Earth Grudge Fear was a sinister creation of Yang Release, essentially similar to special beings such as spirits and demons.
It therefore could not forcibly parasitize ninja with highly pure Senju or Uzumaki Clan blood. Both clans possessed naturally powerful vitality, which had a strong suppressive effect on Earth Grudge Fear.
Every time Toji came into contact with Hashirama, his soul felt as though it were being scorched. Hashirama Senju's Yang Release and vitality had both reached extraordinary levels, making him the ultimate natural enemy of Earth Grudge Fear.
Whenever it sensed such a ninja, Earth Grudge Fear instinctively developed an intense aversion.
That was part of why Maki Zenin had initially taken no interest in the Uzushio Exchange Students.
The presence of these Uzumaki students filled her with instinctive repulsion.
And yet—
That repulsion varied in intensity. Among all the exchange students, the peculiar aura she had picked up inspired the strongest disgust.
Its source was the red-haired girl at the very front of the group.
"Who is she?"
The stronger her disgust, the more interested Maki became, and she asked Nonō.
Nonō followed her gaze and answered, "That's Kushina Uzumaki, the current Uzukage's only daughter."
"The Uzukage's daughter?"
Maki looked thoughtful.
Even the village leader's daughter had been sent to study at an ally's Ninja Academy. Clearly, Uzushiogakure attached considerable importance to this exchange program.
She did not choose her "friends" based on status. After all, no one's status could surpass hers anyway. What mattered more to her was their talent as ninja.
From what she could see—
For Kushina Uzumaki to inspire such intense natural disgust in her, her Uzumaki Bloodline had to be exceptionally pure. That was why she possessed such immense vitality at such a young age.
Highborn and highly gifted, she perfectly met Maki's