Hashirama leaned back in shock.
What did he mean, a Hokage before seventeen?!
Though he didn't know why Tobirama held such an extravagant opinion of Kazuku, this completely overturned Hashirama's worldview!
It meant Kazuku could become Hokage at sixteen, or even fifteen!
And what was fifteen-year-old Hashirama doing?
Skipping stones with Madara Uchiha, discussing their futures and ideals.
Back then, he was just an ordinary kid in the Senju clan.
That year, Madara had only awakened his Sharingan, with two tomoe.
It wasn't that Tobirama and the others acted like they'd never seen the world when they witnessed Kazuku's "talent."
It was just…
Ninjas of this era didn't grow at such an exaggerated pace.
Hashirama, Madara—both only rose to prominence after adulthood.
At the same age…
Hashirama?
Madara?
They didn't even compare!
Tobirama lowered his head slightly, supporting his right elbow with his left hand, his right index and middle fingers pressed to his forehead, pondering. "I just don't know if Kazuku inherited Big Brother's Wood Release."
Though he hoped Kazuku had inherited Wood Release too, it wasn't a dealbreaker.
With Kazuku's chakra reserves and talent alone, he could stand at the ninja world's peak.
After all, Tobirama, his second grandfather, excelled at inventing ninjutsu.
Take the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique, a forbidden jutsu.
It was perfect for someone like Kazuku with massive chakra.
And his Flying Thunder God Technique.
These were treasures he'd eventually pass to Kazuku!
But Tobirama knew haste made waste.
These powerful techniques weren't mastered overnight.
For now, taijutsu was the most suitable for Kazuku's training.
Having thoroughly shocked Hashirama, Tobirama left the Hokage Building.
With Kazuku's duel against Danzo set for half a month from now, it was time to design a proper training plan.
And Tobirama already had the perfect candidate in mind.
As he closed the door, Mito finished cutting fruit and placed it on the coffee table.
She'd heard every word of Tobirama and Hashirama's conversation.
And she knew her brother-in-law well.
"For Tobirama to have such confidence, Kazuku must have extraordinary talent," she said.
"Otherwise, he wouldn't have rushed here, acting so out of character."
Though Mito didn't hold a high-ranking position in Konoha, playing the role of homemaker and caring for Hashirama…
Before marrying him, she was no pushover.
She had her own sharp insights into ninjas, villages, and Kage.
For the calm and steady Tobirama to be so excited, proclaiming Kazuku would be Hokage within a decade…
It spoke volumes about Kazuku's brilliance!
"I'm really looking forward to it."
Mito's cheeks flushed as she sat on Hashirama's lap, her slender fingers resting on his shoulders.
"Hahaha, a Hokage under seventeen? That's something to look forward to," Hashirama nodded, laughing, his face beaming with pride.
As if to say, Kazuku's so amazing—guess whose genes he inherited?
"With such strong genes, don't you think we should cultivate another?" Mito teased, lowering her voice, leaning in slightly. "Little Ayako's already pregnant with her second."
Facing the woman who sealed the strongest Tailed Beast, the God of Shinobi couldn't hold his ground.
He ended up flat on the sofa.
I, Hashirama Senju, First Hokage of Konoha, accept the challenge!
Meanwhile, Tobirama didn't go straight to Kazuku after leaving the Hokage Building.
Instead, he sought out another ninja.
His name was Might Batsu.
He wasn't skilled in ninjutsu or genjutsu.
But in taijutsu, he was exceptional.
He was the perfect choice to guide Kazuku's taijutsu training.
Taijutsu training was less time-consuming than ninjutsu or genjutsu and would strengthen Kazuku's physique.
Paired with the Senju clan's monstrous strength, a single punch might be enough to defeat an enemy.
Plus, Flying Thunder God wasn't a forbidden technique.
Tobirama fully intended to teach it to Kazuku eventually.
Flying Thunder God + Monstrous Strength + Taijutsu.
This was the combat style Tobirama envisioned for Kazuku!
In other words, he planned to train Kazuku from the ground up!
After explaining his intentions to Might Batsu, Tobirama summoned Kazuku.
The three gathered at an outdoor training field.
"This is Might Batsu, a chunin in the village," Tobirama introduced.
Despite Batsu's outstanding taijutsu, his weaknesses in ninjutsu and genjutsu limited him in certain missions.
"But underestimating him just because he's a chunin would be a grave mistake," Tobirama emphasized.
However…
"The Might surname," Kazuku murmured to himself.
Might wasn't a clan name in Konoha.
Combined with the man's green bodysuit…
Kazuku's mind conjured images of Might Dai and Might Guy.
The former took on four of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen with the Eight Gates.
The latter nearly ended the story with his Eighth Gate kick.
"Hi, I'm Kazuku," he said, offering a polite smile.
Since Tobirama had arranged for Might Batsu to train him, the next half-month would focus on taijutsu.
After just over an hour in the Forest of Death, his physical stats had improved.
Half a month from now, he might reach chunin—or even jonin-level physical strength.
He wondered if Might Batsu would teach him the Eight Gates.
After all, he was the ultimate insider.
"Young Master Kazuku, hello!" Might Batsu flashed a thumbs-up, his face radiating a kind smile.
Was it Kazuku's imagination, or did Batsu's white teeth gleam with a special effect?
"I hear your taijutsu is impressive, Mr. Batsu. Please guide me over the next half-month," Kazuku said politely.
To Tobirama, Kazuku's demeanor was commendable. With his talent, he had every right to be arrogant.
Yet he treated a chunin like Might Batsu with respect, not condescension.
That was a mark of excellence.
"Haha, my taijutsu is just getting started—nothing compared to Lord Tobirama! But since it's you, Young Master Kazuku, I'll teach you everything I know!" Batsu said.
"So, for the time being, let's burn our youth together!"
"First up: 5,000 jump ropes!"
Kazuku: "???"
(End of Chapter)