"The spar begins."
Kitazawa voluntarily acted as the referee.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!
Sasuke, seeing Kakashi standing still, didn't hesitate. He leaned back and exhaled a large fireball.
Waves of heat rolled off the fireball, which glowed like the sun with scorching intensity, flying out at an extremely fast speed.
Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall!
Kakashi calmly formed hand signs.
When the great fireball was halfway there, an earth wall carved with three dog heads rose up.
With a bang.
The great fireball crashed into the earth wall, immediately shattering into pieces.
Shadow Clone Jutsu!
Seeing that the Great Fireball Jutsu was ineffective, Sasuke immediately created two Shadow Clones.
Leaf Whirlwind!
As soon as the Shadow Clones appeared, they charged at Kakashi from left and right.
Kakashi, seeing the familiar taijutsu, lifted his leg and delivered a sweeping kick, defeating both Shadow Clones.
Sasuke felt his pupils twitch.
Just one simple kick had dealt with his two Shadow Clones?
Genjutsu: Shiranui!
Sasuke formed hand signs again.
His Two-Tomoe Sharingan spun, and an invisible wave spread outwards.
Kakashi ignored it and flickered to appear in front of Sasuke.
He expressionlessly threw a punch.
Sasuke instinctively raised his arms to block.
The next second, an irresistible force came through.
Sasuke felt his arms lose all sensation, and his body flew backward uncontrollably.
Kitazawa appeared behind him, caught him, and gently brought him to the ground.
"Still want to fight?"
Kakashi asked calmly.
Sasuke looked at him, still shaken, unsure what to say.
Although it was a very brief exchange, he felt completely suppressed, his resistance from beginning to end was futile.
Even his specialty, genjutsu, had no effect.
Moreover, Kakashi clearly hadn't used his full power, only employing Earth Flow Wall and Body Flicker Jutsu.
"Kakashi, has Sasuke passed the test?"
Kitazawa chuckled and asked.
"He's passed half of it."
Kakashi said casually, "The other half depends on whether he has an affinity for Lightning Release."
"I definitely do!"
Sasuke said instinctively.
But his tone had lost its previous confidence.
"First, start training in Lightning Chakra Nature Transformation."
Kakashi glanced at him and said.
"Kakashi, I'm leaving Sasuke to you. I have other things to do, so I'll be going."
Kitazawa patted Sasuke's shoulder and said with a smile.
He planned to come back and observe when Kakashi taught Chidori.
At the Ninja Academy training ground.
Naruto, Ino, and Hinata had already started their training.
Kitazawa glanced around and then created two Shadow Clones.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Kabuto, Torune, and Izumi, who had been waiting, walked up to him.
Kitazawa assigned tasks to the two Shadow Clones.
One stayed at the training ground, and the other went to the artificial lake.
"Let's go to the Mission Hall."
Kitazawa led his squad to the Hokage Building.
"Kitazawa-sensei, what rank of mission are we taking this time?"
Kabuto adjusted his glasses and asked.
"B-Ranked or A-Ranked."
Kitazawa said casually, looking at the missions on the wall.
Although his squad was strong enough, they were still quite a bit behind Jonin.
Neither Kabuto nor Torune could be considered proper Jonin; at most, they were at the level of Special Jonin.
Izumi, with her Two-Tomoe Sharingan, was even more so, just an elite Chunin.
In the original story, she only awakened her Three-Tomoe Sharingan after being stimulated during the Uchiha Clan Massacre.
In the current situation, whether the Uchiha Clan massacre would even happen was a question.
If it didn't, her strength certainly wouldn't skyrocket as it did in the original story.
But then again, they were all very young, and becoming Jonin was only a matter of time.
After a while, Kitazawa frowned.
As he expected, he couldn't find any missions involving isolated Jonin.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Kabuto raised his hand and asked, "What do you think of this mission?"
Kitazawa looked in the direction he pointed.
It was a B-ranked mission, requiring them to eliminate a group of rogue ninja who had occupied a mine in the Land of Iron.
Although this group of rogue ninja had no Jonin, they had five Chunin.
It had to be said that Kabuto's choice was very appropriate.
In terms of strength, it was very suitable as their squad's first high-level mission.
But this mission did not meet the system's standards, meaning it couldn't boost their Ninja squad's reputation.
Kitazawa suddenly let out a soft sound.
He had overlooked one person, and that was Hiruzen.
Missions taken by ninja
were divided into two types:
One type was missions in the Mission Hall, requests issued by daimyo, nobles, and merchants from various countries.
The other type was missions directly issued by Hiruzen, or rather, the Hokage.
"You all wait for me here."
Kitazawa turned and left, heading to the Hokage Office.
He had originally intended to see Hiruzen after taking a mission anyway.
After all, the new Ninjutsu created by Tsunade needed to be submitted to him.
"Kitazawa, you've come at a good time."
Hiruzen said with a chuckle, "I was just about to have Haru go inform you that Kosuke has agreed to become the teacher for the Genius Class."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama, for your help."
Kitazawa quickly said.
"It's all for Konoha, no need to talk about help."
Hiruzen said indifferently.
"Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa took out a scroll and said, "This is Lady Tsunade's latest psychological medical ninjutsu."
"Oh?"
Hiruzen asked, quite surprised, "Then why didn't Tsunade come?"
"She's at the casino."
Kitazawa said without changing his expression.
In reality, he could guess Tsunade's reason for not seeing Hiruzen.
It was most likely because of the setup Hiruzen made after the Student Council's practical selection, which made her feel dissatisfied.
"She's still the same."
Hiruzen didn't think much of it and opened the scroll to read.
After reading it, he fell into thought.
This Emotion Displacement Jutsu was even more useful than he had imagined.
His thoughts were similar to Kitazawa's; it could be used for both psychological treatment and combat.
"An A-ranked ninjutsu is of great value."
Hiruzen pondered for a moment and said, "This time, I'll give you two million ryo."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa immediately said.
"Tsunade's money—you can hand it over to her."
Hiruzen put away the Ninjutsu scroll and said.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa paused and said, "Hokage-sama, there's something I'd like to ask for your help with."
"What is it?"
Hiruzen picked up his pipe, took a puff, and asked contentedly.
"My Ninja squad has done many D-ranked missions this past month, and the team members have become very close with the villagers."
Kitazawa said with a troubled expression, "My next plan is to take on a suitable high-level mission, but I've looked around and haven't found one."
"Not just many, you've done ninety D-ranked missions in less than a month; your squad is truly unique."
Hiruzen said with satisfaction, "And you've all done very well; many villagers have given you rave reviews."
"It's all thanks to my three team members."
Kitazawa shook his head and said.
"Your squad indeed has the strength to do high-level missions."
Hiruzen tapped his pipe and asked, "I also have many high-level missions here. Do you have any requirements?"
If it were an ordinary ninja, he naturally wouldn't be so easygoing, just giving them any mission.
But Kitazawa was Tsunade's student, which made him his grand-disciple.
Furthermore, Kitazawa was upright and outstanding, which greatly pleased him, so giving him some preferential treatment was normal.
"Preferably a mission that involves Jonin, but my three team members have limited strength, so it shouldn't be too dangerous."
Kitazawa mused.
"Your request makes things difficult for me."
Hiruzen suddenly laughed and said, "But there is one, actually."
There really is one?
Kitazawa quickly expressed his gratitude.
"This is my private mission."
Hiruzen's tone became serious as he spoke.
Kitazawa couldn't help but be taken aback.
What was a private mission?
His first reaction was a mission like catching an adulterer.
But Hiruzen's wife, Biwako Sarutobi, had already been killed by Uchiha Obito during the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's Attack.
"It's related to Asuma."
Hiruzen sighed, "Asuma is rebellious and unwilling to stay in Konoha Village, so he ran off to the capital to become a Guardian Ninja."
Upon hearing Asuma's name, Kitazawa's expression immediately gave a subtle twitch.
Did Hiruzen not know about his and Kurenai's relationship?
Logically, he should have noticed.
After all, the two of them usually didn't go out of their way to hide it.
"I recently received intelligence that there were problems within the Guardian Shinobi, splitting them into two factions."
Hiruzen said with a serious expression, "One faction is led by Asuma, and the other by Kazuma. The two factions have already engaged in several fierce battles."
Kitazawa's mind stirred, recalling the plot from the original work.
Although it was only briefly mentioned in the original work, it was indeed true.
Simply put, Kazuma believed that the Land of Fire should only have a Daimyo, not a Hokage, and that all power should belong to the Daimyo.
Such an idea naturally drew opposition from Asuma and others, leading to a major conflict between the two sides.
The result was heavy losses for Kazuma's faction and the disbandment of the Guardian Shinobi.
Asuma, on the other hand, returned to Konoha Village and became the squad leader for Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji.
"Hokage-sama, do you mean for me to go to the Land of Fire to help Asuma?"
Kitazawa asked.
"This matter involves the Daimyo, which makes it quite sensitive. I originally didn't plan to send anyone, but you are one of the few suitable candidates."
Hiruzen nodded and said, "Because your sensei is Tsunade."
Kitazawa understood after a brief moment of thought.
The Guardian Shinobi are the personal guards of the Land of Fire's Daimyo.
The claim that Kazuma put forward was very beneficial to the Land of Fire's Daimyo.
It's possible that the Land of Fire's Daimyo secretly supported him.
But Hiruzen definitely wanted Asuma to win, as he was a pro-Hokage faction member and his own son.
However, as he said, this matter was too sensitive.
If Konoha Village forcefully intervened in such a matter, it would definitely displease the Land of Fire's Daimyo.
As for Kitazawa, he was Tsunade's student.
And Tsunade was very familiar with the Land of Fire's Daimyo's family, one could even say their relationship was quite close.
"That being said, your going to help cannot be called my mission."
Hiruzen thought for a moment and said, "Just say you were passing by, thought of Asuma, and came to visit a classmate."
Kitazawa suddenly realized that besides being Tsunade's student, he also had the identity of Asuma's classmate.
In that case, even if the Land of Fire's Daimyo suspected him, there would be no evidence.
It must be said that in most matters, Hiruzen could be called an old fox.
"I understand, Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa said in a deep voice, "Then our squad will take on this mission."
Is it dangerous? Yes, it is, but it's within an acceptable range.
There are a total of twelve Guardian Shinobi.
From their performance, only Kazuma, Asuma, and Chiriku have Jonin-level strength.
Moreover, the outcome in the original work is already set; Kazuma and his group are destined to lose.
Kitazawa and his squad just need to go and blend in.
Of course, considering the system mission requirements, he could look for an opportunity to eliminate Kazuma and his group.
After all, the twelve Guardian Shinobi have quite a reputation.
"This mission is designated as S-Rank, with a reward of one million Ryo."
Hiruzen thought for a moment and said.
Involving twelve Special Jonin and Jonin, and related to the Land of Fire's Daimyo, designating it as S-Rank is quite reasonable.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa paused and asked, "Should I depart after the Jonin meeting?"
"You may."
Hiruzen said with a smile, "You don't need to worry too much. From what I know, Asuma and his group currently have the upper hand."
If it were too dangerous, he wouldn't let Kitazawa and his squad go.
If something really happened, Tsunade would tear down the Hokage Building.
After discussing the matter, Kitazawa left the Hokage Office.
Hiruzen watched his retreating figure, picked up his pipe, and took another puff.
He naturally knew that Kitazawa and Kurenai were very close.
He also knew that Asuma had been pursuing Kurenai, but young people in love—fair competition is all that's needed.
Furthermore, with Kitazawa now having the connection to Tsunade, Hiruzen couldn't possibly step in to help Asuma.
That would be too undignified.
Kitazawa returned to the mission hall.
Although supporting Asuma felt a bit strange, he felt this was an opportunity.
How to put it?
Asuma was actually a good person.
Kitazawa didn't want to have any conflict with him because of Kurenai.
It wouldn't be difficult to make Asuma give up.
After all, he had already won over Kurenai; all he needed to do was display his powerful strength.
The Ninja World ultimately respects strength, and his competition with Asuma was fair.
If he was good enough, Asuma, no matter how unwilling, could only admit defeat.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Kabuto and the other two quickly came forward to greet him.
"Let's go back."
Kitazawa smiled and said, "I just accepted an S-rank mission from Hokage-sama."
Kabuto and the other two immediately showed surprise upon hearing this.
Although their strength was decent, an S-rank mission was still too early for them.
"What exactly is the mission?"
Kabuto's intelligence operative instincts kicked in, and he was already deep in thought.
Since Hiruzen entrusted this mission to them, he believed they could complete it.
The difficulty of this S-Rank mission shouldn't be as hard as he imagined.
"I'll tell you when we reach the capital."
Kitazawa glanced at him and said, "You'll be responsible for gathering information then."
"Alright."
Kabuto raised an eyebrow, roughly understanding.
This was Kitazawa's test for them.
But gathering intelligence was his strong suit.
However, what kind of S-rank mission is in the capital of the Land of Fire? Could it be related to the Daimyo?
"Go back and prepare well. We depart next Monday."
Kitazawa reminded them, "This mission will likely keep us busy for a long time, so prepare for about half a month."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei."
Kabuto and the other two replied in unison.
"See you next Monday."
Kitazawa parted ways with them at the entrance of the Hokage Building.
"Kitazawa?"
Kurenai heard the door open and instinctively turned to look at the doorway.
When she saw it was indeed Kitazawa, a look of surprise appeared on her face.
"Why are you back at this time?"
Kurenai asked while practicing the Four-Limbs Heavy Seal.
Although it was already vacation, due to the winter break special training, Kitazawa, as usual, only returned home around five or six in the afternoon.
And now it was not even ten in the morning.
"I just accepted an S-rank mission from Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa walked forward, admiring her figure, and said with a smile.
Kurenai was wearing a silk nightgown at home.
The silk nightgown was very thin and, when worn, clearly accentuated her curvaceous figure.
"Why is it an S-rank mission?"
Kurenai's gaze sharpened, and she asked.
"It's a mission to support Asuma."
Kitazawa briefly explained the mission's content to her.
"This mission sounds dangerous. I'll go with you."
Kurenai said without hesitation.
"Mm."
Kitazawa paused, then brought up his previous idea.
"I'll follow your lead."
Kurenai understood his meaning.
Displaying strength to make him retreat in the face of difficulty was undoubtedly the best method.
After all, she didn't want to become complete mortal enemies with Asuma; they were classmates, after all.
"We'll depart next Monday."
Kitazawa walked forward, put his arm around her waist, and said.
"Next Monday? The timing is just right."
Kurenai's lips curved slightly, and she said with a smile, "We can celebrate your birthday before we go."
"You mentioning it made me realize Sunday is the twenty-first."
Kitazawa turned and kissed her exquisite profile, saying, "Thank you."
He didn't really care much about birthdays.
After all, he was a lone wolf.
However, with Kurenai this year, it would definitely be much livelier than in previous years.
"What gift do you want?"
Kurenai kissed him back and asked.
"Who asks directly like that?"
Kitazawa patted her backside and asked, "Are you trying to be lazy?"
"I just don't want to waste anything."
Kurenai gave him a sidelong glance and said, "Fine, I'll take a small loss and give you the gift you want most."
"The gift I want most?"
Kitazawa asked with some confusion, "What is it? How come I don't know?"
To be fair, he lacked nothing now; at least, Kurenai had already given him everything she could.
"It's a secret."
Kurenai licked her lips and said, "You'll find out then."
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