The next morning, Kazuku finished breakfast and headed straight to the training field.
After a night of rest, he felt invigorated, bursting with energy.
In no time, he arrived at the training field.
To his surprise, Might Batsu was already there, waiting.
"996."
"997."
"998."
"999."
"1000!"
As Batsu completed his 1,000-push-up challenge, he stood, flashed Kazuku a thumbs-up, his gleaming white teeth practically sparkling.
"Let's burn our youth again today!"
Kazuku returned a polite smile, inwardly chuckling, Truly a Might family member.
In his year-plus in the Naruto world, he'd never seen Konoha at 4 a.m.
How terrifying were disciplined ninjas?
Just look at the Might family.
"Let's start today's training challenge: 500 squats!" Batsu declared.
To him, 500 squats were a mere warm-up.
Perfect for Kazuku.
But just then, Tobirama Senju arrived, a bit late.
"Lord Tobirama!" Batsu paused his movements, greeting him.
As the inventor of the Shadow Clone Technique, Tobirama could leave a clone to handle daily affairs.
Thanks to Hashirama, the overseer of the peace treaty, there were no wars, making the Hokage's duties relatively light.
But Hashirama suffered from an incurable terminal illness. Tobirama estimated he had a few years left at most.
Once the God of Shinobi was gone, the stabilized ninja villages would surely reignite conflict!
The thought always weighed on Tobirama.
Until Kazuku displayed his extraordinary talent.
It gave Tobirama a glimmer of hope, a vision of the future.
Especially for those who'd lived through the Warring States era…
Peace was the world's greatest aspiration.
"Batsu, Kazuku, morning."
"Good morning, Lord Tobirama," Kazuku replied with a smile, then shifted gears. "Can I fight Danzo today?"
For Kazuku, he was itching to face Danzo.
It was like drawing a super-rare SSSSSSR card and being unable to resist crushing other players!
Danzo was that player!
"What fight?" Tobirama blinked, caught off guard.
"Huh? Did you forget, Lord Tobirama? I mentioned yesterday—I don't think I need half a month," Kazuku said, pausing briefly, his expression radiating unshakable confidence. "I'm ready to defeat Danzo now."
Tobirama froze.
Kazuku had indeed said this yesterday, but Tobirama hadn't taken it seriously.
Danzo wasn't just a chunin—he was an elite among chunin.
He might not seem like much now, but Tobirama was certain Danzo would achieve greatness.
A remarkable Konoha ninja.
After all, he was Tobirama Senju!
His eye for talent far surpassed Hashirama's.
From the start, Tobirama never believed Kazuku could beat Danzo.
In fact, he didn't think Kazuku had a chance.
Kazuku's talent was terrifying, monstrous even.
But his only advantage—Senju monstrous strength—had been banned by Tobirama.
The half-month goal was meant to motivate Kazuku.
To push him to train harder, pour all his energy into one goal.
The harder he tried, the more crushing his defeat to Danzo would be.
That would ignite his fighting spirit, driving him to train harder until he could one day surpass Danzo!
That was Tobirama's calculated plan.
But now, Kazuku had shocked him again.
It'd only been one day!
And he was demanding to challenge Danzo!
His demeanor was so serious, so confident!
"You really don't want to wait the full half-month?" Tobirama asked, astonished.
He'd been present during Kazuku's training with Batsu yesterday.
Kazuku was diligent, performing admirably.
But the training was just amplified basics.
1,000 push-ups, 1,000 sit-ups, 1,000 squats, a 100-kilometer run!
Combat experience?
Taijutsu techniques?
Kazuku hadn't touched either.
Where did this confidence to face Danzo come from?
Tobirama couldn't fathom it.
"Why should I wait half a month?" Kazuku shook his head, a hint of confusion on his face.
"I can challenge Danzo now!"
"Or do you think I was joking yesterday, Lord Tobirama?"
Tobirama was at a loss for words.
He genuinely didn't know what to say.
Kazuku's eyes burned with conviction, exuding powerful confidence.
From this seven-year-old, Tobirama sensed no arrogance or delusions of grandeur.
Could he really be confident in beating Danzo?
But after just one day of training…
Tobirama was baffled but intrigued.
"Batsu, go get Danzo."
After a long silence, Tobirama finally spoke, deciding to see what gave this kid such confidence!
Now it was Batsu's turn to be stunned.
"Lord Tobirama, you're really letting Kazuku challenge Danzo?"
His eyes widened. He never dreamed Tobirama would agree to a seven-year-old's outrageous request!
Batsu knew Danzo.
Among their graduating ninja class…
Whether written exams or practical tests, Danzo's scores were exceptional.
Without the Eight Gates, Batsu doubted he'd last three rounds against Danzo.
Especially Danzo's Wind Release.
It was unmatched among his peers!
And Kazuku?
He was seven!
How long had he trained?
One day!
Challenging Danzo after one day was pure fantasy!
That was Danzo!
"Kazuku, I don't know why you're so eager to fight Danzo, but after just one day of training, you think you can surpass his ten years of effort?" Batsu took a deep breath, urging Kazuku to abandon this unrealistic notion and focus on steady training.
"You haven't seen me fight. How do you know I can't do it?" Kazuku replied nonchalantly.
"Batsu, go get Danzo," Tobirama repeated, exasperated.
"But, Lord Tobirama…" Batsu started, only to be silenced by Tobirama's glare, swallowing his words.
Then, Tobirama issued a warning to Kazuku.
"You're free to challenge Danzo whenever you want, but if you lose, don't say I didn't warn you—the consequences will be severe."
(End of Chapter)