"The founder of the ninja world, Hashirama Senju, is going to fight Kazuku?"
On a towering tree's branch, a pale-skinned, short-haired man revealed half his upper body, surrounded by white spikes resembling bamboo shoots.
It was none other than White Zetsu!
Since delivering Kazuku's intel to Uchiha Madara, he'd been assigned a special task: secretly monitor Kazuku's every move.
But he never imagined…
The First Hokage, the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju…
Would…
Challenge Kazuku to a duel!
This was monumental!
"What kind of monster is that Kazuku kid…"
White Zetsu muttered, grumbling, fully engrossed in the battle.
He had to record everything.
Then report back to Madara in the hellish crevice!
He could already picture Madara's shocked expression.
Notably…
Though Hashirama and Tobirama were nearby, White Zetsu wasn't worried about being detected.
Even with their formidable sensing abilities…
They couldn't find him.
White Zetsu was using the "Mayfly Technique," merging his body with the earth and plants for high-speed movement.
While active, he could suppress all traces of his presence.
Even the best sensors…
Couldn't detect him.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have stayed hidden in the ninja world for decades.
Since Hashirama and Tobirama wouldn't spot him, White Zetsu had no concerns.
He focused entirely on the battle.
"Still…"
"Kazuku's strength is impressive, but he can't compare to Hashirama, right?"
"No matter what, Hashirama defeated Uchiha Madara at the Valley of the End."
"And Madara was controlling the Nine-Tails with his Sharingan."
"No doubt, Hashirama's title as the God of Shinobi is well-earned."
White Zetsu analyzed internally.
Kazuku's growth was astonishing.
In just four months of training…
He defeated the Gold and Silver Brothers and Gengetsu Hozuki.
Such feats were unheard of in the ninja world.
But…
Hashirama wasn't on their level.
From intel comparisons…
White Zetsu concluded Kazuku couldn't match Hashirama.
In this duel…
Kazuku would lose.
"And likely get crushed if Hashirama gets serious."
After all, Hashirama was Kazuku's grandfather, not an enemy.
Holding back was possible.
"For now, I'll just watch."
White Zetsu took a deep breath, falling silent.
Meanwhile, Tobirama stepped back, giving Hashirama and Kazuku ample space.
Both were Wood Release users.
Their fight would likely cause massive destruction.
"But Big Brother fighting Kazuku… I'm excited."
Tobirama's heart raced.
Though he didn't support Hashirama fighting while terminally ill, he was eager to see Kazuku's performance.
"Kazuku's a once-in-millennia genius, but Big Brother's no slouch."
"Under equal conditions, Hashirama might not beat Kazuku."
"But Kazuku's only seven. He's no match for Big Brother."
"This duel, Kazuku will lose."
Tobirama's eyes narrowed, as if seeing the outcome.
But often, the result wasn't what mattered.
"Come, Kazuku." Hashirama shed his haori, revealing toned muscles.
Since the Valley of the End, he hadn't fought a ninja.
"You're the first, Kazuku. Don't disappoint me."
As he spoke, Hashirama seemed to transform.
Kazuku felt a stranger before him.
Gone was any trace of Hashirama's goofiness.
Instead, his expression was deadly serious, exuding a powerful aura.
It surged toward Kazuku.
Yes.
Hashirama didn't need to act. Just standing there…
Gave Kazuku immense pressure!
This was…
The man who ended the Warring States.
Defeated Uchiha Madara multiple times.
Founded Konoha.
Distributed the Tailed Beasts.
Oversaw the Five Great Villages' peace treaty.
The man called the God of Shinobi.
Hashirama Senju!
His…
Grandfather.
"So strong."
Kazuku's gaze locked, focusing 120%.
Among those he'd defeated…
Danzo Shimura.
Might Guy.
Troy.
Sarutobi's squad.
Gold and Silver Brothers.
Gengetsu Hozuki.
None could compare to Hashirama.
"Compare?"
Kazuku chuckled, mocking his naivety.
Forget comparing.
Lumped together…
They were mere grains of sand, not half Hashirama's worth.
The gap was vast.
Like heaven and earth!
Just standing before Hashirama, Kazuku felt overwhelming pressure.
He hesitated to act.
Yes.
Hashirama Senju!
Was that terrifying!
"Is this the strength of the strongest under the Sage? Just his presence is this intense."
Unlike Gengetsu, whose techniques like Steaming Danger Tyranny could be countered with knowledge…
Hashirama could reveal his secrets and still crush you with raw power.
Give you two hands? So what?
He had 998 more.
That's how terrifying he was.
"If Hashirama goes all out, using Sage Art: Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands…"
Honestly, Kazuku couldn't think of a counter.
"Kazuku, not coming?"
Hashirama, waiting for Kazuku's move, took a step forward.
His heel lightly touched down, cracks spreading, forming a spiderweb pattern.
"Scared?"
This was…
Hashirama's power!
But…
Kazuku wasn't one to shy away.
Since he accepted Hashirama's challenge…
He had no reason to fear!
"Scared?"
"Not in my vocabulary."
Kazuku grinned, unleashing monstrous strength. A terrifying airflow surged from him, clashing fiercely with Hashirama's aura!
(End of Chapter)