Kitazawa returned home.
He sank into the sofa and pulled out the scroll Hiruzen Sarutobi had rewarded him: the B-rank Wind Release technique, Vacuum Sphere.
Well…
Although it was technically the same Wind Release, the scroll's explanations were far less detailed than the version provided by the system.
In short, there was nothing noteworthy—just a standard B-rank jutsu.
The sun set and rose again.
A new day began.
Kitazawa opened his eyes and stretched.
It was Saturday; no need to go to the Ninja Academy. Yet his tasks hadn't lessened.
Besides helping Naruto Uzumaki find a teacher, he needed to discuss Kurama Yakumo's next genjutsu with Kurenai.
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.
Kitazawa paused, straightened his clothes, and walked over.
Opening the door, a flash of vivid red greeted him.
Kurenai stood there in an off-shoulder red dress, the neckline plunging, her fair skin quivering slightly with her breath.
Kitazawa's eyes inadvertently flicked down; he thought silently, she really isn't small…
"Why the pause? Aren't you welcoming me?"
Kurenai teased with a smile.
"Of course,"
Kitazawa replied, taking the bag from her hands. "Having such a beauty visit me, today is certainly lucky."
"You still know how to flatter."
Kurenai stepped forward, bent to remove her shoes at the shoe cabinet.
Beneath the skirt, her legs were encased in black stockings, smooth and firm, without a hint of excess flesh.
"I'm only speaking the truth,"
Kitazawa averted his gaze, peeking into the bag. "And… wine?"
"Why not wine?"
Kurenai's stockinged feet thudded softly on the floor.
"Morning drink?"
Kitazawa followed her inside. "Too much alcohol isn't good for you."
"This wine is from last night, not morning,"
Kurenai said, walking to the sofa.
She smoothed her skirt from her rounded hips downward, then sat slowly.
"Last night?"
Kitazawa chuckled. "So you plan to have two meals here today?"
"That's reciprocity,"
Kurenai replied, sitting with legs together, smiling. "Do you remember how many meals you've had at my place?"
"Will it be Ichiraku Ramen, or should I cook personally?"
Kitazawa sat opposite her, setting the wine on the coffee table.
"Of course, you cook."
Kurenai touched her chin. "I haven't really eaten your cooking yet."
"Don't expect too much,"
Kitazawa spread his hands. "It's just passable."
"I'm not picky,"
Kurenai said, taking out two scrolls. "Shall we start studying genjutsu?"
"Give me half an hour,"
Kitazawa stood. "I have something to handle."
"Alright,"
Kurenai didn't mind, pulling out a pen to begin her research.
Kitazawa put on his shoes and left.
On the way, he bought two slices of bread for breakfast.
He hadn't visited Naruto's house before, but the student file included the address.
Soon, he arrived at the slightly worn two-story residence.
He knocked.
"Teacher Kitazawa?"
The door opened to reveal Naruto Uzumaki, dressed in green training gear, his face lighting up.
"Going out?"
Kitazawa glanced at his outfit, tugging the corner of his mouth.
"I've been running mornings with Uncle Guy and Lee," Naruto replied.
Lee?
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. His reminder had worked—Might Guy had taken Rock Lee under his wing for training.
"Your morning run is canceled today,"
Kitazawa explained. "I'm taking you to meet a ninja proficient in Transformation Techniques."
"Is he strong?"
Naruto asked curiously.
"It's not about strong or weak,"
Kitazawa smiled. "He's rare and exceptional. He knows a thousand jutsu and can tailor a transformation technique just for you."
"Really?"
Naruto's eyes lit up. Since Kitazawa had told him about Uchiha Madara's unofficial histories, he had many ideas about Transformation Techniques.
"Have I ever lied to you?"
Kitazawa asked.
"No,"
Naruto scratched his head sheepishly.
"Let's go."
Patting his shoulder, Kitazawa led him out.
"Wait for me!"
Naruto closed the door and ran to catch up.
"Whatever ideas you have for the Transformation Technique, tell him freely,"
Kitazawa reminded.
"Alright, Teacher Kitazawa,"
Naruto nodded, then hesitated. "Will he… hate me?"
Though he enjoyed his time at the academy, being hated outside it remained a possibility.
"No,"
Kitazawa replied after a pause. "His name is Kakashi Hatake, a good friend of Might Guy."
Naruto relaxed immediately.
Anyone close to Might Guy couldn't be an ordinary ninja.
He trained with Guy and felt a kindred spirit.
Both were awkward and misunderstood.
They arrived. Naruto knocked.
Kakashi Hatake instinctively stood, looking toward the door.
He had guessed who it was, yet a rare tension stirred in him.
Since Minato's death, he hadn't met Naruto.
Kakashi exhaled and opened the door.
His gaze instantly fell on Naruto, especially his golden hair.
"Kakashi,"
Kitazawa introduced, "this is Naruto Uzumaki."
"Kakashi-sensei, hello!"
Naruto greeted enthusiastically.
Teacher?
Kakashi was momentarily stunned.
After two seconds, he recovered.
"Hmm."
His tone calm.
"You two talk,"
Kitazawa interjected. "I have matters to attend to—excuse me."
"I heard you want to develop a new Transformation Technique?"
After Kitazawa left, Kakashi stepped into the living room.
"Yes!"
Naruto nodded vigorously. "Teacher Kakashi, can you help me?"
"Consider it done,"
Kakashi said confidently. "What's your idea?"
"I want to transform into a beautiful woman to confuse enemies!"
Naruto said, brimming with excitement.
Kakashi stiffened, a question mark appearing on his face.
Is this a good idea? Who taught him this—Jiraiya? Or the Hokage?
"Teacher Kakashi,"
Naruto continued, recalling Kitazawa's words. "Do you know what a beautiful, seductive woman looks like?"
Kakashi hesitated, wanting to speak, yet finding no words.
All his thoughts condensed into one:
Kitazawa, you've really troubled me!