The days passed bit by bit. Besides Mikoto and Kushina watching over Tatsumi, the only ones who visited often were Nawaki and Minato.
Minato's conversations were always consistent, mainly revolving around ninjutsu and chakra application.
As for the war, it had already begun. Once Konoha's war machine started running, nothing could stop it. Konoha's ninjas had already begun heading to the Land of Rain.
According to Konoha, the ninjas from the Land of Rain had invaded first. But according to the Land of Rain, Konoha had provoked the war.
However, the one with the bigger fist held the greater truth. Everyone understood this principle.
For a time, tensions spread throughout the ninja world. The great nations flexed their muscles, preparing for an inevitable showdown.
Although the war had begun, Tsunade and the others had yet to depart, and Kushina and Nawaki started visiting less frequently.
Despite the gag order, Kushina tearfully told Tatsumi that Mito-baachan couldn't hold on much longer.
For her to reveal even this much, she must have acted on her own. Such news would undoubtedly be classified as top secret by the higher-ups.
Tatsumi could only comfort her. He had met Uzumaki Mito many times and had always liked the elegant old woman. For a moment, he felt genuine sorrow.
Time passed, and finally, after half a month, Tatsumi was discharged and returned home.
Of course, he still had to go to the hospital regularly for check-ups—there was always the risk of lingering poison.
A nine-year-old child killing two Jonin and awakening a double-tomoe Sharingan?
After reading Orochimaru's report, the Third Hokage immediately suppressed the information and classified it as top secret.
More than ten days later, the ninja academy resumed classes.
Despite the ongoing Second Ninja War, Konoha itself remained largely peaceful. The battle had yet to reach the Land of Fire—it was still Konoha invading other nations.
But ninjas were strategic resources.
With most of them sent to the battlefield, Konoha inevitably suffered a shortage of personnel. This was evident in the reduced number of teachers at the academy.
Having spent days confined to bed, Tatsumi left for the academy early on the first day of school.
But instead of heading straight to class, he went to the academy's training ground.
As an old veteran, he knew the opening day procedure well. Before lessons started, there was always an opening ceremony.
In reality, it was just the Hokage reinforcing the Will of Fire among the students.
It was a way to instill loyalty to Konoha—and with the war underway, it served an additional purpose.
As the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen valued ideological education immensely.
One could see that from how frequently he visited the widows of fallen ninjas.
The moment Tatsumi stepped onto the training ground, he attracted attention. He was currently the most outstanding student in the academy.
Tatsumi was undoubtedly the top student, basking in the spotlight.
And in the grand rumors of July, he was the centerpiece.
Wasn't the 'Demigod' only evenly matched with the Hokage and Kazekage? Yet, according to rumors, Tatsumi had kicked the Sage of Six Paths to death in one blow.
Tatsumi noticed the stares but simply adjusted his trench coat. Although he wanted to comment, he kept silent.
He wasn't targeting anyone, but to him, everyone here was just potential points to grind. He still had another year to accumulate those points.
Maintaining good relationships with classmates was crucial.
Spotting Minato standing in a corner, Tatsumi greeted him.
"Hey, you're here early, Tatsumi," Minato walked over.
"Why are you alone? Where's Mikoto?" he asked in confusion.
Wherever Tatsumi went, Mikoto was usually nearby. It was a well-known fact in the academy.
"She'll be here soon."
Sure enough, Mikoto arrived shortly after. However, Kushina and Nawaki were still nowhere to be seen.
None of them found this unusual.
As Tatsumi and Minato chatted idly, the Third Hokage finally appeared on the training ground.
His presence immediately silenced the crowd.
Thousands of students stood below, gazing at the Hokage on the platform.
He coughed lightly before beginning his speech, sharing words of wisdom as an elder.
"I believe you all know by now—some time ago, ninjas from the Land of Rain invaded Konoha."
"That's right. They illegally invaded Konoha!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately framed the narrative. Of course, such claims were baseless—no Rain ninjas had been found in Konoha at all.
However, there were corpses of Sunagakure ninjas.
But he conveniently omitted that part.
And did Konoha even need evidence?
What a joke—the most powerful country's word was the evidence.
As Tatsumi zoned out below, the Hokage continued his speech.
"Yes, war has begun. It began the moment I announced it. War brings death, and I hate death."
"Because when someone dies, everything about them—their past, their present—vanishes. Many people perish on missions and in war, their lives snuffed out in an instant. Is their sacrifice worth it?"
"I believe it is!"
"Because everyone has people who matter to them—parents, siblings, lovers, friends. People they cherish."
"We are born into this world only once. We don't have to choose a path we dislike. It doesn't matter if we live freely or die without restraint. But no matter what path we take, we must never forget to protect the ones we love."
"This is not some grand philosophy. Those who form deep bonds will be willing to sacrifice themselves for others—because those people are worth cherishing."
"For me, you are the people I want to protect and cherish… I want you to live peacefully in this village. That is my dream."
"Your fathers are now fighting for that dream. Please, do not hate me."
Then, the Third Hokage bowed.
Applause erupted across the training ground.
————————————————————
Review & vote.
If you find any error, or mistake tag it/ comment.