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Kazekaze and Hashirama were testing each other. It seemed like Kazekaze wasn't gaining any advantage, but in reality, he had already taken the upper hand.
In their taijutsu duel, it was Hashirama who first used Wood Release to block Kazekaze's Heavenly Pain Kick in his Eight Gates state. Hashirama glanced at the damage to his Wood Locking Wall, feeling deeply shocked. During his battle with Uchiha Madara at the Valley of the End, his Ranking Technique had even withstood the power of a Tailed Beast Bomb.
'If Kazekaze's kick hit someone directly, I doubt many could withstand its power.'
In Hashirama's view, a ninja without a strong body could very well be killed instantly by Kazekaze's kick. And this was just the power he displayed at the age of seven. It's unimaginable what he might be capable of in the future.
'To be honest, if I had tried to block that kick with my arm, I might not have come out unscathed.'
Hashirama thought to himself. Although he had the ability to heal without seals, his body was not what it used to be. After the battle at the Valley of the End, he contracted a terminal illness. Every time he used his seal-less healing, it worsened his illness. Otherwise, Hashirama wouldn't have used the Ranking Technique to block Kazekaze's Heavenly Pain Kick. Kazekaze also subtly noticed this.
"Kazekaze, your taijutsu is indeed astounding. I doubt there's anyone in the village now who can match you in taijutsu. However... The battles between ninjas aren't just about taijutsu. Once on the battlefield, every ninja will use all their strength to defeat their opponent."
In Hashirama's view, Kazekaze's taijutsu was already formidable enough. What needed to be tested next was... Ninjutsu!
From a distance, White Zetsu focused his attention, his eyes glowing as he noticed Hashirama's Chakra gathering in his hands.
"It seems Hashirama is about to use ninjutsu."
White Zetsu couldn't help but marvel. Hashirama's ninjutsu was simply a sight to behold. Everyone who witnessed his power regarded him as the greatest under the Sage of Six Paths. However, after Uchiha Madara began his plan, there was no one in the entire ninja world who could rival Hashirama. It had been a long, long time since he last fought anyone! Now, because of Kazekaze, Hashirama was going to showcase his ninjutsu! Such opportunities were rare and precious!
"I must witness Hashirama's power properly."
Clap!
Hashirama clapped his hands together forcefully, producing a crisp sound.
"Be careful, Kazekaze. Even for you, I won't hold back."
As soon as he finished speaking, the entire training ground began to tremble. Seeing this, Tobirama decisively used the Body Flicker Technique, landing on a nearby branch to observe the battle. He wasn't worried about Hashirama and Kazekaze's battle affecting him. He was afraid their power might accidentally harm Tsunade. After all, Tsunade was still just a baby.
"Here it comes, Hashirama's special move," Kazekaze took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself. Honestly, just the act of Hashirama bringing his hands together made Kazekaze feel a sense of pressure. After all, anyone who knew Hashirama even a little knew he was the kind of ninja who could summon anything with a clap of his hands!
"Wood Release: Advent of a World of Flowering Trees!"
Immediately, Hashirama fused Water Release and Earth Release to form Wood Release Chakra, sending it deep into the ground. The already ravaged land became even more devastated. Countless vines emerged from the cracks, growing rapidly to become thick, large, and hard, heading towards Kazekaze. This was one of Senju Hashirama's most skilled Wood Release techniques. Advent of a World of Flowering Trees.
Kazekaze focused his gaze, his body slowly descending from the air.
"In that case, I'll fight with all my strength too!"
Kazekaze let out a low roar, clenched his fists, and began punching wildly at the trees below. His attack speed increased, and the friction between his fists and the air generated flames that shot downward. Each one was exceptionally dazzling and brilliant! They were like fireballs, bombarding the trees. This was the Morning Peacock! A full-power burst in the Sixth Gate, the Gate of View!
At this moment, Kazekaze held nothing back, releasing his power to the fullest. The sea of trees created by Hashirama was suppressed by Kazekaze's power.
"What incredible taijutsu."
Hashirama stood there, eyes wide open in astonishment. He felt that Kazekaze's form was incredibly cool. Like a shining sun. He firmly believed that under Kazekaze's leadership, the Hidden Leaf Village would one day reach its peak! Perhaps Kazekaze would make a great contribution to this world. Maybe even change the entire ninja world.
'The answer that neither Madara nor I could find, maybe one day you will, Kazekaze.'
Seeing Kazekaze, Hashirama felt a deep sense of comfort. The clash between Advent of a World of Flowering Trees and Morning Peacock caused a huge commotion.
"Kazekaze's Morning Peacock actually suppressed big brother's Advent of a World of Flowering Trees?"
Tobirama was dumbfounded, deeply shocked and unable to accept it. No matter how he looked at it, he found it terrifying. Kazekaze was only seven years old! How extraordinary was his life!
"Is this real? Am I seeing things?" Uchiha Kagami, hiding behind the trees, rubbed his eyes vigorously, starting to doubt if there was something wrong with his Sharingan. Otherwise, why would he be seeing such an exaggerated scene? Lord Hashirama's Advent of a World of Flowering Trees was suppressed by Kazekaze? How could this be possible?
"This battle is truly spectacular," Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but exclaim. He initially thought that although Kazekaze was strong, compared to Lord Hashirama, there was still a world of difference. As long as Lord Hashirama went all out, the battle would end immediately. But who knew, Kazekaze's performance far exceeded their expectations. Hiruzen even thought that not even Lord Hashirama or Lord Tobirama could have anticipated the situation would change so suddenly!
"From the clash of Chakra to the contest of Super Strength. The taijutsu exchanges, and now, the ninjutsu contest... In every round, Kazekaze performed remarkably. It's hard to believe that Kazekaze is only seven years old now."
Hiruzen paused for a moment. Although he was quite envious of Kazekaze's talent, he had to admit. His battle with Hashirama was simply a delight to watch. No matter the final outcome, Kazekaze proved himself. Even when facing a legend like Senju Hashirama. At seven years old, he was not without the power to fight.
"However, in Kazekaze's current state, he probably won't last long." Hiruzen took a deep breath, "After all, the Eight Gates cause too much damage to the body."