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Ever since returning from the Land of Waves, the mindset of Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others had changed. Indeed, compared to a genius like Kazekaze, the difference was like night and day. His talent was so terrifying that it made Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others doubt whether their efforts had any meaning. No matter how hard they worked, how much they struggled, or how much sweat they shed, they could never catch up to Kazekaze. And with Kazekaze's growth rate, the gap between them would only widen.
However! This was not a reason for them to give up or retreat! In the entire ninja world, there was only one Kazekaze. They couldn't always carry out missions with Kazekaze. And Hiruzen no longer wanted to feel powerless when encountering ninjas like Gengetsu Hōzuki, unable to protect his comrades. He wanted to become stronger! Even stronger! Even without Kazekaze by his side, he wanted to complete missions excellently and protect his comrades!
And Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't the only one who thought this way. Uchiha Kagami, Danzo, Koharu, and Homura all shared the same thoughts. Even if they worked as hard as they could, they couldn't catch up to Kazekaze. But that wasn't a reason for them to stop trying! So, they gathered once again at the Konoha training ground, ready to become stronger in their own ways.
However, upon arriving, Hiruzen sensed the Chakra of Hashirama, Tobirama, and Kazekaze! This situation was unexpected for him. On one hand, it was out of curiosity. On the other hand, it was also out of curiosity. After some hesitation, he decided to head towards the direction where he sensed the Chakra. The others followed behind Hiruzen. In no time, they passed through the woods near the training ground and saw Tobirama.
However... Hiruzen and the others didn't walk out directly. Upon seeing them, he immediately crouched down. The others followed suit.
"Lord Tobirama? Lord Hashirama? And Kazekaze... what's going on?" Koharu blinked, unsure why they were gathered here. Moreover, Lord Tobirama was holding a little girl in his arms.
"They're probably teaching Kazekaze some kind of ninjutsu," Danzo speculated, narrowing his eyes. Kazekaze is Hashirama's grandson. And he possesses astonishing talent. If it were him, he would definitely groom Kazekaze as a future Hokage. Teaching Kazekaze during free time. Naturally, it was a reasonable thing to do.
However... Although Danzo thought this way, he was still very jealous inside. Why was Kazekaze born at the finish line? And a finish line that no one else could reach, no matter how hard they tried. For a moment, Danzo felt very frustrated. Why wasn't he born into the Senju clan! Damn it. If he had Hashirama's cells and could use Wood Release, he could also become Hokage. Danzo's heart was filled with discontent!
Beside him, Uchiha Kagami activated his Sharingan. Using the power of the Sharingan, he began to read lips. Immediately, Uchiha Kagami's pupils dilated, his face filled with astonishment. The others looked at Kagami, not understanding why he had such an expression. What exactly did Lord Hashirama say that made Kagami react like this?
"Lord Hashirama..." Uchiha Kagami gasped sharply. As a genius of the Uchiha clan, his Sharingan had been trained to a very powerful level. Reading lips was one of the most basic abilities. He couldn't possibly be wrong! But what Hashirama said was too shocking for Kagami.
"What did Lord Hashirama say?" Hiruzen couldn't help but frown. To avoid being discovered by Lord Tobirama and Lord Hashirama, they didn't dare to get too close. Plus, the gentle breeze rustled the trees. It wasn't easy to hear what Hashirama was saying.
"Lord Hashirama said he wants to spar with Kazekaze. Not a practice match. Not a lesson. But a duel!" As soon as these words were spoken, the whole place was in an uproar! Hiruzen, Koharu, Homura, Danzo. Their emotions were like a sea swept by a tornado, unable to calm down!
This day... Has finally arrived! The showdown between Kazekaze and Hashirama!
"But Kazekaze is only seven years old." Hiruzen found it hard to accept. Kazekaze is only seven years old. At seven years old, he can face off against Hashirama, the God of Ninjutsu! Isn't this too exaggerated!
"Yes, yes." Kagami nodded, "Not only that, but this duel was initiated by Lord Hashirama."
"What?!" Everyone was shocked once again. This duel wasn't a challenge from Kazekaze to Hashirama. But rather... It was requested by Lord Hashirama! Doesn't this mean that in Lord Hashirama's mind, Kazekaze already has the strength to fight him! Otherwise, why would he ask Kazekaze to engage in a duel with him?
"Kazekaze is only seven, right." Homura had an incredulous expression, seriously doubting if he was hallucinating. However, the information from his companions confirmed he wasn't hallucinating. Kazekaze is indeed seven years old this year. And he has gained Hashirama's recognition. Even this top-tier warrior who ended the Warring States Period and founded the ninja village couldn't wait to spar with Kazekaze!
"However, even though Kazekaze's talent is extraordinary, defeating formidable opponents like Kinkaku, Ginkaku, and Gengetsu Hōzuki," Kagami paused, "But Lord Hashirama is the Hokage who ended the Warring States Period and founded the ninja village. It's said that everyone who has witnessed his power calls him the God of Ninjutsu. Even our clan's former leader, Uchiha Madara, lost to Hashirama."
Although Hashirama and Tobirama tried hard to seal the information about the battle at the Valley of the End, they didn't even return Uchiha Madara's body to the Uchiha clan. But through some clues, the Uchiha clan still guessed the truth. At the same time, it made them extremely dissatisfied with Tobirama's actions. Some even began to inherit Madara's will! That's why Kagami, as a member of the Uchiha clan, knew some of these things.
However, his words were met with Danzo's disdain.
"In the end, Uchiha Madara wasn't that great," Danzo couldn't help but comment, thinking that Madara's talent wasn't even as good as Kagami's. If he and Madara were born in the same era, Madara might not even compare to him.
Kagami glanced at Danzo, but just as he was about to retort, Hashirama's action of taking off his haori caught his attention. Gulp. They all swallowed at the same time, their hearts involuntarily starting to feel tense.
"Kazekaze accepted the duel." Kagami revealed the result of his lip-reading. For a moment, everyone was fully focused, not daring to breathe as they watched each other. They didn't notice that a strange figure had blended into the woods.