Otherwise, how to explain it?
From the first check-in, over four months had passed.
He'd checked in seven or eight times.
Never a repeat.
Statistically, that's abnormal.
"Unless drawn rewards are removed from the pool!"
This discovery thrilled Kazuku, like finding a new continent.
If he was right…
Upgrading his three-tomoe to Mangekyo was just a matter of time.
Keep checking in…
And he'd eventually get it!
"Now, I need to consider the mastermind."
Before, Kazuku lacked the focus or power to think about this.
And…
Though a genius in Hashirama and Tobirama's eyes…
His fame hadn't spread beyond the village.
It shouldn't have caught Madara's attention.
But!
"Causing a scene in the Land of Waves might've alerted Madara."
"I need to be cautious."
Black Zetsu?
He had little power.
Couldn't even beat Chojuro.
If he showed up, Kazuku would deal with him.
But Black Zetsu wasn't that dumb.
As the mastermind…
He wouldn't appear until Madara believed he was his will.
"With Hashirama alive, Madara won't act rashly."
Earlier, Kazuku thought if he were Madara, he'd rush to eliminate him.
But…
That was from a transmigrator's omniscient perspective.
"I know I'm a transmigrator with all the intel. I know I have a check-in system, capable of learning any ninjutsu."
"From my view, killing me before I'm invincible is safest."
But…
Neither Madara nor Black Zetsu were omniscient.
They couldn't know about his system.
With Hashirama alive…
If Madara recklessly attacked Kazuku in Konoha…
His faked death would be exposed.
A risk Madara couldn't take.
"So, Hashirama's lifespan not only affects the First Ninja War's outbreak…"
"But also Madara's actions?"
In other words, Kazuku's safest plan…
Was to surpass Madara before Hashirama died.
"I recall Madara said he awakened the Rinnegan near death."
"Then entrusted the Moon's Eye Plan to Obito."
So, Madara didn't have the Rinnegan now!
"Even without it…"
"Madara has Wood Release and Susanoo."
"In Wood Release, I only know Wood Human and Wood Dragon."
"For Sharingan, I don't even have Mangekyo."
As Kazuku sorted these clues, a knock came.
"Kazuku, someone's here for you."
Hashirama's voice.
Say what you will, Hashirama adored Tsunade.
Once slightly recovered, he rushed to play with her.
"Someone for me?"
Kazuku replied, done with check-ins, and left his room.
To his surprise…
The visitor was the ninja he defeated in the final round of the Chunin Exams' first test.
Uchiha Setsuna.
"Young Master Kazuku." Setsuna smiled as Kazuku emerged. "Long time no see."
"What do you want?" Kazuku said lightly.
He didn't know why Setsuna came, but he had no fond feelings.
"Here's the thing." Setsuna ignored Kazuku's tone, still smiling falsely.
"After losing to you in the Chunin Exams, I trained hard."
"I'm stronger now."
"So…"
Setsuna bowed deeply.
"Please, Young Master Kazuku, fight me again."
Before Kazuku could refuse, Hashirama laughed. "Hahaha, nice. The Uchihas are hardworking."
"Kazuku, accept."
Though Hashirama seemed unreliable, he always worried for the village.
He hoped clan divides would vanish.
Children trusting each other openly.
His ideal, his reason for founding Konoha.
Among clans, he most wanted the Senju and Uchiha to reconcile.
To see each other as friends.
Sadly…
He failed.
He killed Madara.
And Tobirama was wary of the Uchihas.
Given this…
Hashirama believed only Kazuku could achieve what he couldn't.
His face softened, hoping Kazuku would follow his wish.
Spar with Setsuna.
But…
Go easy.
Hashirama didn't know Setsuna's confidence, but given Kazuku's strength…
Setsuna had no chance.
To convey this, Hashirama winked.
Setsuna's attitude was earnest.
"Please, Young Master Kazuku."
Kazuku stood, glancing at Setsuna, then Hashirama.
Finally, he sighed, nodding. "Fine."
But a spar? This guy wouldn't last a round.
What a waste.
A rare rest day.
So, Kazuku followed Setsuna out.
Since fighting in village streets was impractical…
Setsuna suggested a place ideal for sparring.
Kazuku didn't refuse.
Ten minutes later, they reached a quiet forest.
"Here is?" Kazuku scanned, unfamiliar with the area.
"This is the Uchiha clan's territory." Setsuna grinned, clapping.
Instantly, a dozen shadows emerged from the trees, surrounding Kazuku.
Kazuku: "???"
(End of Chapter)