After Kitazawa left the Hokage Office, he immediately went to find Kabuto.
Just like before, without much discussion, Kabuto agreed.
After thinking it over, Kitazawa simply brought him directly to Ryūchi Cave.
The boost in strength provided by Sage Mode went without saying.
Since Kabuto possessed the talent to learn Sage Mode and his current strength was already sufficient, there was no reason to delay—it was best for him to learn Sage Mode first.
As for continuing his research under Orochimaru, that could be temporarily put on hold.
In any case, Orochimaru was not going anywhere. Kabuto could complete his Sage Mode training first and then return to continue his studies.
After exchanging brief greetings with the White Snake Sage, Kitazawa returned to the Hokage Building.
After a moment of thought, he turned and headed toward the newly established Film and Television Department.
"Kitazawa?" Kurenai looked up at him, surprise flashing across her eyes.
"What, am I not allowed to come?" Kitazawa asked with a smile.
"Of course you're allowed!" Kurenai stood up at once, walked over, and lifted her arms.
The meaning was obvious. Kitazawa pulled her into his embrace.
Kurenai hugged him and was about to speak when her body suddenly stiffened, her hips subconsciously tightening.
She glanced up at him from the corner of her eye.
His hands were kneading her buttocks.
"I still have work to do!" Kurenai said hurriedly.
She could clearly feel the subtle changes taking place in her body.
Ever since she and Kitazawa had crossed that final line, her body no longer felt entirely under her control.
"You really are a greedy little cat." Kitazawa met her gaze and couldn't help but laugh.
Her ruby-like eyes had already grown slightly unfocused.
Kurenai perfectly embodied the phrase weak in skill but high in desire.
Kitazawa suddenly thought of Tsunade.
Tsunade had undoubtedly already accepted Kurenai.
In other words, his dream of having multiple partners was already halfway realized—he only needed to complete the other half…
The thought made Kitazawa's heart stir with excitement. As a man, it was an irresistible temptation.
"It's all your fault!" Kurenai said with mock anger, her cheeks flushing faintly.
"Is that so?" Kitazawa took her hand and guided her toward the desk.
"I really do have work!" Kurenai's face grew even redder.
"I didn't say anything." Kitazawa sat down in the office chair and asked calmly, "What are you thinking?"
"Then why are you sitting in my seat?" Kurenai huffed.
"Obviously, to check on your work progress." Kitazawa glanced at the documents on the desk and asked, "Are you writing a movie script?"
"I'm not writing it. I'm organizing the plot Lady Tsunade gave me." Kurenai shook her head.
Kitazawa casually picked up the document and flipped through several pages, quickly understanding the situation.
Tsunade had given Kurenai a set of memoirs about Senju Hashirama, but they were written in a chaotic, stream-of-consciousness style.
To turn it into a movie, the story needed a proper structure—a clear beginning, development, and conclusion that audiences could follow.
"So how's the organizing coming along?" Kitazawa set the document down and asked.
"I have a general framework already." Kurenai replied, "I can hand it to the film crew this week so they can begin shooting."
"Efficient." Kitazawa praised her.
"My work ability is impressive!" Kurenai clenched her fist proudly.
"Then I should reward you properly." Kitazawa grabbed her hand.
Kurenai naturally straddled his lap. The moment she realized what she was doing, her face flushed crimson.
Even though she protested verbally, her body betrayed her.
Kitazawa reached out and placed his hand over her heart.
Kurenai let out a muffled groan, her body instantly softening. Her legs, however, tensed involuntarily, her toes curling and uncurling.
"Kit… Kitazawa…" After a short while, her eyes grew watery.
Her red lips parted slightly, a seductive charm appearing on her face.
Without waiting for his response, Kurenai pressed his head against her chest. A faint fragrance drifted into the air.
Kitazawa's vision was filled with her fair skin. His hands slid down to support her soft buttocks.
Kurenai straightened instinctively, her long, beautiful legs trembling as she kicked off her shoes.
But she was truly weak; before long, she collapsed into Kitazawa's embrace.
Kitazawa stood up and gently placed her in the office chair. His gaze lingered on her back, eventually settling on her full buttocks.
Though not quite as voluptuous as Tsunade's, the way she lay sprawled across the chair was undeniably alluring.
Kitazawa stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her waist.
The sun gradually sank in the west.
The office fell silent.
Kurenai, completely exhausted, fell asleep.
Kitazawa lifted her soft body and carried her back to her room. After laying her down on the bed, he returned to the office.
He gathered the clothes scattered on the floor and quickly restored the office to its original state.
After glancing at the clock on the wall, he left the Hokage Building.
---
A new day.
Kitazawa arrived at the Ninja Academy.
"Teacher Kitazawa!" Sasuke immediately stepped forward.
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile at his eager expression.
Although Sasuke usually appeared calm, in truth, he was much like Naruto—both were impatient at heart.
The difference was only in expression.
Those who could truly be called calm were Shino Aburame and Yakumo Kurama. Neji and Hinata counted as well.
"We're heading to Takigakure now," Kitazawa reminded him, "The Akatsuki Organization hasn't arrived yet, so we may need to wait."
Sasuke nodded.
Kitazawa activated the Flying Thunder God Technique at once.
His Shadow Clone had already reached Takigakure with Kagen.
The two vanished and reappeared inside an unfamiliar room. It was clearly the room Takigakure had prepared for his Shadow Clone.
"Sasuke, you'll stay here for now. My Shadow Clone will continue teaching you Lightning Release: Kirin."
Kitazawa walked over to the window and looked outside.
Takigakure was isolated from the outside world, surrounded by mountains on all sides, resembling a hidden paradise.
"Yes, Teacher Kitazawa," Sasuke replied immediately.
Kitazawa withdrew his gaze, nodded to his Shadow Clone, and vanished.
Once the Akatsuki Organization arrived, the Shadow Clone would dispel itself.
At that moment, the memories would return to him, allowing him to rush to Takigakure immediately.
Kitazawa returned to Konoha Village.
He went to the Forest of Death to continue training his Wood Release: Wood Human Technique, and whenever he had spare time, he experimented with Susanoo.
In the original records, Susanoo was roughly divided into six stages.
The initial form consisted only of ribs and arms, while the Perfect Susanoo was a towering god of war clad in armor, wings spread across its back.
Not only was its size comparable to a Tailed Beast, but it also possessed overwhelming power, the ability to fly, and could even weave hand seals to use Ninjutsu.
Beyond that, Susanoo had two particularly special forms.
One was Senjutsu Susanoo, where Sage Mode was activated while within Susanoo.
The other was Majestic Attire: Susanoo—Susanoo clad over Kurama.
And if it could be clad over Kurama, then it could theoretically be clad over other entities as well.
For example, there was once a theory that circulated widely in his past life: Susanoo clad over the Top Transformed Buddha.
Susanoo clad over the Top Transformed Buddha had never appeared in the original story.
The reason was simple: before Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara turned against one another, the overall strength of the Ninja World was far too weak.
They had no need to use something as excessive as Susanoo clad over the Top Transformed Buddha to sweep through the Ninja World.
By the time truly terrifying enemies such as Ōtsutsuki Kaguya appeared, Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara had already become bitter enemies.
Under such circumstances, Susanoo clad over the Top Transformed Buddha was naturally impossible.
Now, Kitazawa was already capable of activating Susanoo.
But since he possessed the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, he did not want to take things step by step.
He wanted to reach the peak in one leap—directly activating the Perfect Susanoo.
Only then could he attempt the legendary form: Susanoo clad over the Top Transformed Buddha.
---
Time soon entered May.
Sasuke did not return to Konoha Village, instead remaining in Takigakure to continue practicing Lightning Release: Kirin under the guidance of Kitazawa's Shadow Clone.
The other students of the Genius Class were far from idle.
After the new semester began, many of them had already begun to show clear results from their training.
For example, Rock Lee's Eight Gates had already advanced to the Third Gate.
Kitazawa estimated that by the time Lee graduated, he would likely be able to open the Fifth Gate or even more, just like during the Chunin Exams period in the original story.
Another example was Uzumaki Naruto.
Under Jiraiya's instruction, Naruto had already proven that he possessed the talent to learn Sage Mode.
However, at Kitazawa's suggestion, Naruto had not learned it yet. Instead, he was focusing on mastering the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode first.
But there was a crucial location required for mastering the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode: Turtle Island in the Hidden Cloud Village.
Turtle Island was uniquely suited for training a Jinchuriki to become a Perfect Jinchuriki.
In the original story, Naruto mastered the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode at the Falls of Truth on Turtle Island.
But that was during the Fourth Great Ninja War, when the Five Great Villages had already united.
Now, obtaining the Hidden Cloud Village's consent would not be so easy.
Kitazawa planned to first observe the movements of the Akatsuki Organization.
If Nagato truly intended to invade the Hidden Cloud Village, he would seize that opportunity to bring Naruto to Turtle Island.
During the third week of the new semester—
Kitazawa, who had been practicing the Wood Release: Wood Human Technique in the Forest of Death, suddenly came to a halt.
A large amount of memories surged back into his mind. They came from his Shadow Clone stationed in Takigakure.
Without hesitation, Kitazawa activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.
When he opened his eyes again, he saw a young girl with short blue-green hair and dark skin standing before him.
She was none other than the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki—Fū.
"Eh? How did you disappear and then suddenly reappear?" Fū asked curiously.
"Take me to see Shibuki." Kitazawa smiled calmly.
In the original story, Fū was extremely enthusiastic—her personality rivaled even Uzumaki Naruto's.
"Let's go!" Fū waved her arm cheerfully.
Kitazawa and Sasuke followed her and soon arrived before Shibuki.
"Leader, we're here!" Fū trotted into the room.
"Fū, didn't I tell you to stay in your room?" Shibuki said with some dissatisfaction. "You're in danger right now. Don't go running around."
"Leader Shibuki." Kitazawa spoke in a low, steady voice. "Two members of the Akatsuki Organization are rapidly approaching Takigakure."
"What?!" Shibuki's heart skipped a beat, panic flashing across his face.
He had only recently become the village leader, and coupled with his youth, his composure was still lacking.
In fact, in the original story, his situation had been even more pitiful.
"Don't worry, Leader!" Fū clenched her fist confidently. "Just watch me blow them all away!"
"The Akatsuki Organization has already captured five Jinchuriki. You're no match for them." Shibuki paced back and forth nervously.
"I can send you to Konoha Village first." Kitazawa glanced at Shibuki and, after a brief thought, made the suggestion.
"I can't leave!" Shibuki took a deep breath. "I'll live or die with Takigakure!"
"Me too!" Fū immediately echoed.
"Fū, you're different. You're the Akatsuki Organization's target—you can't stay." Shibuki hesitated before speaking.
"I want to stay!" Fū's expression hardened. "I'm also a ninja of Takigakure. I can't leave!"
"Lord Kitazawa, please take her away first." Shibuki finally made up his mind. "Once we repel the Akatsuki Organization, she can return."
Sasuke hesitated, wanting to say something. With Kitazawa's strength—and his own—the Akatsuki Organization could easily be repelled.
But since the suggestion had come from Kitazawa himself, Sasuke swallowed his doubts.
If Tsunade were present, she would have immediately understood Kitazawa's intent.
He was planning to first trick the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, Fū, into going to Konoha Village.
"No way!" Fū refused instantly.
But Kitazawa directly activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and took her back to Konoha Village.
Their sudden appearance startled both Jiraiya and Uzumaki Naruto.
"Lord Jiraiya, Naruto, this is Fū—the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki. I'll leave her in your care for now."
After delivering Fū, Kitazawa immediately returned to Takigakure.
"I'll gather all of Takigakure's ninja to guard the exit!" Shibuki took a deep breath. "No matter what, we must stop them!"
Even knowing Kitazawa's strength, the Akatsuki Organization's fearsome reputation left him with little confidence.
"Sasuke and I will go to the village entrance," Kitazawa said casually.
"I'll leave it to you, Lord Kitazawa." Shibuki nodded solemnly.
"Sasuke, let's go." Kitazawa grabbed Sasuke and activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.
When they reappeared, they stood before a massive waterfall. This was the entrance to Takigakure.
Behind the waterfall lay a complex tunnel system leading into the village.
Kitazawa activated his Byakugan. He immediately spotted Kakuzu and Hidan in the distance.
An unsurprising combination.
Takigakure was easy to defend and difficult to attack, and its location was extremely remote.
Only Kakuzu—a former rogue ninja of Takigakure—knew how to reach it.
As for Hidan, his immortal body had made him Kakuzu's permanent partner.
All of Kakuzu's previous teammates had been killed by his own hands and exchanged for bounties in the underground black market.
Kitazawa rubbed his chin. He was considering how best to deal with Kakuzu and Hidan.
Because of the system mission to absorb the Akatsuki Organization into Konoha Village, he did not plan to kill them.
At the very least, Kakuzu had to be captured alive. As for Hidan, however, Kitazawa had no interest whatsoever.
A fanatic of an evil cult, bloodthirsty and deranged—his behavior in the original story made it clear.
Allowing someone like that into Konoha Village was out of the question.
[Current Mission: Capture Kakuzu alive.]
[Mission Reward: Master-level Earth Release Chakra Nature Transformation.]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa narrowed his eyes.
Only Master-level Earth Release Chakra Nature Transformation? Was it because Earth Release was Kakuzu's original chakra nature?
Without hesitation, Kitazawa accepted the mission.
Once this mission was completed, among the seven chakra natures, only Fire Release would remain below Master-level transformation.
He felt a sense of irony.
As the next Hokage of Konoha Village, his Fire Release was actually his weakest aspect.
[Current Mission: Break Hidan's immortality.]
[Mission Reward: Cursed Technique: Death Controlling Blood.]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa let out a soft sound of surprise.
Cursed Technique: Death Controlling Blood was Hidan's unique Secret Technique.
Its effect was simple—exchanging injury for injury. Any damage the target dealt to the user would be reflected back onto the target in equal measure.
At first glance, it seemed extremely powerful. But for Kitazawa, it was rather useless.
With his current level of strength, sustaining injuries was not something that came easily.
In comparison, the system mission triggered by Kakuzu was far more practical. Nevertheless, Kitazawa chose to accept both missions.
"Kakuzu, I heard you come from Takigakure?" The silver-haired Hidan asked curiously.
"That's a thing of the past," Kakuzu replied calmly while maintaining his speed.
"Good, then don't stop me later." Hidan grinned viciously. "I'm going to sacrifice all the ninjas of Takigakure to Lord Jashin!"
"Do as you wish." Kakuzu paused briefly and reminded him, "Don't forget our mission."
"Just the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki." A trace of regret flashed across Hidan's face. "What a pity—I can't sacrifice her to Lord Jashin."
The Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, Fū, had to be captured alive and brought back to the Akatsuki Organization.
If the Jinchuriki died, the Tailed Beast within would also perish.
Although Tailed Beasts would eventually revive, the process took time and would interfere with the Akatsuki Organization's Eye of the Moon Plan.
"The waterfall ahead is the entrance to Takigakure." Kakuzu reminded him.
"Lord Jashin, your offerings are coming right now!" Hidan immediately pulled out his Triple-Bladed Scythe and charged forward.
Kakuzu followed closely behind. Soon, the two arrived before the waterfall.
"Who?!" Kakuzu subconsciously turned his head.
Two figures were standing beneath a tree not far away. His expression changed drastically, and without hesitation, he turned and fled.
"Kakuzu, what are you running for?!" Hidan shouted in shock.
Kakuzu didn't look back, pouring all his focus into escaping at full speed.
"Sasuke, go deal with Kakuzu." Kitazawa gave the order.
Sasuke instantly accelerated and gave chase.
"Bizarre!" Hidan scratched his head, then turned toward Kitazawa with a twisted grin.
"I'll sacrifice you to Lord Jashin first!"
He didn't recognize Kitazawa—but even if he had, he wouldn't have fled. After all, he possessed an immortal body.
To be honest, the combination of immortality and his blood-based Secret Technique was indeed troublesome.
Especially for those who lacked information about him. But for Kitazawa, the only real problem was Hidan's immortality.
Even that wasn't much of an issue—after all, Nara Shikamaru had already demonstrated a solution in the original story.
Moreover, Hidan wasn't truly immortal. If deprived of nutrients for a long enough time, he would still die.
"Die for me!" Hidan charged forward, swinging his Triple-Bladed Scythe.
When the distance between them shrank to less than three meters, he exerted force with both hands.
The scythe extended instantly, its three blades spinning as the rope hurled it straight toward Kitazawa.
Byakugan: Pressure! Kitazawa stood his ground.
Hidan was blasted backward at an even greater speed. The massive Triple-Bladed Scythe flew back toward him.
Hidan couldn't dodge in time and was struck directly.
Blood splattered.
"Hahaha!" Hidan staggered to his feet, laughing wildly through the pain. "Lord Jashin will definitely be pleased with an offering like you!"
Kitazawa's display of power only made him more excited.
Dragging the scythe behind him, blood dripping all over his body, Hidan charged again.
But just one meter away, he stopped. More accurately, his entire body froze in place.
Because Kitazawa had activated the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.
Across the entire Ninja World, there were very few who could break free from a Genjutsu cast by the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.
Hidan was certainly not one of them. He relied on mechanics rather than pure strength—he had no resistance against it.
With Hidan restrained, Kitazawa began digging a pit on the spot. Once it was finished, he tossed in a large number of explosive tags.
With a casual flick of his hand, he threw Hidan into the pit.
Hand seals followed.
Earth filled the pit as a massive tree burst forth from the ground.
The explosive tags detonated, shaking the earth violently.
Then, beneath the stabilizing presence of the giant tree, everything went silent.
[Current Mission: Break Hidan's immortality.]
[Mission Reward: Cursed Technique: Death Controlling Blood.]
[Host has completed the mission; reward issued.]
Kitazawa clapped his hands together.
Hidan had been blown to pieces by the explosions, and with the massive tree rooting itself through what remained of his body, the twofold suppression ensured his death.
Kitazawa glanced at the system notifications and activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.
In the next instant, he appeared beside Sasuke.
Because the battle with Hidan had ended so quickly, Sasuke and Kakuzu were still in the midst of their pursuit.
"Kakuzu, I've mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique," Kitazawa spoke bluntly. "You can't escape. Why don't we make a deal?"
"What kind of deal?" Kakuzu stopped, his expression grim.
He understood the terror of the Flying Thunder God Technique all too well.
Back then, Minato Namikaze had relied on it to become virtually invincible, earning the title of the Yellow Flash.
More importantly, even without it, Kakuzu knew he couldn't escape Kitazawa.
He had fought him once before—with Konan's assistance—and fully understood the gap in their strength.
If Kitazawa used Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique, Kakuzu wouldn't even have a chance to resist.
"This is my student, Sasuke." Kitazawa gestured toward him.
An Uchiha? Kakuzu's eyes narrowed as he recalled the chase just now.
He had started running early, yet still couldn't shake Sasuke off. There was no doubt—this boy was strong.
"The deal is simple." Kitazawa smiled faintly. "You two fight. If you win, I'll let you leave."
Kakuzu instinctively felt relieved—then his heart tightened again.
Because he remembered Uzumaki Naruto. Naruto was the same age as Sasuke and also Kitazawa's student.
And if Kitazawa was proposing this deal, it meant he believed Sasuke could win.
But… did Kakuzu have any other choice?
"And if I lose?" Kakuzu asked after a brief silence.
"We have a bit of history," Kitazawa said casually. "If you lose, join Konoha Village. I won't kill you."
Kakuzu froze.
Join Konoha Village? The idea was absurd.
After all, he had once attempted to assassinate Konoha's First Hokage—Senju Hashirama.
"I agree." Kakuzu nodded at last.
Once again, he had no other option. Refusing meant death. Agreeing meant survival.