Other than Lightning Release: Chidori Senbon, there's also a mid-range technique, Lightning Release: Chidori Sharp Spear.
It reshapes Chidori into the form of a lance for thrusting attacks.
If Chidori Senbon counts as the long-range version of Chidori, then Chidori Sharp Spear is the mid-range version.
Kitazawa plans to teach it to Uchiha Sasuke after he masters Chidori Senbon.
With his two-tomoe Sharingan and Hatake Kakashi's guidance, he should pick it up in about half a month to a month.
After teaching Chidori Senbon to Sasuke, Kitazawa went back to the training field used by his study group.
As usual, he formed hand seals and created two shadow clones.
Those two clones would stay on the field to coach the students.
He himself headed to an open spot to practice Ninja Art: Creation Rebirth — Strength of a Hundred Technique.
Ever since he attained master-level Yang Release nature transformation, his learning speed had shot up.
Kitazawa figured he could grasp Creation Rebirth — Strength of a Hundred by the end of the month or early next month.
Once he learned this medical ninjutsu, his survivability would be maxed out, no question.
In theory, as long as his chakra held out, he'd be practically unkillable.
And his chakra reserves had already surpassed Tsunade's, reaching a staggering 12 chakra units.
Of course, the more chakra the better.
He hoped he'd keep triggering related system tasks later on.
By noon, Kitazawa stopped training.
"Kitazawa-sensei, come eat!" Yamanaka Ino waved to him from a distance.
Lunch started a little after twelve.
If he had nothing else going on, Kitazawa usually ate with Ino and the others.
Though up to now it was usually Hyuga Hinata who came to fetch him.
"Kitazawa-sensei, we've set everything up—just waiting on you!" Ino beamed as he walked over.
"Nice work." Kitazawa raised a hand and ruffled her hair.
A picnic cloth had been spread out not far away, with six small low tables set around it.
Hinata noticed the gesture and couldn't help feeling a little envious of Ino.
"Let's go." Kitazawa stepped forward and sat cross-legged on the picnic cloth.
Hinata, who'd been waiting for the chance, quickly sat to his left.
"Hold on a sec." Something occurred to Kitazawa; he stood and walked to an open patch nearby.
Kimimaro, Jūgo, Tayuya, and Haku were still training.
"It's lunch break. Pause your drills—we'll resume this afternoon," Kitazawa clapped his hands and said.
"Lunch break?" Tayuya looked genuinely baffled.
Back in Otogakure there was no such thing; going hungry and fighting all day was normal.
Kimimaro and Jūgo were also surprised.
This "Advanced Class" training seemed way too relaxed.
"Did you bring lunch?" Kitazawa asked.
"I brought a bento," Haku replied.
He'd already gotten into the habit of bringing a bento while in the Anbu, and kept it after moving to the Advanced Class.
The other three shook their heads.
They didn't really have the concept, so naturally they hadn't brought one.
"Bring one next time," Kitazawa reminded them. "From now on we eat at this time."
He remembered that Yakushi Nonō cooked a lot of bentos for the Konoha Orphanage kids every day.
But because there were so many of them, she had them pick them up at the cafeteria themselves.
As for Kimimaro's group, either they didn't know—or they just didn't care.
Kitazawa figured the latter was more likely.
"For today, have the bentos I made." He pressed a lunch box into each of their hands.
He always carried snacks and food.
Partly as rewards for students.
Partly for contingencies—like keeping Hinata fed.
"I'm not eating that!" Tayuya refused. "Who knows what you—ow!"
She clapped a hand to her forehead where Kitazawa had just flicked her.
"When I say eat, you eat. What's with the backtalk?" Kitazawa looked at her evenly. "If you don't finish it, forget about seeing Orochimaru again."
"…" Tayuya bit her lip and fell silent.
"Come with me." Kitazawa turned back toward Sasuke and Ino's picnic spot.
Kimimaro and Jūgo exchanged a glance.
Both felt out of place.
In Otogakure everyone kept to themselves—no connections, on purpose.
They were all enemies in a kill-or-be-killed system.
"Kimimaro, sit over here!" Naruto Uzumaki called out warmly when he saw them.
Hugging his bento, he made room for them.
"Sasuke, scoot over a bit," Naruto said, elbowing him as he squeezed in next to him.
"Sasuke-kun!" Haruno Sakura seized the chance. "We've got open seats over here!"
"No need." Sasuke glanced over, his face calm.
Watching Naruto and Sasuke sit together, Kitazawa suddenly thought of that iconic moment—the Naruto–Sasuke kiss.
If he recreated it, would it help Sasuke "open his eyes"?
He shook his head.
Given how strong Sasuke and Naruto were now, that would be hard to pull off.
They could dodge before their lips ever met.
Sure, Kitazawa could set them up—but it'd be a hassle, and if anyone caught on, it'd hurt his image.
Besides, Sasuke might not yet meet the baseline to awaken the three-tomoe Sharingan.
No rush; there was time.
Even without three tomoe, Sasuke still had a good shot at beating Kimimaro.
Kitazawa planned to have Kakashi run him through a month of targeted training in taijutsu—especially sword work.
Kimimaro's forte was Shikotsumyaku (Dead Bone Pulse) and taijutsu.
And because Shikotsumyaku is so powerful, his taijutsu is basically "unfair," especially against pure hand-to-hand specialists.
Normal taijutsu fights are flesh-and-blood trading blows; he pits hardened bone against soft bodies.
That's a massive advantage.
Fortunately, Sasuke isn't just a taijutsu fighter.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Hinata tugged lightly at his sleeve.
Kitazawa snapped out of it and realized everyone was waiting for him to say the word.
It was dining etiquette in the shinobi world: no one started until the senior said so.
"Let's eat," Kitazawa said with a smile.
"I'm digging in!" Naruto cheered, flipping open his bento.
"I'm digging in!" the others echoed.
Only Kimimaro, Jūgo, and Tayuya didn't—because they had no idea about this tradition.
In Otogakure, they rarely even ate at a table; they just found a corner and wolfed food down.
Twenty minutes later, everyone was full—except Hinata and Choji.
"…?" Tayuya stared at Hinata, puzzled.
Same petite frame, so how could she put away that much food?
But bafflement soon turned to shock—this wasn't "a good appetite"; it was inhuman.
Kimimaro and Jūgo were surprised too.
They couldn't understand how Hinata could eat so much.
Choji's impact was smaller—given his build.
"As expected," Ino laughed, noticing their expressions.
"A classic moment," Shikamaru Nara chuckled.
"Hard not to be amazed," Sakura said enviously. "If I had Hinata's metabolism, I'd eat every delicacy in the world."
"Right?" Tenten agreed.
While they chatted, Kitazawa found Kakashi and discussed Sasuke versus Kimimaro.
Kakashi of course knew about the Kaguya clan and Shikotsumyaku.
Sasuke against Kimimaro… that was a tough call.
But Kakashi already regarded Sasuke as a direct student, so he agreed to the special training without hesitation.
After lunch, Sasuke, Naruto, and the others headed back to the Advanced Class classroom to rest.
Kitazawa returned to his office.
When he opened the door, he found Konan sitting on the sofa, reading a packet of materials.
Unlike Tsunade's laid-back posture, Konan sat very straight: long legs together, back upright, clothes faintly outlining her figure.
For easier reading, she had taken off her Anbu mask.
"Anything useful?" Kitazawa stepped up to her.
He was the one who'd given her the packet.
It contained some basic economics he remembered learning in class in his previous life.
"It's… impressive," Konan said, unsure how to put it.
Everything in the packet was new to her, yet it fit real-world behavior closely.
It felt like distilled rules behind current economic practices.
Simple, but sharp.
Konan couldn't fathom why a ninja would study this.
In fact, even most merchants didn't.
Kitazawa smiled.
He hadn't even gotten to the real core yet—like market regulation.
But slowly was fine; once Konan got curious, she'd want more.
"Ask me if anything doesn't make sense." Kitazawa waved her to continue as he sat on the sofa.
"Why are you showing me this?" Konan asked.
"I think you've got a head for economics," Kitazawa said casually. "The more you know, the more money you'll make down the line."
"Thank you."
After a beat of silence, Konan spoke.
"No need to thank me—it's a trade," Kitazawa said with a wink. "I'm going to take a nap, but I'm short a pillow."
"A pillow? I'll go get one," Konan blinked and stood.
"No need to waste the time." Kitazawa kept a straight face. "A lap pillow is fine. I'll sleep; you keep reading. We won't bother each other."
Konan hesitated two seconds, then nodded.
She sat back down, legs together, patted away imaginary dust from her lap; her plush thighs quivered slightly.
Kitazawa lay on the sofa on his side and rested his head on her soft, springy thighs.
Konan started to speak, then stopped.
She wanted to say his head was facing the wrong way—it should be turned outward.
But in the end she said nothing, picked the packet back up, and quickly slipped into focus again, calm and composed.
Kitazawa's line of sight was level with her abdomen.
Not that there was anything to see—her clothes covered everything.
Still, a cool, mature beauty like her gave off a different vibe.
Quiet. Perfect for sleeping.
"Wake me up in a bit," Kitazawa murmured, drifting off in no time.
Time ticked by.
"Kitazawa, ten minutes left," Konan said after checking the wall clock, looking down to remind him.
Kitazawa reflexively sat up.
His head bumped into something soft and warm.
"Sorry, I—" he started, opening his eyes.
"It's fine." Konan cut him off without changing expression, as placid as ever.
"I'll head to class. See you later."
Seeing that, Kitazawa let it drop and changed the subject, then left the Hokage's office.
After he was gone, Konan glanced down, faintly aware of a lingering sensation.
The afternoon mirrored the morning—more training.
As the sun set, it was time to go home.
"Bye, Kitazawa-sensei!" the Advanced Class students called as they filed out of the academy.
In a moment, only Kimimaro, Tayuya, Jūgo, and Haku remained.
"How was your first theory class?" Kitazawa asked.
"Free," Kimimaro said succinctly.
"Way too lax—nowhere near brutal enough!" Tayuya snorted. "You won't make me strong training like this!"
Back in his previous life, Kitazawa had wondered about something.
Tayuya and the others had trained in pure hell, yet stayed fiercely loyal to Orochimaru.
Now he understood a bit more.
This shinobi world was simply too warped.
For people like them, relying on Orochimaru was their only option.
"You'll find out at the monthly exam whether the Advanced Class produces stronger," Kitazawa said, knocking her lightly on the forehead. "I'll walk you back."
Tayuya rubbed her brow and pouted.
They set off toward the orphanage.
On the street, Tayuya's eyes were snagged again by a nearby ice-cream shop.
She swallowed reflexively.
"September's probably the last month for ice cream," Kitazawa said with a smile, stopping. "My treat."
Tayuya froze for a second.
Kimimaro, Jūgo, and Haku also stood still, unsure.
"If you don't choose, I'll choose for you," Kitazawa warned. "If you don't like the flavor I pick, don't blame me."
"I'll choose myself!" Tayuya dashed into the shop.
Kitazawa looked to the others.
After a brief hesitation, the three followed her in.
Kitazawa bought a chocolate cone for himself.
He thought about bringing one back for Kurenai Yūhi, but worried it would melt and taste bad by the time he got home.
He glanced over at Haku.
Ice Release could keep it cold.
"Haku, make me a few ice cubes," Kitazawa said after a moment's thought.
Haku hadn't learned Ice Release: Ice Rock Dome yet, but making a few cubes was easy.
Kitazawa nestled a vanilla cone among the ice cubes, then sealed it in a summoning storage scroll.
That way, Kurenai could still enjoy it fresh at home.
On the other side, Tayuya took a lick of her ice cream and broke into a smile.
It tasted even better than she'd expected.
In that respect, Konoha beat Otogakure.
Too bad she was broke.
She could ask Kitazawa or Yakushi Nonō for money, but she had her pride.
The good news: she'd heard from Ino that the new practical exam would pay out a cut of the mission rewards upon completion.
"Let's go." After dropping them at the Konoha Orphanage, Kitazawa headed home.
He unlocked the door and stepped inside.
"I'm home!" he called, bending down to change shoes.
A rush of air—and Kurenai appeared in front of him, grabbing his wrist.
Black seal markings flared where they touched, but faded out as soon as they crept past his shoulder.
Kurenai's face showed a flash of frustration.
"Looks like you still haven't mastered the Self-Cursing Seal," Kitazawa said, slipping free and finishing with his shoes.
"Damn it!" Kurenai clenched a fist. "I'll definitely get it this year!"
"I thought you'd say 'this month,'" Kitazawa chuckled.
"I'm not you," Kurenai huffed, lightly thumping his chest. "If I had your talent, I'd have it down this month."
"I'm not actually that talented," Kitazawa said, blinking innocently.
"If you're not talented, who in the shinobi world is?" Kurenai rolled her eyes—she clearly didn't buy it.
"Your talent's already top tier," Kitazawa said, taking her hand and leading her into the living room.
"Just not on the level of you monsters," Kurenai muttered, self-aware.
"I got you a vanilla ice cream," Kitazawa said, opening the storage scroll.
"You even kept it on ice?" Kurenai blinked, a little moved. "You didn't have to go that far."
"Haku's Ice Release," Kitazawa smiled. "I just used what was handy."
"Ice Release, huh?" Kurenai took a bite, shivering slightly. "That is convenient."
"How is it? Lemme try," Kitazawa said, standing up to kiss her.
Kurenai froze a fraction, then shot him a glare—though there was no heat in it, just a teasing allure.
"Pretty sweet," Kitazawa grinned.
"No wonder you only bought one," Kurenai plopped onto the sofa, teasing. "You're always thinking up this kind of nonsense."
"Then why didn't you refuse?" Kitazawa brushed a hand along her cheek.
"I…" Kurenai was momentarily at a loss for words.
Kitazawa's eyes lingered on her face.
At home she wore a loose sleep shirt.
The wide neckline showed skin as pale and tempting as ice cream.
"Hurry up and eat," Kitazawa urged.
"What's the rush?" Kurenai tilted her head—only to meet his heated gaze.
Her heart skipped. She felt like the vanilla cone in her hand, with only one possible fate.
She looked away.
A cool sensation—her sleep shirt slid to the floor.
Kitazawa took the vanilla ice cream from her hand, then let go.
Pale skin paired with snowy ice cream—nothing left but sweetness.
~~~
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