"Kitazawa-sensei, see you next time." Uchiha Mikoto stood at the door, watching Kitazawa leave.
"Aunt Mikoto." Uchiha Izumi finally couldn't hold back and said, "I already have a Team leader and teammates."
"I know." Uchiha Mikoto withdrew her gaze and looked at her.
"Then why did you agree to Kitazawa-sensei?" Uchiha Izumi was stunned and asked subconsciously.
"Your Team leader, I remember, is a Jonin from the clan. I just need to tell him." Uchiha Mikoto said indifferently.
Normally, after graduating from the Ninja Academy, students are assigned a Jonin leader and teammates.
But as a prominent Ninja clan in Konoha Village, they have certain privileges, such as appointing a squad leader.
Uchiha Izumi is a genius of the Uchiha Clan, so a Uchiha Jonin was appointed as her teacher.
Besides that, there was another reason. Sharingan, a foreign Ninja, cannot teach it. Appointing a Uchiha Jonin could help Uchiha Izumi grow faster.
"I don't understand." Uchiha Izumi's face was full of confusion.
After all, Kitazawa is not a Uchiha, and he doesn't have the Sharingan, so he isn't suitable to be her Team leader.
"Kitazawa's identity is special. For you to become his student would be very beneficial, both for you and for the Uchiha."
Uchiha Mikoto stroked her head and asked with a smile, "As for the Sharingan, I'll let Itachi teach you, how about that?"
"Really?" Uchiha Izumi immediately became happy.
"Of course, it's true." Uchiha Mikoto paused and said, "And Kitazawa-sensei is even more powerful than you imagine. You won't lose out by being his student."
Her judgment was based on Sasuke.
Before enrolling, Sasuke, though showing some talent, was far from Uchiha Itachi.
However, after he enrolled, he made rapid progress, not only awakening his Sharingan early but also mastering various Genjutsu, Fire Release, and Taijutsu.
Before enrollment, he was an ordinary genius; after enrollment, he became a super genius.
The reason for all of this lay with Kitazawa.
"Mm." Uchiha Izumi nodded and then said, "I just don't know how strong my new teammates are."
"The teammates Kitazawa-sensei chooses definitely won't be bad." Uchiha Mikoto smiled and said, "Besides, with your strength, passing the Chunin Exams won't be a problem."
"That's true." Uchiha Izumi perked up and said, "Itachi is already an Anbu squad leader, I can't fall too far behind him."
---
The time came to the afternoon.
Students from First Year Class A and Second Year Class A arrived at the Training Ground on time.
Today was Monday, and also the day for another practical combat test.
Kitazawa, through some manipulation, arranged for Sasuke to face Yakumo Kurama. Without a doubt, it was another defeat for Sasuke.
He stood rooted to the spot, his body trembling slightly. Losing so badly every time made him feel very humiliated.
Amidst his frustration, his desire for victory grew even stronger. At the same time, he resolved to complete Kitazawa's special training as soon as possible to improve his own strength.
"Class dismissed." Kitazawa clapped his hands and said, "See you tomorrow."
Today's practical combat test, to his surprise, involved Hyuga Neji and Hinata.
Both of them had improved in Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms; the former reached twelve palms, and the latter reached fourteen palms.
As for Sasuke, Naruto, and Inuzuka Kiba, they all performed normally.
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!"
The students from both classes scattered, running towards the outside of the school.
Sasuke's face fell again. He didn't want to talk to anyone and turned to leave.
Kitazawa saw this and couldn't help but smile.
But he couldn't smile for long, because it was time to learn the Chakra Enhanced Strength. After three hours of being beaten by Tsunade, Monday drew to a close.
---
Saturday.
Kitazawa arrived at the Ninja Academy's Training Ground after breakfast.
Because it was the weekend, the school was very quiet, with no one in sight, but it wasn't completely empty.
On the Training Ground, three people were already waiting.
Kabuto, Aburame Torune, and Uchiha Izumi.
When Kitazawa arrived, he saw a very familiar scene again.
Kabuto was animatedly chatting with his two teammates.
Kitazawa thought to himself, as expected of the big villain from the original work, his social skills are already maxed out.
The fourth week of November seemed rather uneventful.
In the past five days, nothing major had happened, except for Sasuke's two crushing defeats.
But there was also good news.
Sasuke successfully mastered the Shadow Clone Technique.
Coupled with the Body Flicker Technique, he now had a much higher chance of winning against Naruto. But it was still not stable enough.
Kitazawa had already told Sasuke to start practical combat training next Monday.
But for now, he had to fulfill his duties as a Team leader.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Kabuto noticed him and quickly stopped talking.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Aburame Torune and Uchiha Izumi also immediately greeted him.
"Since you all already know each other, I don't need to waste any more words. You will participate in next week's Chunin Exams as a team."
Kitazawa nodded slightly and said.
"Yes." The three said in unison.
"The Chunin Exams process is very simple and can be divided into three stages: written test, team battle, and individual battle."
Kitazawa explained.
He had researched beforehand that the Chunin Exams held within Konoha Village were similar to the joint Chunin Exams in the original work.
The only difference was the team battle, which wasn't necessarily about competing for scrolls in the Death Forest.
"Your mission for these two days is team bonding."
Kitazawa said with a slight smile, "As for the method of bond, it's very simple: practical combat."
"Are we three challenging each other?" Uchiha Izumi raised her hand and asked.
To be honest, she was very curious about the strength of Kabuto and Aburame Torune. If she could challenge them, it would be a good opportunity to understand them.
"No." Kitazawa shook his head and said, "It's the three of you challenging me."
"Huh?" Uchiha Izumi was taken aback.
Kabuto and Aburame Torune also looked surprised.
"I believe you will perform excellently in the written test and individual battles, but in team battles, you have never cooperated before."
Kitazawa explained, "This is what I mean by team bonding. I will be your whetstone."
"Kitazawa-sensei." Aburame Torune hesitated and asked, "Can I use my Kikaichu?"
"What? Are you worried you can poison me?" Kitazawa heard the underlying meaning in his words and said with a smile, "I am a Medical Ninja, after all. You don't need to be afraid."
Aburame Torune's Kikaichu were indeed powerful, but he was not a Jonin yet. Kitazawa had ways to prevent his Kikaichu from even touching him. Even if they did, it wouldn't matter. He had learned many detoxification methods from Tsunade and Nono Yakushi.
In the original work, Sakura, after becoming Tsunade's student, was able to cure Sasori's poison. Even Sasori's poison had stumped the entire Sunagakure, including Chiyo.
"The team battle arena for the Chunin Exams is often not flat ground; they choose a slightly complex terrain, like a forest."
Kitazawa looked left and right and said, "We'll conduct the practical combat in that small grove."
Kabuto, Aburame Torune, and Uchiha Izumi followed him into the small grove.
"You can discuss for ten minutes first," Kitazawa stopped and said.
Kabuto immediately began discussing with his two teammates. Kitazawa did not eavesdrop, standing still and waiting quietly.
"We've discussed it, Kitazawa-sensei," Kabuto spoke in less than ten minutes.
"Begin." Kitazawa nodded and said.
The next second, all three disappeared, hiding themselves. Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. As expected, Uzumaki Naruto was the anomaly. Ninja, the very word 'nin' implies everything; surprise attacks are the correct way to fight.
Kitazawa assessed the strengths of the three of them—Kabuto, skilled in Medical Ninjutsu and Wind Release Ninjutsu. Aburame Torune, nano-level Kikaichu, and the secret techniques of the Aburame Clan. Uchiha Izumi, One-Tomoe Sharingan, Fire Release, and Taijutsu.
Just then, the air distorted, and a huge fireball appeared out of nowhere. But that wasn't all; after the fireball came a gust of wind. The appearance of the wind immediately boosted the fireball's power, making it resemble the sun.
"Wind Release combined with Fire Release, that's quite a thought." Kitazawa was a bit surprised, but then he remembered that the mastermind was Kabuto and found it reasonable.
"Will it succeed?" Uchiha Izumi asked with a tense voice and a stern face.
"It's difficult," Kabuto shook his head and said. "Kitazawa-sensei's strength is too great. Our offense will likely be ineffective."
"Is he that amazing?" Uchiha Izumi was stunned and asked.
Her understanding of Kitazawa was mainly from Uchiha Itachi. Overall, there were two main impressions. First, his teaching level was very high. Second, he was an excellent Medical Ninja. However, Itachi didn't mention much about other aspects.
"Teacher Kitazawa possesses the strength of an Elite Jonin."
Unlike Uchiha Izumi, Kabuto had witnessed Kitazawa's battle with an Iwagakure Jonin and knew his true strength.
"Elite Jonin?" Uchiha Izumi's face showed surprise. A Ninja Academy teacher possessing the strength of an Elite Jonin?
But in the next second, she witnessed Kitazawa's formidable power firsthand.
A roar echoed. A ferocious Water Dragon appeared out of thin air in the grove. It crashed head-on into the fireball. Water and fire collided, producing a booming sound. In an instant, a large amount of mist was generated.
But the fireball didn't last long before being completely swallowed by the Water Dragon.
"So it was a triple offensive," Kitazawa raised an eyebrow and said.
The Water Dragon he unleashed also struck something else—Aburame Torune's nano-sized venomous insects. These venomous insects were hidden behind Kabuto and Uchiha Izumi's Ninjutsu. Concealed by the Ninjutsu, they appeared even more inconspicuous.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
Kitazawa formed hand signs without hesitation. The Water Dragon didn't have much effect on the nano-sized venomous insects.
Flames, carrying scorching heat, immediately rose in front of him. To ensure all the nano-sized venomous insects were completely annihilated, he directly exhaled a five-meter-tall Great Fireball.
"So big!"
Uchiha Izumi's eyes widened as she said in disbelief. She had seen many Fire Release: Great Fireball Techniques, but few could compare to Kitazawa's. An outsider was actually more proficient in Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique than a Uchiha?
"As expected, it had no effect." Kabuto turned his head and asked, "Torune, how are you?"
"I'm fine," Aburame Torune's face was slightly pale as he said. "It's just that too many venomous insects died; I need to replenish them using Secret Jutsu: Insect Cocoon."
Whether nano-sized venomous insects or Kikaichu, their usage was similar; they could be bred using Chakra.
"Izumi, execute the second battle plan."
Kabuto immediately formed hand signs and used the Shadow Clone Technique. His Shadow Clone then used the Transformation Technique to transform into Uchiha Izumi's appearance.
A whooshing sound echoed. Kitazawa turned his head to see a fierce gust of wind assailing him.
Water Release: Water Wall!
A wall of water rose in front of him. The strong wind was immediately blocked and surged to both sides.
Kabuto appeared from the side with a Body Flicker Technique.
Wind Release: Vacuum Blade!
He held a kunai imbued with Wind Release Chakra and slashed at Kitazawa.
At the same time, Uchiha Izumi raised her hand and threw a large number of kunai and shuriken from the other side.
Wind Release: Vacuum Blade!
Kitazawa casually pulled out a kunai to meet it.
A clang!
Kabuto felt the immense force transmitted through the kunai. He was forced back several steps.
Kitazawa glanced at him, then ignored him, turned around, and swung his blade.
After the kunai was imbued with Wind Release Chakra, it transformed into a short sword.
The kunai and shuriken thrown by Uchiha Izumi were immediately deflected.
Body Flicker Technique!
Uchiha Izumi appeared in front of him and kicked toward his abdomen.
Kabuto steadied his stance and quickly formed hand signs. Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken!
The spinning shuriken flew forward, arriving almost simultaneously with Uchiha Izumi's flying kick.
Kitazawa was about to counterattack when his pupils suddenly constricted. From the ground beneath him, dense venomous insects swarmed upward.
Konoha-Style Body Flicker!
Kitazawa's body instantly dissolved into a swirl of leaves and vanished from his spot.
"Oh no!" Kabuto subconsciously reached out.
But the Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken could no longer be recalled and struck Uchiha Izumi head-on.
With a puff of smoke, her body dispersed into the air.
"As expected, it was a Shadow Clone," Kitazawa muttered as his real body reappeared.
He formed a hand sign with one hand, turning swiftly to confront the real Uchiha Izumi.
Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death!
Uchiha Izumi met his gaze, and before she could even react, she found herself tightly bound against a massive tree.
Genjutsu? she realized instantly, her Sharingan trembling as it tried to dispel the illusion. Although she managed to break free just in time, it was already too late.
Kitazawa delivered a controlled whirlwind kick, sending her flying. Of course, he had held back.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
Kabuto formed hand signs without hesitation, leaning back before exhaling a large gust of wind. Aburame Torune seized the opening and once again directed his venomous insects forward in relentless pursuit.
Uchiha Izumi quickly recovered and pulled at the air with both hands. The shuriken scattered across the ground immediately sprang upward.
This was the Manipulating Shuriken Technique, a signature skill of the Uchiha Clan. Kitazawa was slightly surprised.
The cooperation between the three of them was remarkably smooth, completely unlike that of a team training together for the first time.
Is this the advantage of having a strategic teammate?
Of course, he was referring to Kabuto. Although Kabuto was young, he had been a spy for years, carrying experience and a broad tactical perspective.
Under his guidance, the small team displayed extraordinary combat efficiency. However, this was only possible because Aburame Torune and Uchiha Izumi were far from ordinary Genin.
An hour later, the battle concluded.
Kabuto, Uchiha Izumi, and Aburame Torune lay sprawled on the ground, exhausted.
They had exhausted every trick they had, yet none of their efforts had any effect on Kitazawa.
"Your cooperation is good, but there are still some flaws," Kitazawa remarked, taking advantage of their rest to point out each mistake.
Still, he was very satisfied. At least among Chunin-level shinobi, the trio could be considered formidable.
Especially Kabuto—there was almost nothing to criticize. Capable of fighting, healing, and commanding, he was the ideal teammate every ninja squad dreamed of.
As expected of someone destined to become a major villain…
In the original work, no other shinobi reached such heights from a commoner's background like Kabuto.
"I look forward to your performance in the Chunin Exams," Kitazawa concluded.
"Thank you, Teacher Kitazawa," Kabuto said, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
To be honest, he was astonished. When he had first approached Kitazawa for help, it was merely to fill a team slot for the Chunin Exams.
He never expected Kitazawa to recruit two super-genius teammates for him.
Originally, Kabuto only wanted to qualify as a Chunin, but now he was considering forming a permanent team with Uchiha Izumi and Aburame Torune.
Normally, ninja teams were fixed. However, for the Chunin Exams, temporary teams could be arranged freely.
Uchiha Izumi finally understood what Uchiha Mikoto meant earlier. Judging by Kitazawa's displayed strength, he was far superior to her previous Jonin team leader.
Aside from lacking a Sharingan, he was practically the perfect instructor. Her teammates, likewise, were not inferior in any respect.
Aburame Torune, however, remained expressionless. He still maintained the Root mindset—just follow orders.
"This morning's practical training ends here. There will be another session at 4 PM," Kitazawa said after a moment of thought.
He was fine, but Kabuto and the others clearly couldn't handle more. Two training sessions per day would be ideal.
After dismissing them, Kitazawa turned and left.
His mission was far from over—he still had to cultivate Chakra Enhanced Strength and teach Kurenai sealing techniques.
After the weekend, only two days remained in November.
---
Monday morning.
Kitazawa arrived at the Ninja Academy training ground.
"Teacher Kitazawa!" Sasuke eagerly ran up to greet him.
"Let's begin our practical training," Kitazawa nodded. "Follow me."
They didn't spar on the training ground itself; doing so would disrupt Hinata and Shikamaru.
"To give you a better sense of immersion, I will transform into Naruto and only use the ninjutsu and taijutsu that Naruto knows," Kitazawa said.
Forming hand signs, his appearance instantly changed. In the blink of an eye, he became Uzumaki Naruto.
Sasuke frowned, feeling something strange about it, but he couldn't tell what.
"Begin." Kitazawa formed hand signs again, casting Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.
In a flash, forty shadow clones surrounded him. Previously, he could only manage twenty at most, but with his accumulated mission rewards, doubling that number was no problem.
"..."
Sasuke's mouth twitched. You don't have to be THAT accurate…
The battle began, and Sasuke was immediately thrown into a desperate struggle.
Compared to Naruto, the reckless brawler, Kitazawa was both courageous and calculating. Sasuke finally experienced just how terrifying the true Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu could be.
Even though Kitazawa held back, Sasuke still found himself beaten down without the chance to retaliate.