Just a quick shout-out from your humble translator-nin: if you enjoyed the chapter (or even if you just enjoyed spotting my typos), feel free to drop a little review! It feeds my chakra and keeps my jutsu strong (especially the sacred Art of Translation no Jutsu).
Consider it your daily mission from the Hokage. Don't leave me hanging like Kakashi at a group meeting. (´･_･`)
Alright, I'll shut up now—dattebayo!
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After making all the necessary preparations, Kazekaze arrived at the training ground. Tobirama, Hiruzen, Danzo, Kagami, Homura, Koharu, and Torifu arrived one after another. Everyone was giving it their all, fully energized. It was clear that they had prepared thoroughly for today.
Although Kazekaze had checked in once more during this time, he didn't draw anything good from the check-in package. He only received a Wood Release Clone. For Hiruzen and the others, this was probably good news. Kazekaze hadn't gained any substantial improvement. Of course, this was something Hiruzen and the others couldn't possibly know.
Kazekaze and Hiruzen's group stood in two rows with perfect coordination. Both sides were well aware that the people standing before them were their opponents for the upcoming challenge. Everyone was quite impressive. Tobirama observed both sides, feeling a sense of admiration. Whether it was Kazekaze or Hiruzen and the others, they all exuded confidence. None of them showed any signs of fear before the battle began. This was something that made Tobirama quite pleased. It showed that he hadn't misjudged these promising talents.
"Well then..." Tobirama began. "Let me explain the rules." As Tobirama spoke, he pulled out two bells from his pocket.
"Bells?" Hiruzen and the others tilted their heads, not understanding why Tobirama suddenly produced two bells. Kazekaze, on the other hand, immediately understood. The Bell Snatching Battle! This was undoubtedly an old tradition of the Hidden Leaf Village.
"I thought this kind of practical exercise was invented by Sarutobi Hiruzen, but it turns out it was Tobirama," Kazekaze murmured to himself, saying nothing.
"That's right," Tobirama nodded and explained, "Hiruzen, your task is to snatch the bells from Kazekaze's hands. As long as you can get the bells, you'll be considered victorious."
In Tobirama's view, Hiruzen and the others alone couldn't possibly defeat the current Kazekaze. It was basically impossible. Even the Kinkaku Force had fallen at Kazekaze's hands. Moreover, he had awakened the Wood Release. Even if Hiruzen and the others were given a month, they couldn't make any substantial leap.
On the other hand, Kazekaze... His growth rate could only be described as monstrous. He learned the Eight Gates just by observing it once. In just three short months, he was promoted to Special Jonin. This kind of talent was the most terrifying aspect. Who knows how much Kazekaze has strengthened in this month? If the goal was to defeat him, Tobirama was genuinely worried... Hiruzen and the others might feel despair!
After much consideration, Tobirama came up with this plan. It could reduce the difficulty to some extent. So, Tobirama tossed the bells to Kazekaze, signaling him to tie them to his belt. Kazekaze naturally didn't refuse; he caught the bells with one hand and easily tied them on. With just a slight movement, the bells would emit a crisp sound. It sounded quite pleasant.
Meanwhile, Hiruzen and the others focused intently on Kazekaze's bells. Because they also noticed this detail. As long as Kazekaze moved slightly, the bells would ring. In other words, these two bells effectively prevented Kazekaze from hiding in the shadows.
"However, doesn't this mean..." Hiruzen gasped, realizing the significance behind the bells, "In Lord Tobirama's eyes, he believes that only with such a balancing mechanism do we stand a chance of winning."
For Hiruzen, this way of lowering the difficulty was actually a blow. The current Kazekaze... Just how strong is he? Not long ago, wasn't he not even a ninja? During the escort mission, he was still his subordinate. In the blink of an eye, he became someone Hiruzen had to challenge! This growth rate completely overturned his understanding!
"It seems Lord Tobirama believes that if Kazekaze hides in the shadows and strikes opportunistically, he could take us down one by one. Having him carry the bells effectively nullifies a tactic that suits him." Uchiha Kagami shared his analysis with everyone. In other words, he wanted his companions to realize. The actual purpose of those two bells... Was to protect them!
"Bells." Danzo gritted his teeth, feeling very conflicted. Could Lord Hashirama's bloodline really be this terrifying? Kazekaze was only seven years old, yet he was so powerful that they all had to face him together! Not only that! Lord Tobirama even specifically imposed restrictions on Kazekaze. To weaken his power and achieve some balance.
However, just when everyone thought that the bell restriction was already quite exaggerated, Tobirama once again said something astonishing!
"In addition, I have another condition." Tobirama turned to look at Kazekaze. It was obvious that the condition he mentioned was specifically aimed at Kazekaze. "You are forbidden from using the Eight Gates and the Shadow Clone Technique."
As soon as he said this, the whole place was in an uproar! Especially Hiruzen and Danzo. Their jaws almost dropped to the ground in shock. They... Did they hear that right? Lord Tobirama forbade Kazekaze from using the Eight Gates and the Shadow Clone Technique? Aren't these two jutsu Kazekaze's signature moves? With these two jutsu banned, how is Kazekaze supposed to fight them?
Wait... That's not right. That's not it. Hiruzen gasped again, his eyes wide as saucers. "Lord Tobirama means that even if Kazekaze doesn't use the Eight Gates and the Shadow Clone Technique, we still wouldn't be his match?" The quick-thinking Hiruzen was the first to react. Next were Koharu, Homura, Kagami, and Torifu. And finally, Danzo.
Kazekaze... Isn't he only seven years old this year? What kind of monster is he! To defeat them without using the Eight Gates, the Shadow Clone Technique, and while carrying the bells! How could such a thing be possible? Isn't that just too outrageous!
"No problem." Kazekaze nodded without a hint of hesitation. Ever since mastering the Wood Release, he hasn't been as reliant on the Eight Gates. Presumably, Tobirama suggested this restriction because of that. He wanted to see to what extent he could utilize the Wood Release. He could understand that. As for the Shadow Clone Technique. Sorry. I've now learned the more useful Wood Release Clone. Whether that jutsu is banned or not doesn't affect me much.
"Since everyone is ready, then..." Tobirama took a step back and announced the official start of the practical exercise!
Whoosh—
Whoosh—
Hiruzen and the others instantly turned into shadows, retreating into the forest behind them and disappearing. This exercise would last for a day and a night. As long as they could get the bells from Kazekaze within this time limit, they would be considered victorious.
"Conversely, if you all lose to Kazekaze, then you shouldn't have any complaints about him becoming the captain."