After appointing Kazuku, Tobirama assigned his first mission.
As leader, he'd take Uchiha Kagami, Hatake Sakumo, and Maruhoshi Kosuke to a border outpost for patrol duty.
Though Hashirama's efforts led to a peace treaty among the five great villages, borders were tense.
Ninja sought to spy on rival villages.
Crucially…
Kages who founded villages were titans.
In strength and intellect, they excelled.
Every Kage knew…
Peace had an expiration.
That was Hashirama's lifespan.
Especially after his terminal illness, Kumogakure bolstered border forces.
Recently, they sent Chikusho to kidnap Uzumaki Yuna for Uzumaki clan secrets.
Sharp-minded Tobirama wouldn't sit idle.
Kazuku's mission had two goals.
First, reinforce the outpost to counter Kumogakure.
Second, teach Kazuku border operations and their importance.
As Hokage, he'd handle such issues adeptly.
Tobirama didn't voice this.
He wanted Kazuku's sharp mind to deduce his intent.
He believed Kazuku wouldn't disappoint.
"Patrol the northern border?"
Kazuku's eyes flashed with surprise. He didn't expect this as his first chunin mission.
"If I recall, the northern border neighbors the Land of Lightning."
Kazuku mentally mapped Naruto's world.
The Land of Lightning was northeast, the Land of Earth northwest.
His opponents would be Cloud or Stone ninja.
Considering Tsuchikage Ishigawa attended the chunin exam…
And Kumogakure tried kidnapping Yuna…
Kazuku guessed Tobirama aimed him at Kumogakure.
Crucially…
Tobirama's assignment seemed like a promotion but exiled him from the village center.
But who was Tobirama?
His second-grandfather!
Family!
Would family use such tactics?
Plus, Kazuku was seven, an adorable kid.
What grandfather wouldn't love such a grandson?
"I get it."
Kazuku had an epiphany. "Grandpa Tobirama wants me to suppress Kumogakure's border ninja."
"To warn them about Yuna's kidnapping."
With calm analysis, he "saw through" Tobirama's plan!
Or so he thought!
He glanced at his team.
Uchiha Kagami, a Sharingan genius, excelled in jungle combat.
This was a troublemaking setup.
But…
He eyed Sakumo and Kosuke.
For troublemaking, weren't these genin too weak?
Thus, Kazuku completely misread Tobirama's intent.
"When do we leave?"
Kazuku, acting like he understood, asked Tobirama.
He was eager to stir things up.
"No rush. Rest today, depart tomorrow morning. I've notified the outpost."
Tobirama replied.
A border outpost had more than four ninja.
Besides Kazuku's new Team 7…
It had eight chunin and one jonin.
Tobirama's real goal was for Kazuku to learn border operations.
After a month or two, he'd recall him.
If Kazuku performed well, Tobirama could promote him to elite chunin on any pretext.
"Yes, Lord Tobirama!"
Kazuku nodded, signaling understanding, preparing to leave with Kagami and others.
But at the door, Tobirama stopped him.
"What is it, Lord Tobirama?"
"Tonight, 8 p.m., training grounds," Tobirama said gravely.
Kazuku would head to the outpost tomorrow.
Though he knew Water Clone, its flaws were clear.
Clones were physical but had one-tenth the original's strength.
Beyond a distance, they dispelled.
Time to refine Kazuku with his jutsu.
"8 p.m.? Got it." Kazuku confirmed, excited.
Tobirama was likely giving him special training.
"Oh…"
Thinking of training, Kazuku remembered his check-in cooldown was nearly up.
He glanced—ten minutes until his fifth check-in!
What rewards would this bring?
Kazuku took a deep breath, planning to check-in at home and rest.
With that, he left.
The office door closed.
But…
As Tobirama was alone…
A figure appeared at the window.
None other than First Hokage, Senju Hashirama!
He stood on the balcony, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, gazing at the blue sky. "Tobirama, is this wise?"
He understood Tobirama's concerns, but Kazuku was seven.
Promoting him so fast worried Hashirama.
It might harm his growth.
"Some things he'll face eventually."
Tobirama, back to Hashirama, replied firmly.
He felt time was short.
Hashirama seemed healthy, but his illness could worsen anytime.
If he passed…
Konohagakure, with its fertile lands, might face attacks from other villages.
As Second Hokage, Tobirama had to raise a successor to carry the Will of Fire.
One with strength, intellect, and prestige.
Otherwise…
If Tobirama died in battle, the Uchiha might target Kazuku.
"I hear the Uchiha have someone inheriting Madara's will," Tobirama hinted.
"Madara…"
(End of Chapter)