Hearing Captain Dajiu's words, the Konoha Ninjas beside him looked shocked and asked in disbelief,
"Captain Dajiu, what are you talking about!? Wood Release!?"
Captain Dajiu kept his eyes on the magnificent scene before him, a look of reverence crossing his face. He spoke slowly.
"Yes... This is the legendary Wood Release jutsu, which only the First could use!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the Konoha Ninjas' expressions changed. They whipped around to stare at the scene, unable to believe it.
"N-no way. Didn't you say only the First could use Wood Release?"
"If that's really Wood Release, then is this guy... How is that possible!?"
Dajiu still looked reverent as he replied softly,
"Although I don't know how he is related to the First, there's no doubt they must have a close connection we don't know about."
"If you don't believe me, take a good look at his face. You should all feel the same way, shouldn't you?"
At Captain Dajiu's words, the others fell silent, unable to deny it. Their expressions grew serious as they studied Nawaki, standing tall in the wind atop the giant tree.
"Where have I seen him... Where have I seen him before... Could it be...!?"
Shenmei furrowed her brow and murmured. Then her eyes widened, and she cried out,
"Have you remembered, Shenmei? Where have you seen this guy?" a ninja beside her asked urgently.
Shenmei's breathing grew a little heavier. Her pupils trembled as she looked up at Nawaki and said shakily,
"The Kage Rock in the village... He looks exactly like the First on the rock!"
At her words, the others froze, then looked utterly shocked.
Dajiu gave a slight nod. He had only just made the connection himself, linking Nawaki to the First.
"Could this young man really be