NARUTO: SECOND GOD OF SHINOBI

(A/N: Dear gentle readers, Starting from this chapter translation is done by me. The world plot and training Saga of Konoha Sanin generation will start to take place from here. Be sure to read, give some helpful feedback instead of some trash comments. I will be very thankful for your support in my writing journey.)

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Hiruzen continued, handing scrolls to Murasaki and Kizaru.

"Here are the techniques I've developed. Teach them well, especially the Fire Breathing Technique and the Fire Chakra Mode.

It will require years of training, but with our newfound abilities, I believe it will become a part of our clan's legacy."

The elders nodded solemnly, recognizing the weight of their responsibility. 

With that, Hiruzen made a graceful exit, leaving the elders to discuss the implications of his words. 

As Hiruzen roamed the streets of Konoha, he couldn't help but feel a sense of purpose.

The village was alive with activity. Children darted past him, their laughter ringing like music, while vendors shouted about their wares.

The aroma of fresh food wafted through the air, and for a moment, Hiruzen felt a sense of nostalgia for simpler times.

A year had passed since the reforms he implemented in the academy.

The village was thriving, and it was evident in the new batch of academy students. 

At the Konoha Ninja Academy, over 2,000 students gathered, their eyes wide with anticipation.

Hiruzen stood before them in a white robe, a stark contrast to the youthful energy surrounding him. 

"Welcome to the new academic year!" he announced, his voice booming across the grounds.

"You have all passed the entrance exam, and I want you to be proud. This marks the beginning of your journey to becoming shinobi." 

As he spoke, he noticed the awe in the children's eyes, particularly among the civilian students. They gazed at him as if he were a hero from their dreams.

"You are the future of Konoha," Hiruzen continued, "and it is your duty to protect this village, for we have faced many challenges. You must strive to reach your dreams, whether that is to be a formidable ninja or, perhaps one day, the Hokage!" 

The crowd erupted in cheers, their spirits lifted. Hiruzen felt a swell of pride for the next generation.

After the ceremony, senior jōnin from the Sarutobi clan, alongside members from the Uchiha and Senju clans, were assigned to mentor the students.

Hiruzen knew that creating a strong foundation for these children was essential, especially for the civilians who lacked the inherent advantages of clan heritage.

In the days that followed, word spread about the Sarutobi clan's prowess in fire nature transformation.

Smaller clans, like the Gekko and Yugao, sought Hiruzen's guidance.

He welcomed them, helping to refine their techniques and even creating bloodline seals to enhance their unique abilities.

Hiruzen's efforts bore fruit, elevating the status of these smaller clans within the village. Their once-muted voices now resonated with newfound respect.

Meanwhile, the Sarutobi clan became renowned for its mastery of fire techniques, boasting an extensive repertoire of over 300 to 400 jutsu.

Members of Uchiha challenged them to duels, and the results were shocking—time and again, the Uchiha found themselves bested by the Sarutobi's blazing flames.

The Uchiha, proud of their fire style heritage, found themselves pressured to respond. So, their members invested themselves in jutsu training to surpass Sarutobi again.

Under Hiruzen's leadership, their confidence soared. But not all clans were ready to accept this shift in power.

With the various provocations Hiruzen had orchestrated, the larger clans also began refining their techniques.

Unable to directly confront him, they focused their energy on surpassing the smaller clans that had risen in strength.

In the shadows of the wider ninja world, tension simmered as the newly emerged Amegakure of the Rain Nation began to carve its name into the fabric of the Five Great Villages.

The rain fell heavily in Amegakure, but it was the storm brewing within that captured the attention of the Kages. 

Hanzo, the new leader, had swiftly gained notoriety, his military movements echoing through the villages like distant thunder.

Rumors painted him as a formidable opponent. Those who had crossed paths with him recounted stories of his immense strength, igniting fear in the hearts of his enemies.

The Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, stared out from his office window, the weight of his age bearing down on him as he surveyed the Land of Earth.

The horizon was a canvas of grey, much like his mood. He had already dispatched a handful of shinobi to infiltrate Amegakure, to gather information on Hanzo's growing strength.

"We must not underestimate him," he muttered to himself, the words barely audible over the sound of falling rain in Iwagakure.

His mind raced with thoughts of strategy, of the delicate balance of power that could easily tip if Amegakure gained too much influence.

Across the land, in the Land of Wind, Sunagakure, the Third Kazekage paced his office.

A sandstorm raged outside, the grains swirling chaotically in the air. "We need to assess the threat," he instructed his advisors, his voice steady but laced with urgency.

"Send our best shinobi to engage in small skirmishes. We need to know what we're up against."

The advisors exchanged glances, nodding reluctantly, aware of the weight of his words. As they left to carry out his orders, the Kazekage's fingers drummed anxiously on the table, the rhythmic sound echoing his growing concerns.

In the Land of Lightning, Kumogakure, the Raikage convened with his top generals. The room was filled with tension as they discussed Amegakure's strategic position and its implications for their own territory.

"We cannot afford to let Hanzo solidify his power," he declared, his voice booming.

"Send our ANBU teams to gather intelligence. I want to know every detail of their military capabilities." The generals nodded, recognizing the urgency behind their leader's words.

They understood the risk involved, yet they also understood the necessity. 

Meanwhile, in the Land of Water, Kirigakure, the Mizukage sat on his throne, draped in shadows as he considered the unfolding situation.

The water in the fountain before him bubbled softly, contrasting with the turbulent thoughts in his mind. "Hanzo is ambitious," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

"We must not allow ourselves to be caught off guard." he gestured to his advisors, who scrambled to implement his directives.

The air crackled with tension as the prospect of conflict loomed closer.

Back in Konoha, Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi remained resolute.

He had watched the developments in Amegakure with a keen eye, his brow relaxed in thought.

He tapped his fingers against the desk, contemplating the situation. Sending shinobi into skirmishes would only escalate tensions, he reasoned. 

"Is it worth it?" he mused, staring at the map spread across his desk, the markings of the Five Great Villages glaring back at him.

He envisioned the unnecessary conflict without absolute strength and felt the familiar weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders.

Instead, he had sent ANBU in secret, their movements silent like whispers in the night.

They slipped through the shadows, gathering intelligence on Hanzo's military strength and resources without drawing attention.

As days passed, the reports from his ANBU teams began to trickle in. Each piece of information painted a clearer picture of Amegakure's strength and Hanzo's ambitions.

Hiruzen read the documents, he learned of Hanzo's tactical brilliance, his ability to unify his forces under a common purpose, and the fierce loyalty he inspired in his men.

He envisioned a gathering storm, one that could break at any moment. With every passing day, Hiruzen felt the urgency rise within him.

He needed to act, not with haste, but with careful consideration. The village's future hung in the balance, and the decisions he made now would ripple through time.

One night, as Hiruzen gazed out of his office window, he watched the rain fall softly, the streets of Konoha illuminated by the glow of lanterns.

A feeling of nostalgia washed over him. He could see the faces of his predecessors.

Suddenly, a knock on his door broke the silence. "Come in," he called, straightening in his chair.

The door creaked open, and an ANBU operative stepped inside, his mask reflecting the dim light. "Hokage-sama, I have gathered the latest intelligence from Amegakure," he reported, his voice steady.

Hiruzen gestured for him to continue, leaning forward in anticipation.

The ANBU laid out a series of scrolls on the desk, the parchment rustling softly as he unrolled them.

"Hanzo has been consolidating his power, forging alliances with smaller villages and clans, within the nation boundary."

Hiruzen absorbed this information, his heart racing. The implications were clear: Hanzo was not a threat; he was just a mere clown.

"Additionally," the ANBU continued, "the villagers of Amegakure are fiercely loyal to him. He has transformed their fear into determination. They believe in him." Soon the ANBU dismissed.

In the village council, murmurs of dissent filled the air as the elders gathered.

Tension hung heavy in the room, and Hiruzen found himself seated at the head of the table, facing the formidable presence of Danzo.

"Why haven't you sent shinobi to Amegakure?" Danzo's voice was low but carried an edge of anger. "Their movements are becoming a threat, and you've done nothing! It's reckless!"

Hiruzen's gaze remained steady. "Danzo, I have already gathered ample intelligence on Amegakure. Sending our shinobi into skirmishes would be a waste of resources."

Homura leaned in, his voice steady. "Hiruzen, we understand your approach, but the Raikage and Tsuchikage are taking this situation seriously. We cannot afford to appear weak."

"Let them challenge us," Danzo interjected, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're too lenient, Hiruzen. It's time to show our strength. What will happen if they decide to strike?"

"Your trust in the villager's peace is naïve," Danzo snapped, leaning forward, his face flushed with anger.

"The world is changing, and we must adapt. Your idealism will be our downfall!"

As Danzo's words echoed in the room, Hiruzen felt a surge of frustration.

Elder Koharu spoke up, her voice calm yet firm. "Hiruzen, while your approach is commendable, we also need to consider the safety of our village."

The other elders nodded, but Danzo wasn't satisfied. "We need to prepare for possible confrontations! Let me form a separate Anbu force to handle covert operations. The safety of the village is paramount!"

Homura and Koharu, the other two elders, nodded in agreement with Danzo, further agitating Hiruzen, how could he not knew, that Danzo was looking for an excuse to make his personal ANBU force.

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