Kazuku, a special jonin?
The news hit Hiruzen and the others like a bomb.
They knew Kazuku was exceptional, but his growth speed shattered their understanding.
"Kazuku's only seven, right?" Koharu stood stunned, asking those nearby.
Was her perception off?
A seven-year-old special jonin.
Their captain?
It was too outrageous.
Koharu seriously wondered if she was still asleep.
Or if Tobirama was joking.
But Tobirama's serious expression and tone…
It was no joke.
It was fact.
He even gave them a chance.
To challenge Kazuku.
If they won, it'd prove Kazuku wasn't fit to lead.
Tobirama would appoint a new captain.
"I think Young Master Kazuku is fully capable of leading, no challenge needed."
Uchiha Kagami spoke loudly.
Everyone around him was a clan genius.
Their strength was undeniable.
But it didn't change one fact.
They couldn't compare to Kazuku.
Perhaps one day, Hiruzen would surpass Gold and Silver Horn.
But now, he was far below them.
The others, even more so.
To Kagami, this team was no match for Kazuku.
Plus, he was already Kazuku's subordinate.
Having seen his leadership and intellect, Kagami was fully convinced.
Kazuku was the perfect leader.
Others stared at Kagami, incredulous.
Was this the Uchiha genius?
He thought Kazuku was the best fit!
Despite being seven!
What happened at the border?
To change Kagami so drastically.
"Of course, since there's a chance to challenge Kazuku, I won't pass it up."
Kagami added, expressing his resolve to Tobirama.
He'd use the month to train relentlessly, boosting his strength.
Hiruzen and the others exchanged glances.
They'd graduated with Kagami, spending the most time together.
Best friends.
No one underestimated Kagami's strength.
His attitude made them marvel.
How strong was Kazuku now?
"Kagami's right, I'm eager to face Young Master Kazuku."
Hiruzen took a deep breath, showing his determination.
"One month? I'll need to ask Father to help me improve."
"No matter what, I don't want to lose to Kazuku."
It wasn't just Hiruzen.
Everyone felt the same.
No one wanted to lose to Kazuku.
Even if he was a prodigy!
A monstrous ninja.
A seven-year-old special jonin!
They still didn't want to lose!
Especially…
Facing him together!
Tobirama's elite disciples losing to a seven-year-old?
If word got out…
Awkward!
Especially Danzo.
When Tobirama announced this, memories of fighting Kazuku flooded back.
He still recalled Kazuku's punch.
Vividly.
Clear.
Real.
Closing his eyes, he saw Kazuku's fist.
Instantly!
Danzo shuddered.
The last person he wanted to face again was Kazuku!
Could he skip it?
He didn't care who was captain.
Just…
Not fighting Kazuku!
Even Danzo hadn't expected Kazuku to leave such a psychological scar.
But…
Seeing his eager teammates.
Even Koharu looked excited to face Kazuku.
Danzo couldn't say no!
"Good."
Tobirama observed their reactions, pleased.
These were his ideal seeds.
"Konoha will reach its peak in your hands."
Tobirama mused.
He set the time and place for the challenge.
Over the next month…
Hiruzen and the others didn't train tactics together.
Instead, they sought clan elders to boost their strength.
Though shocked by Tobirama's decision, Kazuku's strength was undeniable.
They needed more power to face him!
Kazuku didn't slack off.
His goal was Third Hokage.
And he couldn't fully control the Gate of View.
So he spent the time on physical training, pushing his limits.
Sadly, he hit his muscle ceiling.
"Looks like this is my body's limit at this stage."
"Damn, if I were five years older."
Kazuku's expectations weren't high.
At 1.5 meters, he could triple or quadruple his strength.
But no matter how much he ate, he didn't grow taller.
His first resentment toward his height.
"Before crossing, I was a 1.83-meter handsome guy."
Kazuku sat before a mirror, sighing over his height.
But…
His gaze was drawn to the reflection.
Though young, his features were refined.
"So handsome."
After a pause, Kazuku marveled.
He'd never seen such a good-looking person.
"Good thing I didn't attend ninja academy, or Konoha's girls would've fought over me."
In a few years…
A heartthrob.
"The youngest, most handsome Hokage ever."
Sigh.
Even Minato's few strengths were surpassed.
"Whatever."
Kazuku shook his head, heading out.
Today was the challenge against Hiruzen's team!
The one-month deadline had arrived!
During this time, he checked in again.
Gaining the [Wood Clone] jutsu.
(End of Chapter)