The first week of winter break slipped by in the blink of an eye.
December 20th. Saturday.
Kitazawa stood quietly at the edge of the training ground, watching the Genius Class spar beneath the pale winter sun.
He rubbed his chin, eyes thoughtful.
Tomorrow was his birthday.
Things were different now.
He wasn't just an instructor anymore. He was head of the ANBU, a core pillar of Konoha. Even if he kept silent, invitations unspoken, people would still show up with gifts and smiles.
If that was the case—
He might as well host it properly.
Lunch tomorrow. A formal banquet.
As for the evening? No need for grand gestures. Just a simple dinner next door with Tsunade, Shizune, and a few close ones.
Thinking about the guest list made his head throb.
The Genius Class students were obvious.
Then there were relatives. Close friends. The heads of the major clans. Senior officials.
But once he decided to do it seriously, hesitation vanished.
Invite them all.
If word spread, it would only strengthen bonds.
As for delivering invitations—ANBU could handle it.
Strictly speaking, ANBU weren't errand boys.
But would Tsunade object?
Of course not.
After all, she still owed him a "special reward."
Tomorrow, that promise would be fulfilled.
And along with it—
A system mission reward he still hadn't uncovered.
Kitazawa's lips curved faintly.
Now that was something worth anticipating.
He shook off his thoughts and returned to teaching.
Winter break didn't mean stagnation.
For several students, it was time to elevate their training.
First: Tayuya.
She had already mastered Fox Heart Technique and Demonic Illusion: Place Transfer Technique.
Now she was ready for something heavier.
A B-rank genjutsu:
Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death.
If executed well, it could immobilize and psychologically crush an opponent in an instant.
—
Next: Hotaru.
Her Water Release foundation was shallow—only Water Bullet Technique and Water Formation Wall.
It was time to step up.
Kitazawa decided to teach her one of Senju Tobirama's classics:
Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique.
Powerful. Majestic. A true test of Chakra control.
—
Then: Nara Shikamaru.
He now possessed:
Shadow Exchange Jutsu
Konoha Body Flicker Technique
Shadow Wall
His survival tools were solid.
His clan techniques provided unparalleled control.
What he lacked—
Was killing power.
After careful thought, Kitazawa settled on:
Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique.
Technically non-elemental.
In theory, Shikamaru could learn it.
In practice?
Uncertain.
But if he succeeded—
His combat ceiling would rise dramatically.
After all, when Tenten mastered it, her ranking skyrocketed.
Shikamaru's intellect combined with multiplied projectiles?
Troublesome would no longer describe him.
—
Last: Yamanaka Ino.
She had recently completed training and mastered Mind Transmission Technique.
Her mental control had stabilized.
Kitazawa made a bold decision.
He would attempt to teach her an A-rank genjutsu:
Bringer-of-Darkness Technique.
A battlefield-level illusion that plunged targets into absolute darkness.
It was ambitious for her age.
But her foundation was solid enough to try.
Of course, more than four students needed refinement.
But the rest didn't require his direct intervention.
Take Rock Lee.
He hadn't appeared at the Academy all week.
Instead, he trained under Might Gai.
Because—
Guy had begun preparing him for the Eight Gates.
Rock Lee was already ten.
In the original timeline, he opened five gates by thirteen during the joint Chunin Exams.
His potential was unquestionable.
Then there were students who needed no change.
Hyuga Neji and Hyuga Hinata were progressing steadily.
After mastering Void Arc Arrow, their next goal was the devastating World-Ending Arrow.
Winter break or not—
They were climbing fast.
—
Time slipped by.
The sun dipped toward the horizon.
The Genius Class gathered after training.
Sakura instinctively looked toward Sasuke.
He stood apart.
Cold. Silent.
A sharp aura radiated from him—keep your distance.
Sasuke had always been aloof.
But before, it felt intentional.
Now—
It felt real.
The change began last week.
Right after he started Kitazawa's "special training."
Sakura wanted to ask.
She wanted to know what he was going through.
But one look at his expression—
And the words died in her throat.
She wasn't the only one who noticed.
Shikamaru had noticed.
Ino had noticed.
Even Kiba had noticed.
But none of them asked.
Because they trusted Kitazawa.
He would never harm Sasuke.
—
"Tomorrow's Sunday. One day off."
Kitazawa clapped his hands lightly.
"At noon, I'm treating everyone to a meal."
"Great!" Naruto shouted immediately. "Ichiraku Ramen!"
"Naruto."
Shikamaru sighed.
"Do you even remember what tomorrow is?"
Naruto froze.
Then his eyes widened.
"…Oh."
Kitazawa's birthday.
He scratched his head sheepishly.
Ichiraku Ramen… probably wasn't appropriate.
Besides, the shop couldn't fit half the class.
"Be on time," Kitazawa said with a smile. "No excuses."
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!"
The students called out and dispersed.
—
Kitazawa turned toward the elders.
"Third Hokage. If you're free, please join us."
Hiruzen chuckled warmly.
"Of course. It's your birthday."
He paused.
"May I bring family?"
"Please do."
Kitazawa nodded.
"Then I'll bring Asuma and Konohamaru," Hiruzen said thoughtfully. "Konohamaru will enter the Academy next year. Let him get familiar with the Genius Class."
"With Naruto around, he'll fit in just fine." Kitazawa smiled faintly.
Konohamaru Sarutobi.
He remembered him well.
In the original timeline, Konohamaru had shocking potential.
The fact that he learned Rasengan from Naruto—
Despite Naruto's near-zero teaching ability—
Spoke volumes.
Later he even mastered Big Ball Rasengan and sealing techniques.
A true prodigy hidden behind mischief.
Kitazawa also recalled Konohamaru's teammates:
Ise Udon—steady, eventually a capable Jonin.
And Moegi Kazamatsuri.
Moegi was interesting.
She awakened Wood Release.
Not through Hashirama-cell transplants.
Naturally.
Her Wood Release was weak—far inferior to Senju Hashirama, even below Tenzo.
But it was genuine.
Most likely faint Senju blood ran through her veins.
Not enough for greatness.
But enough for potential.
And potential—Was exactly what the Genius Class thrived on
As for Ise Udon, joining the Genius Class in his very first semester would be difficult.
"Then we'll take our leave. See you tomorrow."
Hiruzen and the others said their farewells and departed.
"Kurenai, you head home first. I'm going to the ANBU Base," Kitazawa explained. "I'll have ANBU deliver the invitations for tomorrow's lunch."
"Mm." Kurenai nodded softly. "I'll cook and wait for you."
Kitazawa watched her figure disappear down the street.
If only he had already mastered Flying Thunder God: Guiding Thunder—he could've taken her home instantly.
The current version of the Flying Thunder God Technique only transported himself.
Still… another month or two at most.
With a flicker of space, Kitazawa vanished.
He reappeared inside the ANBU Base.
Finding Antelope, he calmly issued orders to dispatch ANBU members to deliver invitations to the major clans and familiar shinobi.
Efficient. Precise.
Afterward, he teleported again—this time to the entrance of the Hokage Building.
He didn't warp directly into the office.
Tsunade was Hokage. Barging in unannounced would be improper.
He knocked.
"Come in."
Kitazawa stepped inside.
"What brings you here?" Tsunade set down her documents and looked up.
"Do you remember what tomorrow is?"
He approached the desk. From this angle, he could see the smooth line of her collarbone.
"Of course I remember." Tsunade rolled her eyes. "You think I'd forget a day like that?"
Kitazawa chuckled and explained the birthday arrangements.
After listening quietly, Tsunade paused.
"What about the afternoon?"
"Nothing planned," he admitted, slightly confused.
"Good. You're spending it with me."
She said it like it was obvious.
"I don't feel like working."
"To the casino again?" he teased.
"Back to the Senju residence," she corrected.
He blinked. "Why?"
"Why so many questions?" She snorted. "Just come."
"Yes, Tsunade-sensei." He bowed slightly. "Wherever you command."
"That's better."
She smirked faintly. "Anything else? If not, stop distracting me."
"There is one more thing."
He leaned down and kissed her.
Tsunade shot him a warning glare—but didn't push him away.
"See you tomorrow."
He smiled and vanished in a flicker of space.
Tsunade touched her lips unconsciously.
"…Flying Thunder God really is convenient."
Only then did she realize what she'd just done.
The Next Day
Konoha's largest izakaya was bustling by nine in the morning.
Guests arrived one after another.
"Wow! So many people!" Naruto exclaimed, spinning in place.
"Kitazawa really does have influence in Konoha," Asuma chuckled.
"My birthdays will be this grand too!" Konohamaru puffed out his chest proudly.
"Then you'll have to work hard," Hiruzen said, patting his grandson's head.
"Big brother Naruto can definitely do it!" Konohamaru declared confidently.
"Naruto! Over here!" Kiba shouted.
"Konohamaru, go meet the Genius Class," Hiruzen instructed.
The boy nodded and followed Naruto eagerly.
At the Genius Class tables, laughter filled the air.
"Hey everyone! I'm Konohamaru Sarutobi! My dream's the same as big brother Naruto's—to become Hokage!"
"Ah, the confidence of freshmen," Tenten laughed.
"What does that have to do with being a freshman?" Konohamaru frowned.
"Because freshmen haven't been crushed by the Genius Class yet," she replied.
"After you experience the practical exams, you'll realize becoming Hokage is hard," Kiba sighed dramatically.
"I'm not afraid!" Konohamaru gave Naruto's signature thumbs-up. "Youth is about overcoming hardship!"
"We're doomed," Ino Yamanaka muttered.
Noon
The doors opened.
Kitazawa entered alongside Tsunade.
The banquet officially began.
At the central table sat Konoha's pillars—Hiruzen, Fugaku Uchiha, Hiashi Hyuga, and others.
"Hokage-sama."
They rose respectfully.
"No formalities." Tsunade waved them down. "Today I'm just a guest."
Her eyes slid toward Kitazawa.
"I'll keep it short," he said with a relaxed smile. "Thank you all for coming. Please enjoy yourselves."
"You and Tsunade really dislike speeches," Hiruzen chuckled.
"Hmph. Not everyone rambles like you," Tsunade shot back.
"Very well." Hiruzen raised his cup. "To Kitazawa. Happy birthday."
"Thank you."
Cups clinked.
The feast lasted nearly two hours.
Eventually—
"Tsunade-sensei, are you alright?"
Kitazawa noticed her cheeks were flushed crimson.
"I—I'm fine." She swayed slightly. "You're coming with me to the… to the casino this afternoon!"
She noticed Shizune and Kurenai nearby and quickly corrected herself.
"—to the Senju residence."
Kitazawa blinked.
Shizune frowned. "Lady Tsunade, you're drunk. You still want to gamble?"
"This little alcohol is nothing." Tsunade straightened. "I have the Yin Seal."
The violet diamond mark on her forehead shimmered faintly.
The redness faded instantly.
Her posture stabilized.
Her eyes cleared.
In seconds—
The legendary Sannin stood there again, perfectly sober.
And smiling.
"Shizune-senpai," Kitazawa cleared his throat lightly. "It's my birthday. Let Tsunade-sensei take the afternoon off."
"Fine. Just this once—for your sake," Shizune relented, though her tone remained firm. "But don't let her gamble until midnight."
"Absolutely not," Kitazawa said with an innocent smile. "We still have dinner plans tonight."
"You keep Lady Tsunade company. Dinner's on me and Shizune," Kurenai declared confidently. "We'll make it special."
"Thanks." He nodded sincerely.
"Then we'll head back first. Don't come home too late."
Shizune left with Kurenai and Uzumaki Rina, casting one last warning glance.
"Tsunade-sensei, yesterday you said we were going to the Senju compound?" Kitazawa asked, smiling faintly.
"We are," Tsunade replied, standing up. "I just… misspoke earlier."
"Misspoke?" He arched a brow.
"Let's go."
She offered no further explanation and walked ahead.
Suppressing his curiosity, Kitazawa followed.
The Senju Clan compound stood quiet and dignified, steeped in history.
"I'll unlock it," Kitazawa said, stepping forward with the key Tsunade had once given him for studying Wood Release scrolls.
He opened the door and gestured politely. "After you, Tsunade-sensei."
Inside, everything was spotless.
"You've been cleaning?" she asked, surprised.
"Whenever I came to review Wood Release techniques, I tidied up a little," he replied.
Tsunade stretched lazily. "I smell like sake. I'm going to shower."
"There's hot water ready."
His eyes lingered for a second too long on her graceful figure before she disappeared into the bath.
Left alone, Kitazawa sat on the sofa, still unsure what this visit truly meant.
Time passed.
Then the door opened.
He turned instinctively—and froze.
Tsunade stepped out wrapped in a single white towel. Her damp hair clung softly to her shoulders; droplets traced slow paths along pale skin. The fabric, barely secured, hinted more than it concealed.
Barefoot against the polished floor, she seemed almost unreal.
"What are you staring at?" she asked, though her gaze was anything but cold.
"At my beautiful Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa replied honestly.
A faint blush rose to her cheeks.
"Do you have any thoughts?"
"None," he answered too quickly.
"Liar."
She stepped closer. The air between them grew warm, charged.
"And now?" she murmured.
Her fingers loosened their hold.
The towel slipped.
For a heartbeat, the world stilled.
Kitazawa's breath caught. His usual composure shattered beneath the sight before him—not merely beauty, but vulnerability… trust.
He stepped forward and pulled her into his arms.
For the first time, there was nothing between them.
Tsunade stiffened briefly at the sudden closeness, then her hands rose instinctively, fingers threading into his hair.
He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her toward the bedroom.
The door closed softly behind them.
He laid her gently on the bed.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Tsunade's confident exterior faltered just slightly; a delicate blush colored her face as she looked up at him—not as Hokage, not as the legendary Sannin… but simply as a woman.
Kitazawa brushed a hand along her back, careful, reverent.
A flicker of pride stirred in him—this formidable woman, feared across nations, had chosen him.
Tsunade's breath steadied. The faint mark of the Yin Seal shimmered briefly on her forehead, her strength as steady as ever.
"Feeling smug?" she teased, though her voice carried warmth.
In the next instant, she flipped their positions with startling force, pressing him down instead.
Kitazawa laughed softly, gripping her waist as he met her strength head-on.
After all—
He bore the Yin Seal as well.
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