Watching the panting Gengetsu, Kazuku condensed chakra, forming a Rasengan.
If Gengetsu escaped now…
Kazuku might as well kill himself.
"Any last words?"
Kazuku stared at Gengetsu, asking softly.
Gengetsu was the future Second Mizukage, among the ninja world's elite.
Kazuku admired his personality.
Without conflicting allegiances, Kazuku felt they could share a drink.
But sadly…
One was a Konoha ninja.
The other, Mist.
Opposing sides.
In the First Ninja War, Gengetsu led Mist against Konoha.
He had to die today!
Gengetsu gazed at Kazuku, his heart deeply shaken.
Beyond looking seven…
Kazuku bore no traits of a seven-year-old.
In analysis, he was the fastest to decode Steaming Danger Blast and devise a counter.
In techniques, Wood Release, Eight Gates, monstrous strength, Rasengan.
Each astonished Gengetsu.
In resolve, Kazuku was decisive, not hesitant or merciful.
In lineage, he was the First Hokage's grandson, a Senju prodigy.
With these qualities…
Gengetsu couldn't imagine…
Any reason Kazuku wouldn't become Hokage!
It was just a matter of time.
"You're gold, kid."
At this point, Gengetsu's lips curled into a faint smile.
Though he struggled to accept losing to a seven-year-old Konoha kid and dying by his hand…
Undoubtedly, Kazuku was the greatest ninja he'd ever met!
Even Mu couldn't compare.
Though only seven, Gengetsu never held back.
He…
Defeated Gengetsu at full strength.
Kazuku's story was just beginning.
Regretful.
Why did he meet Kazuku at seven?
He hadn't reached his peak!
Damn it.
He wanted to see Kazuku's peak strength.
"What's your name, kid?"
Gengetsu took a deep breath, asking.
"Kazuku, Senju Kazuku."
Kazuku replied gravely, sharing his name.
Gengetsu's calm acceptance of death surprised him.
He expected hysterics, desperate attacks…
Or begging, surrender.
Showing weakness.
But…
None of that happened.
Gengetsu leaned against the wall, softly repeating "Senju Kazuku."
As if not facing death, but resting after exhaustion.
As a Warring States veteran…
He knew war's cruelty and death's proximity for ninja.
He'd imagined countless deaths.
His ideal was dying with a powerhouse like Mu, exhausting their chakra in mutual destruction.
"But this death isn't bad."
"Not fighting you at your peak is my only regret."
"I want to fight you then, Kazuku."
Gengetsu took a deep breath, closing his eyes, ready for the end.
"Do it, Kazuku."
Kazuku watched Gengetsu's serene acceptance, moved by his composure.
He paused, then asked, "Your name?"
Though Kazuku knew he was Hozuki Gengetsu, the future Second Mizukage…
Out of respect, he asked.
Gengetsu hadn't expected this.
Stunned, he opened his eyes, glancing at Kazuku.
His heart reaffirmed, this kid…
Was gold!
He'd become Hokage, changing the world.
And he, Gengetsu, would be part of Kazuku's story.
"Hozuki Gengetsu."
"This great man's name is Hozuki Gengetsu!"
Gengetsu declared boldly.
"Hozuki Gengetsu, huh?"
"I'll remember it."
"Farewell, Hozuki Gengetsu."
Kazuku's expression hardened, driving the Rasengan into Gengetsu.
Immense force erupted, pinning Gengetsu to the wall, his clothes and muscles twisting under the Rasengan's power.
The wall cracked, spiderweb fractures spreading.
"Aaah!"
Gengetsu's scream echoed, blood and organ fragments spewing from his mouth, losing consciousness, collapsing.
The ninja destined to be the Second Mizukage…
Was defeated by Kazuku.
The daimyo, samurai…
And Hiruzen and the others stood dumbfounded.
No one expected the sudden, powerful enemy…
To be defeated by Kazuku!
Poof!
With Gengetsu's death, Steaming Danger Blast ended.
Uchiha Kagami's Sharingan focused on Gengetsu.
His chakra faded completely.
He was truly dead.
Hiruzen confirmed it with his sensing.
"This ninja… is really only seven?"
Kabi stared, unable to believe.
Kazuku was only seven!
His decisiveness was rare even among samurai.
"Kazuku's really only seven…"
Koharu replied wryly, hearing Kabi's remark.
She hated admitting Kazuku was seven.
But…
He was!
Confirmed by Hashirama and Tobirama!
Hiruzen and the others felt more complex emotions than the samurai!
They barely contributed.
Just cheering and gasping, like background props.
It was practically Kazuku versus Gengetsu, one-on-one!
Compared to him…
They felt like failures.
Useless!
"What was our purpose in coming to the Land of Waves…"
Hiruzen's mind reeled. "It seems… maybe… Kazuku alone could've protected the daimyo."
(End of Chapter)