Tobirama stood stunned on the viewing platform, eyes wide, face shocked after witnessing Kazuku versus Uchiha Setsuna.
What did he see?
Tobirama never dreamed Kazuku would one-shot Setsuna in a single round!
This upended his worldview!
"It's not that I didn't expect Kazuku to win."
"I never imagined he'd win like this!"
"Though Setsuna's a genin, that's because he's Uchiha."
"In raw strength, he's stronger than Danzo."
Tobirama marveled inwardly.
If Kazuku used the Gate of View…
No.
Even the Gate of Opening, defeating Setsuna wouldn't shock Tobirama.
He rated Kazuku's taijutsu highly.
Without ninjutsu or genjutsu, in pure taijutsu, few could match Kazuku.
But…
He didn't even use the Eight Gates' first gate!
One ninjutsu one-shot Setsuna!
"And if I saw right, Kazuku only used three seals for Water Dragon Bullet!"
Though a B-rank jutsu, Water Dragon Bullet was versatile, a top-tier Water Release.
Its only flaw: requiring forty-four seals.
Slow sealers left openings.
To counter Uchiha Izuna's Fire Release, Tobirama simplified Water Dragon Bullet to three seals.
But…
Simplified sealing required immense ninjutsu talent!
"Not just taijutsu—is Kazuku a monstrous genius in ninjutsu too?"
Tobirama sighed.
For true geniuses, every field was their domain!
"I never taught Kazuku ninjutsu or demonstrated it…"
Tobirama glanced at Sarutobi in the arena.
With all five chakra natures, Sarutobi's Water Release was strong.
But even he needed twelve seals for Water Dragon Bullet.
So, Sarutobi couldn't have taught Kazuku three-seal casting.
Could it be…
Kazuku…
Self-taught and mastered simplified Water Dragon Bullet?
Calm.
Calm.
"Wait, maybe it was him."
Tobirama thought of Hashirama.
He'd heard Hashirama took Kazuku aside upon his return.
Did Hashirama teach him then?
In truth…
Wood Release fused Water and Earth Release chakra, a bloodline limit.
Though Hashirama fought with Wood Release, he was a master of Water and Earth Release.
If it was him, Kazuku knowing Water Dragon Bullet wasn't odd.
Tobirama's mood eased.
Though Kazuku was his grandson, and his talent thrilled Tobirama…
It also bruised his ego.
He'd fought Izuna countless times to simplify Water Dragon Bullet to three seals.
During the Yuna escort, Kazuku knew no ninjutsu!
Learning Water Dragon Bullet and simplifying it in a week…
Too absurd!
It made Tobirama feel like a ninjutsu dunce.
Mortifying!
Especially…
Knowing Kazuku, he'd probably say:
"No way, no way, someone thinks Water Dragon Bullet is hard?"
"What? It needs forty-four seals? Three's enough."
"Oh, I learned it at a glance, found the seals tedious, and simplified it casually."
Tobirama clutched his forehead, imagining Kazuku's tone and innocent look vividly.
Given this…
Tobirama preferred believing Hashirama tutored Kazuku before the exam.
Not that Kazuku self-developed Water Dragon Bullet!
"Wait."
Tobirama shook his head, exasperated.
"I'm the Second Hokage—why compete with a seven-year-old? Pointless."
Tobirama consoled himself.
Meanwhile…
After defeating Setsuna, Kazuku earned a main exam spot and could leave.
But since Sakumo hadn't advanced, Kazuku decided to watch.
Then, Sarutobi called him.
Kazuku turned, seeing Sarutobi's warm smile.
"Congrats, Kazuku."
"Didn't expect you to beat Setsuna without Eight Gates."
"He's a genin, but stronger than Danzo."
"Was that Water Dragon Bullet taught by Tobirama-sama?"
Meeting Kazuku, Sarutobi spilled his thoughts.
He was genuinely happy for Kazuku and brimming with questions.
Normally, Water Dragon Bullet needed forty-four seals; only Tobirama-sama simplified it to three.
"I learned it instantly, found the seals tedious, and simplified it casually," Kazuku said lightly.
He did learn Water Release instantly.
Though his teacher was named [Intermediate Water Release Gift Pack].
Sarutobi's face darkened.
Casually simplified?
You think it's that easy?
Even I need twelve seals for Water Dragon Bullet!
But as Sarutobi griped, he realized…
Kazuku wasn't an ordinary genin—normal logic didn't apply.
Hadn't he been slapped enough?
"Comparing myself to a monster like Kazuku…"
Sarutobi's lips trembled.
The talent gap was astronomical!
"No one can match Kazuku's ninjutsu learning speed."
"Not even Uchiha geniuses."
Geniuses came yearly.
But a superhuman, monstrous genius like Kazuku?
The ninja world had no second!
"Let's go, Hiruzen. Let's check on Sakumo—his match shouldn't be over."
Kazuku nudged the dazed Sarutobi.
As Team 7's member, they should support Sakumo.
"I wonder who Sakumo's opponent is."
Kazuku murmured, heading to Arena 1.
(End of Chapter)