"Kakashi-sensei, see you tomorrow."
Sasuke greeted Kakashi and then left the Ninja Academy.
As an Uchiha, though arrogant, he understood how to respect the strong.
Kakashi had displayed formidable strength, thus earning his recognition.
"Kakashi Hatake—the name sounds familiar, and his appearance is quite unique. Big Brother might know him."
Sasuke thought to himself as he returned to the Uchiha Clan's compound.
He opened the door, and a smile immediately appeared on his face.
"Big Brother!"
Sasuke took off his shoes and ran over quickly.
"What did Kitazawa-sensei teach you during today's winter break special training?"
Itachi reached out, patted his head, and asked with a smile.
"It wasn't Kitazawa-sensei; it was a new teacher named Kakashi Hatake."
Sasuke asked, "Big Brother, do you know him? He wears a mask and only one eye is visible."
"How could it be Kakashi-senpai?"
Itachi couldn't help but be surprised.
"Big Brother's senpai?"
Sasuke's face showed understanding.
"No wonder he's so powerful."
"Kakashi-senpai really went to the Ninja Academy to be a teacher?"
Itachi suddenly remembered what Kitazawa had said.
"Yes."
Sasuke nodded. "Kitazawa-sensei said so."
"Although I don't know what Kakashi-senpai is thinking, it's your luck that he can teach you."
Itachi warned, "You must be obedient when you're with him; he's very strict."
"I know."
Sasuke had already experienced Kakashi's strictness today.
"What is Kakashi-senpai teaching you? Genjutsu or Fire Release?"
Itachi asked with some curiosity.
"He also knows Genjutsu and Fire Release?"
Sasuke asked with a surprised look, "Adding Lightning Release and Earth Release, doesn't that mean he knows four types of ninjutsu?"
"Not just four types; he knows seven types of ninjutsu."
Itachi said with a smile, "He's a famous super genius in Konoha Village, becoming a Jonin at just twelve years old."
Twelve years old? Isn't that when he would graduate from the academy?
Sasuke's eyes widened.
"That's why he's a super genius."
Itachi tapped his forehead with his finger.
"In short, he's more than qualified to be your teacher."
There was one more thing he hadn't said.
That was that Kakashi was the only non-Uchiha ninja to possess the Sharingan.
But this matter involved Uchiha Obito and the Fourth Hokage, and for Sasuke, it was too soon.
Moreover, it would be best for Kakashi to tell him himself.
"I understand!"
Sasuke's spirits lifted, and he said excitedly.
With the guidance of a super genius like Kakashi, his strength would surely advance by leaps and bounds.
By next semester, he might even be able to defeat Naruto and Yakumo.
"You still haven't told me what Kakashi-senpai taught you."
Itachi reminded him.
"It's Lightning Release."
Sasuke said with a smile, "I just learned today that I have both lightning and fire attributes."
"Lightning Release?"
Itachi felt surprised once again.
To be fair, he thought it wasn't quite appropriate.
Because Sasuke was too young.
Genjutsu and Fire Release were already enough for him to learn; now adding Lightning Release, did he have that much energy?
Itachi pondered for a moment and decided to trust it for now.
After all, neither Kitazawa nor Kakashi would intentionally harm Sasuke.
"I'm home."
Fugaku's steady voice rang out.
"Dad!"
Sasuke immediately went to greet him.
"What are you two talking about?"
Fugaku glanced at Itachi and asked.
"I have a new teacher today!"
Sasuke said with a smile, "Dad, you'll never guess who it is."
"Who is it?"
Fugaku asked casually.
In his opinion, besides Kitazawa, all the teachers at the Ninja Academy were Chunin and not worth paying attention to.
"Kakashi Hatake!"
Sasuke said excitedly.
"Who did you say?"
Fugaku suddenly stopped and asked subconsciously.
"Kakashi."
Sasuke repeated again, "Big Brother says he's a super genius!"
"You became his student?"
Fugaku's gaze sharpened, and he quickly asked.
"Yes."
Sasuke noticed his expression and asked, confused, "What's wrong?"
"Kakashi-senpai left the Anbu today and became a teacher at the Ninja Academy."
Itachi realized Fugaku had misunderstood and explained in time.
"Is that so?"
Fugaku secretly regretted it.
Kakashi was the student of Minato.
If Sasuke could become his student, it would mean becoming a ninja of the Hokage lineage.
And Ninja of the Hokage lineage also had another title: Hokage candidate.
Of course, the premise was that the age had to be appropriate.
For example, Danzo, Homura, and Koharu were also of the Hokage lineage.
But because they were advanced in age, they were no longer considered Hokage candidates.
The current Hokage candidates were Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Kakashi.
Although Kakashi had the lowest popularity, he was indeed qualified to compete for the next Hokage.
"Kakashi's strength is good; you can build a good relationship with him."
Fugaku instructed.
Undoubtedly, this was a good thing.
Sasuke's teachers now had another option.
Whether it was Kitazawa or Kakashi, as long as it succeeded, it was fine.
Of course, Fugaku leaned more towards Kitazawa.
After all, Kitazawa's teacher was Tsunade, and her becoming the Fifth Hokage was already a certainty.
Kakashi's teacher was Minato, and a dead Hokage didn't have as much influence.
Itachi could guess what Fugaku was thinking.
However, this was indeed a matter that would help ease the relationship between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha Village.
Now, Danzo had temporarily ceased his activities due to the heavy losses of Root.
The Uchiha Clan had also become much more peaceful due to Fugaku's warning and Tsunade's strong actions against Danzo several times.
This was simply a wonderful situation Itachi had never seen before.
"Itachi, come to my room; I have something to ask you."
Fugaku patted Sasuke's head and entered the room.
"I'll be back soon."
Itachi smiled at Sasuke and then followed Fugaku.
"I just received news from the Anbu that a Jonin meeting will be held on Sunday morning."
Fugaku asked directly, "The Jonin meeting hasn't been held for almost a year; do you know what it's about?"
He had Itachi join the Anbu precisely to act as a spy, to know the movements of Konoha's high-ranking officials.
And every time a Jonin meeting was held, it meant something big was happening.
"I don't know the specific reason."
Itachi paused and said, "Perhaps it's related to Kitazawa; Kitazawa has been in and out of the Hokage Office most frequently these past few days."
"Are they going to announce the news of Kitazawa becoming Tsunade's student?"
Fugaku asked thoughtfully.
"It's possible."
Itachi nodded and said.
Time came to Sunday.
The first week of winter break was also coming to an end.
At the Ninja Academy training ground.
Normally, Naruto and the others would arrive at eight o'clock, but today they arrived half an hour early.
In addition, Kabuto, Shikamaru, and others who were not participating in the special training were all present.
"Kitazawa-sensei asked me to inform you."
Karin spoke first, "He has a Jonin meeting this morning, so he wants us to train on our own."
"Then, should we invite Kitazawa-sensei to eat at noon or in the evening?"
Naruto scratched his head and asked.
"It's best to set it for noon."
Kabuto adjusted his glasses and said, "In the evening, Kitazawa-sensei will definitely be eating with Lady Tsunade and them."
"Hmm."
Karin nodded and said, "My mom also told me to come home for dinner in the evening."
"But we don't know when the Jonin meeting will end."
Ino frowned and asked, "What if we miss lunch?"
"I did some research, and on average, Jonin meetings last about three hours."
Kabuto smiled gently and speculated, "There hasn't been anything major happening in Konoha Village lately, so I don't think it will last three hours."
"You even researched that?"
Shikamaru's eyes widened as he asked.
"I had nothing to do yesterday."
Kabuto said casually.
"Then let's set it for noon!"
Naruto clenched his fists, as if preparing for a battle, and said, "Let's go to the BBQ restaurant early and get ready!"
"Hinata, have you reserved a private room?"
Shikamaru looked at Hinata and asked.
"I've booked the whole barbecue restaurant we went to last time with Kitazawa-sensei. No one will disturb us today."
Hinata nodded and said softly.
"Ah?"
Shikamaru and the others exclaimed in surprise.
"Wh-what's wrong?"
Hinata blinked, asking with some confusion.
"You're so rich!"
Sakura said, her face full of envy.
"How did you convince your dad to give you so much money?"
Ino asked curiously.
"He gave it to me voluntarily."
Hinata tilted her head and said, "I didn't ask him for it."
Currently, Tsunade was at the height of her power, just one step away from becoming the Fifth Hokage.
Kitazawa had a close relationship with her, so Hiashi was very generous in investing in him.
Ino was speechless.
Same village, different dads, different treatment.
Although her dad also gave her money, he wouldn't give that much.
"Who's going to call Kitazawa-sensei?"
Shino reminded, "This task is the most difficult; we can't let Kitazawa-sensei discover anything."
"I'll go."
Kabuto volunteered.
"Kabuto-senpai will handle it, no problem!"
Naruto immediately agreed.
He was still deeply impressed by how Kabuto had used the Uchiha Clan's prestige to teach that gift shop owner a lesson last time.
"Indeed."
Shikamaru echoed.
Sasuke, Hyuga Neji, and the others also nodded in agreement.
"Alright then."
Kabuto clapped his hands and said, "Everyone, continue training."
The time came to eight o'clock.
Although it was Sunday, the Hokage Building was unusually lively due to the Jonin meeting.
"Is Tsunade not coming?"
Hiruzen said after listening to Anbu Ninja Haru's report, "Never mind, it doesn't matter if she doesn't come."
Just then, another Anbu Ninja walked in.
"Hokage-sama."
The Anbu Ninja bowed slightly and said, "Danzo-sama will arrive shortly."
"What a bother."
Hiruzen immediately felt a headache coming on.
"Hiruzen!"
Danzo's voice arrived before he did, "Why wasn't I informed of this Jonin meeting?"
"I didn't inform you because I hoped you would calm down and reorganize Root."
Hiruzen said in a serious tone.
In reality, he didn't want to see Danzo and Tsunade clash again, which was why he hadn't informed him.
"Root's reorganization is complete."
Danzo was very displeased, emphasizing, "I am the Hokage's assistant and the leader of Root; how can a Jonin meeting be without me?"
When he learned that he hadn't been informed of this Jonin meeting, his heart turned cold.
Because in his opinion, this was a sign of his loss of power.
"Since you want to attend, then attend."
Hiruzen waved his hand and said.
Anyway, Tsunade had already made it clear she wouldn't come, so Danzo's attendance made no difference.
"I—"
Danzo was stunned.
He had expected a fierce debate with Hiruzen, but it was so easy?
Then why hadn't he been informed in the first place?
At eight-thirty in the morning.
Although the Jonin meeting was scheduled for nine, many Special Jonin and Jonin had already arrived early.
This included Kitazawa.
He had originally intended to come later, but Yuhi couldn't stand it and kicked him out of the house.
After Kitazawa entered the meeting room, he scanned around and found many familiar faces.
For example, Hiashi, Shikaku, and Shibi, among others.
Kitazawa's gaze finally landed on Kakashi and Gai.
Normally, Anbu's Special Jonin and Jonin did not need to attend Jonin meetings.
After all, their identities were confidential.
Moreover, as Anbu, they only needed to obey the Hokage's orders.
Kakashi had now left Anbu, so he naturally had to attend.
As for Gai, unlike his father Dai, who was a Genin for many years, he had become a Jonin early on.
Kakashi became a Jonin at twelve, while he became one at sixteen.
From this, it could be seen that Gai's talent was much higher than Dai's.
Kitazawa was about to go over when he heard someone calling him.
He instinctively looked over and saw it was Shikaku.
To his left and right sat Akimichi Choza and Inoichi Yamanaka.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Shikaku said with a smile, "If there's no seat, you can sit here."
"Thank you."
Seeing this, Kitazawa didn't stand on ceremony.
The four started chatting.
During the conversation, Choza also mentioned that Choji would undergo special training next semester.
Kitazawa naturally welcomed it.
At nine o'clock in the morning.
The door to the meeting room opened, and Hiruzen and Danzo walked in.
The chatting crowd immediately quieted down.
Kitazawa subconsciously glanced at Danzo.
He was confused as to why it wasn't Tsunade.
But he had to admit, Tsunade was impressive; she could even skip a Jonin meeting.
The next second, Kitazawa felt a cold gaze sweep over him.
It was Danzo.
Kitazawa wasn't surprised.
He was definitely on Danzo's blacklist.
No helping it, who made Tsunade drag him along every time she caused trouble?
Fortunately, Kitazawa now held many positions.
Unless absolutely necessary, Danzo wouldn't try to kill him.
"Today's Jonin meeting is mainly to announce two things."
Hiruzen said after sitting down.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.
Besides the genius class, was there anything else?
"Since its establishment, the Ninja Academy has cultivated many excellent ninja for Konoha."
Hiruzen said unhurriedly, "But over the years, the Academy has encountered quite a few problems."
Everyone understood immediately.
This meant a reform of the Ninja Academy.
"There are two main problems: first, the teachers' skill level is insufficient, and second, genius students aren't receiving special treatment."
Hiruzen waved his hand and said, "After discussions between Kitazawa and me, we've put together a plan. Please take a look."
Haru, next to him, immediately picked up a stack of documents and began distributing them.
"Kakashi, you actually went to become an academy teacher?"
Gai asked, surprised, after reading the document.
"Mm."
Kakashi said indifferently.
"It's a pity my training isn't suitable for most students; otherwise, I would also go to be an academy teacher."
Gai said with great regret.
Of course, there was another reason.
After becoming an academy teacher, he wouldn't have as much time for training.
What suited him best was being a squad leader, leading three students, and training together.
Unlike Gai, Fugaku, Shikaku, and others thought more deeply.
Even Elite Jonin-level shinobi like Kakashi and Kosuke Maruboshi were transferred to be teachers; Hiruzen definitely valued this genius class greatly.
Coupled with the fact that it gathered the most talented students, there was no doubt that this genius class would produce a large number of Konoha Village's pillars.
And these pillars would all be classmates, which was practically a new ninja faction second only to the Hokage lineage.
Many Jonin at this moment were thinking of having their children enter this genius class.
As for some Ninja clan leaders, they were thinking of sending Jonin from their clan to teach in the genius class.
There was no doubt that the future Hokage might even come from this genius class.
If one could be a future Hokage's teacher, the benefits would naturally be immense.
Danzo thought a lot but ultimately gave up on all of it.
Because he knew that Hiruzen would never let him interfere with the genius class.
Aside from staging a farce of "you'll regret this, I'm angry, bang," there would be no result.
"The second matter."
Hiruzen said in a deep voice, "Over the past year, Kitazawa has performed exceptionally well, so starting today, he will serve as the vice principal."
".....?"
Kitazawa looked bewildered.
Such a promotion was truly beyond his expectations.
The vice principal of the Ninja Academy might seem insignificant, but in reality, he held great power.
In terms of status, Kitazawa became a high-ranking Konoha official.
Moreover, the Principal of the Ninja Academy was always held by the Hokage.
Becoming vice principal undoubtedly made him a trusted confidant of the Hokage.
"Kitazawa-sensei, congratulations!"
Shikaku and others nearby offered their congratulations.
"Thank you."
Kitazawa responded to each of them.
Although quite sudden, becoming the vice principal of the academy had many benefits, so he naturally wouldn't refuse.