With the Gate of Life's high-speed movement, Kazuku vanished instantly.
By the time the Third Kazekage reacted, Kazuku was behind him, fist clenched, striking.
"What?" The Third Kazekage's face changed, unprepared for such terrifying speed.
But…
He wasn't ordinary. Sunagakure's strongest genin and Retto's disciple.
His reaction…
And split-second judgment…
Were exceptional.
Instinctively, he condensed the surrounding iron sand behind him, forming a black iron wall.
Boom!
A massive explosion erupted between them.
The Third Kazekage's iron "shield" was dented into a C-shape by Kazuku's fist!
"Such a terrifying punch…" His pupils dilated, shocked.
Without seeing it, he wouldn't believe such destruction came from a seven-year-old.
"As expected of the future Third Kazekage."
"Blocking my attack with iron sand at the last moment."
Kazuku marveled inwardly.
He wasn't discouraged.
If the future Third Kazekage was weak, Kazuku's week of anticipation would've been wasted.
Missing his strike, Kazuku moved again.
"Gone again," the Third Kazekage exclaimed.
He couldn't comprehend or imagine…
How Kazuku trained his taijutsu to such heights.
His movements were too fast for the naked eye.
"Unbelievable. Is this humanly possible?"
Only now did the Third Kazekage realize how laughable his concern was.
Worrying his bloodline limit would traumatize Kazuku!
This speed alone made Kazuku Konohagakure's strongest genin.
This was…
Konohagakure's strongest genin versus Sunagakure's strongest genin!
"Kazuku, I owe you an apology."
Though his eyes struggled to track Kazuku, he wasn't helpless.
Kazuku's taijutsu was elite, but his strikes carried fist wind.
By reading it, the Third Kazekage could predict Kazuku's attack path, condensing iron sand to block.
Then…
While blocking, he tried trapping Kazuku with iron sand.
If Kazuku's limbs were bound, the fight would end.
But first, he felt compelled to apologize.
"When I first saw you, I thought you were an ordinary Konohagakure genin."
"I even asked you to forfeit."
"Now, that was absurd."
"You're an opponent worthy of my full strength!"
As he spoke, the Third Kazekage drew more chakra, converting it into iron sand.
But…
He didn't use it all for defense.
He split it.
One part formed a "shield" to block Kazuku's strikes; the other compressed into a sharp spear.
Then…
It thrust toward Kazuku's likely attack paths!
On the Kage stand…
Tobirama's eyes widened. "He's predicting Kazuku's attacks."
He thought the fight would end with Kazuku's Eight Gates.
He never expected the Third Kazekage to not only survive but find a counter!
Crucially, Kazuku was a new genin.
In preliminaries, he never used Eight Gates.
The Third Kazekage couldn't have had prior intel!
"He's adapting to Kazuku's speed in real-time, growing fast," Hashirama voiced Tobirama's thoughts.
To him, it was like shogi. Each turn offered countless moves.
But only one checkmated or turned the tide!
Crucially…
Though common knowledge, finding the right move under pressure in limited time…
Wasn't easy.
Beyond rigorous training, it required immense talent.
The Third Kazekage was a genius among geniuses!
"Kazekage-sama, you've raised an exceptional disciple," Hashirama said, thrilled.
He acknowledged the Third Kazekage's talent and strength.
But…
He didn't think Kazuku would lose.
The Gate of Life wasn't Kazuku's limit.
He could go further!
"Kazuku facing such an opponent in the main exam is perfect!"
Hashirama thought.
Kazekage Retto broke into a cold sweat.
From Hashirama and Tobirama's exchange, a shocking fact emerged.
Kazuku…
Became a ninja recently.
And…
He'd had no formal training before!
The Third Kazekage trained under Retto for five years to hone his combat instincts!
At seven, facing Kazuku…
He'd have been crushed!
"Kazuku's the real monster."
Retto gasped.
What's with the Senju?
All monsters?
"Hokage-sama, your grandson… is really just seven?" Tsuchikage Ishigawa's voice trembled.
Though Iwagakure had three genin in the main exam, Ishigawa knew their limits.
Frankly, all three together wouldn't stand a chance against Kazuku.
They'd likely be one-shot!
Even if the Third Kazekage now matched Kazuku…
Kazuku was seven!
In five years, he'd be the Third Kazekage's age.
With his talent, how far would he grow?
Unimaginable!
Compared, the Third Kazekage's genius dimmed.
That was the true terror.
Damn!
Why isn't Kazuku my grandson?
If he were, I'd groom him as the future Tsuchikage!
Ishigawa was certain.
Within a decade, Kazuku would be history's strongest Tsuchikage!
Kazuku and the Third Kazekage's battle shocked four Kage-level powerhouses!
(End of Chapter)