Danzo stared blankly at Kazuku's retreating figure.
The sense of defeat left him deeply frustrated.
Lowering his gaze, he saw the ground shattered by Kazuku's punch.
If that fist had hit him, it wouldn't have just broken a few ribs!
He might've been killed!
Tobirama's intervention proved it.
If that punch wasn't life-threatening, why stop the match?
Still…
What kind of grudge did Kazuku have against him?
To open the Gate of Limit just to beat him!
Sigh…
Danzo shook his head helplessly, a bitter smile forming. "This is Kazuku, with Lord Hashirama's genes. He's practically a monster."
More than Kazuku's genius, Danzo envied his bloodline.
Without Hashirama's massive chakra, could he unleash such monstrous strength?
Without Seal-less Healing, could he withstand the Eight Gates' damage?
No way!
Even with Kazuku's prodigious talent…
The Senju bloodline was the deciding factor.
If he had Hashirama's genes…
Danzo gritted his teeth, feeling the sting of bloodline disparity for the first time.
The finish line he chased with all his might was still behind Kazuku's starting point.
He could even foresee, twenty years from now, Kazuku, backed by Tobirama and recognized by the Daimyo…
Becoming Konoha's Third Hokage!
The more shocked Danzo was by Kazuku's strength, the more jealous he grew!
"I never expected Young Master Kazuku to be this strong," Hiruzen said, glancing at the fractured ground.
Forget one punch—even his ninjutsu couldn't create such destruction.
Recalling Danzo's earlier boasts…
And now this scene…
The sense of powerlessness and failure was terrifying to contemplate.
Hiruzen patted Danzo's shoulder.
"Monsters like Young Master Kazuku are beyond human. We… just need to do our best."
He said it to Danzo, but also to himself.
Whether Kazuku learned the Eight Gates in one day…
Or, as Tobirama deduced, took two years…
Hiruzen saw no difference.
It was like comparing ten million ryo to a billion—neither was within his reach!
No question, Hiruzen resented geniuses like Kazuku!
Not even a sliver of hope to catch up.
Kazuku was a mountain blocking all scenery ahead.
Koharu was the next to approach, softly comforting Danzo. "Don't feel pressured, Danzo. Anyone among us would've had the same result."
Menma and Torifu nodded vigorously.
They were immensely relieved Tobirama had chosen Danzo as Kazuku's target.
Otherwise, what a psychological scar that would've been!
"It's not that we're too weak… Young Master Kazuku is just too absurdly strong," Uchiha Kagami said with a wry smile.
Only then did Tobirama remember Danzo was still there.
He'd been so consumed by worry and shock over Kazuku…
He'd completely forgotten Danzo.
Hearing everyone console him, Tobirama turned. "Danzo…"
But the words caught in his throat.
What could he say?
Danzo hadn't underestimated Kazuku or made mistakes.
This was a crushing gap in raw strength. No matter how Danzo fought, the outcome was inevitable.
"You did well today. Go rest," Tobirama finally said after a pause.
With that, Kazuku and Danzo's match concluded.
Tobirama led Kazuku away from the training field.
Though Kazuku had powerful Seal-less Healing, as a worried grandfather…
Tobirama decided to take him to the hospital for a check-up.
To be absolutely sure.
As for Hiruzen and the others, they stayed, continuing to comfort Danzo.
Until Might Batsu left to "burn his youth" elsewhere.
"Enough. I'm not that fragile," Danzo cut off their consoling, his face serious, each word deliberate.
"But if anyone spreads word of today, I, Shimura Danzo, will not let them off!"
Though he fully acknowledged Kazuku's bloodline, talent, and strength…
Losing to a seven-year-old?
Better to bury it as a dark chapter, sealed forever.
Meanwhile, Tobirama took Kazuku to Konoha Hospital.
To be safe, he ordered a full examination.
Kazuku didn't object.
Since arriving in this world, he hadn't had a check-up.
Though he had Hashirama's Seal-less Healing, better safe than sorry.
However, Kazuku chose to walk beside Tobirama, not letting his second grandfather carry him.
After all, he was only seven physically—mentally, he was a twenty-year-old adult.
Being carried? No thanks.
"Kazuku," Tobirama said as they neared the street, reaching into his robe to pull out a black kunai, handing it to him.
"I didn't expect you to beat Danzo, so I wasn't prepared."
"Take this as your reward for defeating him."
The usually stern Tobirama spoke with rare gentleness.
Kazuku was caught off guard.
He examined the kunai, its metal gleaming like new.
Clearly, Tobirama had chosen it carefully.
The handle was wrapped in cloth, etched with the Flying Thunder God seal.
Without his prior knowledge from watching Naruto, Kazuku might've missed the detail.
"Thanks," he replied politely, tucking it away.
To others, it might just be a kunai, but Kazuku understood.
It carried Tobirama's affection for his grandson.
And indeed, since returning from the Forest of Death, Tobirama had been both amazed by Kazuku's prodigious talent and worried about his safety when he wasn't around.
During the fight with Danzo, Tobirama hadn't dared blink, holding his breath the entire time.
Terrified Kazuku might get hurt.
"As long as Kazuku carries this kunai, no matter what danger he faces, I can reach him instantly."
"Kazuku, no matter what happens, from this moment, I swear to protect you forever."
Of course, Tobirama only thought this, never saying it aloud.
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(End of Chapter)