Though Kazuku was in too much pain to move, his mind remained sharp.
Seeing Yuna's action, he instantly understood.
One Uzumaki clan ability was healing chakra and injuries by biting their skin.
So, Kazuku opened his mouth, enduring the agony, and bit Yuna's skin, drawing chakra.
This chakra synergized with his Seal-less Healing, mending his injuries at unprecedented speed.
After two or three breaths, the pain eased.
By five or six, Kazuku was fully revitalized.
Yuna, however, covered her mouth, stifling a gasp.
Uzumaki Ashina hadn't expected Yuna to heal Kazuku this way and was stunned.
Not every Uzumaki had Yuna's ability.
Only those with pure bloodlines could use physical healing.
Ashina, though an Uzumaki, couldn't heal by biting.
Still…
Using one's body like this was deeply embarrassing.
Especially for a high-status girl like Yuna.
Until now, she'd never healed anyone.
Even Ashina hadn't received such treatment.
This was Yuna's first time.
Thinking this, Ashina glanced at his own wound.
Pierced by a square shuriken, it'd take months to fully heal.
Meanwhile, Sarutobi Hiruzen strode to Chikusho.
Though Kazuku's Morning Peacock felled Chikusho, it didn't kill him.
Looking at the weakened Chikusho, Sarutobi crouched, drawing a kunai.
Letting Chikusho go wouldn't earn Konohagakure's mercy—he'd pursue the mission.
For ninja, missions came first.
Even sacrificing comrades was acceptable.
Both Sarutobi and Ashina were magnetized by Chikusho.
Kazuku's trump card was exposed.
If Chikusho returned, they'd likely lose!
"Your bloodline limit is too troublesome."
Sarutobi paused. "Anything to say?"
Chikusho stared, knowing he was doomed from any angle.
If roles were reversed, he'd be crueler.
After all…
This was a clash between Kumogakure and Konohagakure over a mission.
Even if the Raikage learned of his death, he wouldn't start a war.
Such was a ninja's fate.
But before dying, Chikusho wanted to know Kazuku's identity.
"That Konohagakure brat… who is he…?"
Chikusho gasped, still shocked.
A seven- or eight-year-old with the power to wipe out a ninja squad!
Including a bloodline limit jonin!
At such a young age, with such staggering talent.
What would he become at seventeen? Twenty-seven?
Unimaginable.
To Chikusho, Kazuku would become Kumogakure's greatest enemy.
No…
Possibly the entire ninja world's!
Damn it!
Why wasn't that kid born in Kumogakure?
He'd have been the greatest Raikage ever!
Why…
Konohagakure?!
Sarutobi glanced at Kazuku, now standing, and gave a wry smile.
" Kazuku is a monster."
"Half a month ago, he was an ordinary kid, untrained."
Sarutobi spoke truthfully.
Chikusho wouldn't survive.
No harm in telling him.
As expected, Chikusho's eyes widened, shock and disbelief overtaking him.
"You're saying that Konohagakure brat got this strong in half a month?"
Impossible!
"How does Konohagakure train ninja…?"
Chikusho's worldview collapsed. He couldn't fathom Kazuku's growth.
A seven-year-old, in half a month, gained power to defeat him.
Too absurd!
"Train?" Sarutobi shook his head. The word didn't fit.
"You think such terrifying power can be trained?"
" Kazuku's starting point at birth is a finish line most ninja can't even see."
No bloodline limit, no clan secrets, no vast chakra.
Such ninja peaked at chunin.
Some couldn't even pass the chunin exam.
But for Kazuku's future, Sarutobi was certain.
With his talent, one exam would make him a chunin.
"A genius who can wipe out a ninja squad—truly a terrifying monster."
Sarutobi gazed at Kazuku's small figure, sighing.
"Alright, Chikusho, time to go."
With that, Sarutobi turned, slashing Chikusho's throat with his kunai.
To ensure it wasn't a clone, Sarutobi watched Chikusho bleed out, pupils dilating, and checked his vitals.
"Chikusho's dead for sure."
Sarutobi took a deep breath, confirming, then walked to Kazuku and the others, sheathing his kunai.
"By the way, the chunin selection exam is in a few days, right?"
Suddenly, Sarutobi recalled, murmuring, eyes on Kazuku.
Was it his imagination, or did Tobirama make Kazuku a genin now, for missions…
Not a coincidence?
Kazuku, unaware of the chunin exam, stretched, fully recovered.
"It's handled?"
Seeing Sarutobi return, Kazuku asked.
Since they were enemy ninja, they had to be eliminated.
Getting Sarutobi's confirmation, Kazuku nodded.
"Looks like the rest of the journey should be ninja-free."
"By the way…"
Kazuku blinked, checking his check-in system's cooldown.
"Delivering Yuna to Uzushiogakure and returning to Konohagakure should time perfectly for the fourth check-in."
(End of Chapter)