Hearing White Zetsu's news of Gengetsu's death, Madara's mind conjured several suspects.
That guy, Tobirama.
Or Iwa's Mu.
Though Mu was half his strength, he was a Warring States veteran.
His Dust Release was impressive.
Or someone from Mist.
Never did he imagine Gengetsu's killer was Hashirama's grandson.
Actually…
This wasn't White Zetsu's first report on Kazuku.
The first was when Kazuku used Wood Release to defeat Kumo's Gold and Silver Brothers.
Madara was stunned for hours.
Especially when White Zetsu said Hashirama's grandson, Kazuku…
Was seven!
Seven, and he beat the Gold and Silver Brothers!
What was Madara doing at seven?
Forget seven.
At fifteen, he barely awakened a one-tomoe Sharingan.
Twice Kazuku's age!
At seven, Madara lamented lacking strength to protect his brothers.
Kazuku was wielding Wood Release!
Ridiculous!
Hashirama's genes were too strong!
"No, it's not just Hashirama."
White Zetsu mentioned Kazuku's chakra was terrifying.
Sensing confirmed he was another Hashirama.
"His chakra likely owes to Mito too."
Madara recalled Kazuku's not just from a great grandfather.
His grandmother was exceptional!
The famed Uzumaki princess.
She sealed the Nine-Tails in herself.
A capable woman.
Her union with Hashirama birthed Kazuku.
"How old is Kazuku now?"
Madara took a deep breath, struggling to suppress his shock, asking White Zetsu.
He never dreamed Kazuku would grow to defeat Gengetsu.
"It feels like it wasn't long since he beat the Gold and Silver Brothers."
"Have I lost my sense of time in this crevice?"
To Madara, Gengetsu's raw strength surpassed the brothers.
Without their Six Paths tools, they were nothing.
So, Madara assumed Kazuku grew stronger over time to match Gengetsu.
"Kazuku? Still seven."
White Zetsu looked puzzled.
Lord Madara, you thought years passed?
Madara: "???"
Still seven?
"Wait, how long since Kazuku beat the Gold and Silver Brothers?"
Madara blinked, realizing the gravity.
"A month… or so?" White Zetsu gestured, unsure.
Definitely under two months.
Madara: "???"
What's going on?
Hashirama's seven-year-old grandson killed Gengetsu?
It wasn't his time in the crevice warping his sense.
It really hadn't been long?
Was Kazuku cheating?
Madara's eyes widened, unable to comprehend.
Why was Kazuku so absurd?
Just because he's Hashirama's grandson?
No…
No…
Madara clutched his forehead, feeling a headache.
Initially, he and Hashirama shared a dream.
To bring peace to the world.
Let children trust openly.
But Madara realized it was unattainable.
So he followed the Uchiha stone tablet, seeking answers his way.
Hashirama entrusted his dream to the next generation.
In other words, Kazuku's existence could affect Madara's plans!
The stronger he got, the harder he'd be to handle!
And his growth rate was scarier than Hashirama's.
Not good news for Madara.
But…
Kill Kazuku?
Madara looked at his hands. Since grafting Hashirama's cells, his body weakened.
Forget not being as strong as at the Valley of the End.
Killing Kazuku risked leaving traces, revealing he was alive, ruining his plans.
"Kazuku is Hashirama's cherished bloodline, inheriting his Wood Release."
"If anything happened to him, Hashirama would be heartbroken."
"We both had brothers we wanted to protect."
"Now, Hashirama has a grandson to protect."
Crucially, Hashirama was terminally ill.
Nearing death.
"Forget it…"
"White Zetsu, monitor Kazuku closely. Report his every move."
For now, observe Kazuku.
Konoha.
Training field.
Tobirama drew a kunai, demonstrating for Kazuku.
He took a deep breath, hurling it.
Flying Thunder God!
Next second…
Tobirama vanished.
Kazuku looked where the kunai flew.
As expected…
Tobirama reappeared, grabbing the kunai, stabbing a wooden post.
Boom!
A loud crash, the kunai piercing deeply, air rippling outward.
Powerful.
Satisfied, Tobirama turned, tossing the kunai, smirking confidently.
"Well, Kazuku?"
"This is the Flying Thunder God Technique."
"My own creation."
"It strikes from angles enemies can't predict."
"By the time they sense danger, it's too late."
"I once used it to kill…"
At his peak excitement, Tobirama stopped.
Izuna's unwilling face flashed in his mind.
"Hm? Killed who?" Kazuku asked instinctively.
"Nothing, old stories. Never mind."
Tobirama replied, sensing something off.
Huh?
Kazuku?
Why no excitement?
He just showed Flying Thunder God!
Why was Kazuku focused on who he killed?
What was this defeat?
"Kazuku, that wasn't Body Flicker."
"It was…"
"Flying Thunder God!"
(End of Chapter)