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A new day dawned.
After breakfast, Kitazawa dispelled the Wooden House, letting the wooden structure dissolve back into chakra.
Before he could say anything, Konan stepped forward on her own initiative. Pure white wings unfurled from her back.
She wrapped her arms around Kitazawa, spread her wings wide, and carried them into the sky.
By the time the sun climbed high and noon approached, Kitazawa dismissed his Shadow Clone.
A surge of memories flooded back into him, and in an instant, he pinpointed the location of Sasuke and the others.
"Konan."
Kitazawa steadied himself, raised his hand, and pointed. "That way."
"Mhm."
Konan adjusted her course without hesitation.
Before long, Kitazawa spotted figures waiting along the distant shoreline—Sasuke and the others.
Konan twisted gracefully in midair and landed, touching down without the slightest sound.
"Don't move."
Kitazawa looked at her and reached out.
Konan subconsciously held her breath, an unfamiliar tension tightening in her chest.
"Your hair's a mess. Let me fix it."
He gently adjusted her long blue-violet hair, smiling faintly.
"…Thank you."
She froze for a moment, clearly not expecting that to be the reason.
"It's nothing."
Kitazawa withdrew his hand and walked toward the group.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
Hinata noticed him first. Her face lit up instantly, and she hurried over.
"You finally showed up!" Naruto exclaimed, grinning. "You just vanished! I said we should go look for you, but Sasuke and Hinata wouldn't budge!"
"That was a Shadow Clone," Sasuke replied calmly. "Waiting was the most efficient choice."
Though he didn't know exactly when the clone had been left behind, Kitazawa dismissing it now was clearly intentional.
Searching blindly would have accomplished nothing.
"But weren't you worried about Kitazawa-sensei?" Naruto scratched his head.
"With his strength," Hinata said softly but firmly, "he'll be fine."
"Hm." Kitazawa smiled. "Good judgment. Hinata and Sasuke each get two extra points."
"Huh?!"
Naruto instantly regretted opening his mouth.
Sasuke, on the other hand, allowed the corner of his lips to lift ever so slightly.
Two bonus points meant he could temporarily pull ahead of Naruto—bringing him closer to first place in the practical exam.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Hinata asked, looking up at him, "what's our mission this time?"
Though usually reserved, she was noticeably more expressive when speaking to him.
"This is an S-rank mission," Kitazawa replied. "Your target is a jōnin from the Hidden Mist."
"We're supposed to beat him?" Naruto's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Yes."
Kitazawa nodded.
"How strong is he?" Sasuke asked.
"Very."
Kitazawa's tone turned serious. "If you don't cooperate perfectly, you won't win."
Sasuke and Hinata both stiffened.
Each of them already possessed jōnin-level combat power.
Naruto had defeated Asuma Sarutobi.
Hinata had overcome Raido.
Sasuke had bested Uchiha Inabi.
If all three needed teamwork to defeat a single opponent… Was this Hidden Mist ninja a Mizukage-class monster?
"Youth is all about challenging the strong!" Naruto declared, flashing a fearless thumbs-up.
"I've gathered intelligence on the target," Kitazawa said, glancing at the sky. "We'll travel first. You can review it when we rest tonight."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei." The three replied in unison.
"Come on. Get on the boat."
Kitazawa walked to the shoreline, unsealed a storage scroll, and released a small vessel.
It wasn't large—four or five people made it cramped—but none of them minded.
They boarded, setting course for the Land of Whirlpools.
Rowing duty naturally fell to Naruto and Sasuke.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Naruto asked as he rowed, "does the Land of Whirlpools have something to do with me?"
"Why do you ask?" Kitazawa glanced at him, mildly surprised.
"My surname's Uzumaki—Whirlpool. And the Land of Whirlpools has 'Whirlpool' in the name… so maybe we're connected?"
"That's a stretch," Sasuke muttered, unconvinced.
"I'm not sure either," Naruto admitted, scratching his head.
"Your mother did come from the Land of Whirlpools," Kitazawa said after a brief pause.
"Huh?!"
Naruto's eyes went wide.
"…Seriously?" Sasuke was equally stunned. It really was that much of a coincidence.
"But didn't you say the Land of Whirlpools doesn't exist anymore?" Hinata asked.
"Your mother left before its destruction," Kitazawa explained.
"That's… terrifying to think about," Naruto said quietly.
"How was it destroyed?" Sasuke couldn't help asking.
With the monstrous chakra of people like Naruto and Karin, a clan like the Uzumaki should have been nearly unassailable.
"The Land of Whirlpools vanished almost overnight," Kitazawa replied after a moment. "Konoha didn't arrive in time to help."
"And the ones responsible?" Sasuke pressed.
"Unknown."
Kitazawa left it at that.
They were still too young for the darker truths of the shinobi world—and the original records themselves had never named the culprits.
"When I grow up, I'll investigate this thoroughly!"
Naruto clenched his fist, his expression resolute.
Even if he didn't know much about the Uzumaki Clan, it was still his mother's clan. That alone was reason enough.
"After this mission is over," Kitazawa said thoughtfully, "we can visit the former base of the Uzumaki Clan."
His mind briefly flicked to the Namentō, the place where the Uzumaki once stored the Shinigami masks.
"That's awesome!" Naruto nodded vigorously.
He was burning with curiosity about the Uzumaki Clan—perhaps he might even find traces of his mother left behind.
As the sun sank below the horizon, the group arrived in the Land of Whirlpools.
Kitazawa selected an open clearing, and a wooden residence rose from the ground in moments.
Hinata stepped forward and opened the door.
"Let's go in."
Kitazawa patted her head lightly and entered the living room.
Sasuke followed last, turning back to close the door behind him.
"Take a look at the intelligence on our target," Kitazawa said, pulling out a scroll.
"Understood, Kitazawa-sensei."
Sasuke accepted the scroll and unrolled it.
"Let me see too!" Naruto immediately leaned over.
"Don't crowd me," Sasuke muttered, shifting the scroll aside.
"You two look first," Hinata said gently. "I'm not in a rush."
After Kitazawa sat down on the sofa, Hinata quietly took a seat beside him.
Sasuke skimmed the scroll twice—and frowned.
These Water Release techniques were unfamiliar.
Even though he didn't specialize in Water Release, Sasuke knew a great deal about it. Sakura talked about it often, and her techniques traced back to the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.
Tobirama was widely regarded as the supreme master of Water Release. Techniques like Water Formation Wall and Water Dragon Bullet were common in the Hidden Mist—but Tobirama's versions were always refined to a higher level.
In truth, it was normal for villages to learn and adapt one another's ninjutsu. Captured shinobi were interrogated, and techniques inevitably spread.
What surprised Sasuke was that these Water Release techniques were rare—almost as if they belonged to this Hidden Mist jōnin alone.
That usually meant one thing: a major ninja clan.
And that was precisely the case.
Hōzuki Gengetsu hailed from the Hōzuki Clan and possessed unique Water Release secret techniques. But the clan had long since declined, leaving behind only the reckless Suigetsu Hōzuki.
Sasuke's unfamiliarity was only natural.
"Looks insanely strong," Naruto said, nodding seriously.
The intelligence was detailed, even listing each technique's effects.
Naruto might be impulsive, but he wasn't foolish—his combat instincts were exceptional. In the original timeline, he was known as a ninja who constantly defied expectations.
After Sasuke finished reading, he passed the scroll to Hinata and fell into deep thought.
Hinata examined it carefully.
Judging by her teammates' reactions, this opponent was anything but ordinary.
Three techniques immediately stood out as the most troublesome:
Water Release: Water Transformation Technique,
Water Release: Oil Transformation, and Vapor Corpse Cloud.
The first two were perfect for evasion and escape.
The last one, however, was terrifying.
Vapor Corpse Cloud created a child-shaped clone that could fly freely, grow hotter the more it moved, and eventually explode—over and over again.
Its only weakness was that the user fell into a brief state of exhaustion after each detonation.
If Sasuke and Hinata had been older, their expressions would have changed dramatically.
This was the signature technique of the Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hōzuki—a name that once stood alongside Mu's Dust Release and Tobirama's Water Release.
"You three discuss tactics," Kitazawa said, rising. "I'll go make dinner."
"Do you need help?" Konan's cool, clear voice sounded from nearby.
"No, I've got it." Kitazawa glanced at her. "What do you want? Grilled fish?"
"Mhm. Grilled fish."
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. "You really like it. Why?"
Konan froze, falling silent.
"I was just asking casually," he added, noticing her reaction. "You don't have to answer."
"There's nothing I can't answer."
After a brief pause, Konan spoke.
She had been an orphan, wandering the war-torn Land of Rain with nothing but hunger and uncertainty. One day, she tasted grilled fish—and realized food could be that delicious.
She never forgot it.
"I see."
Kitazawa remembered her past well.
She, Nagato, and Yahiko—children of war—had wandered until they met Konoha's Sannin during the Second Shinobi World War.
Jiraiya stayed for three years because of Nagato's Rinnegan… and the prophecy.
From that moment on, their fates were rewritten.
Kitazawa didn't press further.
The fact that Konan was willing to share this much already spoke volumes.
"Here."
He handed her a bento box.
"Thank you."
Konan took it upstairs to her usual room.
She ate there, while Kitazawa and Hinata shared dinner in the living room.
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei," Hinata said softly, picking up her chopsticks.
"How's the strategy discussion going?" he asked.
"Nothing finalized yet," Sasuke replied.
"Then talk it out after eating," Kitazawa said cheerfully. "Dinner first."
The meal began.
Afterward, Kitazawa cleared the table and carried the dishes to the kitchen—only to find Konan already wearing an apron.
"I'll wash them."
She took the dishes without hesitation.
Kitazawa paused, four words surfacing in his mind:
A good wife and loving mother.
He shook his head faintly and left her to it.
In the living room, Naruto and Sasuke were still deep in discussion, refining plans to face the Second Mizukage.
Kitazawa didn't interrupt.
Instead, he stepped outside—hands forming seals once more—as he continued practicing Wood Release: Wood Clone, preparing for the battle ahead.
The night grew deeper.
Soft footsteps approached.
Kitazawa turned and saw Hinata standing there.
He chuckled quietly and waved her over.
Hinata immediately hurried toward him.
"Finished discussing?" Kitazawa asked, looking at her.
"Mhm."
She nodded, then added, "Sasuke and Naruto already went back to their rooms to sleep."
"Then why aren't you in bed?"
He tapped her forehead lightly.
"I… I was just about to."
Hinata lowered her head, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.
"Come on."
Kitazawa gently ruffled her hair. "Tomorrow's going to be rough. Get some rest."
"Mhm."
She followed him back into the house.
On the second floor, Hinata stopped, bowed slightly, and returned to her room.
The night passed peacefully.
A new day dawned.
After breakfast, Kitazawa led them into the forest where Gengetsu was hiding.
"He's seventy meters to the left."
Hinata reported the moment she activated her Byakugan.
"Proceed as planned," Sasuke said, glancing at Naruto.
"Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Naruto shouted under his breath.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Hundreds of Shadow Clones burst into existence.
Hinata and Sasuke quickly formed hand seals, transforming into Naruto as well.
Kitazawa nodded faintly.
He'd seen this tactic several times already.
Simple—but terrifyingly effective.
Especially when combined with Naruto's clone numbers, it turned the battlefield into pure chaos.
Still, no plan survived first contact.
Adaptability was what truly defined teamwork.
"Good luck."
Kitazawa vanished.
"Move," Sasuke said, exhaling slowly.
"Charge!"
At Naruto's command, hundreds of clones surged forward.
"Konan."
Kitazawa called out.
She appeared instantly at his side.
"Take me up. I want a clear view."
Without hesitation, Konan lifted him into the air.
Kitazawa wrapped an arm around her waist, feeling the warmth beneath his palm as he looked down.
Gengetsu had already sensed the approaching army.
Hiding hundreds of clones was impossible.
Water Release: Water Sphere Technique!
Hand seals flashed. Bubbles bloomed around Gengetsu, encircling him.
"Wind Release: Shuriken!" Naruto shouted immediately.
The clones halted, lined up, infused wind chakra into their shuriken—and hurled them together.
A black storm of steel screamed through the air.
Spiral Arrow!
From behind a tree, Hinata released her bowstring.
A spinning Yin Release arrow followed close behind the shuriken.
Sasuke remained hidden, waiting.
Gengetsu casually raised a hand.
The bubbles met the attack.
BOOM!
Explosions erupted midair.
Though the wind-enhanced shuriken were razor-sharp, they were blown apart instantly.
Then—
The Spiral Arrow pierced straight through the explosion and struck Gengetsu.
Water Release: Oil Transformation!
His body liquefied.
The Rasengan tore through him—yet did no damage.
The gaping hole closed almost instantly.
Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire!
Sasuke appeared, spewing a dozen blazing fireballs.
They arced like blooming flowers, converging from every direction.
Gengetsu's expression finally shifted.
Oil feared fire.
He blurred, dodging at incredible speed.
"So fast…"
Sasuke's heart skipped.
This wasn't an ordinary Mist jōnin.
Before Sasuke could react—
Boom!
Gengetsu's kick sent him flying.
"Wind Release: Gale Palm!"
Nearby clones slammed their palms together.
A violent storm erupted.
Water Gun: Barrage!
Gengetsu countered.
Liquid bullets tore through the wind, shredding clones on both sides.
Cries rang out.
By the time the storm reached him, Gengetsu had already vanished.
"Left!"
Hinata called out instantly.
"No—this is Vapor Corpse Cloud!"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed.
A smaller Gengetsu appeared, spinning like a living blade among the clones.
Half of them vanished in an instant.
"Naruto—don't get close!"
Lightning crackled.
Chidori Senbon!
Sasuke hurled the attack.
Electric needles screamed through the air.
Gengetsu reappeared, blocking them mid-flight.
Water Release: Water Formation Wall!
Lightning spread wildly upon contact.
Using the opening, the clone lunged for Naruto.
Naruto retreated immediately.
He knew better.
That thing would explode.
Spiral Arrow!
Hinata drew and released without hesitation.
The arrow struck.
For a split second—
Silence.
Then—
BOOOOM!
A catastrophic explosion shook the forest.
Oil and water reacted violently, unleashing a raging blast wave.
Trees were shredded. The ground was pulverized. Dust and steam swallowed everything.
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