"Jugo."
Kitazawa's voice made Jugo straighten instinctively.
"Your problem," Kitazawa began, meeting his eyes, "comes from your unique constitution—the one tied to Sage Transformation."
Jugo froze.
How did he know that?
Then he remembered—it must have been Orochimaru or Guren who told him.
"Your ability is a double-edged sword," Kitazawa continued, his tone steady. "It can make you unimaginably strong… but it can also turn you into something uncontrollable."
Jugo's fists tightened slightly. He knew that all too well.
"My idea," Kitazawa said, "is to inoculate you with a modified version of the cursed seal of Earth."
"I don't need it," Jugo replied quickly. "When I absorb too much natural energy and lose control, I already enter something similar—Cursed Seal Level Two."
Kitazawa shook his head. "I'm not talking about Orochimaru's version. I'm talking about one I'll design myself—one with restrictions."
"Restrictions?" Jugo repeated, confused.
"Exactly. A system that lets you use the Cursed Seal safely—while keeping your sanity intact."
Kitazawa's idea had been inspired by the Eight Gates Formation.
He planned to create an Eight-Layered Cursed seal of Earth.
The first few layers would provide gradual power boosts without affecting Jugo's mind.
But if all eight layers opened… he would enter the same murderous rampage as before.
To counter that, Kitazawa intended to add a final safeguard—a self-sealing mechanism that would forcibly shut his chakra flow if he ever lost complete control.
It was risky, yes—but if perfected, it would change everything.
This wasn't just about Jugo.
Kitazawa's true goal was to create Konoha's first Cursed Seal Unit—shinobi who could wield that terrifying power without losing themselves.
Orochimaru had focused on reducing the mortality rate of the seal.
Kitazawa would focus on reducing the madness.
Together, that would make the impossible… possible.
"Can that really work?" Jugo asked, eyes widening for the first time.
Kimimaro, who had been silent beside him, showed a flicker of surprise as well.
He knew better than anyone what Jugo's "gift" truly was—a curse. The constant fear of losing control, of killing without meaning to, had broken him countless times.
If Kitazawa could really suppress that… it wouldn't just be an improvement.
It would be salvation.
"It can be done," Kitazawa said confidently, his lips curling into a faint smile. "The key is to merge the Cursed seal of Earth with a Sealing Technique."
A familiar chime echoed in Kitazawa's mind.
[Current Mission: Modify the Cursed seal of Earth]
[Reward: Heaven Release Cursed Seal]
[Accept?]
His lips curved upward.
Of course.
He selected accept without hesitation.
Though Orochimaru had already provided him a prototype of the Heaven Release Cursed Seal, Kitazawa had no intention of using it.
Who knew what kind of hidden traps Orochimaru might have left?
Only a version granted by the system could be trusted completely.
"I… don't know any sealing techniques," Jugo admitted awkwardly.
"You don't need to." Kitazawa chuckled. "Before that, I'll teach you something more practical—Konoha-Style Taijutsu."
Jugo blinked. "Taijutsu?"
"If you're not using Sage Transformation," Kitazawa explained, "your foundation is physical combat. Mastering this style will let you control your chakra flow better—it'll stabilize your energy when we modify the seal later."
Jugo bowed his head slightly, his expression earnest. "Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei."
Until now, he hadn't really accepted Kitazawa as his teacher.
But someone who genuinely wanted to help him… that was different.
Kitazawa smiled faintly and created a Shadow Clone beside him.
"My clone will handle your training."
Jugo followed the clone to a nearby clearing, where they began with the basics of stance and motion.
Kitazawa then turned his gaze to Kimimaro.
"Your strength is exceptional," he said. "I don't have much to teach you about Shikotsumyaku."
"I'll continue refining it myself," Kimimaro said evenly.
He didn't mean it arrogantly—it was simply the truth.
No one, not even Orochimaru, truly understood his kekkei genkai. Every technique he'd mastered, he'd done so alone.
"Fair enough." Kitazawa nodded, then added casually, "But tell me… have you noticed any issues with your body?"
Kimimaro frowned. "My body? No, why?"
Kitazawa exhaled softly. As I thought.
Neither Orochimaru nor Kimimaro had discovered the latent Shikotsumyaku Disease yet—a rare, degenerative condition that slowly destroyed the user's cells from within.
By the time symptoms showed, it would be too late for a full cure.
But now—now, there was still time.
"When we fought," Kitazawa said seriously, "I noticed something off in your chakra flow—an imbalance. It might not feel like anything yet, but it's worth checking."
Kimimaro blinked in surprise.
Kitazawa's tone was confident, and as Tsunade's disciple—a leading medical expert—his words carried weight.
"If you say so…" Kimimaro murmured.
"We'll do a full examination soon," Kitazawa said with a light smile. "Don't worry. The best medical nin in the world are here in Konoha."
Kimimaro gave a small nod. He didn't fully understand, but if Tsunade and Kitazawa were involved, he trusted they would handle it.
After all, even in Otogakure, their names were known—whispered with equal parts admiration and awe.
For the first time, he felt something he hadn't felt in years.
Hope.
"Let's go," Kitazawa said, his tone calm but firm. "You're coming with me to the hospital."
He could have examined Kimimaro himself, but even the sharpest diagnostic jutsu couldn't compare to the precision of Konoha Hospital's equipment.
"...Alright."
Kimimaro nodded without protest, though surprise flickered across his usually composed face. He hadn't expected that a single fight with Kitazawa would lead to the discovery of something wrong with his body.
Still, this was good.
If he was to serve as Orochimaru's vessel, his body had to be flawless.
Kitazawa went straight to Nonou's office and explained the situation.
"Kekkei genkai disease?" Nono's eyes widened slightly. "I've heard of it before... but this is the first time I've ever seen a real case."
"Arrange a full-body examination," Kitazawa instructed. "I'll fetch Lady Tsunade."
With that, he turned and left the hospital.
Nono smiled reassuringly at Kimimaro. "Come with me. We'll start with the preliminary scans."
Her gentle tone was one Kimimaro wasn't used to hearing. Still, he followed her without question.
Kitazawa returned to the Hokage's Office, where Tsunade and Shizune were reviewing reports.
After listening to his explanation, both women immediately accompanied him back to the hospital.
Shizune, ever the diligent medic, was particularly curious—kekkei genkai diseases were exceedingly rare, and this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study one firsthand.
By the time Kimimaro's examination was complete, the hallway outside the lab was crowded with curious medical-nin.
When Kimimaro stepped out and saw Tsunade, Kitazawa, Shizune, and nearly a dozen others waiting, he froze.
Originally, there had only been three people.
But word of a "kekkei genkai disease" had spread like wildfire through the hospital. Add Tsunade's sudden arrival, and every available medic had rushed over—eager to witness the case in person.
Even Kimimaro, who rarely showed emotion, felt a pang of unease.
To gather this many medics… what kind of illness required such attention?
If his body truly was defective—if he couldn't serve Orochimaru—then everything he'd lived for would crumble.
"They're just here to watch," Kitazawa said, noticing the stiffness in his shoulders. "Don't overthink it."
His reassurance helped little. With this kind of lineup, even the most stoic shinobi would assume it was their final consultation before death.
Kimimaro remained silent.
Time passed. The tension in the corridor thickened until the lab door finally opened.
Nono stepped out, holding a stack of reports. Without saying a word, she handed them directly to Tsunade.
Kitazawa leaned over her shoulder as Tsunade flipped through the results.
Just as he suspected—early-stage kekkei genkai disease.
A hereditary degeneration tied to the Shikotsumyaku, Kimimaro's unique bloodline ability.
Simply put, his own bones—the source of his strength—would, over time, begin to weaken and collapse from overuse.
In the original timeline, his illness had worsened because of Orochimaru's cursed seal of Earth. The seal had amplified his chakra output, allowing him to use his techniques more easily… but at the cost of straining his body even further.
Techniques like Dance of the Camilia, which he performed in full Cursed Seal form, had accelerated his decline.
Tsunade's expression grew serious as she studied the report. Kitazawa didn't interrupt—he knew that look. She was already analyzing possible treatments.
His thoughts drifted briefly to another case—Uchiha Itachi.
He, too, had suffered what might be classified as a kekkei genkai disease, though his had been self-inflicted.
Unlike Kimimaro, Itachi had deliberately pushed his body beyond its limits, overusing his Mangekyō Sharingan to hasten his death—a punishment and a gift for his brother.
Two different fates, born from the same flaw: a bloodline that consumes its own bearer.
"Hmm…" one of the nearby medics murmured after reading the file. "It's complicated."
"Can this kind of bloodline disease even be cured?" another whispered.
Kimimaro's mouth twitched. Could they not discuss that while I'm standing right here?
Tsunade sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Alright, since you're all here, each of you draft a treatment proposal and submit it to me next week."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
The medics quickly dispersed, murmuring among themselves.
When the room was quieter, Nono stepped forward. "Lady Tsunade, what do you think?"
Tsunade crossed her arms. "It's troublesome, but not hopeless. Fortunately, it was caught early—the condition hasn't progressed too far."
Kimimaro exhaled softly, relief flickering in his eyes.
If the greatest medical ninja in the world said it wasn't serious, then he could believe that.
"As expected of Lady Tsunade," Nono said with a small smile. "Even I can't see a clear treatment path yet."
Tsunade chuckled. "Then this will be a good learning exercise for you and Shizune. Submit your own treatment drafts by next week."
"Yes, ma'am!" Shizune said brightly. Then, narrowing her eyes playfully, she added, "Wait—why doesn't Kitazawa have to write one too?"
Tsunade hesitated for half a second, then replied smoothly, "He's… very busy."
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow, amused.
"Well, if you find the time," Tsunade added quickly, "you can submit one too."
"Of course, Tsunade-sensei." Kitazawa smiled, then turned to Kimimaro. "For now, avoid using the Cursed seal of Earth. Wait until we stabilize your condition."
Kimimaro nodded obediently.
He rarely used the Cursed Seal anyway—only when faced with enemies he couldn't defeat otherwise.
"The only exception," Kitazawa added, "is the Monthly Exam."
Kimimaro blinked, momentarily thrown off.
Did Kitazawa seriously believe someone in the Genius Class could defeat him—even with his Cursed Seal active?
Impossible.
He was Kimimaro of the Kaguya Clan—the strongest of Orochimaru's chosen, the perfect vessel.
There couldn't possibly be anyone among his peers who could surpass him.
Or so he thought.
[System Mission Triggered]
Objective: Prevent Kimimaro from placing in the top three during the next practical exam.
Reward: 20% of Shikotsumyaku genetic inheritance.
Accept mission?
Kitazawa's gaze sharpened.
Now this was a tricky one.
Kimimaro failing to take first place? Possible.
But keeping him out of the top three? That was borderline impossible.
Still, the reward—Shikotsumyaku—was far too tempting to ignore.
"Accept," Kitazawa murmured under his breath.
He crossed his arms, thinking deeply.
For Kimimaro to fall below third place, at least three students had to beat him.
Three students strong enough to surpass a monster like him...
Fortunately, Kitazawa could already think of a few candidates.
Yakumo, for one, was no ordinary genjutsu prodigy.
Her bloodline limit bordered on the level of a Mangekyō Sharingan illusion—enough to even make Orochimaru stumble if caught off guard.
Naruto was another sure bet.
His chakra reserves were practically endless, and lately, his relationship with Kurama had been improving at an alarming pace.
Even if Kimimaro activated the Cursed seal of Earth, he couldn't match Naruto's sheer vitality and chakra output.
That left Sasuke—the wild card.
Kitazawa rubbed his chin. "Sasuke's the only one who might slip up."
His fundamentals were solid, his control impressive, but his growth had plateaued.
If nothing changed, he might not catch up in time.
There were two ways to fix that:
Either grant him a Cursed Seal… or awaken the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.
The former would cause more problems than it solved.
The latter, however, was tricky—especially for an eight-year-old.
Where could he possibly find the kind of emotional trauma required to trigger that evolution?
A public humiliation in a green jumpsuit? No, that had already been done once. And survived. Barely.
[New System Mission: Help Uchiha Sasuke awaken the Three-Tomoe Sharingan]
Reward: Invisible Sharingan Activation
Accept mission?
Kitazawa blinked, then chuckled. "Invisible, huh?"
That meant his eyes could use the full abilities of the Sharingan while remaining perfectly normal in appearance.
That… was huge.
No crimson eyes to give him away.
No warning before a genjutsu.
A perfect stealth upgrade.
And if there was a "Invisible" Sharingan—then could there also be a "Invisible" Byakugan one day?
And what would happen if he merged them?
Kitazawa caught himself and shook his head. "Focus, Kitazawa. One world-breaking ability at a time."
Helping Sasuke awaken the Three-Tomoe Sharingan wasn't impossible.
It just required time—and the right kind of emotional trigger.
Unfortunately, Sasuke was still five years too young for the kind of trauma the Uchiha seemed to specialize in.
Tsunade's voice pulled him back to the present.
Kitazawa blinked, nodded automatically, and escorted Kimimaro back to the Academy.
"Your condition won't worsen," Kitazawa told him on the way, "as long as you avoid overusing Shikotsumyaku."
He thought for a moment, then added, "Limit your training to ten short sessions a day. Ten minutes each. No more."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei."
Kimimaro's response was calm, but the respect in his tone was unmistakable.
The incident at the hospital had changed something between them.
Kimimaro no longer looked at him as just another superior but as someone genuinely worth following.
When Kitazawa reached the training grounds, he spotted Jugo and Tayuya practicing nearby.
Though they struggled with theory, their effort in training was extraordinary.
After all, they'd come from Otogakure—where weakness meant death.
They didn't need to be told what it took to survive.
Satisfied, Kitazawa moved on to the next training field—where Kakashi's team was practicing.
His eyes immediately found Sasuke.
Let's see what you've been up to, prodigy.
The boy's chakra flared. Blue lightning crackled between his hands—not just one, but two.
Kitazawa's eyebrows rose.
"Lightning Release: Double Chidori," he muttered.
So the brat had managed to dual-cast it already. Impressive.
Still, there was a flaw—too focused on close range.
"You could add a long-range option," Kitazawa mused aloud.
Sasuke paused mid-motion, turning to look at him. "Kitazawa-sensei?"
Even Kakashi looked up from his book, curious.
Kitazawa stepped forward, a small smile playing on his lips. "I just had an idea—a way to extend the Chidori's range. Watch closely."
He raised his hand, channeling chakra.
Lightning flared and screeched like a thousand birds.
Then, with a flick of his fingers, the chakra thinned into sharp, needle-like threads of light.
"Chidori Senbon."
The electric needles shot forward, embedding themselves into a distant training post with a crackling hiss.
The demonstration left a faint ozone scent in the air.
Kakashi's visible eye curved in amusement. "Impressive," he said approvingly. "That's a clever modification."
Sasuke's eyes gleamed with barely contained excitement.
Fast, precise, and lethal from range—exactly what he'd been missing.
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!" Sasuke said earnestly, bowing slightly.
Kitazawa waved it off. "Just don't fry your teammates during practice."
Sasuke didn't hear him. He was already back at it, lightning dancing between his hands again.
Kitazawa smirked.
Although Lightning Release: Chidori Senbon was not difficult, sometimes the simplest things were the hardest to think of.
This was why there were so few creative ninja.
With Chidori Senbon, Sasuke felt that his chances of defeating Naruto and the others had increased by a few points.
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