Chapter 41: Exam Concluded
"Kazuku now has at least chunin-level strength."
Tobirama gazed at Kazuku, marveling at his growth.
He'd thought Kazuku's confidence came from combining the Gate of Limit and monstrous strength.
Never imagined he'd mastered the Gate of View!
Too astounding!
"Even among chunin, Kazuku's strength is top-tier."
But continuing the fight might not favor him.
That kick landed because Batsu hadn't expected Kazuku to open the Gate of View.
His mind wandered briefly.
Causing him to lose track of Kazuku.
Now, Batsu had accepted reality and wouldn't repeat the mistake.
However…
"Seizing Batsu's lapse in an instant and making the perfect response…"
"Few could do that."
Like chess, every move had an optimal choice—either to turn the tide or press the advantage.
Everyone knew this.
But…
Finding the right move in the heat of battle?
Few could.
Kazuku was one of those rare few.
That was the true terror!
And…
Before this, Tobirama couldn't have imagined…
A seven-year-old with such talent.
"Enough, Batsu."
Tobirama spoke, halting Batsu.
Hearing Tobirama's voice, Batsu froze, turning. "Hm?"
"This exam tested whether Kazuku could force your full strength. That's enough," Tobirama explained softly.
"Right, haha, I almost forgot if you hadn't reminded me, Lord Tobirama."
Batsu scratched his head, laughing.
Tying with Kazuku wasn't shameful.
Though only seven, his talent was outrageous.
"Speaking of…"
Batsu released the Eight Gates, exhaustion hitting hard.
He took a deep breath, eyes on Kazuku.
"I thought it'd take Kazuku three months to surpass me."
"Now, I was too arrogant."
"With his growth, it'll take days to catch me."
"What a monster."
"Beyond common sense."
Batsu thought.
Hiruzen and the others were floored.
What was this?
Kazuku and Batsu tied?
No winner.
No loser?
"No matter how many times I see it, Kazuku's terrifying," Hiruzen swallowed.
"Yeah, every so often, he grows astonishingly," Kagami added.
He remembered everything about Kazuku.
Partly because he was a Senju.
Partly because Kazuku had just returned to Konoha!
Not even half a month.
In half a month, Kazuku went from a combat novice to a taijutsu expert!
"This is Kazuku's strength now."
Koharu's gaze was drawn to Kazuku. When they first met, she'd wanted to protect her "little brother."
But in nearly half a month, he'd grown to where even Batsu couldn't defeat him.
Protect him?
On future missions, she'd likely need his protection!
But…
"Being protected by Kazuku…"
Koharu's cheeks flushed.
Being protected by him didn't seem bad.
Though his features were still boyish, it was clear he'd grow into a handsome man.
After all…
Hashirama and Mito were Konoha's beauty standards.
Their descendant couldn't be anything less!
Seeing Tobirama stop them, Kazuku didn't press.
On the surface, he'd landed a kick.
Gaining the upper hand.
But in truth, Kazuku knew…
Continuing would put him at a disadvantage.
First, his newly upgraded Eight Gates—this was his first time using the Gate of View, unlike Batsu's vast experience.
Second, the Gate of View's muscle damage was worse than expected.
Though it buffered fatigue and damage to a minimum…
When unleashing full power, the suppressed damage erupted.
When Kazuku kicked, his thigh muscles tore completely.
Even with Seal-less Healing, it took four seconds to recover.
"To beat a taijutsu master like Batsu, I need to cut healing time to one second."
Kazuku smiled, thinking, "In other words, my physical strength's still lacking."
But…
He was satisfied with the outcome.
He never thought he'd beat Batsu.
Though he had the check-in system cheat, its rewards weren't the strongest.
"For now, passing the exam and becoming a genin is enough."
Kazuku released the Eight Gates, returning to normal.
But…
One person remained baffled even after Tobirama ended the match.
Unable to grasp the situation.
The God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju!
His gaze locked on Kazuku, mouth agape in an "O."
The Eight Gates alone shocked him.
But Kazuku had mastered the Gate of View!
This outrageous scene left his mind buzzing.
"Kazuku's only seven…"
Hashirama mumbled.
"Seven and tying with a master like Batsu…"
"Who'd believe it?"
"Tobirama, what's going on?"
He looked to his brother, utterly confused.
He wanted an explanation, or at least some clarity.
Why…
Could Kazuku use the Eight Gates?
And the Gate of View, no less.
With Kima's talent, he couldn't have taught Kazuku this.
And he'd been back in the village for just half a month.
Meaning…
In half a month, Kazuku learned monstrous strength and the Eight Gates.
When Hashirama learned monstrous strength, it took years!
Now, his mind was a foggy blank!
He couldn't fathom what Kazuku experienced in that half-month.
(End of Chapter)