Staring at the dozen Kazukus, Tobirama's face showed shock and daze.
Calm.
Calm.
Calm, my foot!
No matter how prodigious Kazuku's talent, this was absurd!
Tobirama only described Shadow Clone vaguely, without demonstrating, and Kazuku learned it?
"Kazuku, who taught you Shadow Clone?"
After a moment, Tobirama regained composure.
Analyzing calmly, he concluded this.
"Wasn't it you, Grandpa Tobirama?" Kazuku replied instantly.
His expression seemed to say, Aren't you teaching me now?
I learned it!
No matter what, the check-in system was Kazuku's lifeline.
Even to family like Hashirama or Tobirama…
He wouldn't reveal it.
Crucially, they wouldn't believe him if he did.
"No, I mean…" Tobirama began to refute but froze, grasping Kazuku's meaning.
"You heard my brief explanation and… mastered Shadow Clone?"
Tobirama's mouth hung open, staring in shock and daze.
Learning was easier than inventing, but Shadow Clone was a B-rank jutsu.
Even a genius like Sarutobi Hiruzen took a week.
Wait.
I'm comparing Sarutobi to Kazuku?
Tobirama clutched his forehead, wondering if he was dreaming.
Sarutobi?
Compared to Kazuku?
He's worthy?
Though his prized student, Sarutobi's talent was leagues below Kazuku's.
No exaggeration…
Kazuku versus Sarutobi was half a catty versus eight taels!
Kazuku was half a catty of gold plus eight taels of silver.
Sarutobi was nothing.
"Yeah, isn't it just splitting chakra evenly?" Kazuku tilted his head.
His clones vanished with poofs.
To him, it was no big deal.
Just a draw from the check-in package.
A split-second task.
Tobirama stood stunned.
What a "just split chakra evenly."
So casual.
Splitting chakra while ensuring both main body and clones retain combat ability.
Know what that means?
A slight misstep wastes chakra!
"But Kazuku's chakra pool is ridiculous, casually making a dozen clones."
Beyond shock, Tobirama was thrilled.
Kazuku was his grandson.
The future inheritor of the Will of Fire, a Hokage-to-be.
The more outrageous his talent…
The more excited Tobirama!
It proved he bet right on Kazuku!
Though it sometimes hit his "ordinary" psyche hard.
Yup…
Compared to Kazuku, Tobirama felt ordinary!
Kazuku's talent shook him deeply.
"Must be because Kazuku knew Water Clone, so he grasped Shadow Clone by analogy."
Tobirama consoled himself with this.
Water Clone was physical too.
Just inferior to his jutsu.
"Since you've mastered Shadow Clone, rest well."
"Tomorrow morning, head to the border outpost for your mission."
Tobirama told Kazuku.
He considered teaching Flying Thunder God but decided against rushing.
Even with Kazuku's talent, overpushing could backfire.
Plus, at seven, Kazuku needed sleep for growth.
"Got it." Kazuku nodded, bid Tobirama farewell, and went home to pack.
But…
Tobirama lingered, watching Kazuku's small figure vanish.
Kazuku had given him countless surprises.
Monster strength in the Forest of Death.
Learning Eight Gates from Might Guy's father.
Creating Morning Peacock, a potent taijutsu, beyond the Gate of View.
"And the chunin exam."
Tobirama's gaze sharpened, the exam vivid in his mind.
Kazuku one-shot Uchiha Setsuna with a jutsu.
Then defeated the Third Kazekage, gaining fame.
Now, nearly every Konohagakure ninja knew Kazuku.
Such prestige earned recognition.
"I hope this mission helps Kazuku grow further."
Tobirama murmured. "Oh…"
"When Kazuku returns, Ayako should give birth."
Tobirama recalled his bet with Hashirama.
If Ayako had a girl, they'd name her Tsunade.
"I hope Kazuku's mission goes smoothly."
Though peace prevailed, Kumogakure's border buildup wouldn't dare break the treaty.
If all went well, Kazuku's mission should avoid conflict.
Of course…
Beyond learning border operations, Tobirama hoped Kazuku would bond with Uchiha Kagami.
"Kagami is one of the few Uchihas willing to transcend clan limits for the village."
"If he becomes clan leader…"
"He'd guide the Uchiha to contribute and be Kazuku's political asset."
Managing the Uchiha was crucial for a Kage.
You couldn't just kill them all, right?
Thus…
Kazuku returned home, packed, and slept well.
The next morning, he bid his parents farewell and headed to Konohagakure's gate.
Though his parents struggled with his young age for such a mission, his resolve won their support.
At the gate…
"Morning, Kazuku."
Uchiha Kagami arrived first, greeting him.
They'd interacted but never alone.
"Morning, Kagami-san."
Kazuku smiled. "You're early."
As they chatted…
Hatake Sakumo and Maruhoshi Kosuke arrived.
Once assembled, they set off for the border outpost, beginning the mission.
(End of Chapter)