Chapter 7: Shadows of War (1)

In the dim twilight of Konoha, the air was thick with the scent of pine. 

The village, usually buzzing with the chatter and laughter of its inhabitants, bore a somber mood this morning. Mukai, who had just begun to find a semblance of routine in his new life, was walking out from the opening to his courtyard when he sensed the shift in the atmosphere.

The lively streets of the village were quieter, and the faces he passed were etched with concern. His brows furrowed ‘What is going on?’ He wondered inwardly

As he turned a corner towards the academy for his morning classes, a figure approached him. It was Ichitani, a fellow instructor at the Ninja Academy and someone Mukai’s memories didn't have the highest opinion of. Ichitani's usual sneer was missing, his jaw set in a firm line. And was that worry in his eyes?

"Mukai," Ichitani called out, his voice barely above a whisper, yet carrying an urgency that made Mukai halt in his tracks. "We need to talk."

Mukai nodded, sensing the seriousness of the moment. They moved to the side of the road, under the boughs of a large oak tree that had witnessed the passage of many generations in Konoha. The falling leaves, tinged with gold and crimson, seemed to signal the changing tides.

"What's wrong, Ichitani?" Mukai asked, his voice laced with concern.

"It's the front lines," Ichitani began, his words measured. "Scouts have returned with news. Kumo got a little too greedy. One of their Elite jonin moved in on one of our bases near their border and decimated it completely.” Mukai's eyes widened. 

“War... it's on the horizon, Mukai. Such an aggressive move from them has put the village on high alert. The Hokage is gathering the council for an emergency meeting as we speak."

The weight of Ichitani's words hung heavily between them. Mukai felt a cold chill run down his spine. In the memories he acquired, he had heard the true grim tales of the shinobi wars missing from the show, the sacrifices, and the devastating losses that came with them. The reality of the world he had found himself in continued to make itself apparent. 

"Thank you for telling me, Ichitani," Mukai said after a moment, his voice steady despite the turmoil brewing within him. "What can I do? How can we prepare?" ‘How can I prepare my students!’ he sobbed inwardly

Ichitani looked at him, a semblance of a smile breaking through his solemn demeanor. "For now, we wait for the Hokage's orders. But Mukai, you know what to do. Prepare your students. Teach them not just to be strong in jutsu, but in heart. In times like these, the spirit of Konoha must stand united. We'll need every willing shinobi to defend our village, to protect our way of life."

The two men shared a look of understanding, a silent pledge to do whatever was necessary for their village, for their home. As Ichitani departed, Mukai stood under the oak tree for a while longer, lost in thought. The news of war was the epitome of bad timing. He didn’t get the cushy “Teach slow and get strong” approach he had been anticipating when he first received the system. 

Mukai took a deep breath, steeling himself for the days ahead. He would prepare his students, yes, but he would also prepare himself. For the trials of war, for the heartache it might bring, but most importantly, for the role he would probably have to play in defending Konoha, his new home.

As the sun continued to peak above the horizon, Mukai made his way to the academy building. It seemed he would have to ramp things up if he wanted to survive this war

As he walked into class it was as if the severity on his face subdued the room. Usually, Izumo and Kotetsu would be joking around about something or the other but this time it was quiet.

Anko was the only one to ask him about it. “What's wrong teacher Yūsei? You seem quiet.” His usual smile and greeting were missing.

Mukai didn't answer. Instead, he walked over to his desk that faced rows on rows of students. His students. His face was dark and his mind was cloudy, perhaps he had been so wrapped up in the novelty of it all, but these students were real people as far as he could tell. Real people– no, real children that maybe he could save with his knowledge. He had to do his very best for them and by extension himself.

He reached his desk and stood with his back to the classroom.  After a beat, he had gathered his thoughts enough.

“Students, we have been quite relaxed lately no?” The class remained quiet in response. “We are at war.” He continued. Gasps rang out at that. “Kumo has overstepped and Konoha is at war.” He turned to face them. “The Hokage hasn't announced it as the news is recent.” He made sure to make eye contact with each student as he scanned the room. “But from now on your curriculum will change. We will be fast-tracking your learning experience.”

A hand rose up at that, “Yes…” He realized he didn't know the student's name. He had been so focused on getting closer to the superstars of the show that he hadn't even considered getting closer to his other students. “Yes, you.” He said finally. He scanned the boy as he started asking his question.

{ Name: Kenji Nishimura}

{ Potential: C }

{ Chakra: Academy Average }

{ Skills: None }

{ Evaluation: Slightly below Academy standards. PS: you're his teacher y’know? }

“Teacher Yūsei, what does fast-tracking our curriculum mean?” Mukai considered the question as Kenji finished speaking. He had to assume he was on a running clock now that the war had started. With this being their first year they hadn't gone over much of anything. He couldn't rule out Hiruzen electing to pull these students early for fodder on the battlefield. To get them ready for an eventual draft of forces he had to drill some skill into them, things to keep them alive.

“That's a great question, Kenji. Fast-tracking your curriculum is stripping out the fluff like history and politics. and only leaving in the skills that will raise the chances of your survival.” He gauged their reactions. It seems they didn't understand how drastic the coming changes would be.

“As academy students you are officially ninjas of the leaf. In times of peace, this is only a formality. But now? It is all too real.” His eyes hardened “You don't get it now but soon you will. The training will be hard. You will wish to quit, you will wish to go home, you will curse me in your heart. But ill be damned if a student of mine dies due to a silly mistake on the battlefield.”

You could hear a pin drop

Anko was starting to tear up listening to Mukai, Where was the jovial teacher they were just getting to know?

Izumo and Kotetsu looked at each other, a grimace marred their faces. They were young sure, but that tone of voice couldn't be any easier to understand, Teacher Yūsei had meant every word he said.

Shisui had stars in his eyes. This is how he would get strong enough to take over his clan and end the hatred targeted at them. With a master as determined as Mukai he was bound to succeed!

Mukai continued. “You will master the three academy jutsu so thoroughly that your transformations will be unrecognizable to the real thing. Your substitutions will be so clean and efficient that you are teleporting in the eyes of your enemies. And your clones so accurate you can fool some of the most mature ninjas.” 

Maybe he was exaggerating a bit, but he had to drive home the seriousness of his statements.

He let his words marinate in the room for a moment. The scared faces of the students assured him that he had got his point across. They had to speed things up, he didn't even know how much time they had.

He looked at the clock hanging on the door, he had used up quite a bit of time with his rant but he felt it was necessary for this situation. 

“If you have not activated your chakra yet come and speak to me after class. I will have to assist you as it will be necessary moving forward.” Some kids perked up at that

“With that being said, however, I will end classes early today. Go home to your families, ask them about the horrors of war, and come tomorrow prepared to train hard. He gave the room one more once over. “Class dismissed.”

He was about to say more when a familiar beep sounded in his mind. 

{ Great change detected }

{ System Updating…}