As Kazuku landed, his gaze locked onto the ninja who threw the kunai.
He was ready to use Kagura Mind's Eye to track the opponent's position and escape route.
However…
The ninja attacking the daimyo didn't flee in the chaos.
Instead, he stood boldly before Kazuku.
A surprised expression crossed his face. He'd imagined countless scenarios for his attack…
But never that a six- or seven-year-old would block it.
"No way."
His eyes narrowed, sizing up Kazuku, noticing the Konoha headband on his left shoulder.
A Konoha ninja.
As he noticed Kazuku, Kazuku saw him.
"This guy is…"
Kazuku blinked, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
The ninja had long yellow hair, a black sash at his waist, and a green inner shirt.
And…
No eyebrows!
It was none other than Mist Village's famed Second Mizukage.
Hozuki Gengetsu!
"It's really Hozuki Gengetsu."
Even Kazuku was slightly shocked.
He'd told the daimyo that as long as she paid, even the Mizukage couldn't harm her!
And…
The Mizukage actually showed up!
"My words are too prophetic."
Kazuku couldn't help but quip to himself.
However, per the timeline, Gengetsu likely wasn't Mizukage yet.
Hashirama and Madara fought at the Valley of the End in Konoha's eighth year.
Hashirama sealed the Nine-Tails and brought it to the village.
After that, he began collecting tailed beasts.
The Five Kage Summit was likely recent.
And it involved the First Kages.
"Looks like the First Mizukage sent Gengetsu to assassinate the daimyo."
Kazuku analyzed, concluding this was likely.
Unlike a teenager, Gengetsu appeared as an adult.
Meaning he was likely at his peak strength.
No wonder he didn't flee after his first attack failed.
With his power, he had the confidence to stand there.
For Gengetsu, why sneak around for an assassination?
Just kill everyone who saw him!
No witnesses, perfect assassination!
"Who dares attack the Land of Waves' daimyo!"
Suddenly, a samurai shouted at Gengetsu, drawing his katana and charging.
Aiming to slay the ninja with one strike.
But the next second…
Gengetsu's lips curled into a smile, raising his right hand like a gun, shooting a liquid bullet from his index finger.
The Hozuki Clan's secret technique!
Water Gun Technique!
Whoosh!
The liquid bullet pierced the samurai's left chest, leaving a bloody hole.
Instantly killing him.
Thud!
The samurai's eyes widened, staring at Gengetsu, sword raised but out of reach.
He fell forward, blood gushing from the wound, pooling beneath him.
Kabi stared at his comrade's body, mind blank.
The fallen samurai was among the Land of Waves' best.
His strength matched Kabi's.
Yet…
He couldn't withstand one move!
"This… is a ninja's power?" Kabi swallowed nervously.
Looking at Gengetsu again, he felt a despairing aura.
As if the man before him wasn't a ninja…
But a demon!
A demon from the abyss!
The atmosphere grew heavy!
No samurai, including Kabi, dared rush Gengetsu.
Thud!
The daimyo behind Kazuku collapsed, glancing at Gengetsu's eyes, feeling thrown into an abyss.
Unprecedented despair overwhelmed her.
She couldn't breathe.
In moments, sweat beaded on her forehead, her back soaked.
Despite her strength and resolve…
She was just a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old girl.
Being paralyzed by fear before a powerhouse like Gengetsu wasn't surprising.
"Don't worry."
Kazuku noticed her state, turning with a faint smile.
"I won't let him kill you."
His smile eased her fear and despair slightly.
She took a deep breath, nodding, trusting Kazuku.
For some reason, though Kazuku was only seven…
Knowing he was protecting her…
Made her feel safe.
In truth…
Without Kazuku's timely intervention…
Gengetsu's kunai would've killed her!
This was the consensus of everyone present.
Including…
Gengetsu himself.
He scanned the area.
Besides Kazuku, several Konoha ninja were present.
Yet, the one who detected and blocked his attack…
Was a seven-year-old.
Without Kazuku, he'd have succeeded.
"In the Warring States, four- and five-year-olds were common on battlefields, but… a kid this strong at this age? First time I've seen it."
Gengetsu mused.
Given time, Kazuku's achievements could rival Konoha's Kage.
This kid was gold.
But Gengetsu had no qualms about eliminating another village's talent.
His sole purpose was to kill the daimyo.
A task from First Mizukage Byakuren.
He had to complete it.
"Hey, kid."
Gengetsu stepped toward Kazuku, spreading his hands, feigning harmlessness.
"That girl's my target. Mind stepping aside?"
"Just a few seconds, I'm quick."
Gengetsu smiled, dismissing Kazuku and the others.
"No way."
Kazuku met his gaze, shaking his head firmly, "She's the client. For the money, I can't let you pass."
"How about you abandon this assassination?"
Seeing Kazuku's resolve, Gengetsu shook his head helplessly, "Then I'll have to kill you all."
(End of Chapter)