fate.

Thus, with the smaller countries dragged into the fray, they battled primarily in the Land of Rain.

White Fang's expression turned serious, and he asked gravely, "Third Hokage, we have no experience fighting Hanzo. Do you have any information on him?"

The Third Hokage took a deep puff and said, "Hanzo is famed for his poison, said to be unstoppable."

"His Water Release is highly advanced, and he possesses masterful Body Flicker and Kenjutsu skills, making him challenging to face."

"In essence, his strength is enough to be worthy of the title of a Kage."

Hanma nodded, having been a diehard Naruto fan in his past life, he had high expectations for Hanzo.

According to the official data books, Hanzo was a Water Release master, capable of moving freely in water, with unparalleled Water Release prowess.

If we compare him to the standards of that era, a Water Release master would be akin to the Second Hokage, indicating Hanzo's strength.

Later, he could break free from the Edo Tensei, retaining his consciousness, slightly surpassing the other Second Kages.

Even against Nagato's Gedo Statue, at over sixty years old, Hanzo managed to escape, only to be later cornered and killed by the Six Paths of Pain.

Unfortunately, the creators didn't give him much screen time towards the end, glossing over him. But Hanma lived in a real world now.

Hanma, recalling the data books, asked, "I'm curious, how old is he now?"

The Third Hokage gave Hanma a surprised look and recalled, "He should be around the same age as Iwagakure's Onoki, about fifty."

Hanma nodded. Fifty, the peak age for a ninja. The reincarnations of the deity duo from the Valley of the End battle were around this age.

"However, never underestimate him. In my youth, I faced off with him. His Body Flicker technique back then was already on par with your speed."

Danzo chimed in, "My informants from Root have reported that his salamander's poison is incurable. We currently have no countermeasures."

Orochimaru, who had been silent, suddenly spoke, "Sensei, assign the combat tasks."

The Third Hokage, smoking his pipe, looked serious and began to give orders. "In this battle, we'll face Amegakure and Sunagakure. The burden is heavy."

"White Fang, you're the commander of the forces against Sunagakure. Your blade has a restraining effect on their puppet-users."

"Yes, sir."

"Orochimaru, you, Jiraiya, and Tsunade form a special unit. You're the commander, and you'll face Hanzo. Be extremely cautious."

"Yes, Sensei."

"Uchiha Hanma, you'll be the commander of the hunting unit, tasked with eliminating all enemy spies and supporting any hard-pressed battlefields."

"Understood, Third Hokage."

"Everyone, prepare yourselves. We can't take the offensive as it would negatively impact us in terms of public opinion."

"Wait for Hanzo to make the first move. Once we issue a defensive announcement, retaliate decisively!"

"Gentlemen, it's up to us to protect the village's peace and the children's smiles now!"

"Yes, Third Hokage!" everyone shouted in unison.

(End of the Chapter)