"Kitazawa-sensei!"
The moment Kitazawa appeared, Ino immediately stopped chatting and ran over, wrapping her arms around his.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Kabuto, Sasuke, and the others followed closely behind and greeted him respectfully.
"Do you all know why I called you here?" Kitazawa lightly tapped Ino on the forehead and gently withdrew his arm from her embrace.
"Kakashi-sensei and Kabuto-senpai already told us!" Ino replied brightly, her face full of excitement.
She held no prejudice against Jinchuriki.
On the contrary, after witnessing Naruto's overwhelming strength, she had long looked forward to becoming one herself.
More importantly, once she became a Jinchuriki, her power would soar. When the time came, defeating Sakura Haruno would be effortless.
"Very well. Then I'll skip the small talk and begin implanting the Tailed Beasts into you." Kitazawa stepped forward and activated the Rinnegan.
He bit his thumb and pressed his palm against the ground.
In an instant, the earth trembled, and the surrounding air seemed to quake as the Gedo Mazo materialized out of thin air.
Kakashi and the others immediately revealed expressions of shock and confusion.
Shock—because the Gedo Mazo's enormous size was overwhelming. Even if they had seen it before, its presence still felt terrifying.
Confusion—because they did not understand how Kitazawa could summon it. Wasn't it Nagato's summoning beast?
"Kakashi," Kitazawa called out calmly.
Kakashi stepped forward at once.
His visible eye widened in shock. He had just noticed Kitazawa's Rinnegan.
What was happening? Had he transplanted Nagato's Rinnegan?
"I'll implant the Three-Tails into you first." Kitazawa knew exactly what Kakashi was thinking, but he did not bother explaining.
He was Hokage now. He did not need to explain everything.
Kitazawa looked toward the Gedo Mazo. A ripple pulsed through his Rinnegan, and the Gedo Mazo slowly opened its mouth.
The next moment, it expelled a mass of Chakra shaped like a turtle.
The Chakra hit the ground and transformed into the Three-Tails—Isobu.
Kitazawa gave it no opportunity to resist, immediately suppressing it with the Rinnegan's power.
He extended his hand toward Kakashi's abdomen.
The sealing technique he used was the Eight Trigrams Sealing Style—the same double Four Symbols Seal that had sealed the Nine-Tails.
If even the Nine-Tails could not break free from it, lesser Tailed Beasts stood no chance.
Moreover, with his current strength, the Eight Trigrams Seal he cast far surpassed the versions used by Minato Namikaze and Uzumaki Kushina.
His Chakra surged outward, enveloping the Three-Tails.
Moments later, the massive body shrank rapidly, turning into a streak of light that entered Kakashi's abdomen.
When the Sealing Space stabilized, Kitazawa withdrew his hand.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Kakashi exhaled deeply.
He could clearly sense the Three-Tails within his Sealing Space—and the nearly inexhaustible Chakra that accompanied it.
Ever since obtaining Obito's Sharingan, his Chakra reserves had always been insufficient.
Now, it felt as though he had struck gold overnight. From now on, he could use Chakra without restraint.
However, having just become a Jinchuriki, he did not yet know how to properly utilize the Three-Tails' power.
"Sasuke." Kitazawa nodded and called out again.
Sasuke stepped forward without hesitation.
When he saw the Rinnegan clearly, he paused for only a moment—but did not question it.
Since becoming Kitazawa's student, he had grown accustomed to surprises. To him, Kitazawa seemed almost omnipotent.
Repeating the same process, Sasuke soon became the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.
He instinctively clenched his fist.
Now that he had become a Jinchuriki, he finally understood why Uzumaki Naruto possessed such staggering Chakra reserves.
Sasuke felt that he could now fight Naruto for three days and three nights without exhaustion.
One by one, all seven of them successfully became Jinchuriki.
"Jinchuriki are truly terrifying…" Ino sighed in amazement.
She felt as though all her previous hard training had been eclipsed in an instant. After becoming a Jinchuriki, her strength had skyrocketed.
"But there are only nine Tailed Beasts." Kabuto reminded her calmly. "The vast majority of Ninjas will never have this opportunity."
"That's true." Haku nodded.
"This is all thanks to Kitazawa-sensei," Ino said immediately.
"It's too early to thank me." Kitazawa dispelled the Summoning Technique, and the Gedo Mazo vanished.
He deactivated the Rinnegan and looked at them.
"This is the Tailed Beast Chakra Mode I prepared for you." He took out seven scrolls and distributed them.
Normally, a Jinchuriki had three primary modes.
The first mode involved borrowing the Tailed Beast's Chakra. In this state, Chakra cloaked the surface of the body, but the user maintained human form.
The second mode was Partial Tailed Beast Transformation.
The Jinchuriki would be enveloped in denser Chakra, with tails manifesting, drawing upon greater power.
The third mode was full Tailed Beast Transformation. The Jinchuriki would completely transform into the Tailed Beast, unleashing its full strength.
If they were a Perfect Jinchuriki, their own consciousness would remain dominant. If not, the Tailed Beast's will would take control and rampage.
This was precisely the scenario all villages feared most. For example, when Shukaku emerged after Gaara lost consciousness in the past.
Kakashi and the others were unlikely to become Perfect Jinchuriki immediately.
A Perfect Jinchuriki required reconciliation with the Tailed Beast. But these Tailed Beasts had been forcibly captured by Kitazawa.
There was no doubt they would harbor resentment.
Reconciliation would not be easy. In other words, they would likely only reach the first two modes for now.
Even so, those two modes alone provided an immense boost. Borrowing Tailed Beast Chakra required no modification.
However, Kitazawa had altered the Partial Transformation stage.
By combining Hinata's Yin Release Chakra Mode with Naruto's Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, he had created a new form—Tailed Beast Chakra Mode.
Simply put, instead of manifesting tails, a cloak of pure Tailed Beast Chakra would envelop the user.
In this state, they could better harness its power without losing control.
Sasuke was undoubtedly the most pleased. He felt the gap between himself and Naruto narrowing rapidly.
Ino and the others were equally excited.
"Once you master the Tailed Beast Chakra Mode, you may join the Hokage Guard." Kitazawa smiled faintly.
Kabuto narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. Since Konoha's founding, only Senju Tobirama had established a Hokage Guard.
And historically, members of the Hokage Guard were candidates for high command.
After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and Utatane Koharu had all once served in that unit.
Haku felt a surge of motivation. His dream had always been to join the Anbu to repay Kitazawa.
The Hokage Guard seemed even more elite. It would allow him to serve at Kitazawa's side.
"I'll definitely work hard!" Ino clenched her fist, full of determination.
The Hokage Guard existed to protect the Hokage. Which meant she would be able to see Kitazawa often.
Kakashi already knew, so he was not surprised. What truly shocked him was this Tailed Beast Chakra Mode.
It was genuinely terrifying.
No wonder so many people said that Kitazawa's talent in creating Ninjutsu was not inferior to that of Senju Tobirama.
"You should use this time to learn how to properly utilize Tailed Beast Chakra." Kitazawa reached out and patted Ino's head.
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!" Ino and the others nodded vigorously.
"I'll send you back to Konoha Village." As soon as he finished speaking, Kitazawa used the Flying Thunder God Technique.
In the blink of an eye, they appeared at the entrance of the Hokage Building.
"Go and train. If there's anything you don't understand, come ask me." Kitazawa paused slightly.
"Kakashi, you come with me."
"Hokage-sama, is there something?" After Ino and the others left, Kakashi asked curiously.
"Your Sharingan has been cloned. We can perform the transplant today." Kitazawa opened a summoning storage scroll and took out a glass vessel.
Inside it was Uchiha Obito's other eye. It was worth noting that it currently appeared as a Three-Tomoe Sharingan.
"Alright." After looking at it silently for a few moments, Kakashi agreed.
"Go find Nonou-senpai and have her handle the operation." Kitazawa had no intention of performing the surgery himself.
Eye transplants were not complicated. Any competent Chunin or Jonin could carry it out.
After watching Kakashi leave, Kitazawa walked into the Hokage Building. Soon, he arrived at the Hokage Office.
But the moment he pushed open the door, surprise flickered across his face.
There was an uninvited guest inside. Tsunade was lying casually on the sofa.
She had removed her shoes, her legs resting atop the coffee table, her bare feet swaying lazily.
As her body shifted slightly, the fabric at her neckline moved as well.
"Tsunade-sensei." Kitazawa walked over with a faint smile.
"It's rare to see you in my office." After speaking, he sat down beside her.
"I'm not here to see you." Tsunade shifted slightly and lifted one leg, placing it across his lap.
"Then who are you here to see?" Kitazawa reached out and gently massaged her ankle.
"Kurenai." Tsunade glanced at him calmly.
"Are you giving me my reward tonight?" Kitazawa's heart stirred as he asked without hiding his anticipation.
"How could it be that fast?" Tsunade lightly nudged him with her foot. "You need to give Kurenai time to think properly."
"Should I go with you?" Kitazawa asked after a moment of thought.
"If you go, it'll look like we're pressuring her together." Tsunade shook her head slightly. "That wouldn't be appropriate. I already have a plan. Don't interfere."
"Thank you, Tsunade-sensei." Kitazawa nodded sincerely.
"You should thank me." Tsunade looked at him meaningfully. "Next time you go to the Casino, bring me more money."
"No problem." As he spoke, Kitazawa casually slipped his hand inside her clothes.
Tsunade stiffened slightly and elbowed him without hesitation. "Alright, I'm going to see Kurenai now."
She lowered her legs and stood up. If she stayed any longer, she might not be able to leave this office at all.
Kitazawa watched her depart.
A faint warmth lingered in his hand, and his heart was filled with both anticipation and tension.
For now, he could only trust Tsunade.
Soon, Tsunade arrived at the Film and Television Department. She pushed open the door and walked inside.
"Lady Tsunade? What brings you here?" Kurenai looked up in surprise.
Since retiring, Tsunade had been spending most of her time at the Casino and rarely came to the Hokage Building, let alone sought her out.
"I want to talk to you about Kitazawa," Tsunade spoke plainly.
"Kitazawa?" Kurenai repeated, puzzled.
"Is it difficult for you every night?" Tsunade asked calmly.
"Eh?" Kurenai froze, her entire face turning red almost instantly. What did that mean?
Had Tsunade overheard something she said in private? For a moment, she wanted to disappear on the spot.
"Kitazawa is extremely strong. It's normal that you can't compete with him." Tsunade smiled slightly.
"Lady… Lady Tsunade, what exactly are you trying to say?" Kurenai lowered her head, forcing herself to speak despite her embarrassment.
"How do you see Kitazawa?" Tsunade stepped closer.
"He… he is very outstanding." Kurenai hesitated before answering. "Extremely outstanding."
"Indeed." Tsunade let out a faint sigh. "To any woman, he carries a fatal attraction. Even to me."
"Ah?" Kurenai looked up at her instinctively.
"Kurenai, I came today to apologize." Tsunade leaned in and whispered a few words.
"That's impossible…" Kurenai's eyes widened.
She could not believe Tsunade would do such a thing to her own student.
"I'm sorry. It's my fault." Tsunade's tone was sincere.
"But… but…" Kurenai's thoughts were in complete disarray.
"We can cooperate." Tsunade finally revealed her purpose.
"…?" Kurenai was overwhelmed by the flood of information to the point she forgot how to react.
"Kitazawa and I have a large gap in status. I won't make our relationship public." Tsunade gently took her hand. "I will support you and Kitazawa getting married."
Kurenai stood frozen, unable to form words.
Tsunade felt a subtle sense of relief. Her approach seemed effective.
"Kurenai, take your time to think." Tsunade sighed softly. "If you refuse, then I will stop seeing Kitazawa and won't interfere with you two anymore."
Kurenai felt torn. Her lips parted, but no words came out.
---
Back in the Hokage Office—
Kitazawa sat behind his desk, staring at the documents before him, though he was not truly reading them.
His mind was restless.
Then the door opened. He stood up instinctively.
"How did it go?" Kitazawa stepped toward Tsunade.
"I spoke with Kurenai. She needs time to think." Tsunade paused. "But there's great hope."
"Thank you, Tsunade-sensei!" Kitazawa immediately pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
Tsunade shot him a glance, but did not push him away. After the kiss ended, she exhaled slowly.
"Money." She extended her hand.
Kitazawa promptly took out a bankbook.
"Not bad. Very generous." Tsunade glanced at the amount, smiling brightly.
"I'm heading to the Casino. Once Kurenai makes her decision, I'll let you know."
She tucked the bankbook away, waved casually, and left the Hokage Office.
Just as Kitazawa was about to return to his desk, the door opened again. It was Kurenai.
Seeing her standing there, Kitazawa felt an unexpected flicker of guilt and shame.
"You bastard!" Kurenai stepped forward and bit down hard on his shoulder without hesitation.
Kitazawa blinked but did not dodge.
A warm, sharp pain spread from his shoulder immediately. To him, however, it was insignificant.
"Sorry." Kitazawa reached out and gently stroked Kurenai's head.
After biting him, Kurenai suddenly felt a trace of guilt.
Almost instinctively, she lowered her head and lightly licked the mark she had left, like a kitten tending to its mistake.
Kitazawa's body trembled slightly. His hands moved down unconsciously, gripping her rounded hips.
A muffled sound escaped Kurenai's lips, her cheeks flushing red. Her body already belonged to him; her emotions responded instantly.
She looked up at him, her eyes moist, her expression both fierce and charming.
"I'll definitely teach you a lesson today!" After saying that, Kurenai pushed Kitazawa down onto the sofa.
Not far away, in a quiet corner—
Konan stood hidden within the shadows.
Watching Kitazawa being "bullied" without resisting stirred something restless in her chest. Yet she did not step forward.
It wasn't until an hour later, when Kitazawa escorted Kurenai home, that Konan quietly took her place.
A new day began.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in." Kitazawa looked up.
"Kitazawa." Shizune entered and spoke directly. "I've received an invitation from the Fourth Raikage."
"An invitation?" Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. "For the Five Kage Summit?"
"How did you know?" Shizune asked in surprise.
"Just a guess." Kitazawa smiled faintly. "What are the details?"
"It will be held in a large city within the Land of Iron in one week," Shizune replied.
Kitazawa nodded slightly. It was almost identical to the Five Kage Summit in the original timeline.
Still in the Land of Iron.
That was only natural. If it were hosted in the Hidden Cloud Village, Kitazawa might dare to attend, but the Fourth Raikage would not dare to host him there.
Likewise, Rasa, Mei Terumī, and Ōnoki would not casually step into the Hidden Cloud either.
If traps were set, the danger would be immense.
The Land of Iron, being neutral, was the safest choice.
The Land of Demons was also neutral, but due to its recent closeness with Konoha, the Hidden Cloud would never agree to that location.
"How should we respond?" Shizune asked.
"No response." Kitazawa shook his head. "Pretend we never received the invitation."
Shizune was stunned. Was he really intending to trigger the Fourth Great Ninja War?
She had many questions, but in the end, she said nothing. She turned and left with the invitation in hand.
After all, she was not Hokage. Kitazawa was.
As the Hokage's secretary, her duty was to follow orders.
Kitazawa stroked his chin thoughtfully.
If he did not attend the Five Kage Summit, the discussion would undoubtedly shift toward dealing with Konoha.
But whether that alone would ignite the Fourth Great Ninja War was uncertain.
Konoha's current strength was overwhelming. He recalled the list he had prepared earlier.
From each of the four great villages, he would choose one high-ranking official to influence or control.
At the Summit, they could push for cooperation among the villages, then jointly declare war on Konoha.
However, the timing required patience.
His students were not yet fully prepared. Ino and the others still needed time to master Tailed Beast Chakra Mode.
Uzumaki Naruto needed further refinement as a Perfect Jinchuriki.
Hinata still needed to awaken the Tenseigan.
War required preparation.
Especially when confronting an opponent like Konoha, the four great villages would be cautious.
They would mobilize every resource for one decisive gamble.
"After the New Year… that would be more suitable." Kitazawa calculated quietly.
It was August now.
Four months remained until the New Year. By then, his students would all be twelve years old.
In the original timeline, that would have been their graduation period.
In other words, the Five Kage Summit had already been advanced by roughly five years.
"Konan, call White Zetsu," Kitazawa spoke.
Konan nodded and left.
Soon, a White Zetsu wearing an Anbu mask entered.
"Baki, Ao, Mabui, and Kitsuchi—where are they?" Kitazawa asked directly.
These were the four he intended to manipulate. Each held a position second only to their Kage.
"All are within their respective villages." White Zetsu replied.
"You may go." White Zetsu sank silently into the ground.
"Konan, I'm stepping out." Kitazawa rose and activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.
In the next instant, he appeared in Sunagakure.
Since mastering the technique, he had placed Flying Thunder God marks across multiple locations in the Ninja World.
Activating his Byakugan, he located Baki almost immediately. He approached without hesitation and used the Rinnegan to implant a subtle suggestion.
After finishing, he traveled to the Hidden Mist, Iwagakure, and the Hidden Cloud.
The entire operation took less than half an hour. Such was the speed of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Even without it, Dual Kamui could have achieved similar efficiency.
---
Konoha Village's First Training Ground—
Kitazawa stood silently, watching Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, and Hinata training. He had just returned from the Hidden Cloud.
"Hinata." He beckoned.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Hinata jogged over.
"You're coming with me on a mission tomorrow." Kitazawa paused. "Bring Neji as well."
He intended to take them to the Moon.
It was now confirmed that the combination of Ōtsutsuki Chakra and the Hyuga Byakugan could evolve into the Tenseigan.
Meaning, Hinata or Neji could each awaken one. But they were still one pair short.
Kitazawa's plan was to extract and transfer the ocular power of the Great Tenseigan.
In truth, the Great Tenseigan functioned more like a massive ninja tool.
Konoha did not truly require it. If its pupil power could be transferred—or condensed—for absorption, that would be ideal.
Then both Hinata and Neji could awaken the Tenseigan.
As for Hyuga Hanabi, there was no urgency.
By then, his strength would only grow further.
With near-infinite Chakra, he could personally infuse her with enough ocular power to awaken it.
However, whether the Great Tenseigan's pupil power could truly be transferred, that remained uncertain.
He would know only after seeing it with his own eyes tomorrow.