Kitazawa slowly opened his eyes to find Kurenai's beautiful, delicate face inches from his own.
He blinked in mild confusion and asked, "Did I sleep for a long time?"
"No," Kurenai replied softly, lying against his chest. "It's not even eight yet. I just happened to wake up a few minutes earlier than you today."
"I see." Feeling the warmth of her body pressed against him, Kitazawa smiled faintly. "I thought I had overslept."
"You worked hard all day yesterday," Kurenai teased, poking his cheek with a finger. "You can sleep a little longer. You're not doing any missions today, right?"
"Mm." Kitazawa gently bit her slender finger and said, "Today's a rest day — though that depends on what the Hidden Mist Village decides to do."
"That's true."
Kurenai sat up, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. "We should eat first. If the Hidden Mist acts, we might not even have time for breakfast."
"It's not that bad." Kitazawa chuckled, patting her thigh lightly.
Although there was a chance the Hidden Mist might retaliate, Kitazawa knew Ao well enough to guess he'd likely hold his forces in place.
Still, his concern wasn't Ao — it was the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura.
With Fuguki dead, the Hidden Mist had lost yet another powerhouse. Their remaining strength was far inferior to Konoha's.
Kitazawa couldn't help but wonder if Yagura would personally step onto the battlefield next.
"Still, it never hurts to be cautious."
Kurenai stood, her two long, pale legs immediately drawing Kitazawa's gaze.
"I'll go call Kabuto and the others," she said, brushing her bare foot against his leg before leaving the tent with a soft smile.
Since Kitazawa had slept fully dressed, he didn't need to change. After washing up, he joined Kabuto and the others for breakfast — simple rice balls.
"There are no missions today," Kitazawa said after finishing his meal. "Use the time to practice your Ninjutsu.
But don't push yourselves too hard — during wartime, emergency missions can come at any moment."
Just as he finished speaking, his expression shifted slightly. He turned toward the distance, his eyes narrowing.
"Lord Kitazawa." An Anbu operative appeared before him, bowing. "Tsunade-sama requests your presence in the main command tent."
"It seems the Hidden Mist has made a move," Kitazawa murmured, rising to his feet. "Wait here for me."
Following the Anbu, he made his way to the command tent.
Inside, several Jonin were already gathered — among them, Hyuga Hiashi, Nara Shikaku, and other notable figures.
Upon seeing Kitazawa, many greeted him warmly.
It was only natural — his strength and potential made him one of the rising stars of Konoha. Building rapport with him was a wise investment in the future.
Moments later, Tsunade and Shizune entered.
"Lady Tsunade," the Jonin greeted respectfully.
"Starting last night," Tsunade began without delay, "the Hidden Mist's forces have all withdrawn to the sea."
Hiashi frowned. "Does that mean they're retreating?"
"I dispatched Anbu for reconnaissance," Tsunade said, shaking her head. "They're not retreating — they're fortifying. They intend to use the islands for defense."
"They've been scared off!" Uchiha Yashiro laughed, and several Jonin nodded in agreement.
Only those who couldn't win would choose such a tactic.
"The sea is their advantage," Shikaku said, frowning. "Even if we hold the upper hand, victory won't come quickly."
"What is the Fourth Mizukage thinking?" Akimichi Choza muttered. "For someone who started the war, he's been strangely cautious."
"I can't figure it out either," Shikaku said quietly, deep in thought.
Kitazawa recalled an old saying from his past life — thinking for ten days and ten nights, yet still finding no answer.
Without knowledge of Uchiha Obito's influence, the Hidden Mist's erratic strategy made little sense.
"There's no need to rush," Tsunade said firmly. "Victory is already within reach. We'll take it step by step."
She disliked drawn-out battles, but storming an enemy entrenched on the sea would only cause unnecessary casualties.
"Hiashi," Tsunade continued, "you and your men have worked hard. Continue surveying and identifying all of the Hidden Mist's island bases and outposts."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade." Hiashi nodded.
"Shikaku," she added, "compile a list of shinobi suited for sea combat."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade," Shikaku replied immediately.
He already knew what she meant — Water Release users would naturally play a key role, but so would Lightning Release specialists, since water amplified lightning's effect. Earth Release users could also manipulate terrain, negating the Mist's marine advantage.
"For the next few days, we likely won't see much battle," Tsunade concluded.
Then, turning toward Kitazawa, she said, "Kitazawa, you and Shizune will handle medical treatment for the wounded."
"Understood." Kitazawa nodded.
Several Jonin exchanged glances. Tsunade's words reminded them of something they'd almost forgotten — Kitazawa wasn't just a warrior. He was also an exceptional Medical Ninja.
"Yashiro," Tsunade continued, "escort the severely injured back to Konoha."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade."
"That's all for now," Tsunade said, dismissing them. "You'll be informed of any new developments."
The meeting dispersed. As Kitazawa stepped out of the command tent, Kurenai approached with quiet concern.
"How did it go?" she asked softly, eyes searching his face.
"The Hidden Mist Village has fully retreated to the sea, planning to fight a defensive battle against us."
Kitazawa paused, then said, "You two should train well these next two days. I'm going to help Senior Sister Shizune treat the wounded."
"Mm, alright then." Kurenai didn't say anything more upon hearing this.
"If you don't understand anything, come find me."
Kitazawa raised his hand, pointing to a tent not far away, and said, "I'll be treating them there."
"Yes, Teacher Kitazawa." Kabuto and the other two nodded.
After Kitazawa left, they began their training — especially Kabuto and Uchiha Izumi.
Besides learning Wind Release: Pressure Damage and Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work, they also had to try to combine them.
Kitazawa had used Compound Ninja Art: Strange Mask Exploding Flame when fighting Fuguki earlier. The power of that technique amazed them and filled them with confidence.
Kurenai, on the other hand, continued to familiarize herself with her Chakra Enhanced Strength. She had nearly mastered it.
After entering the battlefield, continuous high-intensity combat had caused her Chakra Enhanced Strength to advance by leaps and bounds.
However, due to her physical limits, its power was still far inferior to Kitazawa's and Tsunade's.
"Your Chakra Enhanced Strength isn't bad." A sudden voice rang out.
Kurenai subconsciously turned her head and saw Tsunade. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly stepped forward.
"No need to be so nervous," Tsunade said indifferently. She had long known that Kurenai had learned Chakra Enhanced Strength.
After all, Kitazawa's team had completed so many missions lately; Kurenai couldn't hide it even if she wanted to.
"I don't have much to do anyway," Tsunade said, clenching her fist. "I'll practice Chakra Enhanced Strength with you."
She had been incredibly busy during this period. Now that the Hidden Mist Village had retreated to the islands, it gave her a rare moment of leisure.
Kurenai couldn't help but be stunned.
"You're the second ninja to learn my Chakra Enhanced Strength," Tsunade said with a playful smile. "Of course, I have to test your skill — lest you tarnish my reputation."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade." Kurenai took a deep breath and replied.
While the two sparred, Kitazawa arrived at the rear of the main camp.
A strong medicinal scent filled the air, accompanied by muffled groans of pain.
Kitazawa looked around. Due to limited conditions, the wounded lay on blankets close together — those with minor injuries on the outer edges, the severely wounded deeper inside.
Many had missing arms or legs.
Though they were alive, despair lingered on their faces. Especially those with severed hands — without them, forming hand seals was impossible. For a shinobi, that meant the end.
Those with lost legs could use prosthetics, but they weren't the same. Their combat ability would never recover fully.
Kitazawa thought of the limb regeneration medical ninjutsu he was developing. Unfortunately, it hadn't succeeded yet and couldn't be applied.
"Kitazawa, come help!" Shizune saw him and waved him over.
"It's rare to see you in all white," Kitazawa said, snapping out of his thoughts as he approached.
"Wearing these clothes makes it easier for the wounded to identify us," Shizune said, then added with a faint smile, "But you don't need to wear one — they all know you already."
"Is it that exaggerated?" Kitazawa asked, smiling.
"Ask them if they know you," Shizune replied playfully.
"Lord Kitazawa? Of course, we know him," a nearby injured ninja said. "He's Lady Tsunade's student — the one who killed two of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist!"
"Lord Kitazawa even saved my life yesterday," another Chunin added.
Kitazawa glanced at him, recognizing the face. It was someone he had saved casually while searching for Fuguki's team.
"Your reputation is almost as great as Lady Tsunade's," Shizune said, raising her hand and gesturing. "All the patients in that area are yours."
"That many?" Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.
"I believe in your ability," Shizune said with a smile.
"Then I'll start now." Kitazawa nodded and walked toward the indicated area.
Time slowly passed.
[Current Mission: Help Kurenai learn the Chakra Enhanced Strength.]
[Mission Reward: Self-Cursing Seal.]
[The Host has completed the mission. Reward issued.]
The three lines of text that appeared before his eyes made Kitazawa slightly pleased.
A surge of information flooded into his mind, though he didn't rush to examine it. He'd absorb it after finishing treatment for the current patient.
He had been keeping an eye on Kurenai's progress, so he wasn't surprised. Still, the timing of this mission's completion couldn't have been better.
The Self-Cursing Seal was a rare sealing technique with real combat utility. Even Sasuke, with his Mangekyō Sharingan, would be restrained for a time if struck by it.
If Danzō hadn't provoked him by mentioning Uchiha Itachi back then, Sasuke might already have been dead.
Now, during wartime, the Self-Curse Seal would be invaluable.
Kitazawa rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Kurenai had already mastered the Chakra Enhanced Strength — what should he teach her next?
If it were peacetime, he'd teach her sealing techniques. But in wartime, enhancing battle power was more practical.
Actually, the Self-Curse Seal wasn't a bad option.
However, its difficulty was extremely high. For Kurenai to master it might take a long time — perhaps even beyond the end of the war.
Then a thought stirred in Kitazawa's mind — Wind Release: Rasengan.
The reason he considered that technique was because it could form Compound Ninjutsu: Hurricane Water Vortex Technique when combined with Water Release: Tearing Torrent.
Kurenai had already learned Rasengan, so learning its Wind Release variant would be much easier.
Even so, it would still take time to master Wind Release chakra nature transformation.
Kitazawa also thought of another Ninjutsu — the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique.
However, this Ninjutsu was A-rank, and its difficulty was no less than Wind Release: Rasengan.
Considering that the two could also use the Combination Technique, Kitazawa felt that Kurenai should first try to learn Wind Release: Rasengan.
If she succeeded, it would be like buying one and getting one free — learning Wind Release: Rasengan would naturally come with Compound Ninjutsu: Hurricane Water Vortex Technique as a bonus.
After Kitazawa decided, he didn't immediately go to Kurenai but continued his mission of treating the wounded for the day.
The sun set.
The time came to dusk.
"Kitazawa." Shizune took off her white coat and said, "That's enough for today."
"Mm." Kitazawa let out a breath.
Continuously using Medical Ninjutsu for an entire day was quite tiring. The other Medical Ninja didn't have as much chakra as he and had to rest several times throughout the day.
Kitazawa returned to his tent.
Kurenai, Kabuto, and Uchiha Izumi had also finished their training.
Kitazawa walked into the tent and saw Kurenai lying on the carpet.
Her forehead had traces of dried sweat, and her hair was matted together — clear signs of high-intensity training.
"You worked hard today, Kurenai." Kitazawa sat in front of her and said.
She had her eyes closed, but she wasn't asleep; her uneven breathing caused her chest to rise and fall rhythmically.
"But I gained a lot today," Kurenai said, opening her eyes. "And Lady Tsunade even sparred with me for half a day."
Kitazawa couldn't help but be surprised.
No wonder Kurenai had completed his system mission today — it turned out Tsunade had lent her a hand.
However, even without Tsunade's help, it would still have been completed in the next couple of days.
"You no longer need to practice the Chakra Enhanced Strength."
Kitazawa placed her fair and slender calf on his lap, gently rubbing it as he spoke. "I plan to teach you Wind Release: Rasengan."
"Wind Release?" Kurenai asked, a bit uncertain. "Can I really learn it?"
"Give it a try." Kitazawa felt the soft elasticity of her calf and said, "Anyway, to become a Jōnin, you need to master at least two elemental Ninjutsu."
"That's true." Kurenai shifted slightly, placing her other leg across his lap.
This posture gave her figure a graceful, enticing curve.
"Do you want to shower first, or eat first?" Kitazawa glanced at her and asked.
"Eat first," Kurenai murmured. "If I shower first, whether I can eat later is another question."
"You're quite self-aware." Kitazawa couldn't help but smile.
"I know you," Kurenai said softly, sitting up and wrapping her arms around his neck.
Leaning into his embrace, she added teasingly, "Every time, it's you who doesn't know what's good for you."
Kitazawa raised his hand and gave her a firm slap on the bottom. "You're the one who doesn't know what's good for you."
Kurenai's face instantly flushed red at his words.
She glared at Kitazawa, stood up, and walked out of the tent.
After they finished eating, the two returned to the tent to shower — and then rest.
The peaceful days didn't last long, as the war between Konoha and Hidden Mist continued.
But this time, the sides had switched — Konoha had become the aggressor.
Unlike before, when Hidden Mist would raid from the shorelines, this time, Konoha's forces pushed forward.
Because the sea was Hidden Mist's home ground, Nara Shikaku reorganized the ninja teams accordingly.
However, Kitazawa's team remained unchanged. His Water Release combined with Torune's Phosphorus Destruction Bugs could still exert tremendous power at sea, so there was no need to separate them.
A month passed in the blink of an eye.
With no new system missions, Kitazawa wasn't as intense as before. He chose to complete one mission every two days, leaving ample time for Kurenai, Kabuto, and Uchiha Izumi to focus on training.
Night fell.
Kitazawa's team gathered in front of the tent for dinner.
"Speaking of which, have your class's final exams finished?" Kurenai suddenly asked.
"They finished long ago — they're already halfway through their vacation."
Kitazawa blinked in realization, then said with a sigh, "This past month, I've been so busy with missions that I completely forgot."
"You can ask an Anbu ninja," Kurenai said, taking a bite of grilled fish.
Anbu often traveled back and forth between the frontlines and Konoha to deliver intelligence.
"I'll just have Itachi get the final exam rankings for our class," Kitazawa said with a nod.
During wartime, he obviously couldn't return to the Academy to take the finals, but by looking at the rankings, he could still get a sense of the Genius Class's situation.
"In the blink of an eye, it's already been two months since we returned to Konoha," Kurenai sighed.
"I estimate we'll be able to go back soon," Kitazawa said casually. "Hidden Mist Village can't hold out much longer."
"I don't know why, but I feel like they're waiting for something," Kurenai murmured, rubbing her chin.
Just as Kitazawa was about to reply, an Anbu ninja appeared in front of them.
"Lord Kitazawa," the Anbu said, bowing slightly. "Please come to the main tent."
"Mm."
Kitazawa finished dinner and went to the main tent.
Inside, he found Hyūga Hiashi, Nara Shikaku, and several other Jōnin already gathered.
Another strategy meeting?
"I just received news," Tsunade said gravely after everyone had arrived. "The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, is on his way here."
"What?" Hiashi, Shikaku, and the others all looked shocked.
Although wars between great nations were common, it was rare for a Kage to personally take the field.
And when one did, it meant total war.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. He's finally coming. It seems it's about time… to complete another system mission.
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P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)