What?
This seven-year-old was the captain?
The daimyo froze, studying Kazuku incredulously.
Not just her.
Everyone present…
Except Konoha ninja who knew Kazuku's strength, was stunned.
Even the Land of Waves' elder was dumbfounded.
Having lived through the Warring States, he knew sending four- or five-year-olds to battle was common.
But…
A six- or seven-year-old leading a ninja team…
How terrifying was his talent?
Crucially, when Kazuku casually said this…
His Konoha teammates showed no objections, acting as if it were normal.
This meant they…
Fully accepted Kazuku as captain.
They were convinced.
This stunned the elder.
"A six- or seven-year-old as captain…" Kabi couldn't help muttering.
He thought Kazuku was just a team member.
Never imagining he was the captain!
He questioned Kazuku's ability.
His thoughts mirrored everyone unfamiliar with Kazuku.
Kabi just voiced it.
As the daimyo's guard, he had a duty to ensure her safety.
Moreover, they were paying Konoha.
Two million ryo.
No small sum for a nation like the Land of Waves.
Though Hiruzen and the others were young, they seemed reliable.
Kazuku, at six or seven, seemed absurd to Kabi.
The atmosphere tensed.
"So, you're questioning my strength?" Kazuku glanced at Kabi, speaking softly.
To Kazuku, it wasn't an issue.
His body was seven.
A child.
While others attended ninja academy…
He was a special jonin.
Being questioned was reasonable.
"Fine."
Kazuku sat cross-legged, one hand on his thigh, precisely controlling Hashirama's chakra, enveloping his body.
Instantly, Kazuku focused, unleashing the chakra!
Next second…
The chakra stirred the air, erupting in a terrifying gust, spreading outward.
The floor beneath, the ceiling above, and the walls…
Cracked, spiderweb patterns forming.
Kabi and the daimyo's samurai guards never expected Kazuku's chakra to be so terrifying.
The force pushed them back several steps.
The elder quickly shielded the daimyo, his spine chilling.
He never dreamed he'd feel this…
From a seven-year-old.
"This… is Konoha's ninja?"
The elder swallowed hard.
Kazuku's body was cloaked in purple chakra, like a coat.
Even the elder, a Warring States veteran…
Had never seen such terrifying chakra!
Like…
A monster.
He wondered if Kazuku were the assassin…
All their samurai would die!
Too terrifying!
Was this guy really seven?
"No matter how many times I see it, Kazuku's chakra is terrifying…" Hiruzen thought.
He'd always prided himself on his large chakra reserves.
Far above peers.
Until Kazuku.
He realized his chakra…
Was nothing special.
"Like that day." Koharu stared at Kazuku's profile.
Recalling their first meeting in the Forest of Death.
Attacked by two beasts…
In danger…
Kazuku's terrifying chakra saved her.
Though seven, Kazuku gave Koharu immense security.
Kazuku scanned the room, noting their reactions, and smiled faintly.
He retracted his monstrous strength.
"If anyone still doubts my strength…"
Kazuku paused, raising his voice, "They're welcome to challenge me."
His edge was sharp!
The samurai exchanged glances, their faces showing only shock at Kazuku's power.
Silence.
No samurai dared challenge him.
Even Kabi was stunned.
If he hadn't seen it…
He'd never believe a six- or seven-year-old…
Could unleash such a terrifying chakra gust.
How could anyone not be shocked?
Too shocking!
"No wonder Konoha's the strongest ninja village. A random six- or seven-year-old has such power."
The daimyo gasped, finding Konoha…
Terrifying.
Kazuku's display gave her confidence.
With such a ninja protecting her…
The open-country policy…
Would succeed!
The elder suppressed his emotions.
But the shock of Kazuku's chakra lingered.
"No wonder…"
"He said as long as they paid…"
"Even the Mizukage couldn't kill the daimyo."
"I thought it was childish bravado, but now…"
"He's qualified to say that…"
The elder muttered inwardly.
However, a Kage was above thousands of ninja, not easily hired.
The Land of Waves was small.
Those opposing the daimyo…
Couldn't afford a fortune.
The Mist ninja sent were likely jonin-level.
With Kazuku…
The daimyo's safety was assured.
After Kazuku's chakra display shocked everyone…
The daimyo, elder, and samurai…
No longer doubted him.
The elder quickly arranged rooms for Kazuku's team.
Next…
Was implementing the daimyo's policy.
Meanwhile…
Land of Water.
Mist Village.
Mizukage's Office.
First Mizukage Byakuren studied a commission.
It requested assassinating a nation's daimyo.
"Though a small nation's daimyo, it won't be easy."
Byakuren pondered, assuming the daimyo's wealth…
Would hire other village ninja for protection.
"But they paid well. Let Hozuki handle it."
(End of Chapter)