The Eight-Year-Old Me Became Hokage

Danzo stared blankly at Kazekaze's retreating figure. The frustration of defeat left a deep sense of bitterness in his heart. Lowering his head, his eyes landed on the shattered ground, pulverized by Kazekaze's single punch. If that punch had landed on him directly, it wouldn't have been just a few broken ribs. He might have died on the spot!

The fact that Tobirama had intervened to stop the match was proof of that. If that punch wasn't fatal, why would Tobirama bother interrupting? But then again… What the hell did I ever do to Kazekaze to deserve this?! Did he really have to open the Gate of Pain just to beat me?!

"Sigh…" Danzo shook his head helplessly, a bitter smile forming at the corner of his lips.

"So this is Kazekaze… the one who inherited Lord Hashirama's genes. He's not just strong—he's a monster." More than Kazekaze's talent, Danzo was jealous of his bloodline.

If Kazekaze hadn't inherited Hashirama's vast chakra reserves, could he have unleashed such unbelievable monstrous strength? If he hadn't inherited Auto-Regeration, could he have withstood the damage caused by the The Eight Inner Gates? Impossible! No matter how gifted Kazekaze was— The Senju bloodline played a decisive role in his strength.

'If only I had Lord Hashirama's genes…' Danzo clenched his teeth.

For the first time, he truly felt the gap between bloodlines. No matter how hard he worked, he couldn't even start where Kazekaze had begun. He could already see the future— In twenty years, under Tobirama's strong recommendation, Kazekaze would gain the Feudal Lord's approval… And become the Third Hokage of Konoha! The more Danzo was awed by Kazekaze's strength, the more jealous he became!

"I never thought Kazekaze-sama's power would be this terrifying." Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at the cracked and broken earth beneath their feet.

Forget a punch—even with ninjutsu, he doubted he could cause this much destruction. He recalled Danzo's confident boasting before the match. And now, looking at this scene,

The powerlessness, the humiliation—just thinking about it sent chills down his spine. He patted Danzo's shoulder. 

"A monster like Kazekaze-sama is beyond human standards… We should just focus on doing our best."

This wasn't just advice for Danzo— It was something he told himself as well. Whether Kazekaze really learned the The Eight Inner Gates in a day… Or if, like Tobirama speculated, he had trained in secret for two years— To Hiruzen, it made no difference. It was like comparing 10 million ryo to 100 million ryo— It didn't matter, because he had neither! There was no doubt—Hiruzen hated geniuses like Kazekaze. Someone so unreachable that he couldn't even dream of catching up. Kazekaze was like a mountain, blocking his entire path forward.

Koharu was the next to step forward, speaking softly to Danzo.

"Danzo, don't put too much pressure on yourself. No matter which one of us fought Kazekaze… the outcome would've been the same."

Homura and Torifu nodded furiously. In their hearts, they felt immense relief that Tobirama had chosen Danzo as Kazekaze's opponent. If it had been one of them instead— They would never recover from the psychological trauma!

"It's not that we're weak… it's that Kazekaze-sama is just too ridiculous." Uchiha Kagami let out a bitter smile.

It was only now that Tobirama remembered Danzo was still standing there. He had been completely absorbed in his shock and concern for Kazekaze. For a moment, he had forgotten about Danzo entirely. Hearing the others comforting Danzo, he finally turned around.

"Danzo…"

But as soon as he opened his mouth, He paused. What was he supposed to say? Danzo hadn't underestimated his opponent. He hadn't made any mistakes. This was just pure, brutal, overwhelming strength. No matter how Danzo fought, the result wouldn't have changed. After a long pause, Tobirama finally spoke.

"You did well today. Go home and get some rest."

With that, the match between Kazekaze and Danzo officially came to an end. Tobirama took Kazekaze and left the training ground. Even though Kazekaze had Auto-Regerenation, as a grandfather worrying about his grandson, Tobirama decided to take Kazekaze to the hospital for a check-up, just to make absolutely sure he was fine.

Meanwhile, the others stayed behind to console Danzo. Until Might Bai went off to continue burning with youthful passion.

"Enough." Danzo cut off their attempts to comfort him, his voice serious.

"I'm not that fragile." Then, he slowly spoke each word with absolute certainty—

"But if anyone dares to spread today's events… I, Shimura Danzo, will never forgive them!" 

Even though Danzo fully acknowledged Kazekaze's bloodline, talent, and strength, Losing to a seven-year-old… That was something he would bury as a dark history, Never to be spoken of again.

Meanwhile…

Tobirama led Kazekaze to Konoha Hospital. Just in case, he wanted a full-body check-up for Kazekaze. Kazekaze had no reason to refuse. Ever since coming to this world, he had never undergone a medical exam.

Sure, he had Regeneration Ability, but better safe than sorry. However, he chose to walk beside Tobirama instead of letting his great-uncle carry him. After all, while his body was seven years old, his mind was a twenty-year-old adult. Getting carried around? No, thanks.

"Kazekaze."

Just as they were about to enter the main street, Tobirama reached into his robe and pulled out a black kunai, handing it to Kazekaze.

"I didn't expect you to defeat Danzo, so I wasn't prepared. Take this as your reward for winning." Tobirama, usually strict and firm, was suddenly speaking in an unbelievably gentle tone.

Kazekaze was taken aback. He carefully examined the kunai— It gleamed with a newly polished metallic sheen. It was obvious that Tobirama had chosen this kunai carefully. The handle was wrapped in cloth, and etched onto the blade was a Flying Thunder God seal.

If Kazekaze hadn't watched Naruto before transmigrating, he might not have noticed this detail.

"Thank you." Kazekaze politely accepted the kunai and stored it away.

To others, this was just a kunai. But Kazekaze understood. This kunai carried Tobirama's emotions—his care and worry for his grandson. And indeed— Ever since the Survival Training in the Forest of Death, Tobirama had been both awestruck by Kazekaze's talent and terrified that he might face danger. During the fight with Danzo, Tobirama hadn't even dared to blink— He had been holding his breath the entire time. Afraid that something would happen to Kazekaze.

"As long as Kazekaze carries this kunai… no matter what danger he encounters, I will reach him in time. Kazekaze, no matter what happens—starting today, I swear, I will always protect you." Of course, Tobirama kept those words to himself— He would never say them out loud.