Achievement achieved – Immune to illusions! Template character: Kizaru unlocked at 20%. Skill obtained – Observation Haki.
Previously, his resistance to genjutsu was only theoretical. But after being tested by Konoha's shinobi, Zenkichi could now confirm it: he was highly resistant to illusions.
This achievement helped him further unlock the Kizaru template, granting him access to Kizaru's Haki abilities.
A mysterious, subtle sensation welled up inside Zenkichi's chest. The entire Hidden Leaf Village seemed to come into focus.
This was Kizaru's Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki), which easily encompassed the entire village.
Don't be mistaken—while Kizaru may not have been portrayed as someone who excelled in Observation Haki, any admiral in the Navy wouldn't have glaring weaknesses.
The Glint-Glint Fruit gave him immense speed and long-range offensive power, but when fighting Rayleigh, Zephyr, or even Whitebeard, Kizaru also demonstrated strong close-quarters skills.
Without powerful physical strength, martial arts, and Haki, engaging a swordsman like Rayleigh in melee would've been suicide.
"What sharp Haki… I've found you!"
Zenkichi sensed something in the village. A smirk crept across his face.
Not far from him, on the roof of the optical store, a man with red eyes silently watched Zenkichi's back.
"Did it work?"
The red-eyed man murmured to himself, unsure if the illusion had taken effect.
Just then, Zenkichi's body transformed into light particles and vanished.
The man's expression changed instantly. Before he could react, a calm, melodious voice came from behind him.
"Hmm~ I guess I should be a little flattered. Your genjutsu wasn't half bad."
The man instantly flickered away a few meters, reappearing with caution in his eyes as he stared at Zenkichi.
Zenkichi chuckled. "You're the one Konoha sent to test me? That genjutsu was pretty decent."
Expressionless, the red-eyed man replied, "I don't know what you're talking about. I was ordered to protect you in secret."
Zenkichi curled his lip. "So that's why you chose to 'protect' me with a genjutsu test? Since there's no evidence, you're just going to deny it? Real classy, Konoha."
"I'd advise you not to make false accusations," the man responded flatly. "Konoha won't tolerate slander."
Zenkichi widened his eyes in mock panic. "No way! Not only did Konoha shamelessly test me, now you're flipping it back on me? That's terrifying!"
The red-eyed man's expression darkened. Zenkichi's exaggerated tone wasn't just banter—it was a clear message.
You don't scare me.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Several Konoha ANBU appeared on the rooftop. Terumi Mei also arrived in a flash.
Zenkichi's expression turned serious. "What's this? Konoha's going to ambush me now? Mei, turn around."
Terumi Mei was slightly startled, but trusting Zenkichi, she obediently turned her head.
The red-eyed man and the ANBU were momentarily confused, about to speak, when Zenkichi calmly said:
"I'll be fair. I'll let you use both your hands and feet. One strike decides it."
As soon as he finished speaking, brilliant golden light exploded from Zenkichi's body. It was as if a second sun had appeared above the village.
At that moment, countless villagers of Konoha looked up… only to squint and quickly avert their eyes.
Light Release – Blinding Flash Technique!
---
Hokage's Office
Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, shut his eyes in frustration and sighed. The test had failed.
As Konoha's White Fang had warned, this ability was extremely troublesome. If this blinding power was used on the battlefield, it could be more disruptive than anything else.
"Wait… is there any way to counter this? Sunglasses, maybe?"
The Third Hokage's eyes lit up as he considered this new idea. If wearing sunglasses could nullify the light's effects…
He waved over an ANBU and instructed them to test the sunglasses theory.
Then, pipe in hand, he quietly waited for Kirigakure's representatives to arrive.
Though he had ordered the test, the Third Hokage wasn't worried.
Konoha's forces were strong, and even if Kirigakure opened another front, they wouldn't be able to break through easily.
Both sides would suffer in a war, and that's why the Third Mizukage had agreed to this fragile peace.
---
Zenkichi's dazzling counterattack left the red-eyed man and the ANBU stunned. Only then did they realize that the blinding light was the effect of his elemental form, not an actual attack.
After Zenkichi explained everything, Elder Genji arrived and said coldly, "Konoha must give us an explanation for this."
Zenkichi asked, "You're going to see the Third Hokage?"
Genji nodded. "You two, come with me."
Zenkichi and Terumi Mei followed him to the Hokage's office. The pipe-smoking Third Hokage greeted them warmly.
"This was all a misunderstanding," Hiruzen said with a smile. "Zenkichi wasn't harmed. Let's not dwell on it."
Genji wasn't satisfied and started arguing with the Hokage.
The two elders argued back and forth—neither yielding—until Zenkichi began to lose patience.
He interrupted, "Third Hokage, if I tried to assassinate you and failed, would we also just 'forget it'?"
The Hokage's face stiffened. "That's different. Genjutsu isn't lethal. It's not the same as attempted assassination."
Zenkichi lazily responded, "Enough nonsense. Just tell me what compensation you're offering."
The Third Hokage relented. "Very well. As an apology, Konoha is willing to offer three million ryō in compensation. Consider it a gesture of goodwill."
The secret test had ended in failure, so the Hokage used this excuse to meet them directly.
Then he added, "To foster understanding between our villages, I propose a friendly competition between Konoha and the three young shinobi of Kirigakure."
After thinking it over, Zenkichi accepted the idea.
It wasn't realistic to expect Konoha to bleed over this. Times were tough, even for them. Three million wasn't much—it was only a tenth of the bounty on Asuma's head.
Elder Genji silently lifted his teacup and gave the Hokage a pointed look, as if to say: He's not wrong.
The Third Hokage choked on his pipe and glared at Genji, silently asking him to keep his student in check.
---
It's sad that kizaru doesn't possess CH, I would have added it.