The next morning…
After breakfast at home, Kazuku headed out.
The sun shone brightly, not a cloud in the sky, the vibrant blue signaling another fine day.
Perfect weather for an exhilarating fight, and then…
"After passing the exam, I'll hit the hot springs."
Kazuku strode toward the training field.
Speaking of Konoha, two places stood out.
One was the famed Ichiraku Ramen, affordable and delicious.
Of course, it was the 10th year of Konoha's calendar, and Kazuku wasn't even sure if Teuchi was born yet.
So, no Ichiraku Ramen for now.
The other spot was the hot springs.
"After all this training, it's time to relax."
About twenty minutes later, Kazuku reached the training field.
Yesterday's destruction was gone, the ground smoothed out.
And Kazuku was the last to arrive.
"Not just Batsu and Tobirama…"
Kazuku scanned the area, spotting more than Might Batsu and Tobirama.
Hiruzen, Danzo, Kagami, Koharu, Menma, and Torifu stood on either side of the field.
Most notably, the "terminally ill" Hashirama was there too.
"Morning, Kazuku!" Hashirama greeted cheerfully. Though the First Hokage, the God of Shinobi, he carried no airs.
"Big Brother, be serious," Tobirama said sternly, noticing Hashirama's urge to scoop Kazuku up.
He wanted the God of Shinobi to maintain some dignity.
This exam was crucial for Kazuku.
Passing meant becoming a true ninja.
Eligible for missions.
Shifting from protected to protector.
For both emotional and practical reasons, Tobirama felt Hashirama should take it seriously.
"Tobirama, you're not serious, are you?" Hashirama frowned.
Lately, Tobirama seemed like a different person.
Every chance he got, he'd rave about Kazuku's genius.
You'd think Kazuku was Tobirama's grandson.
Batsu was nearly twenty years older than Kazuku.
His physical condition, combat thinking, and tactical experience outclassed Kazuku's.
Pitting him against Kazuku was absurd.
Normally, kids graduated ninja school by mastering Transformation, Clone, and basic theory.
But Kazuku had to face Batsu?
No matter how Hashirama thought about it, Tobirama's plan was unreasonable.
"Big Brother, don't you know why I arranged this?" Tobirama shot him a glare.
At this point, why hide it?
If you hadn't snuck out to train Kazuku, would he know monstrous strength?
Would he have learned the Eight Gates?
Get real!
"Tobirama, why're you talking nonsense? Too much stress lately?" Hashirama looked concerned, patting his shoulder. "Seriously, why not consider someone from the Uchiha or Uzumaki clans? I heard from Mito she has a cousin…"
"Shut up, Big Brother!" Tobirama snapped.
An exam's happening—cousins, really?
"But…"
"Shut it!"
Clink! Hashirama's mood sank again.
Everyone else watched the brothers' antics with deadpan expressions.
The God of Shinobi, Hashirama…
Zero gravitas.
Though Tobirama was younger, the age gap was small, and their personalities made their brotherly bond carefree and natural.
"But Hashirama mentioning a cousin… is he trying to set Tobirama up?" Kazuku mused.
Even by non-ninja standards, Tobirama was an old bachelor.
With the elder brother as a father figure, it wasn't odd for Hashirama to meddle.
Kazuku's thoughts drifted to himself.
He was only seven, but marriage was inevitable eventually.
Given his status, Hashirama or Tobirama might arrange a political match.
The bride would likely be stunning, from a prominent clan.
"Uchiha wives seem very virtuous," Kazuku thought, picturing Mikoto Uchiha's gentle demeanor.
"But Uzumaki girls seem to have higher looks."
Like Kushina, Karin.
And his grandmother, Mito.
Sigh. "Why must people face choices?"
Kazuku sighed, imagining Uchiha and Uzumaki girls vying for him.
No matter what he did, they'd swoon, " Kazuku's so cool!"
Like Sakura and Ino fawning over Sasuke in ninja school.
"Forget it. Focus on passing the exam."
Kazuku buried his future worries.
He stepped to the field's center, addressing Batsu. "Teacher Batsu, don't hold back. Give it your all."
Before Batsu could nod…
Kazuku's gaze shifted to Hashirama and Tobirama.
"Lord Tobirama, please don't stop the match too soon."
He paused. "I really want to test my current strength."
Kazuku wasn't showing off—he meant it.
Though he'd checked in three times, each yielding great rewards…
He lacked a clear sense of his own strength.
This exam was his chance to gauge it.
So he didn't want Tobirama halting the match mid-test.
"Kazuku, you got a fever or something?" Hashirama stared, baffled.
Did his grandson know what he was saying?
Batsu was a top Konoha taijutsu expert.
Rumor had it he'd mastered the Eight Gates up to the Sixth Gate, Gate of View.
Kazuku wanted Batsu to go all out and Tobirama not to interfere?
Wasn't that asking for a beating?
Or had Tobirama fed him delusions of grandeur?
"Nope," Kazuku replied, puzzled.
"Tobirama, what's going on?" Hashirama was utterly confused. He knew Tobirama set up an exam but not this!
"Big Brother, it's this late, and you're still pretending?" Tobirama said.
Hashirama: "???"
"Fine, if you won't admit it, I won't bother," Tobirama ignored him, turning to Batsu.
"What do you say, Batsu?"
"Since Kazuku said so, I'll give it my all!" Batsu said excitedly, his teeth flashing.
Hashirama: "???"
Can someone explain what's happening?
(End of Chapter)