It was Friday, and February was coming to an end.
Although it was the end of the month, there was no corresponding monthly exam. After all, school had only started in mid-January, and the next monthly exam wouldn't be held until mid-March.
The only major event this week was Kurosuki Raiga's death at Kitazawa's hands.
However, the Ninja Academy students were not greatly affected. Training continued as usual, and everything felt normal. Kitazawa also spent his time training.
He alternated between practicing Uchiha-Style: Gale Sword and Earth Release: Earth Replacement. Both ninjutsu had made progress, though the former showed more improvement.
He devoted most of his time to mastering the Uchiha-Style: Gale Sword, planning to complete it by next week.
After that, he would focus his energy on learning Earth Release: Earth Replacement.
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto greeted him with his usual enthusiasm.
"Good morning, Naruto," Kitazawa replied with a smile.
"Kitazawa-sensei, are we still doing combat special training today?" Naruto scratched his head as he asked.
"Want to try a different kind of training?" Kitazawa guessed his thoughts and asked.
"Kitazawa-sensei knows me best." Naruto smiled sheepishly. "I want to learn a new ninjutsu."
"That's fine too," Kitazawa said after a moment's thought.
After this period of combat training, Naruto had developed good responses to unexpected situations. Continuing the same routine wouldn't have much effect anymore.
"Really?" Naruto's eyes lit up. "What new ninjutsu are we going to learn?"
"This one is quite difficult, and I'm not sure if you can learn it," Kitazawa admitted with a smile. "But it doesn't matter—if you can't master it, we'll switch to another."
"I can definitely learn it!" Naruto patted his chest confidently.
In his mind, no new ninjutsu could be harder than the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu or Rasengan, both A-ranked techniques.
"It's called Wind Release: Rasengan," Kitazawa said with a smile.
"Huh? What's the difference between Wind Release: Rasengan and Rasengan?" Naruto asked, puzzled.
"Wind Release: Rasengan is formed by infusing Wind Release chakra into the Rasengan, making it more powerful and giving it cutting properties," Kitazawa explained.
"Whether you can learn it depends on how well you've mastered your Wind Release chakra nature transformation."
"No wonder…" Naruto now understood why Kitazawa had him train his Wind Release chakra nature transformation. It was all preparation for learning Wind Release: Rasengan.
"I'll demonstrate it first." Kitazawa extended his hand.
Chakra surged out, forming a highly compressed ball—the standard Rasengan. Then he switched to Wind Release chakra. Instantly, the Rasengan transformed.
The normal Rasengan was the size of a basketball, but the Wind Release: Rasengan had four faint swirling air currents, like blades, radiating a deadly sharpness.
"So powerful!" Naruto stared at the Wind Release: Rasengan, feeling a sensation like knives on his skin. The invisible sharpness seemed to cut the air itself, making his skin tingle.
The potential damage to flesh and blood was self-evident. Though both were A-ranked, Wind Release: Rasengan was clearly more destructive.
"Let me try!" Naruto suppressed his excitement and extended his hand.
He mimicked Kitazawa, first forming a normal Rasengan, then infusing Wind Release chakra into it.
Kitazawa watched for a while, then shook his head. Naruto's Wind Release chakra transformation was still lacking, not yet at the level needed for Wind Release: Rasengan.
Thinking it over, he reminded himself—Naruto was only seven years old. The reason he had been able to learn the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and Rasengan was that they didn't involve chakra nature transformation.
"We'll learn Wind Release: Rasengan later," Kitazawa said gently. "I'll teach you a simpler Wind Release ninjutsu instead: Wind Release: Gale Palm."
Naruto's face fell in disappointment, reluctant to let go of Wind Release: Rasengan.
"When used well, Wind Release: Gale Palm is not inferior to Wind Release: Rasengan," Kitazawa reassured him, patting his shoulder.
He wasn't lying. Although Gale Palm was a C-ranked ninjutsu, its uses were highly versatile, and it combined well with the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Most importantly, it was simple enough for Naruto to learn quickly—even with the Nine-Tails interfering.
"Then I'll learn it!" Naruto said decisively. On one hand, Kitazawa's words convinced him; on the other, he trusted his teacher completely.
"The effect of Wind Release: Gale Palm is very simple. You compress Wind Release chakra with both hands to form a strong gust of wind," Kitazawa explained, looking around until he found an open space. "Its power depends on how much chakra you put into it."
From this perspective, it was very suitable for Naruto. After all, he had no shortage of chakra.
"Watch closely, Naruto."
Kitazawa clapped his hands, and a large surge of Wind Release chakra erupted from his palms. In an instant, a fierce gust of wind roared out. Dust flew, wildflowers and weeds were shredded and flattened.
"Too bad we're at the school," Kitazawa said, lowering his hands. "Otherwise, this place would already be a barren ruin."
Naruto's face lit up with excitement. The power of Wind Release: Gale Palm seemed, at least to him, even greater than Wind Release: Rasengan.
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile. After all, Naruto was still a child—he could only see the surface. In terms of lethality, Wind Release: Rasengan naturally won out.
"What I just demonstrated was only the first use of Wind Release: Gale Palm," Kitazawa said as he took out a kunai. "Next is the second use."
He formed hand seals, and the moment the fierce wind surged forth, he suddenly flung the kunai. Aided by the wind, the weapon flew through the air at twice its usual speed, embedding itself deeply into a tree trunk.
"Wind Release: Gale Palm can be used to boost ninja tools, making them fly faster." Kitazawa looked at Naruto and added, "Think about the effect you and your Shadow Clones could achieve using this method."
"This is awesome!" Naruto said excitedly.
The reason his Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and kunai throws were often countered was because the kunai were too slow and not accurate enough—especially against Neji and Sasuke, who could easily dodge them.
"Don't rush. There are two more uses," Kitazawa said, beckoning to him. "Attack me with shuriken."
"Okay!" Naruto threw two shuriken, his eyes full of anticipation.
The fierce wind rose again. The shuriken were immediately blown back along their original path, but now at an even faster speed. Naruto was startled and quickly dodged.
"Wind Release: Gale Palm can not only boost ninja tools but also deflect them. With enough chakra, it can easily deflect even a ninja," Kitazawa explained.
"Then I won't have to fear Sasuke and Tenten's ninja tools anymore!" Naruto said happily.
Kitazawa twitched his lips. You're not even sparing Tenten now?
"Kitazawa-sensei, what's the last use?" Naruto asked impatiently.
Kitazawa didn't answer immediately.
He formed hand seals, and the fierce wind generated by the compressed Wind Release chakra didn't fly outward but instead wrapped around his entire body along his arms.
In the next instant, Kitazawa moved—closing the distance between them in a blink.
"So fast!" Naruto's eyes widened. He hadn't even reacted before Kitazawa was already standing in front of him.
"Wind Release: Gale Palm can envelop the user's entire body to increase speed," Kitazawa explained with a smile.
In the original work, this application was developed by Naruto's son, Uzumaki Boruto.
"Start practicing," Kitazawa said, stepping back.
"Mhm!" Naruto immediately began forming hand seals as Kitazawa had taught him.
Kitazawa stood watching. A moment later, he nodded.
Naruto's Wind Release chakra nature transformation already met the requirements for learning Wind Release: Gale Palm—more than enough, in fact. After all, Gale Palm was only a C-ranked ninjutsu.
Kitazawa estimated Naruto could master it before the next monthly exam.
That way, he would be able to defeat Uchiha Sasuke and Hyuga Neji more easily and complete his system mission.
Satisfied, Kitazawa created a Shadow Clone while his main body headed to the school's artificial lake.
Kosuke, Sasuke, and Haruno—the teacher and two students—had already arrived and were in the middle of training.
Sasuke was learning Konoha-Style: Willow, while Sakura practiced Water Release: Water Formation Wall.
The former's progress was noticeably faster. It wasn't that Sakura lacked talent in Water Release, but her chakra reserves were insufficient. She had to rest frequently to recover.
Many Water Release techniques consumed large amounts of chakra. For example, Water Release: Great Exploding Water Colliding Wave produced a volume of water capable of forming a sea in an instant.
Without an enormous chakra reserve, it was simply impossible to use. Kitazawa estimated Sakura wouldn't be able to learn that ninjutsu, and even if she did, she wouldn't be able to use it effectively.
But that was normal—only Senju Tobirama and Kisame Hoshigaki had been shown using it in the original work.
Kitazawa withdrew his gaze and continued practicing Earth Release: Earth Replacement.
Friday rolled into Saturday.
As before, he accompanied Yakumo in the morning to treat Tsunade's hemophobia. Compared to the last session, the progress was remarkable. Tsunade lasted three minutes longer in the illusion, reaching a total of ten minutes.
Moreover, the aftereffects of her hemophobia flare-ups seemed at least one-fifth less severe than before. In short, victory was within sight.
For the rest of the time, aside from discussing medical ninjutsu for limb regeneration with Tsunade, Kitazawa focused on cultivating Earth Release: Earth Replacement.
A new week arrived, and with it a new month. Time entered March. Two weeks had passed, and the next monthly exam was not far off.
On Tuesday, Kitazawa used his lunch break to hold a short meeting with the teachers.
The topic of discussion was the upcoming monthly exam. After the meeting, he returned to his office.
"Teacher Kitazawa." Kabuto stood at the door, greeting him.
"Why are you here?" Kitazawa asked as he took out his key, opened the door, and walked in.
"These are the missions we've completed during this period," Kabuto said, following closely. "Please take a look."
Kitazawa accepted the scroll and began to read. It was similar to last time, except there were two fewer missions.
"Not bad," Kitazawa said, closing the scroll. "How is your progress with Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere?"
"I can perform it, but I'm not yet proficient," Kabuto replied.
"Then, when do you want to take the Jonin exam?" Kitazawa raised an eyebrow, studying him.
"Now?" Kabuto asked, sensing the answer in Kitazawa's eyes.
"You're a medical ninja, so the Jonin exam standards will be appropriately lowered," Kitazawa said after thinking for a moment. "Your Wind Release is already at least at the Special Jonin level, so you can indeed try for the Jonin exam."
He naturally hoped Kabuto would become a Jonin as soon as possible—after all, he had a mission to train a Jonin student. The reward for that mission was a 20% Senju bloodline.
"Then I'll participate," Kabuto said without hesitation.
He was very confident about passing the Jonin exam. Having undergone brutal training in Root since childhood, a mere Jonin exam was nothing to him.
"Come on, I'll take you to see Hokage-sama." Kitazawa stood up, smiling.
He had already accumulated 50% of the Senju Bloodline, and with this additional 20%, it would reach 70%. Kitazawa was eager to see what changes 70% of the Senju Bloodline could bring him.
Kabuto glanced at him, feeling a little moved. Kitazawa was truly dedicated to him.
---
The two arrived at the Hokage's Office.
"Hokage-sama." Kitazawa stated directly, "My student Kabuto wishes to apply for the Jonin exam."
"Oh?" Sarutobi Hiruzen subconsciously looked at Kabuto. Jonin were the mainstay of Konoha Village — every additional Jonin made the village stronger.
"He has indeed reached Jonin standards in Medical Ninjutsu," Sarutobi Hiruzen recalled Kabuto's usual performance, nodded slightly, and said.
"He has also learned Wind Release," Kitazawa added at the opportune moment.
"Alright." Sarutobi Hiruzen stood up and said, "Let's go to the nearby training ground."
The three arrived at the training ground.
"Wind Release Jonin are relatively rare in Konoha, so I will personally conduct the assessment," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile. "Come on, don't be nervous, let me see your strength."
"Kabuto, just display the Ninjutsu you've learned," Kitazawa reminded him.
"Understood." Kabuto naturally caught Kitazawa's implied meaning.
With his strength, he definitely couldn't defeat Sarutobi Hiruzen; he just needed to perform adequately. Out of respect for Tsunade and Kitazawa, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't make things too difficult for him.
Shadow Clone Technique! Kabuto formed hand signs and created two Shadow Clones.
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood still, making no moves, just watching him quietly.
Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken!
Kabuto took out a kunai and threw it. At the same time, the Shadow Clone to his left took a step forward and rushed toward Sarutobi Hiruzen with a Body Flicker Technique.
Earth Release: Earth Wall!
An earth wall appeared in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen. Although the kunai was enhanced by Wind Release, it did not pierce the earth wall.
Almost simultaneously, the left Shadow Clone leaped up, stood on the earth wall, and spat out a high-pressure wind sphere upwards. As soon as the wind sphere appeared, it immediately expanded, striking Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere, is it?" Hiruzen was a little surprised.
Kabuto's Wind Release ability had progressed faster than he had imagined — no wonder he was confident enough to take the Jonin exam. But such a Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere clearly had no effect on him.
He disappeared from his spot with a Body Flicker Technique.
Earth Release: Earth Flow River! When Sarutobi Hiruzen reappeared, the ground turned into mud, submerging Kabuto's Shadow Clone.
With a bang, Kabuto's Shadow Clone disappeared.
Wind Release: Great Breakthrough! Kabuto formed hand signs, and a powerful tornado flew out, slowing the mudflow. Taking this opportunity, he quickly moved away.
Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere! The Chakra accumulated in Kabuto's mouth transformed into high-speed, bullet-shaped wind masses.
Sarutobi Hiruzen did not dodge. Because Kabuto's other Shadow Clone had, at some unknown point, gotten behind him—
Wind Release: Vacuum Blade! The Shadow Clone gripped a kunai and slashed directly.
Sarutobi Hiruzen tilted his head and turned to grab his wrist. Just then, a series of wind masses struck him.
Sarutobi Hiruzen turned into mud. The wind masses pierced through the mud, all hitting the Shadow Clone. Smoke reappeared, and Kabuto's Shadow Clone vanished in the wind masses.
"Where is he?" Kabuto quickly looked around.
But the next second, a fist appeared before his eyes. Kabuto subconsciously raised both arms to block. A huge force surged out, sending him flying backward.
Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a soft exclamation. His punch had not achieved the result he had expected.
"What Ninjutsu is this?" Hiruzen's gaze fell between Kabuto's arms, and he asked.
"Yin Healing Wound Destruction," Kabuto got up, shook his arms, and replied.
"A very good Ninjutsu." Hiruzen recognized its effect at a glance.
By predicting the enemy's attack location, one could pre-arrange Chakra to offset part of the damage.
He was a little curious. How did Kabuto guess that he would attack his arms from the front? Was it a lucky guess?
"Congratulations, you have passed the Jonin exam." Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand and said, "That's enough for the fight; you can go to Anbu to collect your Jonin vest."
Although he had held back, Kabuto's strength was indeed impressive. Plus, he was a rare Medical Ninja, so making him a Jonin was also in line with the rules.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Kabuto couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief at these words.
Not far away, Kitazawa looked at the three lines of text before him, his heart filled with joy:
[Current Mission: Train the first Jonin.]
[Mission Reward: 20% Senju Bloodline.]
[Host has completed the mission, reward issued.]
Kitazawa stood still, feeling the changes within his body.
The most intuitive change was naturally the increase in his Chakra limit, roughly two-fifths of a card. Besides that, there was also an improvement in his physical strength.
[Current Senju Bloodline has reached 70%, special ability activated: Senju Chakra Mode.]
[Senju Chakra Mode: When activated, it increases recovery and self-healing abilities, improves Chakra circulation efficiency, and boosts Strength.]
Kitazawa stared at the changing text before him, momentarily stunned. Was this what they called a quantitative change leading to a qualitative change?
He had finally gained the unique ability of the Senju Bloodline.
However, this Senju Chakra Mode was described in rather broad terms; he would have to test it himself to know its specifics.