Under the guidance of a Sarutobi clansman, Kitazawa found Hiruzen sitting quietly by a pond, fishing rod in hand, eyes fixed on the rippling water.
A faint smile tugged at Kitazawa's lips.
'So this is the fate of every great man after retirement… fishing by a pond, lost in thought.'
"Why would someone as busy as you come looking for an old, retired man like me?" Hiruzen asked, glancing over with a gentle smile.
Kitazawa walked closer, hands clasped behind his back. "Because I feel Sandaime-sama's state of mind has improved a great deal since retirement."
"Of course it has," Hiruzen chuckled. "No duties, no reports, no paperwork… a man can finally breathe."
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, Hiruzen casually shifted his seat and slid the nearby bucket behind him, out of Kitazawa's line of sight.
Kitazawa noticed the subtle move but chose to ignore it. "In that case," he said with a faint grin, "shall I give you some work to do?"
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "What is it this time? Koharu and Homura again?" His tone hardened slightly. "I've already told them to stop meddling."
Kitazawa waved his hands quickly. "No, no, it's nothing like that. I wanted to invite you to teach the Genius Class."
Hiruzen blinked in mild surprise. "Oh? You still remember that idea?"
"Of course," Kitazawa said earnestly. "Sandaime-sama, your strength and wisdom are unmatched. For you to remain idle, it's a loss for Konoha."
The former Hokage chuckled softly. "Flattery, huh? But tell me, what exactly would this 'teaching' entail? If it's too much work, I'll politely refuse."
Kitazawa smiled. "You'd be the homeroom teacher of the Genius Class. No fixed quotas, no rigid lessons. You can drop in on whichever class you like, or simply watch Naruto and the others train if that suits you."
Hiruzen studied him for a moment, amused. "That lenient?"
"Yes," Kitazawa replied smoothly. "The daily classes are already well-covered. But we still lack a guiding figure, someone who can spot what we overlook."
Hiruzen chuckled. "Ah, so I'm your safety net."
"Exactly," Kitazawa said with a nod.
"Well…" Hiruzen smiled, lowering his fishing rod. "When you put it that way, it's hard to refuse. Very well, I'll take it."
He could see Kitazawa's offer was thoughtful, no burdens, just the freedom to teach or not as he wished. Besides, it gave him an excuse to check in on Naruto now and then. Guilt still lingered in his heart; he had promised Minato and Kushina to look after their son, but he knew he hadn't done enough.
"By the way, Sandaime-sama," Kitazawa said casually, "are you free tonight? Naruto and the others are hosting a little barbecue gathering."
Hiruzen's smile widened. "I'll be there."
"Then we'll save you a seat," Kitazawa said, bowing slightly before taking his leave.
Ninja Academy Training Grounds
The Genius Class was already in full swing. Kitazawa offered a few corrections and bits of guidance before leaving behind a shadow clone to supervise. He then walked to a nearby open field, where the sharp whistle of wind filled the air.
Before him stood a dozen clones of Uzumaki Naruto, all launching Wind Release: Shuriken attacks in rapid succession.
But Kitazawa's gaze soon shifted to Shino.
The boy was carefully controlling his Kikaichu to intercept Naruto's shuriken winds, beads of sweat rolling down his temple. His insects swarmed and shifted constantly, struggling to withstand the slicing chakra currents.
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto called out cheerfully the moment he noticed him.
Shino exhaled, clearly relieved at the pause in battle. Facing Naruto's relentless attacks was like standing in a storm.
"Shino," Kitazawa said, walking closer. "Your idea of evolving wind-resistant Kikaichu isn't bad, but there's another path you could take."
Shino adjusted his glasses. "Please, sensei, tell me."
"Kikaichu could use the enemy's wind to accelerate themselves," Kitazawa explained.
Shino's eyes widened slightly. "That… actually sounds feasible."
"Think of it like your Fire- and Water-type Kikaichu mutations," Kitazawa continued with a small smile. "Wind-type Kikaichu could evolve along two different routes, resistance, or acceleration."
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei," Shino said with rare enthusiasm. "Kikaichu that can use the enemy's jutsu to their advantage would be far more valuable than ones that merely resist it."
Kitazawa nodded approvingly. 'He's quick to grasp the deeper meaning, adaptation through opposition.'
Naruto scratched the back of his head. "Uh… that sounds super complicated."
Kitazawa smirked. "That's because you don't understand the situation. Come with me, I've got something to ask you."
"Eh? Me?"
Kitazawa turned and walked toward a quieter area nearby. Naruto jogged after him, still looking puzzled.
Behind them, Shino quietly turned his back, pretending not to listen.
"How are you getting along with that fox?"
Kitazawa looked at Naruto with a teasing smile.
"Fox?"
Naruto blinked in confusion before realizing who he meant. "You mean the Nine-Tails?"
Still, the term fit, it did look like a fox. If it weren't the size of a mountain, it might've even been cute.
"No change," Naruto admitted, shaking his head and pulling his drifting thoughts back to reality.
Kitazawa rubbed his chin. "Then I'll have to come up with something. Next time you've got a quiet moment, ask it if it wants to hear about Uchiha Madara's unofficial history."
"Those stories you mentioned before?" Naruto's eyes lit up. "I wanna hear them too!"
"I told you to ask it, not yourself."
Kitazawa flicked him lightly on the forehead.
Naruto chuckled sheepishly.
"You focus on training for now," Kitazawa said, straightening. "And don't forget, be at the barbecue restaurant on time tonight. Sandaime-sama will be there too."
"Grandpa Third?!" Naruto grinned from ear to ear. "I'll be there early!"
After leaving the Ninja Academy, Kitazawa made his way to the Hokage's Office.
To his surprise, Tsunade wasn't there.
He didn't bother asking where she'd gone. Instead, he sat on the sofa, crossed his legs, and meditated.
Ever since mastering the Yin Seal, he made a habit of storing chakra in his forehead whenever he had downtime.
Time passed quietly.
Then, the door creaked open.
"When did you get here?"
Tsunade stepped inside and flopped onto the sofa across from him.
"About two hours ago," Kitazawa replied with a smile, pausing his chakra flow. "You were gone for quite a while… don't tell me you snuck off to the casino?"
"Am I really that kind of person?" Tsunade shot him a glare. "I was at Konoha Hospital, practicing the Limb Regeneration."
Kitazawa raised a brow. "Already learning that?"
"Not yet." She sighed. "I just tested it on a fish."
"With your talent, you'll have it mastered in half a month," Kitazawa said, half to himself.
That would bring him one step closer to completing his system mission, training five medical-nin in limb regeneration.
Of course, what mattered more was modifying the jutsu itself. If he could complete that soon, they could treat countless disabled shinobi and spread their reputation across the ninja world.
Tsunade chuckled softly. "You sound like you're the teacher here."
"When it comes to limb regeneration, I practically am." Kitazawa grinned and blinked innocently.
Tsunade playfully swatted him. "Watch it. I'm your teacher."
"Speaking of teachers," Kitazawa said smoothly, "I just spoke with Sandaime-sama. I invited him to teach the Genius Class."
"That suits him perfectly," Tsunade nodded, then asked, "How's your Yin Seal coming along?"
"I'd say smoothly, I should finish by next month," Kitazawa replied. "By the way, how long did it take you to learn it, Tsunade-sensei?"
Tsunade pouted. "Faster than you, obviously."
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile knowingly. Despite being the greatest medical-nin alive, Tsunade had been a late bloomer, much like Jiraiya. Even during the Second Great War, she hadn't yet borne the Yin Seal mark on her forehead.
Still, better not say that out loud unless he wanted to be kicked through a wall.
"As expected of Tsunade-sensei," he said solemnly.
"Don't get smug just because you have a lot of chakra," Tsunade warned, though there was amusement in her tone.
"Yes, Tsunade-sensei."
Tsunade glanced at the clock. "An hour until we're done for the day. I'll leave the rest to you."
She stood, smiling faintly. "I'm heading to the casino, time to win back the money I lost for you."
Kitazawa chuckled. "Can you really win it back? Maybe I should give you a bit of luck."
"I just told you I'm your teacher!" Tsunade huffed, glaring.
Kitazawa only smiled and handed her a bit of money.
Tsunade took it, hesitating for a moment. Then, without warning, she leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the forehead.
Kitazawa froze, caught completely off guard.
Tsunade turned away before he could react, closing the door behind her with deliberate calm.
Inwardly, she justified it, after all, it was just making up for that night's mishap. That kiss was supposed to land on his forehead, not… elsewhere.
Now, balance was restored.
Satisfied with her logic, Tsunade headed straight for the casino.
Kitazawa exhaled slowly and resumed his training, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Her little gesture today confirmed it, his proactive strategy was working.
Evening, Yakiniku Q
When Kitazawa arrived, Sasuke, Naruto, and Kakashi were already there, halfway through their first round of grilled meat.
"Kitazawa-sensei, hurry up! You're the last one!" Ino waved cheerfully from across the table.
"Not quite." Kitazawa smiled. "I invited one more guest, the Third Hokage."
Sasuke and the others exchanged surprised looks.
After his retirement, Hiruzen had kept a low profile, but his reputation still carried immense weight.
"I'm not late, am I?"
The familiar voice came from the entrance.
Hiruzen walked in with a warm smile, followed by Asuma and little Konohamaru.
"Kitazawa, mind if I freeload a meal tonight?"
Asuma grinned, scratching the back of his head.
"Of course not," Kitazawa replied with an easy nod.
"Are you the legendary Kitazawa?"
Konohamaru Sarutobi blurted out boldly, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Hey! Watch your manners, call him uncle!"
Asuma smacked his nephew lightly on the head.
"Konohamaru, don't be rude," Hiruzen said in his calm, authoritative tone.
"Uncle Kitazawa…"
Konohamaru mumbled obediently, rubbing his head.
Kitazawa couldn't help a wry smile.
'Uncle? When did I age up so suddenly?'
He remembered Konohamaru from the original timeline, a mischievous brat who became Naruto's self-proclaimed follower after getting thoroughly beaten once.
And didn't he have those two friends, Udon and Moegi?
If memory served, Moegi would even awaken Wood Release later on… though admittedly, more of the Yamato variety.
"Hiruzen," Kosuke called out with a hearty laugh, "it's been ages since we all sat down like this. Tonight, we drink till we drop!"
"No objections here," Hiruzen replied, settling down beside him. "Don't be so stiff, everyone. I'm not Hokage anymore, just treat this as home."
The atmosphere quickly loosened. Aside from the ever-calm Kakashi, Kitazawa and Kosuke were completely at ease.
Meanwhile, Konohamaru was already glued to Naruto's side, utterly convinced by his "I'll become Hokage!" speech.
Naruto, thrilled to have his first official follower, drank bottle after bottle of juice with him like it was sake.
As night deepened, everyone finally ate and drank their fill and began to head out.
"No need to see us off," Hiruzen said, waving a hand. "We'll meet again tomorrow."
"Grandpa Third!" Naruto called, eyes shining. "You're eating with us again tomorrow, right?"
Hiruzen chuckled and shook his head. "No… because starting tomorrow, I'll be your Genius Class teacher."
"What?!"
Kiba practically yelped in shock.
"Wow! The teacher lineup for our class is insane!" Tenten exclaimed, eyes wide.
"That's right!" Ino said excitedly.
Kitazawa, Maruboshi Kosuke, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Kakashi Hatake, and Iruka Umino,
A team of instructors like that could've trained a generation of Hokage candidates. For a single academy class, it was almost absurd.
"With teachers like these, you'd better work hard," Kitazawa said with a small grin. "If you drop out, it'll be your loss."
"We won't!" Naruto declared, striking a pose. "Hard work is youth! I'll do fifty more laps tomorrow!"
"I'll join you!" Lee shouted, eyes blazing with passion.
"..."
Sasuke's mouth twitched.
Talent and madness in one body, what kind of monster is that blond idiot?
If this kept up, he wasn't sure he could ever reach the top.
"It's getting late," Kitazawa said, clapping his hands. "Anyone heading my way, I'll walk you home."
Naruto, Hinata, Ino, Choji, and Shikamaru all stepped closer immediately.
Neji shot a quick glance at Hinata, silently frowning.
'Same direction? Since when…?'
He decided not to comment.
"Kosuke-senpai, Kakashi," Kitazawa said, "please escort the others."
The group split up, and Kitazawa led his small entourage toward Naruto's home, the nearest stop.
Before long, they reached it.
"Huh?" Naruto scratched his head. "Is this… my house?"
"Why are there so many things at the door?" Ino asked, puzzled.
The entryway was completely covered with gifts, boxes and bags piled half as tall as a person.
Kitazawa crouched down, picking up a small box with a note attached.
"'Sorry for before,'" he read aloud, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Naruto, these are from the villagers."
"From the villagers? Why?" Naruto asked, genuinely confused.
"What else?" Ino huffed. "They're apologizing! At least they have some conscience left!"
"So… does that mean I can buy stuff from their stores now?"
Naruto blinked, his face lighting up at the thought.
Ino sighed, speechless.
Kitazawa just smiled faintly. Naruto's simple sincerity wasn't surprising. Even in the original story, he never resented the villagers, not even before he learned he was the Fourth Hokage's son.
"Alright," Kitazawa said, straightening up. "Let's move all this inside. Naruto, open the door."
Naruto immediately complied, and everyone began hauling boxes in.
By the time they were done, the living room was completely full, so much that Kitazawa suspected half the village had contributed.
"Wow! Limited-edition instant ramen!" Naruto cheered, holding up a pack like a treasure.
"What's so great about ramen?" Choji muttered. "Potato chips are better."
"There's that too," Naruto said, tossing him a bag.
Choji's eyes gleamed. "Thanks!"
Naruto grinned. "Anyone want anything? I can't eat all this myself!"
"It's fine," Kitazawa said, looking over the piles. "You can keep them stored for now. Take your time sorting it out."
"Kitazawa-sensei's right," Shikamaru added lazily. "Too troublesome to pick anything."
"Same here," Ino said.
"Alright, then we'll head out," Kitazawa said, patting Naruto's shoulder. "See you tomorrow."
"Mm! See you tomorrow!" Naruto beamed, his smile bright as the morning sun.
Today had truly been a happy day for him.
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