Wind Style: Vacuum Wave!
Kitazawa swiftly formed hand seals. A surge of chakra gathered in his lungs before bursting forth from his mouth, instantly transforming into a torrent of wind.
The wind howled. That once-invisible force became tangible, condensing into countless blades of cutting air.
Each wind blade was thin and razor-sharp, its edges gleaming with lethal brilliance.
Even without touching them, just the sight of those blades gave off a sting that made one's skin prickle in pain.
Dozens of these blades spun violently through the air and launched outward. Everything in their path was split apart in an instant.
Within seconds, the battlefield before Kitazawa was left scarred with deep, crisscrossing gouges that marred the ground like countless sword marks.
Kitazawa touched his chin thoughtfully. By now, he had already mastered every Wind Style ninjutsu Uchiha Mikoto had provided him.
When it came to Wind Release, perhaps he could even be called a little Danzo.
Though Shimura Danzo was often mocked for his sealing jutsu, in truth, his strength was not something to underestimate.
If he could go head-to-head with Sasuke after awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan, then it was clear—he could overwhelm most jonin with ease.
By the standards of his previous life, that was no less than a Kage-level powerhouse. Although weaker compared to the true monsters among the Kage, the title still held weight.
Kitazawa fell into deep thought. Could he defeat Shimura Danzo at full strength now?
The answer… was uncertain.
In terms of conventional ninjutsu, Kitazawa had already caught up with Danzo.
But sealing techniques were still beyond him, and Danzo also possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan of Uchiha Shisui.
Even Kotoamatsukami alone was enough to make things impossible to handle.
Still, Kitazawa was satisfied. In less than two semesters, he had grown to rival Danzo—one of Konoha's strongest figures. No one would believe it if he told them.
At that moment, three glowing lines of text appeared before Kitazawa's eyes.
[Current Task: Learn four Wind Style Ninjutsu within the second semester.]
[Task Reward: Master-level Wind Style Chakra Nature Transformation.]
[Host Completed Task, Reward Received.]
"Finally done!" Kitazawa grinned as the rush of new knowledge flooded his mind.
With Master-level Wind Style Chakra Nature Transformation, he could now learn Wind Release techniques with far greater ease.
More importantly, he had the ability to create his own original ninjutsu. But for now, there was no time to test out the Wind Style Rasengan.
Today marked the second day of the October exam—the practical test.
The bet with Tsunade had been made last Monday. A week had already passed.
Since his Emotion Displacement Technique hadn't been perfected, treatment still hadn't begun.
But that didn't matter. Tsunade had already agreed, and once she gave her word, the timing was irrelevant.
Kitazawa headed toward the Ninja Academy.
Yesterday was the written exam, and the results were already posted. As expected, the overall rankings were similar to the September exam.
Sakura held first place.
Sasuke followed in second.
Hinata took third.
Naruto's rank remained unchanged at twelfth.
Kiba showed improvement, climbing one spot to tie Naruto at twelfth. This was largely thanks to Kitazawa easing up on his endurance training.
Yakumo also moved up one place.
But what drew Kitazawa's focus most was Karin. She had set her sights on reaching the top ten in the semester's theoretical exams.
Karin had also taken the test, finishing nineteenth. Not bad. Not outstanding either. Squarely in the middle.
Still, considering she had never attended formal schooling before, it was a solid result. Her diligence had carried her through.
For Karin, no matter how exhausting studying was, it was nothing compared to the hardships she endured in Kusagakure.
On the academy training grounds, Class A of Year 1 had already gathered early.
"It's so lively…" Karin looked around, wide-eyed, clearly enjoying her first practical exam.
Though 'exam' was a stretch—she was mostly just spectating.
"Karin, have you learned any ninjutsu?" Ino asked curiously.
After all, Karin had been in supplementary lessons since her enrollment. Because she hadn't attended practical classes, her abilities remained a mystery.
"No," Karin admitted, shaking her head.
"It's fine if you haven't." Ino smiled warmly. "Mr. Kitazawa will teach you. He knows everything."
"Yeah." Karin had no doubts.
She was taking tutoring classes at the training grounds, and during breaks, she had observed Kabuto Yakushi, Yamanaka Ino, and the others.
Each of them had different training—some were learning secret techniques, some were training in Wind Release, and some were practicing Gentle Fist.
Sasuke and Sakura were also different, learning Fire Release techniques and medical ninjutsu.
Kitazawa, therefore, formed the impression of a Teacher who knows everything in Karin's mind.
"Our last transfer student already won second place in the actual combat," Ino encouraged. "Maybe you can replicate her miracle."
Karin subconsciously glanced at Kurama Yakumo. She had been a little unconvinced when she learned Yakumo had ranked second in actual combat, because she looked so weak.
And yet there were Sasuke and Hinata in their class.
Even in Kusagakure Village, Karin had heard of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans.
"I won't give you the first place." Naruto suddenly appeared.
"You are so powerful, I am definitely not your opponent," Karin admitted with self-awareness.
"Of course!" Naruto declared, giving a thumbs up. "I am the man who will become Hokage!"
But the next second, he groaned.
"I heard your voice from far away," Kitazawa tapped his head and said. "There's no Hokage as loud as you in Konoha Village."
"Hehe," Naruto scratched his head sheepishly.
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Ino, Karin, and the others called out hurriedly.
"It's almost time, line up for the exam," Kitazawa said, glancing at them.
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei." The scattered first-year Class A immediately began to form up.
Kitazawa's eyes fell on Karin.
In the original story, she played a supporting role, skilled in sealing techniques and medical ninjutsu, becoming Sasuke's dedicated medical ninja.
If it weren't for Karin, Sasuke would have died several times over. It was Sasuke's nature to become arrogant when powerful, and when arrogant, he would act recklessly, only to be humiliated.
Karin had a natural gift for sealing techniques and medical ninjutsu, so she certainly couldn't waste it. Kitazawa wondered if, with her immense chakra, she could learn the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique and the Rasengan like Naruto.
Without a doubt, it was possible.
Iruka walked up to him and reminded, "It's already nine o'clock."
"The rules are the same as the previous monthly exams, so I won't repeat them."
Kitazawa walked over to the crowd, opened the summoning storage scroll, and pulled out a box for drawing lots.
He placed his hands on either side of the box, chakra surging from them. That's right, he was going to cheat.
Kitazawa had been a little unsure before, but after gaining Master-level Wind Style chakra transformation, he felt absolutely certain.
He could manipulate the small slips of paper in the box with the wind.
"Everyone, line up and draw your lot," Iruka said, maintaining order.
"I'm number one!" Naruto exclaimed with delight, glancing at the slips.
"I drew number seven," Kiba looked around and asked, "Are any of you the same number as me?"
"No," Kurama Yakumo said softly. "This time, I'm number twenty."
Aburame Shino, Nara Shikamaru, Haruno Sakura, and the others all shook their heads.
"Very good." He had been unlucky in the previous monthly exam draws.
Besides, he'd been training for so long—so even if he couldn't defeat a monster like Naruto, he'd have no problem moving up a few spots in the practical exam.
"Sasuke, what number did you draw?" Sakura asked, looking at the recently returned Sasuke.
"Seven," Sasuke said calmly.
"What?" Inuzuka Kiba's eyes suddenly widened, and he instinctively shouted, "No!"
"Could anyone really be so unlucky?" Ino couldn't help but laugh.
"Maybe someone's targeting you," Aburame Shino said, adjusting her glasses.
"Everyone drew lots, it's fair and square," Shikamaru said with a smile. "You just had bad luck."
"Please, the two students who drew number one, come on stage," Kitazawa called out, holding the roster.
Because it was the first round, he didn't do much behind-the-scenes manipulation, just a quick test.
As he'd expected, it was indeed possible to manipulate the results of their draws through Wind Release.
Upon hearing this, Naruto trotted into the field.
His opponent was a little boy with lower grades. The little boy was defeated quickly, but he did not cry. After all, losing to the number one was only natural.
"The two students of number seven, prepare to go on stage."
Kitazawa shouted while grading.
The fights between the students of the ninja school were nothing more than skirmishes between weaklings. Because they were young, the battles usually ended quickly before the result was decided.
The first six matches together had taken less than half an hour.
"Come on, Sasuke-kun!" Sakura cheered, waving her little fist.
"Kiba, don't lose momentum!" Naruto shouted.
Kiba's mouth twitched. Even Uzumaki Naruto, the one who supported him the most, didn't seem to believe he could win?
"Sasuke, I've been training with Kitazawa-sensei!" Kiba whispered to himself. "I'm not the same person anymore!"
Sasuke placed his hands in his pockets, looking at him with calm indifference. It was no surprise—he too had received Kitazawa-sensei's special training.
"Damn it!" Seeing this, Inuzuka Kiba attacked without hesitation.
Four-Legged Technique! Like a cheetah, he charged at Sasuke on all fours.
A flash of cold light. His five fingers spread apart, nails sharpened into claws like a wild hound.
"Much faster," Sasuke instinctively activated his Sharingan, his scarlet eyes spinning. "But still not fast enough against these eyes."
He stepped back, easily dodging.
Kiba persisted, swiping with both hands.
Konoha Whirlwind! Sasuke seized the opening and delivered a sharp kick to Kiba's wrist.
"Sasuke, you used Konoha Whirlwind beautifully!" Naruto praised, flashing a thumbs-up. "It shows you still have youth in you!"
"I don't!" The best counter here would have been to use the taijutsu he learned from Might Guy, but after Naruto's interruption, Sasuke suddenly had no desire to show it.
He raised his arms, blocking the next strike. The sheer force sent a faint numbness through his muscles.
Even his strength improved significantly? Kitazawa-sensei's special training really is effective.
Kiba's improved chakra control refined the Four-Legged Technique, granting him new speed and power. But for Sasuke, this was all too familiar.
Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!
Sasuke took things seriously now. He leapt back, inhaled deeply, and unleashed a roaring fireball.
Kiba couldn't withstand the Great Fireball and was forced to dive aside.
Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu! Without pause, Sasuke unleashed a second jutsu.
Small fireballs erupted, scattering in a circular barrage. Kiba dodged desperately, but it was already too late.
Just as he was about to be struck, his body suddenly lightened—lifted away from danger.
"The winner is Uchiha Sasuke," Kitazawa declared, releasing Kiba from his grip.
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei," Kiba exhaled, relief washing over him.
Though the small fireballs hadn't caused serious injury, the burns still stung painfully.
"You've made great progress," Kitazawa said, patting his shoulder. "I'll give you a high score."
In truth, despite being crushed, Kiba was still regarded as a leader among academy students. He simply had the misfortune of clashing against the far more monstrous Sasuke.
Time slipped by. The first round ended, and the second began.
"Please invite the two students from number one to take the stage," Kitazawa announced with a smile.
"Sasuke, we can finally have a showdown of youth!" Naruto grinned happily.
He had wanted to challenge Sasuke in the last monthly exam… but instead, he had run into Kurama Yakumo.
"…" Sasuke fell silent.
Facing Naruto in the second round gave him the illusion of bad luck. But he quickly cast aside that thought. After all, there could only be one at the top.
On the road to first place, the meeting was inevitable.
"You only claimed first place in the last monthly exam because you didn't face me," Sasuke said calmly, his Sharingan whirling to life.
To sharpen his revenge, he had begged his brother Itachi to train him for a month. Though it was only a month, his growth had been immense.
"Sasuke, here I come!" Naruto clasped his hands together, forming seals.
"Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!" With a shout, the field was instantly swarmed by countless Narutos, rushing forward in unison.
Sasuke's expression shifted slightly, but he forced himself to remain calm.
His brother, Uchiha Itachi, had once told him that while the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu was powerful, it carried an obvious weakness: the original body.
If he could trap Naruto's true form in genjutsu, then victory would be his.
"Konoha Whirlwind!"
"Konoha Rock Destroying Rise!"
"Strong Fist!"
Dozens of Narutos launched themselves at him, fists and feet flying from every direction.
"So much chakra?" Karin's eyes widened in disbelief. If Naruto's hair had been red, she would have instantly mistaken him for a member of the Uzumaki clan.
"It takes a ridiculous amount of mental toughness to fight against Naruto," Shikamaru muttered irritably.
"A bunch of weirdos in green tights charging all at once is honestly terrifying," Ino added with a smirk.
"Sasuke-kun, you must win!" Sakura clasped her hands together, praying desperately.
"Sasuke is handling it impressively well," Aburame Shino admitted, his calm tone tinged with surprise.
Amidst the swarm of shadow clones, Sasuke fully unleashed the advantage of his Sharingan, seamlessly blending taijutsu, kunai, and shuriken strikes.
Though shadow clones carried the consciousness of the original, their resilience was nothing like the real body. Struck by a single well-aimed tool, they dissolved into smoke without resistance.
Sasuke's movements were graceful yet deadly—like a dancer weaving through chaos. Shurikens and kunai flew in a storm, and with each strike, another cluster of Narutos vanished.
But Naruto's chakra never seemed to run out. The instant clones were destroyed, new ones filled the battlefield.
"Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique!"
After unleashing a barrage of shurikens, Sasuke's hands blurred through seals. With a sharp exhale, he spewed forth three blazing dragons that roared across the arena.
Bang! Bang! Bang! The flames tore through the ranks, reducing nearly all of Naruto's clones to nothing.
"Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!" Naruto roared, his fingers flashing through the seals once again.
"Found you!" Sasuke's eyes lit up. He accelerated, forming hand signs as he closed in on Naruto.
The moment he reached his opponent, his Sharingan spun to life, locking Naruto in the bubble Genjutsu.
"It's over, Naruto."
Seeing Naruto freeze for an instant, Sasuke's lips curled into a confident smirk. Victory seemed certain—he only needed to finish it with a single decisive strike.
But in that instant—
Whip!
"Ah, that hurts!" Naruto yelped, snapping back to reality. A massive tail had lashed through the air, slamming him back to his senses.
"What?!" Sasuke's eyes widened in shock.
"Konoha Great Whirlwind!"
Taking advantage of Sasuke's momentary distraction, a nearby clone launched a vicious kick.
Sasuke's guard slipped. Unable to react in time, the impact sent him flying. He staggered to his feet, but Naruto's clones swarmed him from all sides, fists and kicks raining down relentlessly.
Within seconds, Sasuke's body was screaming in pain. He could barely remain conscious.
"Enough, Naruto," Kitazawa's calm voice cut through the chaos.
At once, Naruto and his army of clones dispersed, leaving only a battered Sasuke standing in the arena—his face bruised and body aching.
"Naruto!" Sakura cried out, rushing forward. "How could you hit someone in the face like that?!"
Without hesitation, she began treating Sasuke's injuries. Though they looked severe, they were only superficial wounds.
Sasuke recovered quickly, but inside, his heart churned with frustration and confusion.
Why had Naruto broken free of his genjutsu so effortlessly? Had all of his special training over the past month been meaningless? Why did he lose?
Without a word, Uchiha Sasuke turned his back and left the field in silence.
--
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P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)