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It was early morning.
Aki wandered aimlessly through the temple grounds, admiring the grand architecture and the imposing statues of the Enlightened Kings. Before he knew it, he'd arrived outside a Buddhist hall. Inside, the elderly monk who had welcomed him was leading the other monks in their morning chanting.
Not wanting to disturb them, Aki simply sat by the door and listened quietly to the chants.
Back in his previous life, Aki had been a businessman. Worshipping Guan Yu and visiting temples had been routine. He'd heard many Buddhist scriptures just by being around those places. But he'd never really met any proper monks—there were too many fake ones back on Earth, monks in name only who made him feel sick.
This place, though… it was different. The monks of the Fire Temple recited their sutras in perfect harmony. Their chanting slowly turned into something that sounded almost like music. As Aki listened, he found himself completely relaxed—and before long, he dozed off.
"Little benefactor? Little benefactor!"
A voice roused Aki from his nap. He opened his eyes and saw the old monk gently calling him. Embarrassed, Aki stood up and quickly apologized. "Sorry, I actually fell asleep in the temple. That was really disrespectful!"
The old monk chuckled. "I've been a monk for over fifty years. I've seen at least ten thousand people fall asleep in the temple—no need to feel bad. If your heart holds Buddha, then everywhere is a temple. Sometimes, people get too caught up in surface rituals and forget to look within. That's not ideal either."
"Lord Hokage! Reporting in!"A kneeling ANBU ninja delivered his report. "A few days ago, during the battle in the Land of Hot Springs, the Second Mizukage and the Second Tsuchikage fought each other to the death! Also, the Hidden Waterfall leader was killed by the Cloud's Gold and Silver Brothers. The remaining Iwa and Taki forces have now retreated under the command of Ōnoki, the Tsuchikage's apprentice."
The Second Hokage looked surprised. "The Tsuchikage and Mizukage took each other out? Are you sure? Do we have detailed intel on that fight?"
"Yes, Lord," the ANBU replied. "The Hidden Mist and Hidden Cloud launched a joint assault on Iwa and Taki. Gold and Silver Brothers led the frontal attack, while the Second Raikage's disciples hit their rear. The Mist forces, led by the Mizukage, charged down the center. After three days of intense combat, the Second Tsuchikage and the Second Mizukage died in battle. The Hidden Waterfall leader also died after failing to withstand the Gold and Silver Brothers' onslaught."
The Second Hokage processed the news:"Two top-tier ninja from opposite sides of the continent… gone, just like that. Looks like it's time to wrap up the war in Uzushiogakure too. That Waterfall leader—never even heard of the guy. Getting killed by Gold and Silver without even a Tailed Beast on his side makes sense. Honestly, even I wouldn't say I'm guaranteed to beat those two."
Then he turned to the ANBU and ordered:"Send a message to our forces in Uzushiogakure. Tell them to reclaim all lost ground with full force. I'll be there in ten days to end this war myself."
The ANBU nodded and left. The Second Hokage then looked toward the shadowy part of his office and asked, "Any word on where Aki is?"
A voice responded from the shadows: "After disappearing for about two weeks, we got word from the Fire Temple—Aki is currently staying there."
The Hokage frowned. "A genius from the Sage Clan hiding out at a temple? What, he's already renounced the world at his age? You couldn't track him down?"
The voice explained: "We lost him while he was investigating the Uchiha clan grounds. According to the monks, he was found seriously wounded at the Fire Temple's gate."
"Injured?" the Hokage asked. "Any clue who he fought with?"
"We didn't ask, sir. You ordered us not to interfere with Uchiha Aki."
The Hokage waved it off. "Fine. Head to the Fire Temple and deliver my orders. Tell Aki to head for Uzushiogakure immediately and meet me there."
"Yes, sir."
"How have you been these past few months, little benefactor?" the head monk asked with a smile.
Aki chuckled. "Life at the Fire Temple has been really peaceful. I'd enjoy it even more if you'd stop trying to make me a monk."
He sighed inwardly. Ever since I had that chat about Buddhism a few months ago, this guy's been convinced I'm some reincarnated Arhat and keeps bugging me to become a monk. All I did was repeat a few things I'd seen or heard about Buddhist scriptures in my past life. And now? I can't shake him off!
I still want kids, okay? Carrying on the family line and all. Tsunade's not a bad pick either—if only she'd quit gambling, I'd seriously consider going after her.
The head monk interrupted Aki's inner monologue with a serious tone:"The signs of inner demonic influence are deeply rooted in your soul. If you studied Buddhist teachings, you could cleanse that darkness and achieve peace. But without them, you may eventually fall into the path of demons."
Aki frowned. "Master, you've been saying that since day one. What exactly do you mean? Why won't you explain it clearly?"
The monk shook his head. "I cannot speak of it. Uchiha blood carries many secrets. If I reveal what I know, it could bring great disaster upon the Fire Temple."
Aki didn't press further. Every time he brought this up, the old monk would just say "I cannot speak" or "Buddha says it's unspeakable." He was getting used to it. Is this how all Buddhist monks are?
Then he asked, "Master, could you teach me the 'Twelve Heavenly King Immortal Techniques'?"
The monk smiled. "If you formally become a monk, not only will I teach you those techniques, but the position of Fire Temple head monk would be yours someday."
Aki quickly waved him off. "No thanks! I'm good. I've had enough of this 'become a monk' thing. You've been saying it nonstop for months. I'm sick of hearing it, and you're not tired of saying it?"
Just as the old monk was about to try persuading him again, a young monk entered and said, "Master, there are Konoha ninja at the temple gates asking to see Aki."
The head monk turned to Aki and said with a kind smile, "Looks like it's time for you to leave the temple."
Aki nodded and walked toward the gate.
"Chūnin Uchiha Aki, the Second Hokage has ordered you to head to Uzushiogakure immediately and rendezvous with him."
The ANBU handed over a sealed scroll with the command.
Aki opened the scroll and glanced through the Hokage's instructions, then turned to the ANBU. "Let me say goodbye to the head monk. I'll be quick."
The ANBU nodded. Aki turned back and returned to the temple.
He bowed respectfully to the head monk. "I'm heading off to the battlefield now. I came to say goodbye."
The monk smiled. "Konoha ninja protecting the Land of Fire is a great merit. Still, I hope you'll consider joining our Buddhist order one day."
Aki sighed. "Master, are you seriously saying I have to become a monk just to learn the Twelve Heavenly King Techniques?"
The monk laughed. "Your time hasn't come yet. Be patient, little benefactor."
Land of Lightning – Raikage's Office
A white-haired man appeared at the door. After getting permission, he stepped in and bowed. "Sir, the powerful clans have been cleaned out. But some of the hardliners aren't too happy about your purge. Should we deal with them too?"
The Second Raikage burst into laughter. "Let them whine. I'm in a good mood, so I'll let it slide for now. Who would've thought the Mizukage and Tsuchikage would take each other out? Hahaha! The Land of Lightning still has ninety percent of its military strength. Our lands haven't even been touched by war. It's time to strike back. Where are the remnants of Iwa and Taki?"
"About 8,000 of them retreated from the Land of Hot Springs," the white-haired man said. "They're falling back to the Land of Waterfalls."
The Raikage grinned. "I'll personally lead 5,000 more Cloud ninja to join the 6,000 we already have at the front. We'll wipe them out completely."
Uzushiogakure – Konoha Camp
"What? Iwa is asking for help?" The Second Hokage looked suspiciously at the Iwa ninja who had come to plead for aid.
The Iwa ninja respectfully said, "Seven days ago, the Raikage personally led 5,000 Cloud ninja onto the battlefield. With their 6,000 already there, we've been surrounded. Lord Ōnoki, our new leader, requests immediate help from our allies in Konoha."
The Second Hokage paused to think, then said, "Tell Ōnoki this: I've heard the Second Tsuchikage's 'Particle Style' was quite the jutsu. If you organize and send me every bit of data and research on it, we'll assist you right away."
The Iwa ninja blinked in confusion. "Sir, aren't we allies? Shouldn't you help us immediately?"
The Second Hokage sneered. "We'll help you, but not just yet. If Ōnoki delivers everything about Particle Style—techniques, principles, the whole package—then yes, Konoha will send reinforcements immediately. Don't forget, I said everything."
The Iwa ninja stormed out in anger. Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had been watching, asked, "Lord Hokage, why are you asking them for something like Particle Style? As far as I know, no one in our village even has three elemental affinities."(Only the First and Second Hokage, along with Aki, have this ability. Even Aki's parents don't know.)
The Second Hokage got up and kicked Hiruzen. "Now you're eavesdropping too? Get your monkey butt out there and scout the Mist forces. Don't come back until you find the Cloud army's main force!"
After Hiruzen left, the Second Hokage muttered to himself:Like I'd tell him I got blackmailed by that little Uchiha brat… Eighty million ryo! And it wasn't even Konoha's money. What a deal. Tsunade blew through that in under a year…
Grinding his teeth, he growled:If our precious princess ever becomes Hokage, she might just bankrupt the whole damn village! This is driving me crazy!
"....."