"Where's Kazuku?"
Hashirama waited on the tatami, but Kazuku didn't return.
He grew worried about where he went.
Glancing at Tsunade, he scooped her up. "Little Tsuna, shall we find your brother?"
Hashirama smiled fondly. Seeing no protest, he set out.
Logically, with Kazuku's strength, Hashirama wasn't concerned.
Plus, Kazuku was at an age where he loved roaming.
But his odd reaction lingered.
Meanwhile…
Training field. Tobirama stared at Kazuku, face darkened.
For some reason, the harder he tried, the more defeated he felt.
He hadn't used Body Flicker.
It was Flying Thunder God!
A space-time technique using pre-set markers for instant movement.
Not comparable to Body Flicker.
But…
Forget Kazuku's eyes sparkling, begging to learn it.
He was expressionless.
As if…
Flying Thunder God was no big deal.
Tobirama was speechless.
"Listen, Kazuku."
"Flying Thunder God is a space-time technique."
"It uses seals for instant movement. Leave a seal on a target, and the caster or anything their chakra touches can teleport."
"It's for attacks, closing distances, disorienting, ambushing, or evading and escaping in danger."
"Crucially, it requires no hand seals!"
Tobirama explained how amazing his technique was.
Kazuku, though seven, had a sharper mind than peers.
His comprehension and analysis were exceptional.
With a demo and explanation…
Kazuku's brain would grasp…
How incredible…
How powerful Flying Thunder God was!
Unlike Body Flicker…
Which used chakra for high-speed movement.
With limited range and set destinations.
Flying Thunder God was different.
Touch a target, leave a seal.
No matter where they hid, activate the technique…
Teleport to them.
Kill them before they react.
To help Kazuku understand…
Tobirama formed seals, using Shadow Clone Technique.
Poof!
A cloud of smoke appeared, dissipating.
Another Tobirama stood before Kazuku.
Tobirama patted his clone's shoulder.
Next second, the clone used Body Flicker, retreating eight meters.
"Watch, Kazuku."
Tobirama guided Kazuku's gaze to the seal on the clone's shoulder.
Then…
He activated Flying Thunder God, vanishing.
Reappearing behind Systemic…
Behind his clone, kunai to its neck.
Poof!
The clone vanished.
"See, Kazuku?"
"This is Flying Thunder God's greatest strength."
"Once marked…"
"No one escapes!"
Tobirama raised his voice, walking back from eight meters.
Now, Kazuku, you see how incredible my technique is, right?
I used it to kill…
Uchiha Madara's brother, Izuna!
And!
It's not a forbidden technique!
Yet…
Kazuku's expression barely changed.
No shock or admiration in his eyes.
He just stood there.
As if unmoved.
This deepened Tobirama's defeat.
Did Kazuku…
Not get it?
He explained clearly.
Even slow-reacting Danzo understood.
Wasn't Kazuku a genius?
Tobirama stared, at a loss.
Kazuku, too, felt frustrated.
Not that he disrespected Flying Thunder God.
On the contrary, he found it strong and cool.
He'd even picked a nickname…
Konoha's Black Flash Wood Dance.
But Tobirama's timing was awful.
Kazuku already learned it.
And vented his excitement in the courtyard.
He had no thrill left.
Plus…
Kazuku was torn.
Telling Tobirama he'd learned it might crush him.
As his second grandfather, Kazuku wanted to spare his feelings.
After all…
He had a kind soul and gentle heart.
Sigh.
But some things must be faced.
Sooner or later.
"Grandpa Tobirama, it's not that I mean to…"
"But I've already learned Flying Thunder God…"
Kazuku whispered, barely audible.
He didn't want to hurt Tobirama's feelings!
But…
Tobirama's eyes widened, jaw nearly dropping.
What?
What did he say?
He…
Learned Flying Thunder God?
Joking, right?
Tobirama didn't recall teaching him.
Nor had he used it in front of Kazuku.
Most importantly…
In the ninja world…
Only he knew it.
Even Hashirama didn't.
Kazuku couldn't have learned it elsewhere!
"Kazuku, you must misunderstand. I'll say it again, Flying Thunder God isn't Body Flicker!"
Tobirama declared, refusing to accept Kazuku mastered it.
Yes.
He, Tobirama, would never accept it!
His life's work, his proudest technique.
No matter how monstrous Kazuku was…
He couldn't learn it from one glance!
It's an S-rank technique!
Impossible.
Absolutely impossible!
Seeing Tobirama's denial…
Kazuku sighed, pulling a kunai Tobirama gave him from his pouch, throwing it.
Next second…
He activated Flying Thunder God, catching the kunai, turning to Tobirama. "Flying Thunder God, right?"
(End of Chapter)