Naruto: I Reincarnated with Magi System

Chapter 14: Time Skip and Upcoming War

A year and a half had passed, and Shin Hattori had grown both in skill and maturity. Team 4—comprising Shin, Hikari, Kakashi, and their leader Sakumo—had completed numerous missions: six C-rank, three B-rank, and another A-rank. These experiences honed their teamwork and abilities.

Shin, driven by the memory of his first near-failure, dedicated himself to relentless training. He pushed his body and exhausted his magoi repeatedly, rebuilding his strength and stamina. He vowed never to feel that helpless again.

Now 13 years old, Shin stood taller, more confident, and better prepared for the challenges ahead. However, the world around him was descending into chaos.

With nations vying for resources and power, alliances shifted, and tensions boiled over. Skirmishes broke out along the borders, drawing Konohagakure into the fray.

The Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, declared the start of the Second Shinobi World War. Each village prepared for battle:

Konohagakure clashed with Sunagakure and Amegakure.

Iwagakure lurked on another front, waiting for its chance to strike.

Sarutobi himself led the overall war effort, while the Sannin—Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru—were tasked with confronting Amegakure. Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang, was given command of the forces facing Sunagakure.

Team 4, along with Team 1 and Team 2, received their orders: they were to assist Sakumo's forces in the battles against Sunagakure. Each team would have critical roles, ranging from reconnaissance to engaging enemy forces directly.

The air was heavy with the inevitability of war as families said their farewells.

At the Hattori compound, cries echoed through the halls as the five-year-old twins, Mitsuki and Miyuki, clung to Shin.

"Nii-chan, don't go!" Mitsuki sobbed, his tiny hands gripping Shin's cloak. His hiccups made his words barely comprehensible.

Miyuki, normally mischievous and lively, was equally distraught. Tears streamed down her face as she buried her head in Shin's chest. "You can't leave us! Please stay!"

Kenshin, standing stoically, tried to calm his children, though his own worry was evident in his stern expression. "Mitsuki, Miyuki, your brother is a shinobi. He has a duty to fulfill."

Miho, Shin's mother, wiped her tears as she knelt beside the twins. Her voice trembled as she added, "Your brother is strong, and he will come back to us. You must trust him."

Shin knelt down to hug both twins tightly, his own heart aching at the sight of their tears. "I promise I'll come back," he said with a reassuring smile. "I'll protect everyone, and I'll make sure to return home."

Though the twins continued to cry, Shin gently pried their small hands away and stood. He turned to his parents, bowing respectfully. Kenshin nodded, his voice firm. "Stay strong, and make sure you survive. That's an order, Shin."

Miho embraced him briefly, whispering, "Come back safe, my son."

Shin stepped out of the compound, his heart heavy but his resolve unwavering.

The shinobi gathered at Konohagakure's gates were a mix of seasoned veterans and young genin who had never seen battle. Team 4 was among them, along with their allies from Teams 1 and 2.

Shin glanced at Kakashi and Hikari, both of whom wore expressions of grim determination. Sakumo, standing tall at the head of the group, radiated confidence and strength.

Sakumo turned to his team and spoke firmly, "Remember, we're a team. Watch each other's backs, and follow orders. We're not just fighting for the village; we're fighting for the people we care about."

The gates creaked open, and the teams began their march toward the frontlines.

Shin looked back one last time, the image of his crying siblings and worried parents etched into his mind. He clenched his fists, silently vowing to protect them and return home.

The war had begun, and there was no turning back.