บท 57: Chapter 57 : Incoming Danzo
Looking at their resolute expressions, Kazuhiko knew that they had taken his words to heart.
Now, they regarded Kazuhiko as a kind of god, and if he were to explain something, they would unquestionably heed his counsel.
They were also inclined to think and analyze more in the future.
Kazuhiko nodded with satisfaction. It was the initial stride on a long journey, and he anticipated that things would only improve from here.
Kazuhiko's thoughts wandered to the Raikage and his entourage who had recently departed. He unconsciously touched his left chest, where he could still sense the impact of his first-time use of Armament Haki. The Raikage had nearly pierced his defense.
Yet, Kazuhiko was prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. He believed that the Third Raikage wouldn't find it so simple next time.
Kazuhiko had also discerned the limits of the Raikage's defense and had experimented a bit. He was convinced that his flash kick had inflicted some damage.
At that moment, the Third Raikage and his group also felt something. Third Raikage couldn't help but touch his right shoulder—the precise spot where Kazuhiko's flash kick had landed.
"What a formidable attack."
"I could sense it breaking through my own defenses. It's astonishing, especially considering his young age!"
"But it's for the best. The stronger the Land of Whirlpools becomes, the more it will counterbalance Konoha's power. We'll find ourselves in a more comfortable position."
"Kazuhiko, grow quickly and become Konoha's worst headache!"
One of the jōnin beside the Third Raikage, serving as his personal assistant, noticed Third Raikage's actions and the white mark left on his right shoulder – a remnant of Kazuhiko's kick.
In an instant, his pupils contracted.
"Kazuhiko's kick left a mark on Lord Raikage's body," he thought aloud.
"His strength surpasses my expectations. To possess such power at such a young age and to be recognized by the entire Land of Whirlpools... Could he be another Hashirama Senju?"
"Lord Raikage, with him around, will the Land of Whirlpools genuinely cooperate with us in containing Konoha?"
"Never mind, Lord Raikage has probably considered even the questions I'm raising..."
Meanwhile, Kazuhiko and his clan members had returned to the Land of Whirlpools.
"Hurry, gather everyone! Bring them all out!"
The clan patriarch exclaimed, "Inform everyone, inform the entire clan that we have triumphed, and Kazuhiko-sama defeated the Third Mizukage!"
The guards at the door were dumbfounded upon hearing the news and gazed at the center of the crowd in admiration – Kazuhiko.
"Quick, let's spread the news to everyone!"
In no time, the entire Land of Whirlpools echoed with resounding cheers.
"Long live Kazuhiko-sama!"
"Kazuhiko-sama is unmatched!"
"Victory is ours!"
"It was Kazuhiko-sama who led us to victory!"
Everyone cheered, as they had carried a heavy burden of worry and stress in recent days, fearing for the Land of Whirlpools' future. Now that they had emerged victorious, they could finally release their pent-up emotions.
In a shelter elsewhere, Uzumaki Kushina and Uzumaki Hiroki were providing solace to their fellow clan members. Often, it was the children who could comfort and soothe confused adults.
Many elderly, women, children, and others had sought refuge in the shelter, their hearts filled with fear as war loomed. However, Kazuhiko had given them hope, and now their only concern was for his well-being and the outcome of his duel with the Mizukage.
"I wonder how Kazuhiko-sama is faring?"
"Kazuhiko-sama is the savior of our Uzumaki clan; he'll be alright!"
"May the gods protect Kazuhiko-sama and keep him safe!"
People spoke in hushed tones, mindful of their location.
Uzumaki Kushina overheard their conversations and shared their worries about Kazuhiko. She silently offered a prayer for her brother's safety.
"Brother Kazuhiko, please protect yourself and stay safe..."
Suddenly, they faintly heard cheers from outside.
"We're victorious! We defeated the invaders!"
"Long live Kazuhiko-sama! He vanquished the Third Mizukage!"
Inside the shelter, everyone exchanged glances, wondering if they were hearing things.
"I heard that..."
"I heard it too..."
Footsteps approached the hidden entrance of the shelter, and a voice carried inside.
"Come out, come out! We've won! We've beaten them!"
Everyone in the shelter wore smiles of relief.
"Kazuhiko-sama defeated the Third Mizukage!"
"This is fantastic news!"
The informant entered the shelter, watching everyone's joyful reactions and revealing the outcome.
"Is Brother Kazuhiko hurt?" Kushina asked anxiously.
The informant scratched his head and replied uncertainly, "I haven't heard anything about Kazuhiko-sama being injured, so I think he's alright."
Uzumaki Kushina, sensing his uncertainty, furrowed her brow and nodded.
She turned and hurriedly ran outside, eager to confirm her brother Kazuhiko's condition.
She ran through the jubilant crowd and saw all her fellow Uzumaki clan members celebrating, sharing their food and drinks, spontaneously rejoicing in their triumph.
They had successfully survived the looming threat of genocide!
Meanwhile, not far from the Land of Whirlpools, a question arose among Danzo and his companions.
"How much longer until we reach the Land of Whirlpools?" Danzo inquired, turning to Senju Hiroshi.
"Lord Danzo, we're nearly there – less than two days away."
"Very well, let's expedite our journey," Danzo declared, his resolve unwavering.
Utatane Koharu also silently gazed at the sea.
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