The Training Ground of the Academy buzzed with activity.
The Genius Class students were scattered across their stations, each absorbed in their own specialized drills.
Kitazawa's eyes drifted to Kimimaro.
October was already halfway through. It was time to plan ahead—specifically, the next monthly exam.
Kimimaro still had a pending system mission: earn first place in a practical combat exam.
And realistically, that wasn't happening through a normal exam.
No matter how gifted Kimimaro was—no matter that he had Kage-level potential—he simply couldn't defeat or even keep up with two little monsters: Naruto and Sasuke.
Some kids fought with talent.
Some fought with training.
And some had cheats.
Kimimaro's only hope was to achieve first place through a mission evaluation.
Originally, Kitazawa had considered taking him along for the Box of Paradise mission.
But Satori was overwhelmingly strong, and dealing with it would require more than what Kimimaro could safely handle. On top of that, Kitazawa wouldn't be able to reasonably justify a high score if Kimimaro couldn't contribute meaningfully.
So, that option was out.
Looks like he would have to head to the mission hall and arrange something else instead.
As for the Box of Paradise—
That would wait until after the New Year.
Sasuke was still too young, still lacking foundational training. Forcing the mission early could do more harm than good.
With that thought, Kitazawa sought out Kakashi.
"In terms of fundamentals," Kakashi said after a moment, "Sasuke is already top-tier among his age group. Improving him further isn't easy."
"He can try Lightning Release activation," Kitazawa suggested. "It'll deepen his Lightning Release nature transformation."
Chidori was technically Lightning Release activation—but limited to the hands.
The Fourth Raikage's Lightning Release Chakra Mode, however, was full-body activation.
A different league entirely.
"And if possible," Kitazawa added, "get him into Gai's physical conditioning."
At the end of the day, a shinobi's foundation was chakra capacity and physical ability.
Increase both, and everything else followed.
"…What exactly are you trying to do?" Kakashi asked, suspicion creeping into his tone.
"Help Sasuke awaken his Three-Tomoe Sharingan," Kitazawa answered plainly.
Kakashi froze.
Did this man hear himself?
Sasuke was seven.
Seven.
But the more Kakashi thought about it, the more the possibility gnawed at him.
His famed record—Jonin at twelve—was crumbling before his eyes.
Once Sasuke awakened his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, he'd basically be Jonin-level in combat.
And the worst part?
He wouldn't be the only one.
Naruto.
Yakumo.
Several students were creeping up the ladder behind him—fast enough to topple decades-old records.
Reality truly was stranger than Jiraiya's novels.
"Sasuke's Lightning Release training has hit a bottleneck anyway," Kakashi admitted. "This might be the right time for something new."
"Thanks, Kakashi," Kitazawa said, then added, "And don't tell Sasuke. I don't want him overthinking it."
"I know," Kakashi sighed, walking toward Sasuke with the weariness of a man watching the next generation erase him from history.
Kitazawa walked toward the Taijutsu training grounds next but didn't interrupt.
From the sidelines, he observed.
The students were neatly divided into two groups:
Naruto and Rock Lee
Everyone else
Naruto had already reached near-master-level in Leaf-Style Kenjutsu.
Kitazawa had been debating what to teach him next…
But with Chen's arrival, that dilemma vanished.
Now both Naruto and Lee were learning Konoha Gale—three consecutive spinning kicks that demanded perfect balance, momentum, and explosive force.
Chen had once used this very technique to overwhelm Gai.
Naturally, it wasn't easy to learn.
Satisfied with their progress, Kitazawa left for the adjacent training ground.
This area was lined with dense rows of targets.
Hinata stood there with a bow in hand, Byakugan activated.
Her form was perfect—smooth draw, steady aim, controlled breath.
She released.
The arrow tore through the air and struck the bullseye with precision.
With the Byakugan's absurd field of vision and range, becoming a marksman was child's play for her. In the original timeline, she could see ten kilometers away.
Combined with a powerful enough bow, she would be a terrifying sniper.
Kitazawa had even assigned Neji the same training when he had time.
After all, the Box of Paradise was enormous—more than enough material for multiple bows.
How many exactly?
That would remain to be seen.
Satorit was the tricky part.
It couldn't be "shared," so only one Yin Release bow could house it.
Luckily, the ninja world had other Yin Release creatures.
Finding another spiritual core wouldn't be impossible.
After checking in on everyone, Kitazawa began practicing Wood Release.
He estimated another half-month before he mastered it.
Just in time to show off in front of Tsunade—pretending, of course, that he learned it on his own.
But training was progressing slowly because much of his time was invested in modifying the Earth Curse Mark.
If the pace held, he'd complete it next month.
As for Yang Release Chakra Mode…
That would take at least two more months.
Another two weeks passed in a blink.
It was now November 1st—the day of the theoretical exam.
After breakfast, Kitazawa went to the Academy.
He and Iruka would oversee the Genius Class exam.
Hiruzen and Kosuke wouldn't interfere, since they handled practical lessons.
Iruka covered theory.
And Kitazawa—vice-principal and head of the Genius Class—oversaw everything.
"Why do ninja have to learn theory?" Tayuya groaned. "Isn't beating enemies enough?"
"That's a very youthful question!" Lee declared proudly. "I want to know too!"
Tayuya gave him a side-eye.
How had someone who studied for two years still ranked below her, who'd only had one month?
"When fighting weaker opponents, brute force is fine."
Shikamaru yawned. "But against stronger ones, you need strategy. That's where theory comes in."
"Then what's the point of learning the Will of Fire?" Tayuya challenged.
"To become Hokage!"
Kiba pumped his fist. "Only by understanding the Will of Fire can you lead!"
"I'm from the Sound Village," Tayuya said. "I don't want to be Hokage."
"But Sound is part of Konoha now," Ino reminded her.
"Konoha is Konoha. Sound is Sound!" Tayuya insisted.
"Didn't you see the announcement?" Sakura chimed in. "Orochimaru officially returned as head of the Science Department."
Tayuya faltered.
She had seen it—but stubborn habits died hard.
Not that she wanted to go back.
Konoha had better food.
Better people.
Better everything.
"As long as I'm with Lord Orochimaru, it doesn't matter where I am."
Kimimaro said calmly.
"Enough of that—it's exam day," Kiba groaned.
"What's there to think about? Shikamaru and Sakura will get first and second again," Ino muttered bitterly.
"But third place can decide the final ranking," Kiba countered.
Shikamaru twitched.
Are you implying I can't get a perfect score in the practical exam?
"I can still get first overall!" Sakura insisted, eyes sparkling. "Maybe Sasuke-kun and I will tie~!"
"That's impossible," Ino said instantly.
"Anything's possible! You're my defeated rival after all!"
"That was the past! I'll defeat you this time!"
"You got special training from Kitazawa-sensei again?" Shikamaru asked.
"Yes!" Ino declared. "This time I'll beat Sakura!"
"I also have Kosuke-sensei," Sakura shot back, though more cautiously.
After all, Kitazawa was Kitazawa.
She couldn't lose to Ino.
That would be unforgivable.
At 9 AM, Kitazawa entered the classroom.
The chatter died instantly.
He didn't lecture—everyone already knew the drill.
He simply passed out the test papers.
Kimimaro's system mission didn't involve theory, so he wouldn't participate.
Kitazawa sat at the front of the classroom, staring absently at the stack of test papers.
His mind, however, was elsewhere—still lingering on the modified cursed seal he'd been refining.
Just one final adjustment and it would be complete.
Current Mission: Modify the Curse Mark of Earth.
Mission Reward: Cursed Seal of Heaven.
Mission completed—reward issued.
Three glowing lines appeared before him the moment the bell rang.
In an instant, knowledge of the Cursed Seal of Heaven surged into his mind—principles, structure, side effects, inoculation thresholds.
The Heaven Seal and Earth Seal belonged to the same lineage, yet their differences were stark.
Even in the original timeline, the Cursed Seal of Heaven was leagues above the Earth variant.
But its strength came at a price: extreme rejection rates, severe toll on the body, and a success rate so abysmally low that only Sasuke and Anko ever survived it.
Knowing Orochimaru, he must have experimented on countless young prodigies.
And yet only two survived.
Kitazawa exhaled lightly.
No matter how he improved it, the Heaven Seal was never going to be suitable for mass use.
At best, a few exceptional talents could be candidates—but those same talents didn't really need curse marks to begin with.
Overuse would cripple their bodies.
A failed awakening would ruin their future.
The Earth Seal, however, was different.
Stable.
Replicable.
Safe enough to distribute to veteran Chunin and Jonin who had already hit their growth ceiling. With the right supervision, he could form a Cursed Seal Special Forces Unit.
Something like a powered-up ANBU.
"Submit your papers and head home," Kitazawa said, standing. "Tomorrow at nine, we start the practical exam. Team assignments will be posted then."
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!"
The Genius Class filed out, still buzzing with quiet competition.
Kitazawa gathered the test papers and brought them to Iruka.
Grading them himself would be tedious; Iruka handled theory better anyway.
His destination was the Hokage Building.
Because today—finally—he had mastered three basic Wood Release jutsus.
After Shizune granted permission, Kitazawa entered.
"Kitazawa? Shouldn't you be in the middle of the theory exam?" Shizune asked.
"It's already over. Iruka's taking care of the grading," Kitazawa replied.
Tsunade stretched irritably. "So what did you come here for? Shizune and I still have work to go over."
"Just one minute."
Kitazawa approached the desk, eyes landing on Tonton.
"Shizune-senpai, lend me Tonton for a moment."
He lifted the bewildered pig onto the desk.
"...Tonton?"
The pig stared at him, confused.
Shizune tensed. "You better not hurt it!"
"I won't."
Kitazawa formed a rapid string of hand seals.
He intended to show Tsunade what he'd achieved—but Wood Locking Wall would wreck the room.
Wood Style: Mokusatsu Shibari no Jutsu was perfect.
A wooden tendril materialized from thin air, wrapping gently around Tonton.
"Wood Release?!"
Tsunade, whose nonchalance was legendary, jerked upright.
Shizune's eyes nearly popped out of her skull.
"Didn't I tell you?" Kitazawa said cheerfully. "I've been trying to synthesize Wood Release. I finally succeeded."
Tsunade fell silent—struck speechless.
She'd dismissed his earlier comments as jokes or overconfidence.
Wood Release wasn't something you "figured out."
It was a divine bloodline, the stuff of legends.
But now it was right in front of her.
Not Yamato's diluted imitation—
Real Wood Release
In the hands of someone strong enough to wield it.
"Can Wood Release… truly be synthesized?" Shizune whispered, excitement trembling in her voice. "Not even Lord Tobirama or the Third could do that…"
This wasn't just Yamato's engineered mutation.
This was the rebirth of a bloodline.
And the one who achieved it was Tsunade's own student.
"You've done well… better than I imagined," Tsunade finally murmured, collecting herself.
The implications were enormous.
Wood Release in the hands of an elite Jonin was one thing.
But Wood Release in the hands of someone with Hokage-level potential…
That was the kind of power other nations would consider an existential threat.
"How many Wood Release techniques do you know?" Tsunade asked.
"Three."
"Three? And you only came now?" Tsunade shot him a glare.
"I wanted it to be a surprise," Kitazawa said innocently. "Three techniques also means I've fully stabilized the Kekkei Genkai."
"Don't tell anyone yet," Tsunade said seriously. "Once you've learned the majority of Wood Release techniques, we'll make it public."
Kitazawa nodded.
Being targeted by other villages was the last thing he wanted…
At least until he held enough power to crush such attempts casually.
"Shizune, hold down the office. Kitazawa, come with me."
"Where are we going?" Kitazawa followed her down the corridor.
"To the Senju Clan's compound. Some of the most important Wood Release scrolls are stored there."
Her tone softened—nostalgic, almost pained.
She hadn't set foot in the Senju compound since returning to Konoha.
Too many memories waited there.
Too much grief—Nawaki, Dan, the end of her clan.
But for Wood Release, she would return.
They arrived at the long-silent compound.
Tsunade unlocked a familiar door and stepped inside. Dust coated the furniture, but the air still carried faint traces of a home long abandoned.
"Basement," she murmured.
They descended the stairs.
Kitazawa immediately noticed the intricate sealing formulas carved into every wall—Uzushio-style fūinjutsu, dense and layered.
A bunker of sealing arts.
Mito Uzumaki's handiwork.
"All Wood Release scrolls are kept here," Tsunade said, stopping before a sealed bookshelf. "From today on, you may learn any of them." Tsunade said gently. "If you want other techniques, come find me."
She alone could unseal this room.
"It's noon already. Let's eat here today."
"I'll go buy ingredients," Kitazawa said as they returned upstairs.
"Alright. I'll clean the living room. And the market's on the left when you step outside."
"Got it."
Kitazawa stepped out onto the quiet street, stretching.
Now that he had revealed Wood Release, his status in Konoha was untouchable.
Even defection wouldn't land him in trouble; he could return like Orochimaru did, welcomed back with open arms.
Not that he intended to defect.
Everyone he cared about was here.
He went to the nearby market and picked out a fresh chicken.
Tsunade loved tender chicken dishes.
After a brief pause, he added a bottle of sake to his basket.
With her tolerance, one bottle wouldn't hurt.
After buying everything, Kitazawa made his way back to the Senju compound.
When he opened the door, he found the living room spotless and refreshed.
Tsunade had tossed aside her tea-green haori and sprawled lazily across the sofa in a completely un-Hokage-like posture.
"That fast?" Kitazawa asked, glancing at her fair feet propped on the coffee table.
"I used a Shadow Clone," Tsunade replied. Then she sniffed the air, eyes brightening. "You bought sake?"
"You can smell that?" Kitazawa blinked.
"No sake aroma can escape my nose," Tsunade declared proudly.
"Dinner first. Then you can drink."
Kitazawa headed for the kitchen.
Tsunade let out a small pout, shifted her hips, tucked in her legs, and sank deeper into the cushions.
Being home—and witnessing Kitazawa master Wood Release—made her feel completely at ease.
Konoha was thriving.
And once the Genius Class grew up, the village might enter its greatest era yet.
Time slipped by quietly.
Since it was just the two of them, Kitazawa made only one dish: her favorite tender chicken.
When he stepped out carrying bowls and chopsticks, Tsunade appeared to be asleep.
"Asleep?" Kitazawa set everything down and leaned over the sofa.
He gently poked her cheek.
Tsunade's eyes fluttered open. She stared at him blankly for a breath. "Dinner's ready?"
Kitazawa nodded.
She sat up immediately. Her loose sleeveless top shifted downward, collar dipping low enough to reveal a flash of skin.
Kitazawa's gaze instinctively shifted to the Ocean Heart necklace he'd given her—half-hidden, half-visible.
"Still staring?" Tsunade kicked weakly in his direction before standing and heading to the table.
"Since you have work this afternoon, I only bought one bottle of sake," Kitazawa said, sitting opposite her.
"One bottle?" Tsunade frowned. "That's neither here nor there. Not satisfying at all."
"Then are you still drinking it?"
"You already brought it home—of course I'm drinking it."
Tsunade grabbed the bottle and downed two large gulps.
"Image, Hokage-sama," Kitazawa teased. "You're supposed to be dignified."
"No outsiders here. Why bother?"
She placed the bottle down, exhaled happily, and smirked. "Besides, you're not drinking."
"With how you're drinking? I definitely shouldn't."
"Why not? Drink with me!"
She glared and thrust the bottle at him.
"If I drink, what will you drink?" Kitazawa caught her wrist lightly.
"You should've bought two bottles! Honestly…"
Tsunade rolled her eyes. "And don't look down on me."
"So that last part was the real issue?" Kitazawa said, eyes drifting—just briefly—to her lips.
The sake had stained them a richer shade, soft and tempting.
"It's nothing. Eat."
Tsunade turned away a fraction too quickly, guilt flickering across her face.
"Try the chicken."
Kitazawa handed her a pair of chopsticks.
Tsunade tasted a piece and nodded. "Not bad. Almost as good as the izakaya's tender chicken."
"That's too generous," Kitazawa chuckled. "I'm perfectly aware of my cooking skills."
Tsunade leaned back, her expression turning serious. "Your Wood Release… is it really a fusion of Yang Release, Water Release, and Earth Release like you said?"
Kitazawa nodded. "Mm."
"Then your Wood Release should surpass Yamato's, right?"
"I've seen Yamato's techniques. Mine are stronger."
"As expected."
Tsunade smiled. "From today onward, Konoha has truly regained Wood Release."
"You're putting pressure on me," Kitazawa joked.
"Pressure breeds motivation."
She held his gaze. "And I believe in you."
"Or you're just eager to retire," Kitazawa teased again.
"That too."
Tsunade sighed. "Being Hokage is exhausting—seven days a week, no breaks."
"New Year's is almost here. You can rest then."
"There's still a month…" Tsunade muttered.
Her thoughts shifted suddenly—Kitazawa's birthday was on December 21.
He had given her the Ocean's Heart for her own birthday.
She would need to prepare something worthy in return.
"A month passes quickly," Kitazawa said. "Konoha's stable now. You really don't need to overwork yourself."
"That's true."
Tsunade took another sip, then asked, "Have you heard of Sage Mode?"
"Of course. It's the superior form of the Curse Mark—true Senjutsu. Forming Sage Art requires balancing natural energy with your spiritual and physical energy."
Tsunade nodded. "Shikkotsu Forest has its own Sage Mode. Once you master Deep Forest Emergence, you can go learn it."
"Sure," Kitazawa agreed easily.
He waited.
No system notification.
As he expected—he couldn't learn Sage Mode on his own.
The system would need to trigger a mission for it.
Better that way. Sage training was notoriously brutal—turning to stone was never ideal.
After lunch, they returned to the Hokage Office.
"I'm full… nap time," Tsunade said lazily.
"Speaking of which," Kitazawa said, "I mastered Wood Release. Don't I get a reward?"
Tsunade sat on the sofa, studying him. "What do you want?"
"Anything?"
Their eyes met.
The room quieted.
The air shifted—charged and delicate.
"Of course not," Tsunade coughed, averting her gaze. "Only what Konoha can provide."
Kitazawa leaned down and kissed her.
Tsunade's eyes widened in surprise.
They had kissed before, but it was usually her catching him off-guard—not the other way around.
"I got my reward. Good afternoon," Kitazawa said with a grin.
He dodged her reflexive kick and sprinted away at full speed.
Tsunade stared blankly at the doorway.
He hadn't kissed and run.
She… simply hadn't reacted fast enough.
Their relationship had shifted again.
She could feel it.
Kitazawa returned home and spent the afternoon studying Deep Forest Emergence.
As an S-rank Wood Release, the scroll's complexity was no joke.
At around five, Iruka arrived to deliver the results of the theory exam.
The top three were unchanged—
Shikamaru, Sakura, Sasuke.
Kimimaro's improvement stood out the most—he'd climbed all the way to nineteenth.
Jugo and Tayuya were still stuck in the bottom group.
After breakfast, Kitazawa and Kurenai headed to the Academy.
The other teachers—Hiruzen, Kosuke, Kakashi, and Chen—were already chatting warmly.
"You're just in time," Kosuke said. "We've decided on team assignments."
"Is Kimimaro available?" Kitazawa asked. "I plan to take him on a mission."
Everyone shook their heads.
"Fine. We'll go with your arrangements," Kitazawa said.
At nine sharp, the Genius Class assembled.
"Before the practical exam," Kitazawa announced, "I'll declare this month's teams."
Everyone perked up—team composition could make or break their ranking.
"Team One will be led by me," Kitazawa said.
"Members: Kimimaro, Ino Yamanaka, Sakura Haruno."
Kimimaro would be the vanguard.
Ino would provide control.
Sakura—support and healing.
A team built specifically to highlight Kimimaro.
"What a shame Sakura's in it…" Ino muttered.
"Don't hold me back," Sakura snapped.
"That's my line."
Rock Lee sighed wistfully. "Your friendship is full of youthful passion."
"What's so wonderful about it?!" both girls snapped in unison.
Hinata watched quietly—hoping next time she'd be on Kitazawa's team.
"Quiet," Kitazawa said, continuing the announcements.
With six teachers now, each led one squad.
Kurenai's team received Kurama Yakumo, Tenten, and Hinata—an unexpectedly strong team with built-in synergy.
Hiruzen personally requested Naruto.
Chen took Rock Lee.
Kakashi and Kosuke took whoever remained.
"These are the team assignments for this month," Kitazawa concluded. "Go find your team leaders and pick a mission."
"Grandpa Third!" Naruto ran straight to Hiruzen.
"Sasuke, Shikamaru—this way," Kakashi said.
"Iruka," Kitazawa called, "the remaining students are yours."
This arrangement would let the entire monthly exam finish in two or three days.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
Ino jogged up, bright and eager.
"Let's go," Kitazawa said, ruffling her hair.
He led Kimimaro and Sakura toward the main gate of Konoha—
the start of Kimimaro's special mission.
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