When Might Batsu found Danzo, he was sparring with Hiruzen and the others.
Despite Kazuku being just a seven-year-old, Danzo took their upcoming fight seriously.
After all…
This was the monster who adapted to the wilderness survival exercise in half an hour!
"Danzo," Batsu called, explaining his purpose.
As expected, the news that Kazuku wanted to challenge Danzo now left Hiruzen and the others in disbelief.
Danzo's expression was as if he'd swallowed two pounds of flies.
It'd only been one day!
What could Kazuku possibly bring to the table?
With his terrifying talent, maybe in half a month, he'd have a slim chance.
But now, trying to bridge a ten-year gap in one day?
Pure delusion.
"This fight has no suspense," Danzo said bluntly.
The others shared his sentiment.
Even Batsu, who still couldn't wrap his head around it.
A seven-year-old challenging a powerhouse like Danzo? Even as the First Hokage's grandson, it was absurd!
Batsu could already picture it.
Kazuku, crushed by Danzo, questioning his life.
No matter how you sliced it, the age gap was too vast!
Kazuku's legs weren't even as long as Danzo's arms.
If Danzo held Kazuku's forehead, no amount of flailing would reach him.
And their physical strength and conditioning? Worlds apart.
Hiruzen and the others followed Danzo to the training field where Kazuku waited.
Tobirama stood with arms crossed, eyes closed, resting.
Kazuku was doing various warm-up exercises.
"Lord Tobirama," Danzo stepped forward, glancing at the confident Kazuku, unable to fathom who gave him such courage.
He'd thought this was just Kazuku's childish tantrum, but Tobirama's expression was deadly serious. "Danzo, are you ready?"
Ready…
Did he really want Danzo to thrash Kazuku?
"But, Lord Tobirama, Kazuku is only…" Danzo began, only to be cut off.
Tobirama knew what his disciple wanted to say.
"Danzo, you have one job: don't hold back. Defeat Kazuku with full force!" Tobirama declared firmly.
His words weren't just for Danzo but for Kazuku too.
If Kazuku thought his status as Hashirama's grandson meant Danzo wouldn't dare touch him…
He was gravely mistaken!
No Senju should harbor such a shameful mindset!
"Batsu, you'll referee this match," Tobirama ordered.
Since it was a match, it needed proper structure.
And…
Deep down, Tobirama was a bit worried about Kazuku.
He didn't know where his confidence came from, but Danzo wasn't as weak as he thought.
His Wind Release was among Konoha's best.
Having Batsu as referee ensured he could intervene if Kazuku was in danger.
Stop Danzo.
It was clear Tobirama didn't favor Kazuku's chances.
In fact, Hiruzen, the others, and Batsu all believed Kazuku was doomed to lose!
"I understand," Batsu nodded, moving to the center of the field.
He'd never refereed but had seen it during the Chunin Exams.
Gesturing, he directed Kazuku and Danzo to stand five meters apart, on his left and right.
"As referee, here are the rules: this is a point-based match. If I judge either side to be in danger, I'll stop the fight immediately. Any questions?"
When Batsu said this, his gaze locked onto Danzo.
Their eyes met, as if the rules weren't for the match but a direct warning to Danzo.
"No questions," Kazuku replied casually, readying himself.
Sigh. Danzo shook his head, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.
He still couldn't grasp Kazuku's thinking.
Confidence was good, but blind arrogance was disastrous!
"Young Master Kazuku," Danzo's smile faded, his face turning serious as he stared at Kazuku. "You heard Lord Tobirama."
"Even with your status as the First Hokage's grandson, I won't hold back in this fight!"
"That's a ninja's resolve."
"And treating this match like a game? I neither understand nor accept it."
"So…"
Danzo paused, taking a deep breath. "If you want to back out, now's your chance. I don't want to hurt you."
Though Batsu mentioned point-based rules, Danzo worried a single kick might break Kazuku's ribs.
The physical gap was undeniable.
Hiruzen, Kagami, Koharu, Menma, and Torifu watched intently, sweating for Kazuku.
They prayed Danzo would stay rational and go easy when needed.
"Danzo's serious," Tobirama thought, surprised by his disciple's intensity, growing even less optimistic about Kazuku.
Kazuku was in for a rough time.
But what could be done? He'd brought this on himself.
Tobirama had given him half a month.
Kazuku didn't value it.
Treating the match like a game.
Let this be a lesson.
Tobirama even suspected his praise had inflated Kazuku's ego, leading to this. Using Danzo to ground him wasn't a bad thing.
Seeing Danzo's condescending, I'm-about-to-crush-you attitude, Kazuku only nodded slightly.
"Even so, I hope you'll keep your word."
"Give it your all, Danzo."
On the surface, Kazuku was calm, but inside, he was entirely different.
Brother Danzo, go ahead and give it your all.
Then you'll see—if effort mattered, what's the point of cheats?
"If there are no other issues, I declare the match—begin!" Batsu announced.
With that, Kazuku vs. Danzo officially started!
Hiruzen, Kagami, Koharu, Menma, and Torifu watched Kazuku with worry, praying Danzo would hold back.
Tobirama and Batsu observed silently, ready to intervene.
But…
What no one expected…
As the match began, Kazuku clenched his fists, dropping into a horse stance.
"First Gate, Gate of Opening—open!"
(End of Chapter)