In the ninja world, there are many types of Body Flicker techniques.
The most basic Body Flicker involves concentrating chakra into the legs to increase speed.
Advanced versions add chakra nature, such as the Water Release: Water Body Flicker used by Hanzo, the leader of the Hidden Rain Village.
Even higher-level techniques involve space-time ninjutsu, like the Flying Thunder God Technique.
But what exactly is the Konoha Body Flicker Technique?
Kitazawa pondered for a while, then finally remembered.
In the original series, it was used by Jonin Hayama Shirakumo of Konoha, allowing the user to transform into a leaf to evade enemy attacks.
In Kitazawa's view, it was very similar to Uchiha Itachi's Crow Clone Technique.
Overall, it was an excellent ninjutsu.
Snapping back to reality, Kitazawa continued spinning the water inside the balloon. An hour later, pop—the balloon burst.
Kitazawa nodded in satisfaction. His mastery of chakra control and chakra transformation was truly extraordinary.
In the original series, Naruto took about ten days to learn the Rasengan. Kitazawa estimated he could master it in two days.
And he would truly master it, without needing shadow clones like Naruto to assist in shaping the Rasengan.
Night fell.
Tuesday passed, leaving only two days until Friday.
For this friendship match, Kitazawa had done everything he could; the rest depended on Sasuke and the others.
During these two days, he made no new arrangements—aside from practicing the Rasengan himself, the students trained as usual.
Friday arrived.
The sky was perfectly clear. Early in the morning, warm sunlight bathed Konoha Village.
Kitazawa stood in front of a stone behind his house, taking a deep breath.
Rasengan!
With chakra flowing out, a spinning chakra sphere formed in the palm of his right hand.
A small smirk appeared on his lips as he smashed the Rasengan into the stone in front of him.
The stone cracked, debris scattering as the Rasengan spun outward.
In an instant, the Rasengan pierced the stone, leaving a deep crater in the ground.
This was the power of the Rasengan.
Most ninjas would lose half their lives if they tried to endure a Rasengan head-on.
Now that Kitazawa had mastered the Rasengan, he had a powerful trump card.
The only problem was figuring out how to "redeem" it publicly.
Kitazawa stroked his chin.
Perhaps after Tsunade created the fourth jutsu, he could request an A-rank ninjutsu from Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Previously, he had submitted Illusion·Mind Technique, but only received money, no jutsu as a reward.
Stacking two jutsu might be enough to trade for an A-rank technique.
He also thought about today's friendship match.
If he performed well in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi, he would have a better chance of obtaining an A-rank jutsu.
"I can't lose."
With that thought, Kitazawa focused on the text floating before him:
[Current Task: Master the Rasengan without assistance.]
[Task Reward: Konoha Body Flicker Technique.]
[Task Completed. Reward Granted.]
After receiving a flood of information, Kitazawa transformed into a flurry of leaves on the spot.
The next moment, he appeared five meters away.
"This Body Flicker is quite useful," Kitazawa said, nodding slightly.
After cleaning up the training area, he headed toward the ninja school.
"Kitazawa-senpai!"
At the school gates, he heard Iruka Umino calling.
He stopped and turned.
Besides Iruka, Mizuki stood there with a forced smile.
"Kitazawa," Mizuki reminded him, "don't forget today's friendship match."
"Of course not," Kitazawa said calmly. "And don't forget that if you lose, you owe me a favor."
He planned to use this favor to bait Mizuki into a trap.
"Don't worry, I always keep my word," Mizuki said firmly. "But you won't get that chance!"
Iruka watched the tension between the two, unsure what to say.
One side was the first-year Class A led by Kitazawa; the other was his friend Mizuki's second-year Class A.
Though Kitazawa's influence had caused a small rift between Iruka and Mizuki, picking sides was difficult.
"There's one more thing," Mizuki added jealously, "I hope the Hokage really comes to watch."
Since Kitazawa had unexpectedly been promoted to Special Jonin, Mizuki now felt resentment toward Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He thought the old man had poor judgment—clearly, Mizuki considered himself superior to Kitazawa.
"You'll see the Hokage," Kitazawa said, waving. "Meet you at ten."
"You only get to laugh now!" Mizuki grumbled.
"Why are you always targeting Kitazawa-senpai?" Iruka asked, puzzled.
"…" Mizuki twisted the corner of his mouth.
Still clueless, huh?
"It's just a friendship match," Mizuki said, suppressing his emotions. "I'm not targeting anyone."
If Kitazawa were here, he'd add that Mizuki was just equally jealous of those living better than him.
Pushing open the office door, Kitazawa saw Kurenai.
"Yakumo already went to class," Kurenai said.
"Thanks, Kurenai," Kitazawa said, stepping forward and holding her hands.
"No problem," Kurenai replied. "I'm free today, so I thought I'd watch your friendship match."
"Your hands are so soft," Kitazawa said with a smile.
"I'm talking business!" Kurenai snapped, giving him a glare.
"Isn't business already done?"
Kitazawa sat in the office chair but didn't let go of her.
Kurenai immediately guessed his intentions.
If it were anyone else, they might resist, but she didn't.
She walked forward and sat on his lap.
A sweet fragrance hit his nose.
Kitazawa felt the soft, rounded weight of Kurenai on his thighs.
He liked this kind of personality.
He wrapped his arms around her slender waist.
"Yakumo's opponent is the famous Neji Hyuga. If things get dangerous, make sure to stop her in time," Kitazawa warned.
Kurenai squirmed a little, feeling uneasy.
It was her first time being so physically close to someone.
"I know," she promised.
"With Hiruzen Sarutobi around, no student will get hurt anyway," Kitazawa added.
"All right, you should go to class. I'll be in the office waiting," he said, gently prying her fingers from his.
"See you at ten," Kurenai said.
Reluctantly, Kitazawa released her soft, delicate body.
It was 9:45.
In the first-year Class A classroom, the first lesson had just ended.
"The friendship match against second-year Class A is coming up. Are you confident?" Kitazawa asked, smiling.
"Yes!"
Led by Naruto Uzumaki and Kiba Inuzuka, the students shouted with extra energy.
"Let's go!"
Kitazawa waved his hand.