"You're the one who's too weak—getting drunk so quickly and passing out." Kitazawa shook his head as he spoke.
He had originally intended to use the drinking game to probe Tsunade's current thoughts, but the game ended after only two questions. A flicker of doubt crossed his face. Was Tsunade pretending?
After a brief hesitation, Kitazawa reached out and lifted her into his arms. Since she didn't want to talk, he wouldn't force her. In truth, his purpose had already been achieved.
Tsunade was now like Schrödinger's cat—perhaps tomorrow she would agree to treatment for her hemophobia.
The two left the izakaya.
A knock sounded at the door.
Shizune hurried over, opening it in a few steps. Seeing Kitazawa holding Tsunade, she froze in surprise.
"Tsunade-sama got drunk, so I had no choice but to carry her back," Kitazawa explained.
"Then please take her straight to her room," Shizune said as she stepped aside.
"Understood." Kitazawa entered Tsunade's room and gently placed her on the bed. Her defenseless appearance made his eyes linger on her for just a moment longer than intended.
"I'll be going now, Senior Sister Shizune," he said before leaving for the neighboring house—Kurenai's residence.
Although it was Tuesday, there were no classes in the afternoon. With Tsunade drunk again and Shizune unable to head to the hospital, Kitazawa decided he would spend the afternoon practicing Wind Release ninjutsu.
After a long morning of work, he also wanted to unwind—surgery was exhausting.
---
Inside Tsunade's room
"Indeed, all men are the same." After Kitazawa left, Tsunade opened her eyes, stretched lazily, and muttered. With her strength, she naturally sensed Kitazawa's gaze lingering on her. Strangely enough, she didn't feel angry.
"Lady… Lady Tsunade, were you faking being drunk?" Shizune stepped back into the room and, upon seeing her awake, asked in disbelief.
"That guy is too sharp. I agreed to his drinking game, but I could only end it with this method." Tsunade swung her legs over the bed and sat at its edge.
"What drinking game?" Shizune asked, still confused.
"Nothing." Tsunade turned her head toward the window.
Even she couldn't figure out what she was truly thinking. If she really didn't care about Konoha, she should have left already, instead of lingering in hesitation.
Earlier in the izakaya, after Kitazawa's first question, she had already realized the truth. Her choice had been to evade.
Am I even worse than Naruto? Tsunade sighed inwardly and fell silent.
Uzumaki Naruto had the courage to throw himself into a desperate fight even when the odds were stacked against him. She couldn't muster that same resolve.
--
The next morning, Wednesday, October 2nd.
Kitazawa arrived early at the First-Year Teachers' Office.
"Kitazawa-senpai?" Iruka looked startled to see him. It was rare for Kitazawa to appear in their office so early.
"Iruka," Kitazawa said, standing in the doorway without entering. "Go and inform the teachers of all grades. There will be a meeting at noon."
"When exactly?" Iruka asked, already rising to his feet.
"Twelve-forty," Kitazawa replied after a brief pause. Forty minutes would be more than enough time for everyone to eat beforehand.
"Alright." Though curious about the reason, Iruka didn't press further.
With the monthly exam concluded, First-Year Class A had returned to its usual calm. But not everyone was at ease.
Sasuke, for one, had been training even more fiercely than before. His eyes burned with determination, his spirit desperate. The sting of his fourth-place finish in the practical exam had clearly struck him deeply.
Yet no new mission was triggered. Kitazawa guessed the reason was simple—Sasuke didn't need outside help. With both Fire Release and genjutsu, Sasuke had clear goals. It would likely take another crushing setback before the system assigned Kitazawa a new task for him.
Kitazawa wasn't in a rush. He already had plenty of missions at hand.
"Kabuto, your Wind Release: Gale Palm is improving quickly," Kitazawa observed after watching for a while, offering praise.
"I'm not a student at the Academy, so I didn't have to take the monthly exam. I've been focusing on Wind Release these past few days," Kabuto replied modestly.
"You'll be ready to learn a new Wind Release next week," Kitazawa said. "But I have a mission this weekend, so I don't know if I'll be back in time."
He pulled out a scroll and handed it over.
"This is the Wind Release: Great Breakthrough scroll. Just in case I can't return, I'll teach it to you now."
If it had been Naruto or Sasuke, he wouldn't have taught them this way. But Kabuto was older, with a stronger foundation, so there was no issue.
"Thank you, Teacher Kitazawa," Kabuto said gratefully.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough and Wind Release: Gale Palm are both C-rank techniques," Kitazawa explained. His teaching method remained the same—first explain, then demonstrate, then guide as the student practiced.
By noon, after finishing lunch with Hinata, Kitazawa made his way to the school's meeting room.
At twelve-forty sharp, the teachers from every grade arrived on time.
"I called everyone here today to announce something." Kitazawa wasted no words, cutting straight to the point. "We are forming a student council."
"What is a student council?" The teachers exchanged puzzled looks until Iruka finally raised his hand.
"An organization formed by students and managed by students themselves," Kitazawa explained with a faint smile. "Hokage-sama has already approved it."
"..."
Those who had been ready to bombard him with questions immediately fell silent. Since the Hokage had already given his approval, there was nothing left to debate—only to carry it out.
"Let me first explain how the student council will be formed." Kitazawa then reiterated the same proposal he had previously submitted to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"As expected of Lord Kitazawa, to be able to conceive of such an organization!"
"This student council sounds very useful—no wonder Hokage-sama agreed."
"Senior Kitazawa's ideas are always ingenious."
As voices of admiration spread, Kitazawa's lips twitched. Were they… praising me?
For a brief moment, he felt an odd sense of recognition—I really am a big shot now. Originally, the only reason he had accepted the role of Head of Academic Affairs was for the increased salary. But now it seemed that wasn't the whole story.
After all, he was a Special Jonin. Though not quite the same as a full Jonin, a Special Jonin was still far beyond a Chunin. The most direct difference was their right to participate in Jonin meetings—in other words, they had influence.
And with his close ties to Sarutobi Hiruzen and Tsunade, to the Academy's teachers, Kitazawa was already regarded as someone important.
"According to Hokage-sama's wishes, the student council will be tried out on a provisional basis." Kitazawa's tone was firm. "I will temporarily serve as president. Each of you will select two to three students from your classes as council members."
Originally, he had planned to hold a school-wide practical exam to select them. But for a trial run, there was no need for complications. Selecting a few students from each class would suffice to form the temporary council. Then, all that was needed was one or two successful activities to demonstrate its value to the Hokage.
"You will submit the list to my office tomorrow." Kitazawa stood and concluded, "Meeting adjourned."
That afternoon, after spending time at Konoha Hospital, Kitazawa made his way leisurely to the Academy training ground for his practical class.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
Students from both classes greeted him warmly the moment he arrived. After so long under his guidance, they fully acknowledged his teaching abilities.
For students who had received his special training—such as Sasuke and Neji—the admiration ran even deeper.
"Before class begins, I have something to announce," Kitazawa said, once again outlining the student council proposal.
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto immediately raised his hand, eyes shining. "I want to join the student council!"
"Me too!" Kiba barked quickly, unwilling to lose out. "This big shot wants to be president!"
"I was first place in the practical exam. Obviously, I should be president!" Naruto flashed a grin, giving a thumbs-up. "When the time comes, I'll build a Youth Academy!"
Kitazawa nearly lost his composure. Youth Academy? What the hell is that?
"I support you, Naruto!" Rock Lee declared passionately, his entire body trembling as tears welled in his eyes. "If the whole school joins the Path of Youth, I could die without regrets!"
"No way!" Ino shuddered instantly. "If everyone wore green jumpsuits, that would be a nightmare!"
Even Hinata subconsciously shook her head. Those green jumpsuits really didn't look good. Unless Kitazawa-sensei himself requested it, she would never wear one.
"The president will be mine," Sasuke spoke up abruptly, his gaze firm.
To him, the logic was simple—the council would gather the most outstanding students in the Academy, and the president's role was to lead them. By becoming president, he would dominate the Academy and bring further glory to the Uchiha name.
More importantly, it would also prevent the ridiculous 'Youth Academy' from ever being realized.
"Huh?" Sakura looked at him in surprise. Normally, Sasuke wasn't interested in such things, but she hadn't expected him to want this role.
"I support you, Sasuke," Shikamaru said without hesitation. Green jumpsuits were one thing, but Might Guy's hellish training methods were another—those could not be allowed.
"The student council is still in a trial phase, so for now, there's no need for elections," Kitazawa said, raising his hand to quiet them. "Sasuke, Neji, Naruto, and Rock Lee—you four will join."
"That's great!" Naruto shouted in excitement. "My dream of a Youth Academy is one step closer!"
"Naruto, I'm here to help you!" Rock Lee added, equally thrilled. "For youth!"
"Sasuke-kun, please!" Sakura pleaded seriously. "You must stop them!"
"Go, Sasuke!" Ino echoed, unusually siding with Sakura.
Shikamaru, Kiba, and Shino Aburame also voiced their support. Even Hinata, though silent, leaned more toward Sasuke.
"..."
For the first time since entering the Academy, Sasuke found himself surrounded by so many supporters. Yet it wasn't because of his strength—but rather because of Naruto's "Youth" nonsense.
Kitazawa could only feel torn between laughter and tears.
Because of one wild speech from Naruto, the entire student body had already split into two factions—
The Youth Faction.
And the Anti-Youth Faction.
But then, a troubling thought crossed Kitazawa's mind. Sarutobi Hiruzen's ideal candidate for president was most likely Uzumaki Naruto.
Could it be that the Academy was truly going to turn into a Youth Academy?
The image was too terrifying—he dared not picture it.
"Alright, let's start class." Kitazawa clapped his hands.
Without needing further instruction, the students naturally divided into two groups. Most lined up to practice the Clone Technique and Konoha-style taijutsu, while a few, such as Sasuke, trained freely on their own.
As he watched Naruto walk away, an idea flickered through Kitazawa's mind. In the original story, Naruto's relationship with the Nine-Tails only improved after countless hardships and battles. It wasn't something that could be changed overnight.
But now, as a mere student of the Academy, Naruto would never face the same ordeals as before.
Then how could his bond with the Nine-Tails deepen?
Kitazawa remembered the tale he had once told Naruto about the unofficial history of Uchiha Madara. The Nine-Tails had seemed interested back then. Perhaps he could test it again in the future.
Creating two shadow clones, Kitazawa moved to an open space and began training.
The practical lesson ended, marking the close of Wednesday.
---
When Kitazawa returned to Kurenai's house, he opened the door and stepped inside. It was still early—Tsunade and Shizune hadn't come back yet.
Kurenai was sitting alone on the sofa, her fair legs crossed, a scroll and brush in hand. She wasn't writing a scroll at all, but sketching a map—the route from Konoha to the Land of Grass.
It was standard procedure according to the ninja code: plan every path carefully before a mission.
"You're back—mmph." Kurenai had just spoken when her lips were suddenly covered. The two remained close for a long while before parting.
"What do you think you're doing?" Kurenai gave him a sidelong glance.
"What? Are you still shy?" Kitazawa teased with a grin.
"I'm not some little girl. What's there to be shy about?" Kurenai huffed, snorting softly. "You interrupted my work!"
"Really?" Kitazawa blinked innocently, clearly unconvinced.
"What did you say?" Kurenai's face flushed red. She put the scroll aside, stood abruptly, and shoved him onto the sofa.
Caught off guard, Kitazawa sank back into the cushions.
"I really need to teach you a lesson!" Kurenai said fiercely as she straddled his lap, pressing him down with both hands.
Kitazawa's gaze lifted, drawn to the sway of her form, her chest rising and falling as her breathing quickened in agitation.
"And how exactly will you teach me?" he murmured, slipping his arms around her slender waist.
Kurenai stiffened instantly, realizing just how close the two of them were. Then she felt his hand sliding lower, brushing against the smooth skin of her thigh.
"You—don't touch me there!" she gasped, her voice trembling.
Kitazawa, of course, ignored her protest.
His only regret was that Kurenai wasn't wearing her usual black stockings today. Still, her bare legs were just as alluring—warm, smooth, and supple like carved jade, yet carrying the strength born of years of training as a kunoichi.
"Bastard!" Kurenai shivered with indignation, then suddenly bit down hard on his neck.
"Are you a puppy?" Kitazawa sucked in a sharp breath.
"Who told you to touch me however you pleased?" Kurenai snapped, releasing him. Her face burned crimson as she stood.
"I was only admiring beauty," Kitazawa said with exaggerated seriousness.
He reached up to his neck, where a deep bite mark remained. Though it hadn't broken the skin, it was vivid enough.
"You really bit me," he muttered, eyes glinting. "One day, I'll have to bite you back."
"You… you'll never get that chance!" Kurenai stammered, instinctively stepping back.
"That's hard to say." Kitazawa's half-smile made her heartbeat quicken.
"I'm going upstairs to work. Don't you dare follow me!" she said quickly, retreating. Bare feet pattered softly against the stairs.
Kitazawa chuckled to himself. And you say you're not a little girl?
"We're back!"
A moment later, Shizune's voice carried from the doorway. Kitazawa turned—and the first thing that caught his eye was two pairs of pale, elegant feet stepping into the house.
"Tsunade-sama," Kitazawa greeted. After a moment's thought, he added, "Hokage-sama asked me to tell you something."
"What is it?" Tsunade sank onto the sofa, crossing her legs.
"It's about Naruto," Kitazawa said. "He told me Naruto was able to break Yakumo's genjutsu yesterday because of the Nine-Tails' chakra."
"He even told you that?" Tsunade's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
The jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails was among Konoha's most closely guarded secrets, known to only a handful of people. For Sarutobi to reveal it to Kitazawa was proof enough—he was treating him as one of his own, or more precisely… her student.
"That old man Sarutobi is truly troublesome," Tsunade muttered with displeasure.
"There's one more thing," Kitazawa said, quickly shifting the subject. "Kurenai and I are heading to the Land of Grass for a mission this weekend."
"What mission?" Tsunade's brow furrowed. "Was it assigned by Hiruzen?"
"No." Kitazawa shook his head. "Just a B-rank mission."
"Is that so?" Tsunade gave a small nod of understanding before asking, "Where's Kurenai? Tell her to come down—I want to discuss ninjutsu with her."
"She's upstairs. I'll get her."
Kitazawa went upstairs, brought Kurenai down, and left the two women to their discussion. He himself didn't join in, instead resuming his Wind Release training.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
By Saturday, the list of student council members had already been finalized. Each class had contributed two or three students, for a total of forty.
But for now, the council would have to wait. The priority was the upcoming mission in the Land of Grass.
--
--
Show your support with Power Stones, guys!
If we make it into the top 20 rankings at the week's end, I'll drop 2 bonus chapters as a thank-you!
P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)