Since returning from the Land of Waves…
Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others' mindsets shifted.
Compared to a genius like Kazuku, the gap was staggering.
His talent was so terrifying, it made Hiruzen and co. question if their efforts were meaningless.
No matter how hard they tried, struggled, or sweated…
They'd never catch Kazuku.
And with his growth rate, the gap would only widen.
But!
That wasn't a reason to give up or retreat!
There was only one Kazuku in the ninja world.
They wouldn't always team up with him.
And Hiruzen never wanted to feel powerless again, like against Gengetsu, unable to protect comrades.
He wanted to get stronger!
Much stronger!
Even without Kazuku, he'd excel in missions and protect his team!
He wasn't alone in this.
Kagami Uchiha, Danzo, Koharu, Homura—they all felt the same.
Even if they couldn't catch Kazuku…
It wasn't a reason to stop trying!
So, they gathered again, heading to Konoha's training field to grow stronger in their own ways.
But upon arriving, Hiruzen sensed Hashirama, Tobirama, and Kazuku's chakra!
It was unexpected.
Part curiosity…
Part sheer curiosity.
After hesitating, he moved toward the chakra.
The others followed.
Soon, they crossed the forest near the training field, spotting Tobirama.
But…
Hiruzen didn't approach.
He crouched instantly.
The others followed suit.
"Lord Tobirama? Lord Hashirama? And Kazuku… what's happening?" Koharu blinked, unsure why they were here.
And Tobirama was holding a little girl.
"Probably teaching Kazuku a technique." Danzo's eyes narrowed, speculating.
Kazuku was Hashirama's grandson.
With staggering talent.
If it were Danzo, he'd groom Kazuku as a future Hokage too.
Training him in spare time…
Was perfectly reasonable.
But…
Though Danzo thought this, he was insanely jealous.
Why was Kazuku born at the finish line?
A finish line no one could reach, no matter how hard they tried.
Danzo's mood soured.
Why wasn't he born a Senju!
Damn it.
If he had Hashirama's cells and Wood Release…
He could be Hokage.
Danzo's heart burned with frustration!
Nearby, Kagami activated his Sharingan.
Using it to read lips.
Suddenly…
Kagami's pupils dilated, his face shocked.
The others stared, confused by his reaction.
What did Lord Hashirama say…
To make Kagami like this?
"Lord Hashirama…"
Kagami gasped.
As an Uchiha prodigy, his Sharingan was highly trained.
Lip-reading was basic.
He couldn't have misread!
But Hashirama's words were too shocking.
"What did Lord Hashirama say?" Hiruzen frowned.
To avoid detection by Hashirama and Tobirama…
They stayed far.
Plus, the breeze rustled the trees.
They couldn't hear clearly.
"Lord Hashirama said he wants to fight Kazuku."
"Not spar."
"Not train."
"A duel!"
The group was stunned!
Hiruzen, Koharu, Homura, Danzo.
Their emotions churned like a storm-tossed sea, unable to calm!
This day…
Had finally come!
Kazuku versus Hashirama!
"But Kazuku's only seven."
Hiruzen struggled to accept.
Seven, facing the God of Shinobi in a duel!
Too exaggerated!
"Yes."
Kagami nodded. "And this duel was Hashirama's idea."
"What?!"
Another shock.
The duel wasn't Kazuku challenging Hashirama.
It was…
Hashirama's request!
Didn't that mean…
In Hashirama's mind, Kazuku was strong enough to fight him?
Why else would he propose a duel?
"Kazuku's only seven."
Homura's face was incredulous, suspecting a hallucination.
But his teammates' reactions confirmed it was real.
Kazuku was indeed seven.
And earned Hashirama's recognition.
The man who ended the Warring States and founded the ninja village…
Was eager to fight Kazuku!
"Though Kazuku's talent is world-shocking, defeating Gold and Silver Brothers, Gengetsu Hozuki…"
Kagami paused. "Lord Hashirama ended the Warring States and built the village."
"Those who've seen his power call him the God of Shinobi."
"Even our clan's old leader, Uchiha Madara, lost to him."
Though Hashirama and Tobirama suppressed details of the Valley of the End, not returning Madara's body to the Uchiha…
Clues let the Uchiha deduce the truth.
It also fueled their resentment toward Tobirama.
Some even began following Madara's will!
As an Uchiha, Kagami knew some of this.
But Danzo scoffed.
"Madara wasn't that great." Danzo grumbled, thinking Madara's talent paled against Kagami's.
If Danzo lived in Madara's era, he might've outshone him.
Kagami glanced at Danzo, about to retort…
When Hashirama's act of shedding his haori caught his eye.
Gulp.
They all swallowed, growing nervous.
"Kazuku accepted the duel."
Kagami relayed the lip-reading.
Everyone focused, holding their breath, watching intently.
Unnoticed…
A strange figure had slipped into the forest.
(End of Chapter)