A training ground on the northern outskirts of Konoha.
Kitazawa wielded a bone sword, his movements fluid as he practiced Dance of the Camellia.
Moments later, three translucent lines of text appeared before his eyes.
[Current Mission: Master three Shikotsumyaku Ninjutsu.]
[Mission Reward: Immunity to Shikotsumyaku-related kekkei genkai disease.]
[Host has completed the mission. Reward issued.]
Seeing this, Kitazawa halted immediately.
With a casual motion, the bone sword retracted back into his left arm. He picked up the clothes scattered nearby and began putting them on.
Shikotsumyaku was excellent in almost every regard—except for one glaring flaw.
It absolutely destroyed clothing.
Pants included.
But there was no way he was stripping down just to train. If he did, he'd become Konoha's most infamous rumor by the next morning.
Still, the results were worth it.
He had now mastered three Shikotsumyaku techniques. That alone marked him as having fully stepped into the realm of the kekkei genkai.
In the original records, there were only a handful of Shikotsumyaku techniques to begin with—mastering three already counted as a solid foundation.
By comparison, his Ice Release progress remained… nonexistent.
After changing, Kitazawa returned to the ANBU Base.
The Genius Class had been back in session for over half a month. Their first Monthly Exam was fast approaching.
He needed to start considering team arrangements—and, more importantly, the mission they would be assigned.
Unfortunately, there was still no progress from Itachi.
Otherwise, the Ryūmyaku Mission would have been the perfect choice.
"Kitazawa."
Konan rose from her seat. "Itachi has sent back top-secret intelligence. It's on your desk."
Kitazawa's eyes immediately lit up.
Previous reports hadn't carried that classification. A top-secret tag meant only one thing—something critical had happened.
He strode to his desk and picked up the report.
This level of encryption was known only to a handful of people—himself and Tsunade included.
After decrypting it, he read through the contents.
As expected.
Mukade.
He had already broken the Ryūmyaku Seal left behind by Minato and could activate the Dragon Vein at any moment.
Kitazawa rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Waiting until after the theoretical exam was clearly no longer an option.
Fortunately, as Vice Principal of the Ninja Academy, he had the authority to advance the practical exam schedule.
Besides, whether a mission started a week early or late made little difference.
As for personnel—Naruto was non-negotiable.
Without him, the system mission tied to the Ryūmyaku wouldn't trigger.
The remaining members could be chosen more flexibly.
At first, Kitazawa considered bringing Shino Aburame and Akimichi Choji—after all, they'd encounter their younger fathers in the past.
But after reconsidering, he dismissed the idea.
Those families saw each other daily. They didn't need a time-travel reunion to fill any emotional gaps.
More importantly, Mukade—once empowered by the Dragon Vein—would be terrifyingly strong.
Shino could contribute.
Choji… might fall short.
Then a thought struck him.
Kakashi Hatake.
Meeting Minato again—along with his own younger self—would be meaningful for Kakashi.
And in terms of combat power, Kakashi was indispensable.
After a brief deliberation, Kitazawa finalized his decision.
He would lead the mission together with Kakashi.
In the original timeline, even two full teams struggled against Mukade's puppet army.
But with himself, Kakashi, and Minato involved?
Numbers wouldn't be an issue.
"Konan," Kitazawa said, folding the report away. "I'll be leaving tomorrow. You don't need to follow."
"Mhm." She nodded calmly.
Just as he turned to leave, he paused and stepped back toward her.
Konan looked up at him, her expression cool and unreadable.
"This trip may take about a month," Kitazawa said after a moment. "You can return to the Akatsuki and handle your own matters."
He didn't know how long he'd remain in Rōran after traveling to the past, so he left ample leeway.
"Thank you," Konan replied immediately.
Kitazawa studied her face for a second longer, then reached out with both hands and gently pinched her cheeks.
Konan blinked, her lavender eyeshadow trembling slightly.
"See you next time."
With a smile, Kitazawa turned and left.
It was Monday, and the Genius Class was in the middle of a theoretical lesson.
Rather than disturb them, Kitazawa went straight to Kakashi's residence.
"Kitazawa?"
Kakashi opened the door, surprise flickering in his visible eye.
"Do you know Rōran?" Kitazawa asked directly.
Kakashi answered without thinking. "My teacher and I once went there on a mission."
The moment the words left his mouth, he froze.
His brow furrowed.
He couldn't remember the mission itself—only that he'd been there.
That made no sense.
Rōran was a rare destination. With his memory, forgetting something like that shouldn't have been possible.
"…Why ask about Rōran?" Kakashi finally said, regaining his composure.
"There's a mission tied to it," Kitazawa replied. "I haven't been there before, so I want you along."
Kakashi nodded instinctively—then paused.
"What about the Genius Class?"
The old him would've prioritized the mission without hesitation.
The current him thought of his students first.
"I'll use this mission as their practical exam," Kitazawa explained.
"I see." Kakashi nodded. "After the monthly exam, then?"
"It's urgent. We leave tomorrow."
"…Alright."
Kakashi didn't question it further.
"This is an S-rank mission," Kitazawa added. "Pick three students with solid combat ability."
Kakashi thought briefly. "Sasuke. Kimimaro. Neji."
"That works," Kitazawa agreed. "I'll take Naruto, Shino, and Hinata."
Six students, backed by two elite shinobi.
Against Mukade's puppet army, it would be tight—but manageable.
"As for Mukade himself," Kitazawa continued calmly, "coordination will be key."
Kakashi nodded.
"Notify them today. We assemble at the village gate at nine tomorrow morning."
After Kakashi agreed, Kitazawa turned and left.
Instead of returning to the Academy, he headed straight for the Hokage Office.
"Haru."
He stopped at the entrance.
"Yes, Lord Kitazawa."
An ANBU operative materialized instantly.
"Inform Naruto and the others after classes," Kitazawa ordered.
There was no need for him to do it personally.
As the head of ANBU, delegation was part of the job.
And the gears of time were already beginning to turn.
"Tsunade-sensei, you're slacking off again."
Kitazawa stepped into the Hokage Office, his gaze landing on Tsunade sprawled lazily across the sofa. He smiled as he spoke.
"My work is already finished," Tsunade replied without opening her eyes. "That's not slacking—it's efficiency."
"Then move your feet and make some room."
Kitazawa patted her smooth instep.
"So rude," Tsunade snorted.
She lifted her legs anyway. Once he sat down, she casually rested her feet across his thigh.
"…What are you doing now?"
Kitazawa glanced at her neatly polished toes.
"Massage."
Tsunade shifted slightly, finding a comfortable position as if this were the most natural thing in the world.
"You really do live comfortably as Hokage," Kitazawa muttered.
He rolled up her pant leg and placed his hand on her calf.
Tsunade's lips curved upward, clearly pleased. "So? What did you come here for?"
"I'm heading out on a mission tomorrow with my students," Kitazawa said, kneading her calf slowly. "I'll probably be gone for about a month."
"That long?"
The smile on Tsunade's face stiffened.
"Approximately," he added. "Could be half a month. Hard to say."
"With your strength?" Tsunade frowned slightly. "What kind of mission takes that long?"
"To the Land of Wind," Kitazawa replied, half-truthfully. "We're hunting down a Jonin. He's good at hiding."
"You could just have ANBU track him down," Tsunade said, relaxing again.
"Mm."
Kitazawa nodded, not elaborating further. It wasn't exactly a lie—just… incomplete.
"When are you leaving tomorrow?" Tsunade asked after a pause.
"Nine in the morning." He smiled. "Want to see me off?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
"No need," Kitazawa said lightly. "I'm not a kid."
Tsunade pouted.
She pulled her feet back, sat upright, and looked straight at him.
Kitazawa blinked, caught off guard by her sudden intensity.
Before he could speak, Tsunade leaned forward and kissed him.
Warmth, softness, and a faint reluctance to part—he felt it all at once.
His heart stirred.
When they finally separated, Tsunade's cheeks were flushed, her breathing uneven.
"Go back first," she said quietly.
"Didn't you say your work was done?" Kitazawa stood, took her hand, and smiled. "Let's head back together."
She hesitated for a beat—then nodded.
The next day.
Kakashi arrived at the village entrance first.
Behind him stood his three students: Uchiha Sasuke, Kimimaro, and Hyuga Neji.
"Sasuke!"
A familiar voice rang out.
"…?"
Sasuke's mouth twitched.
Wasn't their squad already full? Why was Naruto here?
Kakashi hadn't explained the mission in detail—mostly because he didn't know much himself. All he'd been told was that they were going to Rōran.
He planned to let Kitazawa explain everything when he arrived.
"Why are you here?" Sasuke asked flatly.
"I'm going to Rōran with you!" Naruto grinned from ear to ear.
Haru had already filled him in.
"Rōran?"
Sasuke instinctively turned to Kakashi.
"That's right," Kakashi confirmed. "Kitazawa will explain once he arrives."
"Kitazawa-sensei is going too?" Neji asked, surprised.
"This is a joint mission between two teams," Kakashi replied. "Hinata and Shino are also coming."
"Then why didn't Hinata arrive with you?" Sasuke pointed out.
Neji froze for a moment. "I… don't know. She didn't say anything."
"She went with Kitazawa-sensei," a quiet voice said.
Everyone turned.
Shino stood there calmly.
"Shino, when did you get here?" Naruto scratched his head in confusion.
"Just now," Shino replied, adjusting his glasses.
"I swear, you walk without making a sound!" Naruto exclaimed.
"I noticed," Sasuke said coolly. "Which means your awareness is lacking."
"As expected of Sasuke!" Naruto gave a thumbs-up. "My youthful spirit still has room to grow!"
"…"
Sasuke opened his mouth—then closed it again.
Talking to him is pointless.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
Naruto spotted him in the distance and waved enthusiastically.
"You're as energetic as ever," Kitazawa said with a smile as he walked over.
Hinata followed quietly at his side.
"Because this is youth!" Naruto declared, flashing a toothy grin.
Kitazawa shook his head, amused. "Alright, let's move."
"Kitazawa-sensei," Sasuke asked as they set off, "who exactly is our mission target?"
"A jōnin from Sunagakure," Kitazawa replied calmly.
"…Just one?" Sasuke blinked.
Neji and Kimimaro exchanged surprised looks as well.
Eight people for a single jōnin—what kind of crime warranted that?
"His strength isn't ordinary," Kitazawa said lightly. "You'll understand soon enough."
He cleared his throat and added, "Pick up the pace. We'll try to reach the Land of Wind before nightfall."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei," Sasuke and the others answered in unison.
Kakashi remained silent.
Ever since hearing the word Rōran, an unease had lingered in his mind. He knew he'd been there before—on a mission with his sensei—but the details were completely blank.
That absence troubled him.
By dusk, they reached the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind.
After resting for the night, they resumed their journey and officially entered the Land of Wind.
The vegetation thinned until it vanished entirely, replaced by an endless expanse of yellow sand.
Despite their age, this wasn't the first time Sasuke and the others had ventured into a desert.
Naruto, for instance, had once witnessed the titanic clash between Hiruzen and the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa.
This was the advantage of early missions—experience that most shinobi wouldn't gain until long after graduation.
"An oasis!" Naruto suddenly shouted, eyes shining.
"Rest here for a moment," Kitazawa said, raising a hand. "I'll go confirm the target's location."
"Want me to come with you?" Kakashi asked.
"No need," Kitazawa replied, already turning away.
As he walked into the desert alone, Kakashi frowned slightly.
If this was reconnaissance, shouldn't Hinata or Neji—Byakugan users—be coming along?
But he didn't question it.
Once he was far enough away, Kitazawa activated his Byakugan.
The Power of the Dragon Vein was close.
But he couldn't bring the others yet.
If Mukade were captured before breaking Minato's seal, everything would fall apart.
The timing had to be perfect.
Kitazawa's brow lifted.
Beneath the earth, a vast, dragon-shaped mass of Chakra coiled and surged.
It reminded him of Yagura's perfect Three-Tails transformation—no weaker in presence.
That might have sounded exaggerated, but it made sense.
Without a Chakra source of this magnitude, time travel would be impossible.
And the greater the Chakra, the greater the value of the Dragon Vein.
If he could obtain it…
Kitazawa's thoughts raced.
I might even qualify to use Sage Art: Wood Style—True Several Thousand Hands.
He didn't possess Sage Mode, nor had he learned the technique—but having the qualification alone was already extraordinary.
Shaking his head, he focused.
His gaze swept the area, searching.
Soon, he located Itachi.
In an instant, Kitazawa vanished, using the Body Flicker to cross the desert at blinding speed.
Ruined stone walls emerged from the sand.
The remnants of Rōran.
The city hadn't been destroyed—it had simply faded into a desert tribe.
Kitazawa's eyes drifted toward the center of the ruins.
That was where Minato's Ryūmyaku Seal lay.
Mukade was there too.
Observing. Waiting.
Kitazawa slipped closer.
Itachi, hidden nearby, narrowed his eyes and turned slightly.
"It's me," Kitazawa whispered.
"Lord Kitazawa," Itachi replied quietly, relaxing.
"What's his status?" Kitazawa asked, glancing at Mukade.
"He's been observing the seal for over two hours," Itachi answered.
"Then we wait."
They watched in silence.
Two hours later, Mukade finally moved.
He began constructing a jutsu array around the Ryūmyaku Seal.
"That's our cue," Kitazawa said. "Watch him. I'll retrieve the others."
Back at the oasis—
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto shouted the moment he appeared.
"I've located the target," Kitazawa said briskly. "Follow me."
Without hesitation, Kakashi and the students set off.
Halfway there, the earth suddenly trembled.
Columns of violet chakra erupted into the sky, painting the desert in eerie light.
"What's happening?!" Naruto exclaimed.
Kitazawa didn't answer—he only accelerated.
Moments later, Mukade came into view.
The eyeball-shaped seal left by Minato was breaking apart.
Vast streams of purple chakra poured out—the unleashed power of the dragon vein.
When the seal fully collapsed, the Chakra exploded upward like a volcanic eruption.
Space itself warped around Mukade.
Without hesitation, Kitazawa shouted—
"Charge in!"
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