Before Kitazawa could fully digest the Imitation Jutsu, he heard a commotion.
"Teacher Kitazawa!" Shibi Aburame rushed to him and said in a deep voice, "Someone has been infected by an Exploding Bug!"
"Take me there." Kitazawa's expression immediately turned serious.
"This way," Shibi Aburame said, raising his hand.
Soon, Kitazawa saw the Aburame Clan Ninja who had been infected by the Exploding Bug. He unbuttoned his clothes, revealing his chest.
At this moment, his chest was slightly bulging, and it was as if something alive was breathing beneath his skin.
Kitazawa immediately thought of the Alien Movie from his previous life. And this Exploding Bug did indeed bear some resemblance to an Alien.
"The Exploding Bug has already absorbed a good amount of chakra, but fortunately, it hasn't fully grown yet. There's still some time before it explodes," Kitazawa reassured him. "You don't need to panic too much. I'll perform the surgery on you now."
"Thank you, Teacher Kitazawa!" the Aburame Clan Ninja said gratefully.
Because Shibi Aburame had called him Teacher Kitazawa, he followed suit.
To be honest, Kitazawa's current status was a bit awkward. His official titles were only Special Jonin and Ninja Academy teacher. Logically speaking, all the Aburame Clan Ninja present were Jonin, and both in terms of strength and status, they were higher than Kitazawa.
But considering his ambiguous relationship with Tsunade, they kept their posture very low.
The Exploding Bug surgery was not simple.
The reason was that it had completely integrated with the Aburame Clan Ninja. To separate it, an extremely high level of Medical Ninjutsu was required.
And most importantly, the Exploding Bug could not be startled. The Exploding Bug was a living creature with a certain degree of consciousness. If it knew it was about to be removed, it would certainly struggle desperately.
This undoubtedly increased the difficulty of the surgery.
Time passed minute by minute.
Not far away, the other seven Aburame Clan Ninja gathered together.
"Teacher Kitazawa's chakra control is truly terrifying," Shibi Aburame couldn't help but exclaim.
Because they were in the wild, Kitazawa did not avoid them while performing the surgery.
Although Shibi Aburame didn't understand Medical Ninjutsu, his eyesight was not bad. Kitazawa was like a cutting machine, separating the Exploding Bug from the Aburame Clan Ninja's flesh without the Exploding Bug noticing.
Shibi Aburame felt his scalp tingle just by watching.
"He is Lady Tsunade's student after all," the Aburame Clan Ninja on the left said.
"Don't speak of unconfirmed news." Shibi Aburame coughed lightly and said, "Lady Tsunade naturally has her reasons for not announcing it."
Although he felt that whether Tsunade announced it or not made little difference. After all, the major Ninja Clans had already tacitly accepted it.
"Alright, the Exploding Bug has been removed. You can recover after a period of rest," Kitazawa said, standing up and letting out a breath.
The two-hour-long surgery left him feeling exhausted. But there were also gains—he had completed another high-difficulty surgery.
"Fortunately, Teacher Kitazawa was here; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable." Shibi Aburame stepped forward and said, "On behalf of the Aburame Clan, I thank you."
"No need to be so polite." Kitazawa waved his hand and then asked, "Did you catch the Exploding Bug?"
"It's in hand." Shibi Aburame took out a specially made bottle and said, "This is the Exploding Bug."
"It looks similar to a firefly, and it's quite pretty with its glow," Kitazawa said after looking at it for a couple of seconds.
Inside the bottle were clearly larvae, tiny as dust, gathered together, emitting a faint light.
"The prettier it is, the more dangerous it is," Shibi Aburame nodded and said.
"How do you plan to handle the Exploding Bug?" Kitazawa asked curiously.
"First, we'll cultivate it and expand its scale. Then, based on the Exploding Bug's characteristics, we'll research corresponding secret techniques," Shibi Aburame replied with some disdain. "The Nokizaru Group's application of the Exploding Bug is simply too shallow and wasteful."
"When it comes to playing with insects, your Aburame Clan is the professional," Kitazawa praised him.
"Are we returning to the village now?" Shibi Aburame asked for his opinion.
Unconsciously, he had begun to treat Kitazawa as a ninja of equal status. The reason for this was the surgery to remove the Exploding Bug he had just performed.
In the Ninja World, unless absolutely forced, no ninja would casually offend an excellent Medical Ninja. Even without considering Tsunade, Kitazawa was now an excellent Medical Ninja.
"Let's go," Kitazawa nodded slightly. "If we return quickly, I might still make it back to school for class."
"With your strength, why are you still teaching at the Ninja Academy?" Shibi Aburame asked, puzzled by his words.
"Interest," Kitazawa replied, feeling like he had been asked similar questions many times.
It had to be said that Ninja Academy teachers indeed had little status. However, it was interesting that Shibi Aburame's son, Shino Aburame, also became a teacher in the end.
The group returned the way they came. Because they had an injured person, their return speed was a bit slower. They didn't arrive at Konoha Village until Sunday evening.
"Teacher Kitazawa, there's no need for more words of thanks," Shibi Aburame said with a serious expression. "If you ever need anything from the Aburame Clan in the future, just say the word."
"I will."
After saying goodbye to them, Kitazawa went straight home. Since it was already late, he didn't disturb Tsunade or Kurenai.
Kitazawa looked left and right. His general store hadn't been open for some time. The reason was that he was too busy at night now and simply couldn't open the store.
However, he wasn't short on money at the moment, especially after the Aburame Clan and Inuzuka Clan gave him eight million Ryo, which was enough to splurge for a long time.
Kitazawa then thought of the Impersonation Jutsu he had obtained yesterday. Its effect was to replicate the target's appearance, Ninjutsu, and Taijutsu, and even their thoughts.
It sounded powerful, but it also had limitations.
For example, it couldn't replicate Ninja stronger than himself. If Kitazawa tried to replicate Tsunade with Impersonation Jutsu, it would definitely not work.
To use a common analogy, it was like a small horse pulling a large cart, and a train at that.
Even if it were replicated, it wouldn't function.
Furthermore, the prerequisite for replication was that the target had already been controlled by the caster. In other words, it couldn't replicate from a distance, making it slightly inferior to the Sharingan.
Although there were many restrictions, as a disguise Ninjutsu, it was excellent. The Transformation Technique used for disguise could be seen through by some powerful individuals.
The Impersonation Jutsu could achieve perfect disguise and would not be easily detected.
If a person's appearance, Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and thoughts were all identical to his, Kitazawa would also begin to doubt himself.
Am I the original, or am I a substitute? I can't tell, I really can't tell.
---
The fourth week of November, Monday.
After breakfast, Kitazawa went to the school's training ground.
"Teacher Kitazawa." Kabuto saw him and quickly walked up to him.
"Have you learned Wind Release: Vacuum Blade?" Kitazawa guessed and asked.
"I'm still a bit short of mastering Wind Release: Vacuum Blade." Kabuto shook his head and explained, "I wanted to ask who our Ninja squad's last teammate is."
"With you and Torune, passing the Chunin Exams will not be difficult." Kitazawa paused and said, "As for the remaining teammate, I already have someone in mind; you'll see when the time comes."
In fact, he didn't have anyone in mind, but it didn't matter whether he did or not. On the day of registration, he could just pull any Genin along.
Kabuto's heart trembled. Kitazawa's words confirmed his previous conjecture.
Tsunade, forcing her way into the Root training base to rescue Aburame Torune, was probably because he was missing two teammates for the Chunin Exams.
"Thank you, Teacher Kitazawa."
Kabuto banished the jumbled thoughts from his mind and then conscientiously went to practice Wind Release: Vacuum Blade.
Kitazawa, reminded by him, suddenly recalled that there was only about a week left until the Chunin Exams.
He collected himself and looked at Sasuke. The practical combat test had been running for a week. The effect, so far, was not bad.
Undoubtedly, Sasuke would have to suffer a 'crushing defeat' to awaken his Two-Tomoe Sharingan. The practical combat test was just a practical combat between two classes, which wasn't stimulating enough.
Kitazawa felt that the key lay in the Student Council selection, practical combat. A practical combat exam involving all students in the school would certainly be grand enough.
Kitazawa stroked his chin.
Having only students participate wasn't enough; there needed to be an audience. For Sasuke, the most effective audience would be Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Itachi, and Uchiha Mikoto.
Kitazawa, now recognized by the major Ninja Clans as Tsunade's student, had seen his status skyrocket. In other words, he was now qualified to invite Uchiha Fugaku.
But he was still a bit short. He had to make Sasuke feel like there was a hope of victory.
If he tacitly agreed to lose, then the effect of losing wouldn't be as obvious. It's only when you expect to win and then lose that you feel resentful.
"Sasuke." Kitazawa stepped forward and said, "You've pretty much mastered the Konoha-style Body Flicker. Now we're going to try a new exercise."
"What exercise?" Sasuke paused, then asked.
In his opinion, the Konoha-style Body Flicker was useful, but not that useful. When he fought Naruto last week, he realized the benefits of the Konoha-style Body Flicker; it allowed him to dodge his attacks faster.
However, the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu was simply too abnormal. You could dodge one, but not all of them.
"I'll teach you the Shadow Clone Technique," Kitazawa said with a slight smile.
Very few students in First Year Class A actually learned the Shadow Clone Technique. But Sasuke met the conditions.
With his Chakra, he could use the Shadow Clone Technique normally, creating two or three without much issue.
Sasuke's eyes immediately lit up. He naturally understood the value of the Shadow Clone Technique. After all, he had been repeatedly beaten by Naruto's Shadow Clones.
"Can I learn Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu directly?" Sasuke asked, full of anticipation.
"Your Chakra isn't enough to support you learning Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu," Kitazawa shook his head and said.
"Alright."
Although Sasuke had somewhat expected it, he couldn't help but feel disappointed. After all, Naruto's Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu was too powerful, making him quite envious.
"The Shadow Clone Technique is about quality, not quantity," Kitazawa patiently explained. "With the Shadow Clone Technique, your strength will increase significantly, allowing you to use many more combat strategies."
"That's right!" Sasuke's spirits lifted as he spoke. Just now, he had thought of a way to deal with Naruto.
Although Naruto could instantly dispel genjutsu, it still took time. If he and his Shadow Clone used genjutsu on Naruto in a relay, they could extend that tiny bit of time.
Even if it was just one second, it would be enough for him to win.
Just as Kitazawa was about to speak, three lines of text appeared before his eyes.
[Current Mission: Help Uchiha Sasuke defeat Uzumaki Naruto once in a practical test.
Mission Reward: Genjutsu: Unknown Fire.]
[Accept?]
This can also trigger a mission?
But Kitazawa's first reaction was whether this mission would disrupt his plan. However, after thinking it over carefully, it wouldn't; in fact, it might even be better.
First, let Sasuke win once.
After he gets overconfident, if he then loses during the Student Council selection practical, the emotional impact would definitely be doubled.
The question was, how to complete this mission? Could Sasuke defeat Naruto now?
How to put it? There was hope.
Before Naruto learned Rasengan, if Sasuke had learned the Shadow Clone Technique and had some practical special training, it would have been enough.
Fortunately, the Shadow Clone Technique wasn't too difficult.
"Let's start now," Kitazawa snapped back to attention and said.
As he expected, Sasuke learned the Shadow Clone Technique much faster than Inuzuka Kiba. Kitazawa estimated he could learn it within a week.
Time slowly passed, and it was noon in the blink of an eye.
After lunch, Kitazawa told Sasuke and Hinata to go for their nap while he left the Ninja Academy.
Although there was still half a month until the Student Council selection practical, he planned to invite Uchiha Fugaku and the others first.
The reason was simple.
Ninja always had missions. A difficult mission could easily take ten days, half a month, or even several months to a year.
By inviting them first, they could make time in advance.
---
The Uchiha Clan's compound.
Kitazawa had been there many times and was quite familiar with the way. He quickly arrived at Sasuke's house.
Kitazawa raised his hand and knocked on the door.
A moment later, the door opened.
It wasn't Uchiha Mikoto who appeared before Kitazawa, but a girl who looked about twelve or thirteen years old.
Kitazawa was slightly startled.
Who was this? He didn't recall Uchiha Mikoto having a daughter.
"Are you looking for Aunt Mikoto?" the girl looked him over and asked.
"Yes." Kitazawa nodded and introduced himself, "I'm Sasuke's teacher, Kitazawa."
"You're Teacher Kitazawa?" A smile immediately appeared on the girl's face, and she said, "Itachi mentioned you. Itachi rarely talks about the Ninja from other clans."
"What's your name?" Kitazawa's heart stirred, and a name surfaced in his mind.
"Uchiha Izumi," the girl replied.
Kitazawa thought, Sure enough.
In the original work, Uchiha Izumi and Uchiha Itachi were the same age and classmates. Her father was a Ninja from another clan, and her mother, Uchiha Hazuki, was a Ninja of the Uchiha Clan.
It wasn't until her father's death that she and her mother moved back to live in the Uchiha Clan's compound.
Uchiha Izumi was gentle and kind, and one of Uchiha Itachi's few good friends. But unfortunately, she died during the night of the Uchiha Clan's massacre.
It's worth mentioning that Uchiha Izumi awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan during the night of the massacre, which definitely made her a genius.
She had feelings for Uchiha Itachi and had even confessed to him.
Of course, the result was obvious; it wasn't successful. After all, Uchiha Itachi's mind was completely focused on Sasuke and Konoha Village.
"Izumi, who is it?" Uchiha Mikoto's voice came from the living room.
"It's Teacher Kitazawa," Uchiha Izumi turned and replied.
"Teacher Kitazawa, please come in quickly." Upon hearing this, Uchiha Mikoto immediately rushed to the door, smiling.
"Mrs. Mikoto," Kitazawa greeted her and walked into the living room.
"Teacher Kitazawa, please have some tea," Uchiha Izumi brought a cup of hot tea and handed it to him.
"Thank you," Kitazawa took the hot tea, and took a sip.
"Teacher Kitazawa, is there something you need, visiting at noon?" Uchiha Mikoto proactively said, "If it's urgent, I'll call Fugaku back right now."
These two short sentences made Kitazawa realize the benefits of his elevated status.
Previously, Uchiha Mikoto, though warm, wouldn't easily trouble Uchiha Fugaku.
After all, Uchiha Fugaku was the clan head and also responsible for the Konoha Military Police Force, so he was quite busy.
Unless it was a distinguished guest, Uchiha Mikoto naturally wouldn't inform him.
"It's nothing urgent," Kitazawa shook his head and stated his true purpose. "I'd like to invite you all to attend the Student Council selection exam."
He then emphasized the Student Council selection exam and mentioned that Hiruzen Sarutobi would be attending.
"I see." After Uchiha Mikoto finished listening, she promised, "We will definitely be there."
Just the fact that Sarutobi Hiruzen would be attending was enough reason for them to go. Not to mention the invitation from Kitazawa, who was presumably Tsunade's student.
By all accounts, they should go.
"It would be best if Clan Head Fugaku and Itachi could also attend," Kitazawa reminded them. "Sasuke often tells me that he hopes to receive praise from his father and brother."
"That child truly cares about his father and brother," Uchiha Mikoto said with a smile upon hearing this. "I'll tell them."
"Can I go?" Uchiha Izumi asked expectantly.
She heard that Uchiha Itachi would be going, so she became interested as well.
"Of course you can," Kitazawa glanced at her and said. "The Student Council selection exam is a rare grand event at the Ninja Academy. The more spectators, the better."
"In that case, I can inform the Uchiha Clan's Ninja, so those who are free can come and watch," Uchiha Mikoto said thoughtfully.
Kitazawa couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Sasuke, you can't blame me for this; it's your mother's arrangement.
"Whatever works," Kitazawa said, accepting all suggestions.
"Teacher Kitazawa, is there anything else?" Uchiha Mikoto smiled gently and said. "If not, you can stay for lunch."
"I've already had lunch."
Kitazawa was about to take his leave when he suddenly had an idea. He looked at Uchiha Izumi and asked, "Izumi, are you a Genin now?"
"Yes," Uchiha Izumi nodded and said.
"Then are you interested in participating in next month's Chunin Exams?" Kitazawa asked again.
"Huh?" Uchiha Izumi was startled, a look of confusion on her face.
"It's like this," Kitazawa explained the whole story to her.
"But I—"
Before Uchiha Izumi could finish, Uchiha Mikoto interrupted her.
"Since it's Teacher Kitazawa's invitation, of course, you should accept," Uchiha Mikoto said with a smile. "It just so happens that Izumi doesn't have a team leader or teammates."
--
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P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)