The following days, Kazuku and Sakumo ran missions nonstop.
Perhaps Tobirama arranged it, but Kazuku got simple D-rank tasks.
Like finding cats, shopping.
He could finish two or three daily.
The day before the chunin exam, Kazuku completed ten missions!
Hokage Building.
Sarutobi reached Tobirama's office, knocking lightly.
With permission, he entered.
"What's up, Hiruzen?" Tobirama asked.
Sarutobi nodded, cutting to the chase. "I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, of Team 7, recommend Kazuku and Sakumo…"
"In my name, for the chunin exam."
Genin with eight missions qualified, but needed a sensei's nomination.
Though not their sensei, Sarutobi was Team 7's captain.
Reporting to Tobirama was protocol.
"Got it."
Tobirama said lightly, but he was eager for Kazuku's performance.
Especially the C-rank mission he assigned.
Tobirama knew Kumogakure targeted Yuna for Uzumaki secrets.
He pretended ignorance, giving Kazuku the mission to test his real combat!
If Kazuku froze in fear, he wasn't ready for the chunin exam!
"Didn't expect Kazuku to develop a taijutsu like Morning Peacock…"
Tobirama marveled inwardly.
He discovered chakra flow limits, creating the Eight Gates.
Finding it too damaging, he banned it.
Kazuku built Morning Peacock on it.
Proof he was a peerless genius in ninjutsu creation!
This escort mission thrilled Tobirama, solidifying his resolve to groom Kazuku as Hokage!
"By the way, tell Kazuku he's forbidden from using Morning Peacock in the exam," Tobirama said.
Its power was great, but the damage was extreme.
Even Kazuku's Seal-less Healing couldn't recover quickly.
Best he avoid it.
Tobirama knew so much not just from Sarutobi's report…
But because…
He secretly followed Kazuku!
To avoid Sarutobi's senses, he kept distance, using Telescope Technique!
Crucially, Kazuku carried Tobirama's special kunai, marked with Flying Thunder God.
If Kazuku hadn't used Morning Peacock on Chikusho…
Chikusho would've died worse!
Tobirama was raising Kazuku to be Konohagakure's Hokage!
How could he let him die young?
What Tobirama never expected…
When he thought Kazuku's team was cornered, ready to use Flying Thunder God…
Kazuku punched, igniting flames with air friction!
Undoubtedly, Tobirama was shocked again!
Kazuku exceeded all expectations!
Chikusho was a Kumogakure jonin with a bloodline limit!
Tobirama's eyes flashed with fervor.
"To strengthen allied bonds, I invited Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and talented genin from nearby smaller nations for this exam."
"Among them are rare geniuses, powerful bloodline limit users."
"Crucially, the Kazekage and Tsuchikage are attending."
Since Hashirama's illness, the five villages stirred.
After deliberation, Tobirama issued this invitation, hoping genin from all villages would join.
One, to ease tensions from martial balance.
Two, to show Konohagakure's might.
To prove…
Even with Hashirama ill, Konohagakure remained strong!
"And to let Konohagakure's clan leaders witness Kazuku's talent."
"Especially the Uchiha."
Tobirama thought.
He had no major issue with the Uchiha, but anyone threatening the village warranted caution.
The Uchiha were the strongest.
They required the most attention.
Before Kazuku, the Senju faced a successor crisis.
Tobirama had no Hokage candidate in the clan.
Other clans eyed the Third Hokage seat.
Now, with Kazuku…
Tobirama hoped they'd abandon that ambition.
"Plus, Hashirama's lifespan."
"Though drugs stabilize Hashirama's condition, it could worsen anytime."
"If he dies, other Kages might start wars."
"As Second Hokage, I'd fight to protect the village."
This was why Tobirama rushed to groom Kazuku.
Kazuku had Hokage potential, and Tobirama was certain, with his talent, he'd be Hokage in a decade!
But…
Could Hashirama live that long?
Tobirama wasn't confident.
If Hashirama died…
And Tobirama fell in battle…
Kazuku, without backing, might not become Hokage, no matter his talent.
He could even be targeted!
As long as Tobirama and Hashirama lived, Kazuku was Konohagakure's golden child.
Without them…
He'd just be Kazuku.
From the Warring States, Tobirama knew war's cruelty.
"Five years."
"In five years, I'll make Kazuku Hokage!"
Tobirama vowed, resolute.
Five years—Hashirama's lifespan!
Tobirama's gaze sharpened, fist clenching. "I've never lost a bet with Hashirama. This time, you must live five years."
Two days later…
The chunin exam began!
Early morning, Kazuku opened his window, breathing fresh air.
"Chunin exam, I'm here!"
(End of Chapter)