After April began, the temperature rose quite a bit, though the air still carried a cool breeze.
Kitazawa, Kurenai, Kabuto, and the others sat outside their tent, enjoying dinner together after completing another A-rank mission.
"Without realizing it, we've already been fighting for nearly two weeks," Kitazawa said thoughtfully, as he received Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work and Wind Release: Pressure Damage from the system.
"This is my first time doing ten high-level missions back-to-back in just half a month," Kurenai complained, taking a bite of fried shrimp. "Constant combat every day is exhausting — both physically and mentally."
"But your progress has been impressive," Kitazawa said with a chuckle. "Whether it's your combat experience or Ninjutsu proficiency, you've all improved remarkably."
"That's true," Kurenai said with confidence, clenching her fist. "Now, I can take down ordinary Mist Chunin or Genin with a single punch!"
Having mastered the Chakra Enhanced Strength and the Rasengan, her power had more than doubled compared to her former self.
Once the war ended, she would easily qualify for the Jonin exams.
"You've all performed well, and you've nearly mastered the Ninjutsu you've been practicing," Kitazawa said, glancing at Kabuto and Izumi.
He paused, then smiled. "Today, I'll teach you a new technique."
"What kind of Ninjutsu is it?" Kabuto's eyes brightened instantly.
After so many battles, he'd realized his Wind Release techniques weren't strong enough. The promise of something new excited him.
"Wind Release: Pressure Damage," Kitazawa replied. "It's a B-rank technique, but its power far exceeds that of ordinary B-rank Ninjutsu."
"Why haven't I heard of that before?" Kurenai asked curiously.
"It's not a Konoha technique," Kitazawa said casually. "I learned it from an enemy during a past mission."
There was little chance they'd ever meet Kakuzu, and even if they did, it wouldn't matter.
With his current authority and reputation, Kitazawa could use almost any Ninjutsu freely. Only a few secret or forbidden techniques were off-limits — no one would question him.
That was why he had dared to use Chidori and Supervibrato Lightning Release Sword against Ameyuri Ringo. Many Ninjutsu were similar enough that he could always claim them as his own creations.
The thought made him smirk slightly — crafting a reputation as a Ninjutsu creator, much like the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama, was indeed a clever move.
"How can you call that stealing?" Kurenai said with a grin. "That's just spoils of war."
Her bias was obvious — but she wasn't wrong.
Learning techniques from one's enemies was proof of true skill. Kakashi had done the same, mastering over a thousand Ninjutsu to earn the title Copy Ninja of Konoha.
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei," Kabuto said, his tone calm, though satisfaction gleamed in his eyes.
He already knew several B-rank Wind techniques — Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere, among them — but combining it with something new was invaluable.
Izumi, sitting beside him, looked at Kitazawa curiously, wondering what Ninjutsu he would teach her.
"The technique I'll teach you is called Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work," Kitazawa said, meeting her gaze. Like before, he repeated the same origin story.
This Ninjutsu, though B-rank, had devastating potential — in Kakuzu's hands, it had reached A-rank might.
"The reason I'm teaching you two these specific techniques," Kitazawa continued with a faint smile, "is because they can be fused to create a composite Ninjutsu."
"Composite Ninjutsu?" Kabuto and Izumi exchanged astonished looks. They both understood what that meant — combined techniques that rivaled even Kekkei Genkai in power.
"Composite Ninjutsu: Strange Mask Exploding Flame," Kitazawa explained. "A true A-rank technique. With it, even Jonin-level enemies will struggle to withstand your attacks."
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!" Kabuto said eagerly.
His earlier mild reaction was gone — excitement replaced it. The combination of Pressure Damage and Intelligent Hard Work would give their team a powerful trump card.
Izumi smiled as well.
Although she had awakened her Two-Tomoe Sharingan and possessed the strength of an elite Chunin, their missions were so demanding that she often felt inadequate.
With this new Fire Release, she could finally stand toe-to-toe with Special Jonin or even Jonin.
Torune's face showed a hint of envy, but he knew his limits. It wasn't that Kitazawa refused to teach him — he simply wasn't ready.
Still young and less experienced than Kabuto or Izumi, Torune would need more time. His rapid growth in recent battles, however, promised that his chance would come soon.
Kurenai said nothing. She was still focusing on perfecting her Chakra Enhanced Strength, and she understood that rushing into new Ninjutsu would only hinder her progress.
"We'll take a break from missions tomorrow," Kitazawa decided after some thought. "I'll teach you both Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work and Wind Release: Pressure Damage first."
They had been on A-rank or higher missions for ten consecutive days — an intensity few other teams could endure.
Though Kitazawa could handle it easily, Kurenai and Izumi were clearly worn out. A day of rest was well deserved.
After dinner, Kitazawa and Kurenai returned to their tent.
"I sweated a lot today," Kurenai said softly, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Help me take a bath."
Kitazawa chuckled. "We're this familiar already, and you still blush?"
"Who told you to always abuse your power and take advantage of me?" Kurenai shot back with a roll of her eyes.
"So, do you still want to take a bath?" Kitazawa asked with a gentle smile.
"Yes!" Kurenai gave a light snort and reached out to unbutton her clothes. Her garments fell to the ground, revealing her black mesh undershirt.
The black mesh was semi-transparent, clinging to her fair skin and accentuating her beautiful contours.
"What are you still standing there for?" Kurenai gave him a playful kick, then unwound the bandage from her thigh. Her perfectly toned legs came into Kitazawa's view.
Kitazawa averted his gaze and took out a Summoning Scroll.
Bathing during wartime was a significant inconvenience, as an enemy might appear at any moment, creating a life-threatening situation. Kitazawa had prepared for this.
He unrolled the scroll and produced a large bathtub. After setting it down, he formed hand signs.
His Chakra Nature transformed into Water Release, rapidly filling the tub two-thirds of the way. Kitazawa then reached in, and his Chakra shifted from Water Release to Fire Release. A wave of heat quickly emanated, warming the cold water.
"Thank you," Kurenai said, lifting a long leg and stepping into the bathtub.
Kitazawa openly took in the entire view.
"Do you want me to help you bathe?" Kurenai looked at him, her ruby-like eyes shimmering with water.
"Yes, I'll help you," Kitazawa smiled gently. "Place your right arm on the edge of the bathtub."
Kurenai extended her arm and gripped the edge. Kitazawa squeezed out shower gel, applying it along her arm toward her shoulder.
Soon, Kurenai's fair right arm was covered in a rich lather. Kitazawa rinsed the foam away with water, then moved to her left side to help her wash her left arm.
"The front," Kitazawa prompted, his gaze falling on Kurenai's chest.
Kurenai's face was flushed, but she stood up. Water droplets cascaded down her fair skin, running from her collarbone to her waist and merging into the bathwater.
Kitazawa reached out, feeling the soft sensation in his hand, and helped her apply the shower gel.
Kurenai looked at his completely serious expression, and the blush on her face deepened. Her steady breathing faltered, and her bright eyes became hazy.
"We're just bathing. What are you thinking about again?" Kitazawa asked, amused.
"I... I'm not!" Kurenai instantly sobered up.
"Turn around," Kitazawa said with a wry smile, shaking his head.
Kurenai immediately complied, presenting her smooth, beautiful back to him. Kitazawa playfully patted her buttocks before he began scrubbing her back.
"Are... are you done?" After a few minutes, Kurenai couldn't help but ask.
"Aren't you going to wash a bit longer?" Kitazawa asked, somewhat puzzled.
"I'm pretty much done. I'll help you wash now," Kurenai said, looking down. Her body trembled slightly, and she averted her gaze.
"Then you come out first," Kitazawa understood and smiled.
Kurenai lifted her leg and stepped out of the bathtub, but instead of putting on her clothes, she stood beside the tub. After Kitazawa changed the water, he stepped in.
He looked up at Kurenai. "Aren't you helping me bathe? Why are you still standing there?"
Kurenai glared at him, gritted her teeth, and lifted her leg to sit on the edge of the tub.
Kitazawa hadn't expected such a bold move. The moment he looked up, he had a clear view of Kurenai's entire body.
"You bad guy." Kurenai extended her legs and placed them in the water.
"You're a little different today than usual," Kitazawa asked, his breathing catching.
"Seeing how hard you've worked for half a month, I'm rewarding you," Kurenai said. Having committed, she actually regained her composure.
"My Kurenai is the best," Kitazawa said, leaning against the tub and admiring her long, beautiful legs.
"Of course," Kurenai replied, wiggling her nimble toes with a smug expression.
"When we go back, I'll definitely reward you every day," Kitazawa said with a grin.
"That won't be necessary." Kurenai's expression instantly changed, and she crossed her arms, saying seriously, "We are Ninja, and our main focus should be on training."
"Aren't you usually fearless?" Kitazawa looked at her shifting expression and couldn't help but laugh.
"I... where am I scared?" Kurenai turned her face away. "I just feel that I should train more, so I don't fall too far behind you."
"Come in," Kitazawa beckoned to her. "It's cold outside the tub."
Upon hearing this, Kurenai slightly parted her legs, and her fair feet stepped onto the bottom of the tub, entering the warm water.
"It's truly comfortable to steal a moment of leisure for a bath," Kitazawa slowly exhaled.
Kurenai didn't answer, only humming in response, biting her lip.
Kitazawa looked at her sexy yet adorable expression and couldn't resist reaching out to wrap his arm around her waist.
"Wash slowly!" Kurenai said with some dissatisfaction.
"Since it's a rare bath, it naturally has to be a little longer," Kitazawa replied with a blink.
Time slowly passed. After they had thoroughly washed, they embraced and fell asleep.
It was another peaceful night.
Although Hidden Mist Village and Konoha Village were constantly at war, neither side's Main Camp had been affected.
A new day began.
Kitazawa woke up on time. Kurenai was still asleep; she had indeed been quite tired last night.
Kitazawa didn't wake her. After a simple breakfast, he began teaching Kabuto and Izumi.
Torune, meanwhile, was studying the Aburame Clan's Secret Technique on his own.
Since there were no missions outside, the day was exceptionally peaceful—no different from being in Konoha Village—just training, training, and more training.
---
Time moved on to the second day.
Kitazawa and Kurenai returned to a state of restraint. After all, expending so much stamina before a mission was unwise.
However, Kitazawa hadn't even proactively sought out Lady Tsunade for a mission today when an Anbu Ninja arrived.
"Lord Kitazawa," the Anbu Ninja bowed slightly. "Lady Tsunade requests your team to come."
"I understand. We'll be right there." Kitazawa's eyebrows raised slightly at this.
Previously, Lady Tsunade had always sought him out individually; this was the first time she had requested their entire team.
"It seems like an important mission," Kurenai noted, realizing the significance.
"Mm," Kitazawa responded. "We'll know once we get there."
The five of them arrived at Lady Tsunade's main tent. As soon as they entered, they saw an Anbu Ninja.
"Itachi?" Izumi exclaimed, pleasantly surprised.
"Izumi, long time no see," Uchiha Itachi greeted her as he turned around.
"You recognized him just by seeing his back?" Kurenai teased. "You two are really good friends."
Itachi showed no reaction, but Izumi blushed slightly.
"Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa nodded to Itachi, then turned his attention to Tsunade.
"There's been a troublesome matter recently," Tsunade said, rubbing her temples. "Suikazan Fuguki has been leading a team to conduct harassment battles nearby."
"Haven't you sent anyone to deal with him?" Kitazawa inquired. Although Suikazan Fuguki's strength was considerable, it wasn't insurmountable.
"Yes, but they all returned empty-handed," Tsunade sighed. "This Hidden Mist Village team always flees as soon as they sense trouble; we can't catch them at all."
"What about the Hyuga Clan?" Kitazawa asked again.
"They use Water Release: Hidden Mist Technique every time they escape," Tsunade replied.
"The Byakugan doesn't have a good way to deal with them either." The mist was composed of Chakra; if the range was large enough, the Byakugan would only see a mass of energy.
"That does sound very tricky," Kitazawa agreed.
Fight if you can win, run if you can't—the Ninja team led by Suikazan Fuguki had truly grasped the essence.
"Other Ninja teams can't deal with them, but what about you? Do you have confidence?" Tsunade asked.
Although this time there were four thousand Konoha Village Ninja, there were almost no Ninja who could stably defeat Kitazawa in terms of strength.
After a week of failure, Lady Tsunade reluctantly entrusted this difficult mission to him.
"I can try," Kitazawa said after a moment's thought.
He possessed 30% Byakugan purity, which was more powerful than the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan. Even with Water Release: Hidden Mist Technique, he could still see some things clearly.
[Current Mission: Stop or kill Fuguki Suikazan.]
[Mission Reward: Two-fifths of a Chakra limit.]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa paused, then his eyes lit up. Of course, he had to accept this system mission!
Suikazan Fuguki was indeed one of the stronger members among the first generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. The mission reward was double that of killing Ameyuri Ringo.
"Suikazan Fuguki's Ninja team's movements are unpredictable," Tsunade continued. "I will have Itachi lead an Anbu team to assist you."
Only then did Kitazawa understand why Itachi was here.
Isn't this a sure win? No matter how strong Suikazan Fuguki's team composition was, it couldn't surpass an Itachi with the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Of course, Tsunade did not know that Itachi had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan.
"Proceed with caution," she added. "Your safety is more important."
"I understand," Kitazawa replied after a slight pause.
"This mission is designated as S-rank. You may depart," Tsunade said, waving her hand. "Itachi will inform you of the specific situation of Suikazan Fuguki's team."
"We'll go out first," Itachi said, bowing slightly before leaving the main tent.
"I didn't expect to be able to do a mission with you again," Uchiha Izumi said after leaving.
"I didn't expect it either," Itachi replied, pausing. "I just came from Konoha."
"How is the Ninja Academy now?" Kitazawa asked.
"Everything is as usual," Itachi chuckled. "Sasuke has asked me several times when you're going back to teach."
"Given Sasuke's personality, that seems like he cares a lot about Teacher Kitazawa," Izumi said, somewhat surprised. She understood Sasuke well—typical Uchiha, aloof yet observant.
"Itachi, tell us about Suikazan Fuguki's team," Kitazawa said, changing the subject.
"Suikazan Fuguki's team consists of four people, all Jonin," Itachi said in a deep voice.
"Is Kisame Hoshigaki among them?" Kitazawa asked sharply.
Four Hidden Mist Village Jonin was already the highest configuration for a Ninja team.
"No," Itachi shook his head. "Suikazan Fuguki is one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, skilled in kenjutsu.
The remaining three Jonin, though not as strong as Fuguki, are strategically positioned. One Earth Release Jonin, specifically to find suitable targets for Fuguki's team.
One Water Release Jonin, skilled in Water Release: Hidden Mist Technique, responsible for combat and retreat cover. The last is a Medical Ninja and a Sensor Ninja, responsible for healing and support."
"No wonder they're so hard to catch," Kitazawa murmured, stroking his chin. He wondered if his 30% Byakugan purity would be enough to track them.
"These are the locations where their Ninja team has appeared," Itachi said, taking out a map.
Kitazawa glanced at it.
The range was quite wide. If a straight line were drawn from the coastline to the Konoha Village Main Camp, their area of activity would cover the left half, closer to the sea.
--
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P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)