Tuesday.
The Genius Class's first practical combat lesson of the new semester.
Kitazawa arrived at the Ninja Academy on time.
After the Genius Class students began their training, he called over Yakumo, Jugo, and Akimichi Choji.
Because it was time for the three of them to change their training content.
"Choji, you've pretty much mastered the Multi-Size Technique, so you can learn the next Secret Technique." Kitazawa thought for a moment and said, "Super Open Hand Slap."
Super Open Hand Slap is a technique that uses the Partial Multi-Size Technique on the basis of the Multi-Size Technique, allowing the hands to become incredibly huge.
With one slap, let alone a Ninja, even the earth would collapse. The only problem was Choji's lack of Chakra, so it would probably take him a long time to learn.
In fact, the Akimichi Clan's Secret Techniques are all very Chakra-intensive. This is why the Akimichi Clan eats constantly, no matter when or where, to store Chakra.
"Okay, Teacher Kitazawa." Choji nodded and said.
"Then you'll have a few days off, and when you've gotten the hang of Open Hand Slap, you can come back to school."
Kitazawa didn't know Open Hand Slap, so he could only let Akimichi Choji go home to learn it.
Choji was a bit reluctant; school was more fun than being at home. But there was no other way; to learn a new Secret Technique, he had to go home.
Choji greeted Naruto and the others before leaving the Ninja Academy.
"Jugo, you'll still focus on Taijutsu." Kitazawa looked at Jugo and said.
Jugo's combat power mostly came from his Sage Transformation — or rather, the Curse Mark of Earth.
Now that he had been inoculated with the Eight Trigrams Cursed Seal of Earth, he wasn't afraid of losing control and going berserk.
In the original story, he still used Taijutsu after entering Earth Scroll Cursed Seal: State Two.
For example, Exploding Smash, hitting the opponent with his arm. And Steel Arm Binding, grabbing the opponent with his arm.
Most of Jugo's Taijutsu focused on his hands; he could learn the Leaf Whirlwind series, which trains the legs, to complement his skills.
"I'll teach you Konoha Whirlwind first." Kitazawa created a Shadow Clone and took Jugo to find a tree.
Using a tree as a training dummy was simple and convenient; Konoha Village had plenty of trees anyway.
"Yakumo, you've already learned Konoha-Style Swordsmanship, so you can return to your Genjutsu Bloodline Limit."
Kitazawa looked at Yakumo and asked, "Do you have any ideas?"
"No." Yakumo shook her head and said.
Her Genjutsu Bloodline Limit had already developed two Genjutsu: Terrifying Illusion and Genjutsu Creation, but she had no clue about the third Genjutsu.
"I do have a suggestion." Kitazawa paused and asked, "What is the essence of Genjutsu?"
"Ninjutsu that interferes with the opponent's five senses to create illusions." Yakumo looked at him with some confusion, wondering why he was asking such a question.
"Most current Genjutsu work through one of the five senses, such as sight."
Kitazawa asked with a slight smile, "What if there was a Genjutsu that could take effect through all five senses?"
"How could such a Genjutsu exist?" Yakumo couldn't help but be stunned.
Controlling all five senses simultaneously meant that the affected person had nowhere to escape.
Even if they knew they were under Genjutsu, they wouldn't be able to break free. Because a person whose five senses are dominated instantly becomes a puppet on strings.
Everything seen, heard, smelled, touched, and sensed would be manipulated.
"Under normal circumstances, such a Genjutsu is impossible." Kitazawa patted her head. "But your Genjutsu Bloodline Limit can achieve it."
Theoretically, a Genjutsu that controls all five senses could only appear among the Mangekyo Sharingan's ocular Ninjutsu.
But Kurama Yakumo's Genjutsu Bloodline Limit was comparable to the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Moreover, this was originally the Genjutsu she used in the original story, called Demonic Illusion: Five Senses.
"I understand, thank you, Teacher Kitazawa." Yakumo's eyes lit up, having found a new direction.
"Go train." Kitazawa watched Yakumo return to the Training Ground, then turned and walked out.
He still had one thing to do today, and that was to meet Gato. Kitazawa needed to discuss the new casino with him.
A moment later, he arrived in front of a large shop. Gato had already bought it and was preparing to convert it into a casino.
Kitazawa walked in.
The casino was already undergoing renovations, but it had only just begun and was estimated to take one or two months to complete.
"Lord Kitazawa." Gato came to greet him.
Actually, he didn't need to come in person for something like opening a casino, but because he was meeting Kitazawa, he made the trip.
"Well done." Kitazawa nodded, then said, "I have a few new gambling methods; take notes."
It wasn't until noon that the two finished their discussion.
After that, Kitazawa didn't need to worry about anything else; he just had to wait for the opening.
---
A month passed in a flash.
Konoha Village, Forest of Death.
Kitazawa activated his Byakugan, and after confirming that no one was around, he immediately formed hand signs.
Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!
All the Chakra in his body surged out, transforming into an immense life force.
In an instant, the ground shook. The calm ground suddenly cracked, and countless branches burst out of the earth.
They grew and sprouted at an extremely fast rate, turning into giant trees. In the blink of an eye, a primeval forest formed in front of Kitazawa.
They crowded together with the original trees of the Forest of Death, looking very overgrown.
Just then, a bird flew across the sky. Kitazawa raised his head and glanced at it.
Countless branches and vines seemed to come alive, turning into dense, poisonous snakes that engulfed it.
After the bird was reduced to bones, the forest returned to its calm state.
Kitazawa nodded in satisfaction. Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence was a divine technique for clearing out mobs.
Aside from Jonin, ordinary Genin and Chunin would find it very difficult to survive under the assault of so many rampaging trees.
In fact, even a Jonin could die if they weren't careful.
"The only problem is that it consumes too much Chakra."
Kitazawa dispelled Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence and immediately felt a long-unfelt weakness.
With his current Chakra reserves, he could activate Deep Forest Emergence once without issue, but twice was his absolute limit.
[Current Mission: Learn Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence.]
[Mission Reward: Two cards of Chakra limit.]
[Host has completed the mission, reward issued.]
Kitazawa slowly exhaled.
With two additional cards of Chakra, the weakness he felt a moment ago vanished instantly.
"I need to trigger more system missions related to Chakra." Kitazawa stroked his chin.
The triggering of system missions had a clear pattern.
From his previous missions, the characters involved always had massive Chakra reserves — Naruto, Senju Hashirama, and Kisame Hoshigaki.
Among Kitazawa's own students, besides Naruto, Karin had the most Chakra. He felt he could try to trigger system missions through the two of them.
Fortunately, the Ninja World was still peaceful, and he had plenty of time.
He could take things slowly.
Kitazawa clapped his hands and left the Forest of Death, heading toward the Hokage Building.
Today was February 15th.
The Genius Class's first Monthly Exam of the new semester had concluded successfully.
The final first-place winner was Neji.
Because Sasuke did not participate in this Monthly Exam.
The Three-Tomoe Sharingan was still too difficult for him at eight years old, and one month wasn't enough time to fully master it.
In Sasuke's absence, Hyuga Neji secured third place in the theoretical exam.
Combined with his outstanding performance during the mission period — which earned him full marks — he became the overall top student.
Although Shikamaru still ranked first in the theoretical exam, his mission luck was too good this time, with nothing happening at all.
But in the practical exam, good luck meant bad luck, because without enemies appearing, he couldn't earn the full mission score.
As for Takumi Village, nothing had happened yet.
After Kabuto offered a reward of thirty million ryō for reforging the Ninja tools, the Four Symbols Heavenly Men immediately agreed.
They certainly had the skill — they quickly disassembled the Box of Bliss and were now forging the Ninja tools.
If Takumi Village didn't cause trouble, the four bows would take two to three months to complete.
---
Hokage Office.
Kitazawa raised his hand and knocked on the door.
Normally, he always knocked; barging in might disturb Tsunade. After all, she was Hokage now and quite busy. Unless it was lunchtime or after work.
"Teacher Tsunade." After receiving permission, Kitazawa pushed the door open and entered.
"Oh, it's you." Tsunade immediately relaxed upon seeing him.
She leaned back and stretched. With that movement, her clothes shifted, becoming quite visually impactful.
"What do you need me for?" Tsunade noticed Kitazawa's wandering gaze, but she was used to it and didn't say anything.
"A new casino has opened in Konoha," Kitazawa said directly.
"Oh? How big is it?" Tsunade's spirits lifted instantly.
"It's much bigger." Kitazawa said with a smile, "And the owner even gave me a VIP card."
He took out a card and handed it to Tsunade.
"It looks quite fancy." Tsunade examined it for a moment.
The VIP card was entirely black with gold accents, making it look very expensive.
"Why did he only give one to you?" Tsunade asked, clearly unhappy.
"It's not just me; everyone in Konoha with a name, reputation, and money received one," Kitazawa replied.
"What do you mean?" Tsunade's expression darkened. "Why didn't he give me one? Does he think I don't have money?"
Who leaked information?! She was already considering having Anbu investigate.
"You have one too." Kitazawa laughed. "But I'm more enthusiastic, so I helped the casino owner deliver it."
"Why didn't you say so earlier?" Tsunade rolled her eyes, her irritation vanishing instantly.
"What's the use of this VIP card?"
"First, you can enter the VIP room. Second, you get a discount." Kitazawa replied.
"How can a casino give discounts?" Tsunade asked, puzzled.
"For example, if you lose one million, the casino will pay one hundred thousand for you," Kitazawa explained.
"That good?" Tsunade stood up straight, eyes glowing. "Let's go — we'll go now!"
"What about your work?" Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.
"Just leave it to Shizune and the others." Tsunade waved her hand carelessly.
"Given Shizune-senpai's personality, if you don't give her a reasonable excuse, she won't let you go." Kitazawa shook his head. "What's your reason?"
"I don't know," Tsunade said matter-of-factly. "You go tell her; I believe you can handle her."
"I certainly can." Kitazawa extended his hand. "Then what about your reward?"
"I am your teacher!" Tsunade glared. "Do you need a reward for something like this, too?"
"Yes, I do," Kitazawa said shamelessly.
Tsunade was silent for two seconds—then stepped forward and kissed him lightly at the corner of his mouth.
She immediately pulled back, walked two steps away, snorted, and said, "Aren't you going already?"
Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Kitazawa didn't push his luck and left for the adjacent Hokage Secretariat.
After watching him leave, Tsunade plopped down onto her chair. She subconsciously licked her lips—lost in thought.
"It's all set, let's go." Kitazawa reappeared.
Tsunade had already returned to normal; she stood up and followed him out of the Hokage Office.
The two soon arrived at the newly opened casino. The casino's name was simple and crude: Konoha Casino.
"It's much cleaner and tidier than other casinos, and all the staff wear kimonos." After Tsunade entered the casino, her first impression was very good.
"Look, there are also opening discounts." Kitazawa raised his hand and said.
"This casino really knows how to do business." Tsunade took a glance and couldn't help praising it.
"Hokage-sama! Kitazawa-sama!" Just then, a middle-aged man in a kimono approached them.
"Are you the casino owner?" Tsunade looked at him and asked.
"Just call me Kintaro." Kintaro said with a big smile, "You two are our VIPs; please come upstairs."
"You lead the way." Tsunade nodded.
She was genuinely interested in this so-called VIP room. After all, other casinos didn't have such a thing.
Tsunade followed Kintaro to the second floor. As soon as she entered, her pupils slightly contracted.
It was truly resplendent — more like a palace than a casino. But the gambling tables and machines everywhere reminded her of the reality.
"The VIP room offers free meals and drinks." Kintaro introduced, "And interest-free loans can also be provided."
Tsunade was stunned. Free meals were fine, but interest-free loans? Weren't they afraid gamblers wouldn't pay back?
But she reasoned it out — anyone who could enter the VIP room must have been carefully selected.
"If you two have any questions or needs, you can speak to our staff." Kintaro bowed slightly. "I won't disturb you; I wish you both an enjoyable time."
"Who opened this casino?" After Kintaro left, Tsunade asked, "These methods aren't common."
It wasn't an exaggeration to say she had been to every major casino in the Ninja World, but none could compare to this one.
"I've checked; it's a wealthy shipping company from the Land of Fire," Kitazawa said, half-truthfully.
"As long as there are no problems." After saying that, Tsunade eagerly walked toward the gambling table.
Kitazawa shook his head. Fortunately, he owned the casino now — he didn't have to worry about Tsunade losing.
He walked over and sat beside her, handing her a stack of money.
Tsunade immediately plunged into battle mode, fully focused, as serious as if she were fighting in the Fourth Shinobi World War.
After watching for a while, Kitazawa got bored and closed his eyes, cultivating his Yang Release Chakra Mode.
He didn't know how long had passed until the aroma of food drifted over.
"It's already noon; do you want to eat?" Kitazawa asked.
"Just grab me some rice balls or something," Tsunade replied indifferently.
Kitazawa went to the dining area — it was arranged like a buffet from his previous life.
He took some bread and milk.
Returning, he handed the food to Tsunade. Tsunade absently ate two pieces of bread before stopping.
Kitazawa finished the rest and looked at Tsunade's remaining money on the table.
As expected, more than half was already gone.
He glanced at Tsunade. Her attention was completely locked onto the gambling table; she didn't notice him at all.
Kitazawa's thoughts shifted, and suddenly he placed his hand on her thigh. Even through her trousers, he felt the firmness and warmth.
He gently kneaded it.
Tsunade frowned slightly, glared at him once, but quickly looked back at the table. In the end, she didn't do anything about it.
After Kitazawa had had enough, he continued cultivating his Yang Release Chakra Mode.
Although he wanted to do more, it was too dangerous. As the saying goes, some things can't be rushed — and that included his relationship with Tsunade.
The sun set in the west.
Kitazawa opened his eyes, feeling warm and energized.
Cultivating most Ninjutsu made him increasingly tired, but cultivating Yang Release Chakra Mode was the opposite — the more he used it, the more vigorous he became.
Such was the nature of Yang Release.
He looked at Tsunade and immediately noticed her delicate yet gloomy expression.
He didn't need to guess — she must have lost nonstop.
One glance at the table told him everything: She had lost one million ryō in a single day. It seemed only he in the entire Ninja World could afford to support Tsunade.
"Tsunade-sensei, we should go back. If we're any later, Shizune-senpai will get suspicious." Kitazawa reminded her.
"Spoilsport!" Tsunade snorted, stood up, and declared, "I'll come again next time; I'm sure I'll win!"
Kitazawa couldn't help smiling.
"What are you laughing at?" Tsunade stomped on his foot unhappily.
"I mean, Tsunade-sensei will definitely win next time!" Kitazawa said seriously.
"That's more like it." Tsunade let him go and walked out of the casino.
"How do you feel about this casino?" Kitazawa asked while following her.
"Very good." Tsunade nodded. "It's just that my luck wasn't good today; I didn't win."
"You can come more often in the future; there will always be a day you win." Kitazawa blinked.
His casino was clearly a success — Tsunade was already hooked.
Tsunade walked two steps, then suddenly turned back to look at him.
"What's wrong?" Kitazawa felt his heart tighten. Did she become suspicious?
"Nothing." She had originally wanted to bring up the fact that he had touched her thigh earlier, but then reconsidered.
Kitazawa was her money bag after all.
She had only played at the Konoha Casino for one day — definitely not enough. The next time she wanted to come, she would still need his help.