The subsequent genin matches paled in comparison to Kazuku vs. the Third Kazekage.
They only highlighted the terrifying strength of Kazuku and the Third Kazekage.
Suddenly, Kazuku's name became the talk of the town.
His fame soared!
But…
Hashirama, Kazuku's grandfather, was dejected.
By the exam's end, he slumped in his chair, questioning life.
Except for Kazuku's match, he bet wrong on every other.
He lost 300,000 ryo!
"Alright, Big Brother, now's not the time to mope. As Konohagakure's Hokage, you have to host the other Kages," Tobirama whispered, urging him to prioritize.
Besides, 300,000 ryo only sounded like a lot.
An A-rank mission earned about that much.
"You're right."
Hashirama nodded, suppressing his betting losses.
As Tobirama said…
He was the village's Kage.
He should properly host Kazekage-sama and Tsuchikage-sama.
But…
As Hashirama prepared to leave the Kage stand, he paused, staring at Tobirama's face.
"Tobirama, did you bet?"
Though Tobirama lacked Hashirama's gambling passion, he occasionally dabbled.
Crucially…
Konohagakure's leadership ran the exam's betting pools.
It entertained the masses and boosted revenue.
For a rebuilding Konohagakure, it was an opportunity not to miss.
Hashirama's 300,000 ryo loss contributed to the village.
So, he figured Tobirama bet too.
"Yeah, a little," Tobirama replied.
No need to hide it.
He even designed the odds.
"How much did you win?"
Tobirama calculated based on his bets and odds. "About 6 million ryo."
Hashirama: "???"
Like Hashirama, he bet on Kazuku in the first match.
For the rest, Tobirama bet opposite Hashirama.
Despite Hashirama's gambling love, he usually lost.
"Should've bet more," Tobirama quipped, feeling conservative.
But money didn't interest him.
"This'll cover hosting the Kazekage and Tsuchikage."
Tobirama planned the funds' use.
Thud.
Hashirama's mood sank. "Eight for eight?"
"Tobirama, you're a betting genius…"
"Genius?" Tobirama shook his head, denying it.
"Big Brother, you may not shine in betting," he patted Hashirama's shoulder, "but you're the light's vessel."
With that, Tobirama brushed past, off to host the Kages.
Hashirama stood, pondering Tobirama's words.
Finally, he grasped the core.
"You jerk, you bet opposite me on purpose!"
In the chunin exam rest area…
Sarutobi and Sakumo entered, congratulating Kazuku.
"Congrats, Kazuku."
Though Kazuku's chunin promotion awaited Tobirama's summons, Sarutobi saw his tactics and experience as chunin-level.
He couldn't imagine Tobirama denying Kazuku.
But Sarutobi wondered…
Once Kazuku became a chunin, would he stay with Team 7?
Or would Tobirama assign him as a squad leader?
"Leader?" Sakumo blinked, wondering if he misheard.
Kazuku…
Was seven, right?
His exam performance warranted chunin, but leading a squad?
That sounded absurd.
A seven-year-old leader!
"Indeed, Kazuku's young and has much to learn."
But standard procedure gave new chunin subordinates for missions.
It was both a trial and a test.
Passing the first chunin test solidified the rank.
Sarutobi mentioned it to prepare Kazuku mentally.
"I see…"
Kazuku understood, recalling the Sasuke Retrieval Arc.
After Shikamaru became chunin, his first mission was to lead a team to retrieve Sasuke!
Tsunade cited a shortage of manpower, but it was likely Shikamaru's test.
"A test mission."
Kazuku murmured, eager for Sarutobi's mentioned task.
Whatever it was, he'd excel.
Then…
Step closer to becoming Third Hokage.
Meanwhile, in Konohagakure Hospital…
The Third Kazekage slowly opened his eyes, seeing a white ceiling.
A sharp pain hit his head. He tried to touch his forehead but couldn't move.
"You're awake."
A purple-haired girl noticed, approaching, urging him not to move.
Luckily, he sustained no fatal injuries, only unconsciousness.
"You need rest." She tucked him in, consoling him not to blame himself.
His performance was stellar.
No ninja who saw it would underestimate him.
Especially Kazekage Retto.
"But… I lost."
The Third Kazekage bit his lip, filled with regret.
He hated his weakness.
"If I'd mastered that jutsu… maybe…"
His gaze fixed on the girl.
He meant Iron Sand World Method.
Regrettably, he'd only begun developing it, unable to use it in combat.
"Back in the village, let's train it, okay?" The girl smiled, making a promise.
The Third Kazekage paused, then nodded. "This time, I'll master it and challenge Kazuku again, Chiyo-neesan."
(End of Chapter)