The news of Fuguki's death spread through Konoha's main camp like wildfire, igniting a storm of discussion among the shinobi.
It wasn't just because of his notorious identity—Fuguki's squad had been tormenting Konoha's forces for over a week, their hit-and-run tactics turning every mission into a gamble with death.
Entire squads had been kept on edge, forced to stay constantly alert. The mere mention of Fuguki's team meant one thing—someone wasn't coming back alive.
Despite several organized attempts to eliminate them, Fuguki's squad had always slipped away, leaving behind only bodies and fear.
Now, with Kitazawa leading a team that had finally brought down Fuguki's squad, it was as if a looming shadow had lifted from over the camp.
At the very least, Konoha's ninjas could finally move without fearing a sudden ambush that would end in blood.
And with that victory, Kitazawa's name once again swept through the ranks—spoken not with casual familiarity, but with newfound respect.
Before, people thought of him simply as Tsunade's student.
Now, when they heard "Kitazawa," they thought of his strength.
That shift—from being known by his teacher's name to being recognized for his own power—marked his rise.
It was reminiscent of Asuma's youthful rebellion.
Back then, everyone who saw Asuma only saw the son of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Proud and ambitious, Asuma had left the village, determined to make a name for himself beyond his father's shadow. Yet, talent alone could not eclipse the man known as "The Professor." In time, Asuma accepted this truth and returned to Konoha, stronger in heart if not in title.
Meanwhile, on a distant island—
In stark contrast to Konoha's cheers, the Hidden Mist's main camp was shrouded in silence.
"Lord Fuguki… dead? That's impossible!"
Kisame's disbelief echoed through the tent. Still an Anbu at this time, and one of Fuguki's most trusted subordinates, Kisame had placed unwavering faith in his commander.
"Did you see it yourself?" Mei asked sharply, her brow furrowed. Her voice betrayed her shock—Fuguki was a veteran of countless battles. He wasn't someone who just died.
The Anbu messenger swallowed before answering. "I didn't see it directly, but I inspected the battlefield myself. It was covered in blood. And… all contact with Lord Fuguki and his squad has been lost."
Ao's face darkened. "I've already sent agents to Konoha's camp to confirm the details. We'll know the truth soon enough."
Still, in his heart, he knew the answer. Fuguki was dead.
If the man had survived—if he had killed Kitazawa—he would have returned in triumph, demanding greater authority. That was who Fuguki was.
From that perspective, Ao thought grimly, his death wasn't entirely a loss.
But it also meant that the Mist's already thin power was stretched even further. Against Konoha, they were weakening by the day.
The tent fell into heavy silence. Every Jonin present wore a tense expression. Even the usually arrogant Zabuza clenched his fists, feeling the weight of the news.
"Lord Ao!"
Another Anbu burst into the tent, voice trembling. "It's confirmed! Lord Fuguki is dead!"
Ao took a step forward, eyes narrowing. "You're certain?"
"Yes. The news has already spread throughout Konoha's main camp," the Anbu replied, panting.
"…I see. You may go."
Ao dismissed them with a quiet wave. The messengers bowed and withdrew.
"But that was Lord Fuguki…" one of the Mist Jonin murmured in disbelief.
Ao exhaled slowly. "It seems we'll need to re-evaluate Kitazawa's strength. If he truly killed Fuguki, then we can no longer treat him as someone within our reach."
In the Mist, Fuguki and his Samehada combo were considered near the top—matched only by the Fourth Mizukage.
Here, in this very camp, not even Ao, Zabuza, or Mei could confidently claim they could defeat him.
Now, that man was dead—and the one who killed him was Kitazawa.
"How will we know if we don't try?"
Zabuza crossed his arms, his voice hard with defiance. "Fuguki might've been ambushed. That's the only reason he could've been killed by that man."
"There's no such thing as an ambush on the battlefield."
Mei's tone was cool but firm. "Kitazawa has already slain too many of our strongest shinobi. His record speaks for itself."
Though she possessed two Kekkei Genkai—Lava Release and Boil Release—even she couldn't say with confidence that she could defeat Kitazawa.
Ao gave a grave nod. "Indeed. It's time we set aside arrogance and treat him as a true threat."
Mei glanced toward Ao. "Then what's our next move?"
Ao rubbed his temple, a frown deepening on his face. Their original strategy had been to pin down Konoha's forces—buying time for Gengetsu's investigation team to uncover the real reason behind the Mizukage's decision to wage this war.
But half a month had passed, and there was still no progress. Which meant only one thing—he had to keep stalling.
Then an idea flickered in his mind.
Perhaps Fuguki's death… was an opportunity.
"Konoha's morale is soaring right now," Ao said after a moment's thought. "We should avoid clashing with them head-on. Hidden Mist will withdraw to the islands. No more land battles."
"Lord Ao!" Zabuza snapped, unable to contain himself. "That's the same as lowering our heads! It'll make it look like we're afraid!"
A murmur of agreement rippled through the gathered Mist Jonin. To retreat now was shameful—it reeked of weakness.
"I understand your frustration," Ao replied calmly. "You want vengeance for Fuguki. But war isn't about winning a single fight—it's about surviving to win the next."
He let his words hang for a moment, then continued, "By retreating to the island, we gain the sea. And that's where our true power lies."
Mei nodded thoughtfully. She could see through Ao's reasoning. Buying time was essential. And truthfully, the odds of victory against Konoha were far too slim right now. It was wiser to retreat and conserve their strength—until they understood what was happening with the Mizukage.
"If Konoha tries to press their advantage," Ao said, "we'll strike back—using the sea to our favor. Avenge Fuguki not with anger, but with strategy."
"The commander has a point," one Jonin said quietly.
Soon, others followed. "Lord Ao's right." "It's the best move for now."
"Good." Ao exhaled softly, relieved the tension was ebbing. "Send orders immediately. All Mist-nin on land are to withdraw tonight."
—
That night faded into dawn.
Warm sunlight spilled over Konoha, touching tiled roofs and quiet streets.
Despite the ongoing war, the village felt almost peaceful. Craftsmen worked, merchants shouted, children played—only the occasional courier hawk reminded people that beyond this calm, shinobi were still fighting.
Compared to the chaos elsewhere, the Mist's threat now seemed distant—almost faint.
Hiruzen arrived at the Hokage's office earlier than usual, still without breakfast. On his desk awaited a sealed scroll—Tsunade's overnight battle report.
He carefully broke the encryption seal. Every major dispatch from the front was encoded; the higher the importance, the tighter the cipher. Nothing less than absolute accuracy was acceptable.
The moment he finished reading, Hiruzen's brows lifted, and a faint smile creased his face.
"Victory always brings joy," he murmured, setting the scroll down.
Since the war began, Konoha had dominated the Mist on nearly every front. And now—with Suikazan Fuguki and Ringo Ameyuri both dead, and even Kurosuki Raiga gone—Hidden Mist had lost two elite Jonin and a rising prodigy.
The tide was turning decisively.
Hiruzen closed the report with quiet satisfaction. 'If nothing unexpected happens, Konoha will win this war.'
Still, he wasn't careless. The Mist wouldn't have started a war without something up their sleeve. Their true trump card hadn't yet appeared.
And beyond them… there was always the risk of Kumogakure watching for weakness.
"Zou."
The door opened silently, and an Anbu in a elephant mask entered—this one bearing the codename Zou. (The same Anbu who, years later, would stand outside the Four Violet Flames Formation during the Konoha Crush.)
"Deliver this report," Hiruzen said, passing the scroll to him.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
The agent bowed and vanished as swiftly as he came.
Hiruzen leaned back slightly, exhaling through his pipe.
"This time, Kitazawa's name will truly spread," he thought. "Not just across Konoha—but across the entire Shinobi World."
The greatest victories in this war—Fuguki's death, Ringo's defeat, Raiga's downfall—all bore a single name: Kitazawa.
It reminded Hiruzen of Minato's rise years ago—how one dazzling victory after another had catapulted him into legend.
And that, Hiruzen thought with quiet pride, was a good thing.
Kitazawa wasn't just Tsunade's student—he was part of the Hokage's lineage. His glory reflected upon the village, and on Tsunade most of all.
After all, a student's success was a teacher's legacy.
Even though Kitazawa wasn't known for medical ninjutsu, the world would still credit his brilliance to her. To others, it would seem simple—without Tsunade, there would be no Kitazawa.
But Hiruzen knew the truth.
Kitazawa's strength wasn't borrowed—it was earned. Countless missions completed, countless merits exchanged for the village's jutsu.
Tsunade herself had faded from the spotlight in recent years, haunted by her hemophobia. But with Kitazawa's sudden rise… her name once again echoed through the world.
The Hokage smiled faintly.
"She's back," he whispered.
And when the war ended, he was certain of one thing—
Konoha would have no choice but to make Tsunade Hokage.
Because now… there was no one more deserving.
Shimura Clan Compound
By the edge of an artificial lake, Danzo sat quietly, fishing rod in hand, his gaze fixed on the rippling water.
Fishing had become his only pastime in retirement—a calm mask for a mind that never stopped scheming.
Without warning, an Anbu ninja appeared beside him, dropping to one knee.
"Lord Danzo."
Ever since Root was disbanded, many of its operatives had been absorbed into the Anbu ranks.
This one was among them.
Though the Curse seal had been lifted, his loyalty to Danzo remained unshaken.
"What is it?" Danzo asked, not looking away from the lake.
"A report just arrived. Kitazawa has killed Suikazan Fuguki."
Danzo's hand froze mid-reel.
Kitazawa again?
As Tsunade's student, every one of Kitazawa's victories pushed her closer to the Hokage's seat.
Danzo waved a dismissive hand.
The Anbu vanished in an instant.
Danzo touched his right eye—his greatest hidden weapon, Kotoamatsukami.
But even that genjutsu couldn't change the tide of public sentiment.
If Konoha kept winning too easily, Tsunade's prestige would skyrocket.
And even if he used Kotoamatsukami to make her support him, Hiruzen and the others would never agree.
He couldn't control everyone.
A glorious victory would crown Tsunade a hero.
A tragic victory—one with heavy losses—would stain her with blame, and that was far more useful.
Failure, however, was unacceptable. A total defeat would invite the Hidden Cloud and other villages to strike, plunging Konoha into chaos.
Danzo's brow furrowed.
He needed Konoha to win just barely—bloodied but standing.
Leaking select intelligence to the Hidden Mist could tip the balance perfectly.
But it had to be done cleanly. One trace of evidence, and his dream of becoming Hokage would be over forever.
Fortunately, though Root was gone, its loyal seeds still lived.
Konoha Ninja Academy
Half an hour remained before class, yet the Genius Class students were already gathered at the training ground.
"Sasuke-kun!"
Sakura waved brightly, as always.
Sasuke, ignoring her, continued practicing his Leaf Style: Willow, the blade slicing the air.
"Sakura, good morning."
Ino's cheerful voice drifted over as she walked in with Hinata beside her.
Sakura eyed them suspiciously. "Let me guess… you two had breakfast in Kitazawa-sensei's office again?"
"Mm." Ino sighed. "It's hard to get used to him not teaching our class anymore."
Hinata nodded shyly in agreement.
"You're all here!"
Kiba rushed over, panting, a grin on his face. "Guess what I just heard?"
"Let me guess," drawled Shikamaru, lying on the grass. "Something about Kitazawa-sensei."
"Don't act smart when no one asked you!" Kiba shot back.
"Kitazawa-sensei?"
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Kiba, spill it!"
Even Sasuke slowed his movements slightly, his eyes flicking toward them.
"Strange," Ino murmured. "We didn't hear anything from our parents yet."
As heirs to major clans, they usually caught wind of news before anyone else.
"That's because you came too early," Kiba boasted. "I overslept—and heard it the moment I woke up!"
"Stop bragging and tell us already!" Ino threatened, raising a fist.
"Alright, alright! You know Suikazan Fuguki, right?"
"One of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist," Tenten answered immediately. "He used to be teammates with Kurosuki Raiga, whom Kitazawa-sensei killed earlier."
"Exactly!" Kiba nodded. "Well, Kitazawa-sensei just killed Fuguki too—on the battlefield!"
"As expected of Kitazawa-sensei!" Ino pumped her fists, eyes sparkling.
"Fuguki wasn't just a swordsman," Kiba added proudly. "He was the deputy commander of the Hidden Mist!"
Everyone fell silent for a moment, realizing the weight of those words. As future clan heirs, they understood better than anyone what such a victory meant.
"I can't wait to fight alongside him someday," Naruto said, eyes burning with admiration.
"That depends," Neji said coolly. "Only if he becomes your squad leader after graduation."
"He definitely will!" Naruto grinned, flashing a thumbs-up. "Kitazawa-sensei and I share the bond of youth!"
Hinata clasped her hands nervously, silently wishing the same.
"Don't get ahead of yourself," Shikamaru muttered. "Each squad leader can only take three students. Odds aren't in your favor."
"Shikamaru's right!" Ino declared, hands on her hips. "Besides, I've already learned some of Kitazawa-sensei's original jutsu. My chances are way better!"
Shikamaru sighed. Everyone had a chance—except the Ino–Shika–Cho trio. Their team had always been assigned to the Sarutobi line. A tradition not easily broken.
"You're not the only one who learned his jutsu!" Kiba retorted.
"Doesn't matter," Sakura huffed. "Kitazawa-sensei is Tsunade-sama's disciple. I've been studying medical ninjutsu—I've got the edge!"
"Kitazawa-sensei sure is popular," Yakumo said softly.
"Don't you want him as your squad leader too?" Karin asked.
"Of course I do." Yakumo smiled. "If I could choose, I'd pick him without hesitation."
"Doesn't he already have three students?" Sasuke suddenly spoke up, his tone calm but probing.
"?" Hinata blinked, looking at him.
"You mean Kabuto-senpai and the others?" Naruto asked. "So… do we still have a chance?"
"We're still young," Shikamaru reasoned. "By the time we graduate, he'll probably take new students."
"It's too early to worry about that," Neji said coolly. "It's almost nine. Get ready for training."
Sasuke sheathed his blade. "Kakashi-sensei's here. Time to practice Lightning Release."
His Leaf Style: Willow had only reached the beginner level.
It was time to move on to Chidori.