Clunk!
Hashirama's mood sank.
"Tobirama, I'm just looking out for you."
Thinking of Tobirama alone, Hashirama felt uneasy.
Especially with his terminal illness, the feeling grew stronger.
He wanted Tobirama to have a family.
A home.
An Uchiha would suit him.
But he'd never convinced Tobirama.
"No need for your concern." Tobirama snapped.
He had his own thoughts on marriage and kids.
He wasn't a seven-year-old.
He didn't need Hashirama's meddling.
"Fine."
Seeing Tobirama's reluctance, Hashirama dropped it.
But…
As he was about to suggest heading back, an idea struck.
Hashirama turned to Kazuku.
"I may not live to see Kazuku's prime, but I can fight him now."
His eyes lit up.
Though Kazuku was seven, his strength was undeniable.
A Special Jonin at his age.
Defeating Gold and Silver Brothers, Gengetsu Hozuki.
Kazuku was qualified to be his opponent.
Since the Valley of the End, Hashirama hadn't fought.
In his eyes, no one matched Uchiha Madara's thrill.
But…
Now he felt differently.
The ninja world had birthed someone he was excited to face.
Kazuku!
"What's up?" Kazuku frowned, sensing Hashirama's odd gaze.
And wasn't Hashirama too serious?
It didn't match his goofy persona.
"Wait…"
Kazuku realized.
Hashirama and Tobirama were discussing whether he could be Hokage at eight.
The conversation left him stunned.
But their words showed…
Both Hokages thought highly of him.
With Hashirama's serious look…
Was he about to make him Hokage now?
No way.
No way.
Being Hokage couldn't be that easy, right?
"Kazuku, want to fight me?"
Hashirama grinned, spreading his arms, asking.
Tobirama froze, doubting his senses!
What did Big Brother say?
He asked seven-year-old Kazuku if he wanted to fight?
What a joke!
No, he wasn't joking.
Tobirama blinked, noting Hashirama's smile but deadly serious eyes.
Hashirama was serious!
He wanted to fight Kazuku!
Clap clap clap!
Tsunade, in Tobirama's arms, clapped, egging them on.
True chaos enthusiast!
Kazuku was stunned.
He never expected the usually goofy Hashirama to ask this!
Fight him!
No doubt, in this era, Hashirama was the ninja world's ceiling.
Strongest under the Sage!
Anyone who'd seen his power called him the God of Shinobi.
So…
You ask if Kazuku wanted to fight a top-tier powerhouse like Hashirama?
How could he not?
Even a spar was rare.
Especially with Hashirama's illness, spending most of his time recovering.
Miss this chance…
And there might not be another.
Kazuku's eyes sharpened, taking deep breaths to steady himself.
"I do."
Kazuku replied firmly, voice resolute, ready to face Hashirama here!
"Hahaha!"
Hashirama laughed heartily at Kazuku's direct answer.
If Kazuku feared his power or hesitated due to his status…
Hashirama would be disappointed.
Instead, daring to challenge the God of Shinobi…
Proved Kazuku had a warrior's heart.
It thrilled Hashirama.
Though a spur-of-the-moment idea…
Kazuku would gain immensely from this fight.
"Tobirama, step back."
Hashirama signaled, urging him not to interfere.
His sudden decision caught Tobirama off guard.
His eyes widened, staring in disbelief.
"Big Brother…"
Tobirama started to dissuade him.
Not because he feared Hashirama's terrifying power would scar Kazuku.
In fact, he thought a setback at Kazuku's age…
Wasn't bad.
It'd keep him from becoming arrogant.
If Hashirama didn't do this, Tobirama planned to spar with him himself.
His real concern was Hashirama's health.
With his illness, every chakra use strained his body.
Tobirama's drugs only prolonged his life.
They couldn't cure him.
But did Hashirama need reminding?
He knew his condition better than anyone.
Some things, as a grandfather, he had to do.
Besides himself, only Kazuku used Wood Release in Konoha.
Meaning…
Only he could guide Kazuku's Wood Release.
This fight would benefit Kazuku for life.
It was the greatest help he could offer.
On another note…
Hashirama didn't want regrets.
He knew his body's state.
Kazuku's prime was likely beyond his lifetime.
But before he passed, he had to fight him once.
Hashirama began untying his haori, unsuitable for battle.
"Big Brother…"
Though Tobirama wanted him to reconsider, seeing his resolve, he could only support him.
Soon, Hashirama shed his haori, revealing toned muscles.
He didn't look terminally ill.
"Come, Kazuku!"
(End of Chapter)