"The Coming War: Konoha's Test."

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The First Hokage looked at Aki and said,"There are three basic jutsu that every ninja must master:

Transformation Jutsu – one of the most fundamental techniques. It lets you transform into objects or, more commonly, other people.

Clone Jutsu – also basic. It uses chakra to create 'afterimages'—they're not physical and are just there to confuse the enemy.

Substitution Jutsu – lets you instantly switch places with a nearby object, like an animal or a log, to dodge attacks.

These three are core skills for every ninja. But today, I'm going to teach you an improved version of the Clone Jutsu."

Then he brought his index and middle fingers together from both hands, forming a cross-shaped seal and shouted:

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

A puff of smoke exploded beside him, and from it stepped out another man who looked exactly like the First Hokage. Both of them said in unison,"This technique is an upgrade of the regular Clone Jutsu. The Shadow Clone Jutsu splits your chakra into two equal parts and creates a physical copy of yourself. The clone is just as strong as the original, but it disappears with a single hit.

"But the real value of this jutsu isn't the combat power—it's the experience. Everything the clone learns while it's active gets sent back to the original the moment the clone is destroyed. That means you can train way faster. Of course, there are risks. If you push too hard, it can damage your brain and even leave you mentally disabled.

"But someone with strong enough mental strength won't have to worry about that. And since you're training under me, you'll be fine—I'll make sure you don't hurt yourself."

He then released the Shadow Clone Jutsu, took out a ninja scroll, and handed it to Aki.

"During my time as Hokage, I interacted with all kinds of professions around the world—even with the declining samurai and the onmyōji clans. Many of today's sealing techniques actually came from the onmyōji and were modified by ninja.

"While exchanging knowledge with them, I got my hands on a special technique focused on training your mental strength. If you learn this, you'll be able to handle the side effects of the Shadow Clone Jutsu. I won't always be around to watch over you, so this is necessary. I'll only step in when it's really dangerous. For now, start by learning this Onmyō Technique."

Aki took the scroll and asked,"Teacher, have you practiced this technique yourself?"

"Nope, haven't had the time," the First Hokage laughed. "But don't worry—'mental strength' just means your self-control. Like how you control your chakra—that's one kind of mental power. This technique boosts that across the board, so there's no real danger."

Aki was speechless."So basically, I'm the First Hokage's guinea pig...?" he thought.

Hokage's Office

"Lord Second Hokage! We've received intel from our spies in Iwagakure. It seems they're moving a large number of ninja toward the border of Takigakure. And Takigakure's also actively working with them. Looks like something big is about to go down between those two villages."

A member of the Anbu knelt on one knee and reported.

The Second Hokage paused to think, then said,"Send a message to our Iwagakure informants. Tell them to investigate further and get us a clear report on Iwagakure's exact plans—ASAP."

"Yes, sir!"

With that, the Anbu vanished from the office in a flash using Body Flicker.

The Second Hokage turned to look out the window at the village and sighed,"Is war really coming again? It's only been a few years… and Iwagakure's already trying to stir up trouble?"

Land of Lightning – Raikage's Office

"Have you confirmed it? Are Iwagakure and Takigakure really moving toward our borders?"

The Raikage's face was grim as he questioned his intelligence officer.

"Yes," the officer replied. "The Second Tsuchikage's student, Akisuna Tengan, is leading the troops. Nearly 2,000 Iwa-nin have already entered Takigakure. We've spotted Takigakure ninja in several neutral countries between them and us. Even along the border of the Land of Lightning, their presence is growing. We believe their target is clearly our Kumogakure."

A huge, muscular man with spiky hair, two horns on his head, and a gold symbol carved into his left shoulder spoke up.

"Then let's strike first. Crush Takigakure. We'll convince the Daimyo that they were plotting against us and use that excuse to attack the smaller countries between us and them. Only by wiping out those weak nations can we boost our own strength and close the gap with Konoha. Once we catch up, we'll be the number one ninja village."

Another tough-looking ninja, smaller but just as muscular, with the same hairstyle, two horns, and a silver symbol on his right shoulder, added:"Exactly. And if the rumors are true, the First Hokage was seriously wounded in his fight with Madara and is now close to death. This is the perfect time to test Konoha's limits. Attacking the minor countries will not only benefit us, it'll scare off Iwagakure and Takigakure from making any rash moves. We should mobilize now!"

The Second Raikage looked at the two and said coldly,"Don't forget—trying to test Konoha's strength while Senju Hashirama is still alive is extremely dangerous. You two seem to have forgotten what Madara did to you. Just because you survived inside the Nine-Tails' belly doesn't make you invincible. To top it off, don't think I don't know about your grudge against Konoha, Gold and Silver Brothers."

He turned away and added,"Right now, our priority is to monitor Iwagakure and Takigakure closely. Gather all our ninja back to the village. That's it—meeting adjourned."

Gold and Silver Brothers left the office. As they walked out, Gold muttered angrily,"Damn old man… Always bringing up that humiliating story with Madara. Doesn't he know Madara's already dead? I really wanna kill him…"

Silver tried to calm him down."With how cautious he is around us, we'd never get the chance. And with that muscle-brained monster still around, even our lives are at risk."

He pointed at a white-haired, hulking man standing silently at the office door, watching them.

When Gold saw him, he gave a throat-cutting gesture before storming off. Silver smirked and followed.

The big man walked back into the office and bowed to the Raikage.

"Lord Raikage, why don't you just take them out now? They're dangerous."

The Raikage chuckled,"They think having a bit of the Nine-Tails' chakra makes them untouchable. I could kill them like squashing bugs—but their power is useful. They're some of our strongest assets. Killing them now would be a waste. War is coming. I'll throw them into the front lines. If they survive, great. If not… oh well."

The man thought to himself,"Let's just hope this double-edged sword doesn't end up cutting us instead…"

At the same time, preparations for war were also underway in the Lands of Water and Wind. The storm was coming.

Six Months Later – Forest of Death, Hidden Tower

"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"

Aki suddenly appeared behind the First Hokage and unleashed a blast of wind from his mouth.

The First Hokage spun around, formed hand seals, and shouted,"Wood Style: Wood Pillar Wall!"

Thick wooden pillars shot up from the ground around him, arching to form a protective dome.

Seeing this, Aki stopped his wind jutsu, dashed to the First's right side, formed seals again, and roared,"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

A flurry of fireballs erupted from his mouth, bombarding the area and kicking up smoke.

The First Hokage commented,"This jutsu is great for hiding yourself. The power's not that impressive, but it's perfect for disrupting the enemy's vision and halting their attack."

Just as his Wood Style dissolved, a blade appeared at the back of his neck. Aki's voice followed:"Sensei, you got distracted. I win."

The First Hokage nodded,"Good use of your Uchiha clan's Sharingan to track the enemy's chakra, then use Body Flicker to sneak behind for a surprise strike. Smart—but this kind of tactic only works on genin."

As soon as he said that, he vanished in a puff of smoke.

"Damn! A shadow clone!"

"Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence!"

Vines shot out from the ground, wrapping around Aki before he could react—completely trapping him like a dumpling.

The real First Hokage appeared in front of him.

"You're still too green," he said. "The Sharingan's great for tracking chakra, sure—but there are counters. My physical shadow clones are one of them. But based on how much chakra you used, I'd say you've reached the chunin level. Sadly, your combat instincts are still worse than most genin."

He released the jutsu and patted Aki on the head.

"Alright, that's the end of your training here. Time to head home."

Aki bowed respectfully."Thank you, Master, for these six months of training—and for using Sage Mode to refine my body. I'll never forget it."

The First Hokage looked at him seriously."Use your life to protect the Hidden Leaf. That's the best way you can repay me."

Aki nodded firmly. The two packed their things and headed back to the village.

"....."