Fanma walked back toward the observation deck, squeezing two balls of water in his hands to wipe the dust and blood from his body.
That was one of the few benefits of being a ninja—even when combat power was secondary, one could always use chakra to heat water for a bath, start a fire, or even perform basic construction.
On the deck, the Jonin looked at the training ground, now reduced to a scorched wasteland, and managed a wry smile.
Among the three who had just battled, there was no doubt that each possessed the strength to command an entire legion.
With destruction on such a massive scale, each of them was a strategic-level asset.
The Third Hokage walked over, patted Fanma on the shoulder, and remarked with emotion, “I never expected you to grow to this extent.
Kagami would certainly be pleased.” Fanma gave him a sidelong glance.
Was this a reminder that he could count himself among the “Hokage faction”?
Fanma smiled steadily and replied, “I am grateful for Konoha’s cultivation, and for the opportunity you gave me to indulge in this test today.” The Third said nothing more and turned to oversee the remaining trials.
Minato, unable to contain his excitement any longer, trotted over and grabbed Fanma’s hand, shaking it vigorously.
“Teacher!
I never imagined you were this strong!” “Teacher, what was that technique that surged with lightning?
Can I learn it?” “Teacher, when are you going to start training me?” Stars were practically dancing in Minato’s eyes as he fired off a barrage of questions.
At this moment, Fanma was his god.
Fanma ruffled the boy’s yellow hair and asked, “Did you not see your teacher’s final tactic?
That was the true essence of the fight!” Minato pursed his lips.
“The Jonin were just saying that was a child’s trick, and that only you could make it look effective.” Fanma chuckled.
“Did you know there is a ninjutsu that allows one to traverse space freely—one even faster than my Body Flicker?” Minato’s eyes widened.
“What technique is that?
Can I learn it?” Fanma burst into laughter.
“Learn it?
It was practically designed for you!
I earned two slots for forbidden techniques today; I’ll pick that one out for you.
How about that?
Am I a good teacher or what?” Minato cheered, feeling the warmth of being constantly looked out for.
Most of the surrounding Jonin caught their breath—what good fortune!
For an average Jonin, B-rank conventional jutsu were the norm, and owning a single S-rank forbidden technique could define a ninja’s entire career.
For this kid, fresh out of the Academy, to receive such treatment…
being Fanma’s student truly came with perks.
Many eyes flickered as they pondered the still-vacant slots in Fanma’s squad, hoping to secure a ride for their own children or clansmen.
Fanma took out a scroll, retrieved a cloak, and draped it over his shoulders.
Yuhi Shinku and Hyuga Tenzo approached him.
“Congratulations.” “Congratulations.” Fanma waved them off with a smile, engaging in the usual pleasantries.
Within the arena, the trials continued.
Because of the earlier battle, the training ground was in shambles, filled with acidic mucus left by the slugs—the environment was atrocious.
Yet, in a sense, it was a more accurate representation of true battlefield conditions.
After several rounds of competition—and with Jiraiya abstaining—Orochimaru and White Fang secured their victories without much difficulty.
The civilian ninja were appeased; having been given a fair chance to compete was, in itself, a good start.
As the witnessing Jonin dispersed, only Fanma, Orochimaru, White Fang, the Third Hokage, and Danzo remained.
The Third Hokage lit his pipe, took a deep drag, and exhaled.
“War is coming.
It is unavoidable.” Fanma nodded; the timeline was entering the Second Great Shinobi War.
However, the intensity of the Second War was not as cataclysmic as later ones; it was essentially a series of localized frictions.
The catalyst was Hanzō of the Salamander, who, having achieved profound mastery, believed his strength surpassed the entire ninja world and decided it was time to act.
Huddled in the tiny Land of Rain, Hanzō felt restless.
He wanted to lead Amegakure to a resounding victory and transform the “Five Great Shinobi Nations” into the “Six.” Hanzō began swallowing up the surrounding small nations, but his targets—the Land of Grass, the Land of Rivers, and the Land of Birds—were vassal states of the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, and they would not allow him to act with impunity.
Meanwhile, Sunagakure, having been bled dry economically by Konoha for twenty years after the First War, saw the rise of a militant faction eager to counterattack Konoha and change the status quo.
The three parties dragged the small nations into the fray, with the Land of Rain serving as the primary theater of operations.
White Fang’s expression was grave.
“Lord Third, we have no experience fighting Hanzō.
Do you have information on him?” The Third took another puff of his pipe.
“Hanzō, known for the Salamander, is rumored to possess a venom that no one can withstand.
His mastery of Water Release is extremely deep, and his Body Flicker and swordsmanship are impeccable.
He is very difficult to handle.
In short, his combat power is worthy of the title ‘Kage’.” Fanma nodded.
As a former fan of the series, he had high expectations for Hanzō.
According to the Databook, Hanzō was a master of Water Release who could move freely within water—a talent unmatched by anyone else.
In that era, the reference point for a Water Release master would have been the Second Hokage, which spoke volumes about Hanzō’s strength.
Even in his later years as an Edo Tensei, he was able to break free of the jutsu’s control through sheer willpower, arguably surpassing the second leaders of the various hidden villages.
Even when facing Pain’s Gedo Mazo at over sixty years old, he had managed to escape successfully, only to be caught and killed by the Six Paths of Pain later.
It is a pity that Kishimoto-sensei didn’t give him enough page count, Fanma thought.
But this is a real world.
Fanma recalled the databook entries and asked, “I am curious—how old is he this year?” The Third looked at Fanma, surprised, and recalled, “He should be about the same age as Ōnoki of Iwagakure—around fifty.” Fanma nodded.
Fifty—the peak age for a ninja; the two reincarnated legends who fought at the Valley of the End were also in this age bracket.
“However,” the Third warned, “never underestimate him.
I crossed blades with him when I was young; his Body Flicker technique back then was already comparable to Fanma’s peak speed.” Danzo added, “The intelligence brought back by my Foundation indicates that his salamander carries a poison that is impossible to cure, and we currently have no method to counter it.” Orochimaru, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up.
“Lord Sarutobi, assign the battle tasks.” The Third, his gaze fixed and steady, ordered, “In this war, we are facing Amegakure and Sunagakure.
The burden is heavy.
White Fang, you are designated as the Commander-in-Chief of the anti-Sunagakure forces; your swordsmanship provides a counter to the Sand’s puppeteers.” “Understood.” “Orochimaru, you, Jiraiya, and Tsunade will form a special joint unit.
You will be the Commander-in-Chief against Hanzō.
Proceed with extreme caution.” “As you wish, Lord Sarutobi.” “Uchiha Fanma, you are designated as the Commander-in-Chief of the Hunter Forces.
Clear the enemy of all spies and provide support to vulnerable fronts at all times.” “Received, Third Hokage.” “In short, prepare yourselves.
We will not take the initiative to attack; the public opinion impact would be too severe.
We will wait for Hanzō’s act of invasion, and once we issue the defensive notice, we will deliver a decisive, resolute blow!” “Gentlemen, the peace of the village and the smiles of our children are now in our hands to protect!” “Yes, Third Hokage!” everyone shouted in unison.
Earn Them Together!