Kazuku and Hashirama tested each other. It seemed Kazuku gained no advantage, but in truth, he held the upper hand.
In their taijutsu clash, Hashirama was the first to use Wood Release.
To block Kazuku's Heavenly Pain Kick under Eight Gates!
Hashirama glanced at the damage to his Ranking Shield, shocked.
During his battle with Madara at the Valley of the End, it withstood a Tailed Beast Bomb.
"If Kazuku's kick hit directly, few could survive."
To Hashirama, ninja with weaker bodies might be one-shotted.
And this was Kazuku's power at seven.
The future was unimaginable.
"Honestly, if I'd blocked that kick with my arm, I might not be unscathed."
Hashirama thought.
Though he had seal-less healing, his body wasn't what it used to be.
After the Valley of the End, he contracted a terminal illness.
Each use of seal-less healing worsened it.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have used Ranking Shield to block Kazuku's kick.
Kazuku faintly noticed this.
"Kazuku, your taijutsu is astonishing. No one in the village can rival you now."
"But…"
"Ninja battles aren't just about taijutsu."
"On the battlefield, every ninja goes all out to defeat their foe."
To Hashirama, Kazuku's taijutsu was formidable.
Next was…
Ninjutsu!
White Zetsu, watching from afar, focused, eyes gleaming, sensing Hashirama's chakra gathering in his hands.
"Looks like Hashirama's using ninjutsu."
White Zetsu marveled.
Hashirama's ninjutsu was a sight to behold.
Those who witnessed his power unanimously deemed him the strongest under the Sage.
But since Madara began his plan…
No one in the ninja world could challenge Hashirama.
He hadn't fought in ages!
Now, because of Kazuku, he'd showcase his ninjutsu!
Such a chance was rare!
"I must witness Hashirama's power."
Clap!
Hashirama clapped his hands, producing a crisp sound.
"Careful, Kazuku. Even against you, I won't hold back."
As he spoke, the training field's ground trembled.
Tobirama, seeing this, used Body Flicker to perch on a branch, observing.
He wasn't worried about being caught in their fight.
He feared their power might harm Tsunade.
After all, she was just a baby.
"Here it comes, Hashirama's signature move." Kazuku gasped, bracing himself.
Honestly, Hashirama's mere hand-clap gave him a sense of oppression.
Anyone who knew Hashirama knew…
He clapped, and anything could happen!
"Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees!"
Instantly…
Hashirama fused Water and Earth Release, forming Wood Release chakra, sinking it into the ground.
The already scarred earth became more ravaged.
Countless vines sprouted from cracks, growing rapidly, thick and hard, surging toward Kazuku.
One of Hashirama Senju's signature Wood Release techniques.
"World of Trees."
Kazuku's gaze sharpened, descending slowly from midair.
"Fine, I'll go all out!"
Kazuku roared, clenching both fists, aiming at the trees below, unleashing a flurry of punches.
His attacks sped up, friction with the air igniting flames, streaking downward.
Each punch shone brilliantly!
Like fireballs bombarding the trees.
Morning Peacock!
Full power in the Sixth Gate, Gate of View!
Kazuku held nothing back, unleashing his strength.
Hashirama's tree sea was suppressed by Kazuku's power.
"Such taijutsu."
Hashirama's eyes widened, stunned.
Kazuku's figure was impossibly cool.
Like a radiant sun.
He firmly believed Konoha would thrive under Kazuku's leadership.
Perhaps Kazuku would contribute greatly to the world.
Even change the ninja world.
"The answer Madara and I couldn't find, maybe you'll find it, Kazuku."
Seeing Kazuku, Hashirama felt immense relief.
The clash of World of Trees and Morning Peacock caused a stir.
"Kazuku's Morning Peacock suppressed Big Brother's World of Trees?"
Tobirama was dumbfounded, shocked, unable to accept.
This was terrifying.
Kazuku was only seven!
His life was too absurd!
"No way, I'm not seeing this." Kagami, behind the trees, rubbed his eyes, doubting his Sharingan.
How could he see such an exaggerated scene?
Hashirama's World of Trees…
Suppressed by Kazuku?
Impossible.
"This fight is too thrilling." Hiruzen gasped.
He thought Kazuku, though strong, was leagues below Hashirama.
If Hashirama went all out, it'd end instantly.
But Kazuku's performance exceeded expectations.
Hiruzen even felt Hashirama and Tobirama couldn't have predicted…
This turn of events!
"From chakra clash to monstrous strength duel."
"Taijutsu skirmish, and now, ninjutsu battle…"
"Kazuku excelled in every round."
"It's hard to believe he's only seven."
Hiruzen paused. Though jealous of Kazuku's talent, he had to admit…
His fight with Hashirama…
Was a spectacle.
Regardless of the outcome, Kazuku proved himself.
Even against a legend like Hashirama…
At seven, he could hold his own.
"But Kazuku's state won't last long."
Hiruzen took a deep breath. "Eight Gates' damage to the body is too great."
(End of Chapter)