Seeing the clan crest on Kazuku's shoulder, Gengetsu's eyes widened.
That crest was too famous.
"Senju of the Forest…"
Specifically, Hashirama Senju, who ended the Warring States, quelled chaos, and founded the ninja village.
Too famous.
Known across the ninja world.
Everyone who'd seen Hashirama called him the God of Ninja.
The closest to the Sage of the Six Paths.
Even Gengetsu respected and feared Hashirama's name.
First Mizukage Byakuren said during missions…
If they met Hashirama, abandon the task.
To avoid pointless losses.
Even Kages dreaded Hashirama.
"Hey, kid, what's Konoha's First Hokage to you?"
Gengetsu couldn't help asking about Kazuku's tie to Hashirama.
Though many ninja existed, truly great ones, renowned in the ninja world…
Were often from clans.
Even inherited.
Bloodlines determined so much.
Seeing Kazuku, Gengetsu linked him to Hashirama.
"This kid might be the First Hokage's grandson."
Gengetsu swallowed, musing.
Only such a lineage could explain Kazuku's terrifying strength.
At seven, wielding such power.
If another Mist ninja took this mission…
That single exchange…
Would've been a one-punch kill!
Yes.
Kazuku's fist gave Gengetsu that visceral impression.
Besides Hydration Technique, he couldn't imagine countering Kazuku.
"Me?"
Kazuku landed, observing Gengetsu.
He saw no need to hide.
"I'm Hashirama's grandson."
"As expected." Gengetsu gasped. Though he'd guessed, confirmation…
Still shocked him.
"Kid, your strength is the most terrifying I've encountered."
"You're pure gold."
"So, I—no, this great man—must kill you here."
Instantly, Gengetsu's eyes sharpened, killing intent surging toward Kazuku.
He bit his thumb, forming seals.
"Summoning Jutsu…"
Seeing this, Kazuku moved swiftly.
Though he had ways to counter Gengetsu's giant clam, the safest…
Was preventing the summoning.
Instantly!
Kazuku flashed before Gengetsu, sweeping a whip kick at his neck.
His physical attacks didn't need to land.
Forcing Gengetsu's Hydration Technique…
To interrupt the summoning was enough.
But…
Kazuku underestimated Gengetsu's tactical experience.
The kick swung, missing.
The eyebrowless Gengetsu vanished.
"Though I can't match your speed, kid, I've got ways to dodge your taijutsu."
As Kazuku nearly landed the hit, Gengetsu used Body Flicker.
Appearing elsewhere.
He completed the final seal.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
Gengetsu slapped the ground, white mist exploding, spreading.
A massive clam appeared beneath him!
Its size dwarfed Gengetsu dozens of times.
Its shell, impervious to ninja tools.
"Kid, you've lost."
Gengetsu stood atop the clam, looking down at Kazuku.
Failing to stop the summoning, Kazuku lost his only chance.
"Let's just say…"
"I love gold."
"But sadly, the First Hokage shouldn't have sent you."
"Given time, you'd make a name in the ninja world."
"But meeting me, you have no future, kid."
Gengetsu said seriously.
Kazuku's taijutsu shocked him.
But taijutsu alone couldn't beat him.
Genjutsu: Steaming Danger Tyranny!
The clam twitched its antennae, spewing thick fog, spreading widely.
The clam's body turned transparent.
Vanishing beneath Gengetsu.
He floated to the ground, standing steady.
The fog spread, then dissipated.
Hiruzen and the others stared at Gengetsu.
From their view, he'd done nothing.
But…
No one truly believed that.
Gengetsu must've used a powerful technique with the clam.
Uchiha Kagami activated his Sharingan, throwing a kunai at Gengetsu's heart.
Whoosh—
The kunai flew straight.
Gengetsu stood still.
No dodge, no defense.
Ignoring Kagami's attack.
Next second…
The kunai passed through him, causing no harm.
Hiruzen and the others' eyes widened.
They couldn't understand.
What did Gengetsu do?
"Useless."
Gengetsu savored their expressions.
Relishing the moment.
He loved when others couldn't fathom his technique.
From now, Kazuku and the others' attacks would be nullified.
He'd slowly kill them, then the daimyo.
Completing the mission.
Yes, smoothly.
With their lack of intel, Gengetsu couldn't imagine…
These Konoha ninja cracking the clam's technique.
Impossible.
But…
As Gengetsu prepared to act, eliminating everyone…
A loud crash came from behind.
Startling him, he turned.
There stood…
Seven-year-old Kazuku!
He'd precisely located the clam, unleashing monstrous strength, punching down!
Rumble!
(End of Chapter)