"Kakashi-sensei, see you tomorrow."
Sasuke greeted Kakashi and then left the Ninja Academy. As a Uchiha, though arrogant, he understood how to respect the strong. Kakashi had displayed formidable strength, thus earning his recognition.
"Kakashi… the name sounds familiar, and his appearance is quite unique. Big Brother might know him."
Sasuke thought to himself as he returned to the Uchiha Clan's compound. He opened the door, and a smile immediately appeared on his face.
"Big Brother!" Sasuke quickly took off his shoes and ran over.
"What did Kitazawa-sensei teach you during today's winter break special training?" Uchiha Itachi reached out, patted his brother's head, and asked with a smile.
"It wasn't Kitazawa-sensei; it was a new teacher named Kakashi." Sasuke tilted his head. "Big Brother, do you know him? He wears a mask, and only one eye is visible."
"How could it be Kakashi-senpai?" Uchiha Itachi couldn't help but be surprised.
"Big Brother's senpai?" Sasuke's eyes brightened with understanding. "No wonder he's so powerful."
"Kakashi-senpai really went to the Ninja Academy to be a teacher?" Itachi suddenly remembered what Kitazawa had mentioned.
"Yes." Sasuke nodded. "Kitazawa-sensei said so."
"Although I don't know what Kakashi-senpai is thinking, it's your luck that he can teach you," Itachi warned. "You must be obedient when you're with him; he's very strict."
"I know." Sasuke had already experienced Kakashi's strictness today.
"What is Kakashi-senpai teaching you? Genjutsu or Fire Release?" Itachi asked curiously.
"He also knows Genjutsu and Fire Release?" Sasuke's eyes widened in surprise. "Adding Lightning Release and Earth Release… doesn't that mean he knows four types of ninjutsu?"
"Not just four types. He knows seven types of ninjutsu," Itachi said with a faint smile. "He's a famous super genius in Konoha, becoming a Jonin at just twelve years old."
"Twelve years old?" Sasuke's jaw dropped. Wasn't that right after graduating from the Academy?
"That's why he's called a super genius." Itachi gently tapped Sasuke's forehead with his finger. "In short, he's more than qualified to be your teacher."
There was one more thing Itachi didn't say—that Kakashi was the only non-Uchiha ninja to possess the Sharingan. But that matter involved Uchiha Obito and the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze. For Sasuke, it was too early. It would be best if Kakashi told him personally.
"I understand!"
Sasuke's spirits lifted. With the guidance of a super genius like Kakashi, his strength would surely advance by leaps and bounds.
By next semester, he might even be able to defeat Naruto and Yakumo.
"You still haven't told me what Kakashi-senpai taught you," Itachi reminded him.
"It's Lightning Release." Sasuke grinned. "I just learned today that I have both lightning and fire attributes."
"Lightning Release?" Itachi was surprised once again.
To be fair, he felt it wasn't quite appropriate. Sasuke was still too young.
Genjutsu and Fire Release were already enough to occupy his training. Adding Lightning Release—did he really have the energy for it?
Itachi pondered for a moment, then chose to trust in Kitazawa and Kakashi. Neither would intentionally harm Sasuke.
"I'm home." Uchiha Fugaku's steady voice sounded from the doorway.
"Dad!" Sasuke immediately went to greet him.
"What are you two talking about?" Fugaku asked, glancing at Itachi.
"I have a new teacher today!" Sasuke said excitedly. "Dad, you'll never guess who it is."
"Who is it?" Fugaku asked casually. In his mind, besides Kitazawa, all Academy teachers were just Chunin—not worth paying attention to.
"Kakashi!" Sasuke said proudly.
"Who did you say?" Fugaku suddenly froze, his tone sharp.
"Kakashi," Sasuke repeated. "Big Brother says he's a super genius!"
"You became his student?" Fugaku's gaze sharpened, and he asked quickly.
"Yes." Sasuke tilted his head, confused by his father's expression. "What's wrong?"
"Kakashi-senpai left the Anbu today and became a teacher at the Academy," Itachi explained, realizing Fugaku had misunderstood.
"Is that so…" Fugaku secretly regretted his reaction.
Kakashi was the student of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
If Sasuke became his student, it would mean joining the Hokage lineage. And shinobi of the Hokage lineage had another title—Hokage candidates.
Of course, age was a factor. Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and Utatane Koharu were also of the Hokage lineage, but they were too old to be considered.
The current Hokage candidates were Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Kakashi. Although Kakashi had the lowest popularity, he was indeed qualified to compete for the title.
"Kakashi's strength is good. You should build a strong relationship with him," Fugaku instructed.
Undoubtedly, this was a good thing. Sasuke now had another excellent teacher. Whether it was Kitazawa or Kakashi, as long as it succeeded, it would benefit him.
Of course, Fugaku leaned more toward Kitazawa. After all, Kitazawa's teacher was Tsunade, and her becoming the Fifth Hokage was already nearly certain. Kakashi's teacher, Minato Namikaze, was gone—and a dead Hokage held little influence.
Itachi could easily guess what his father was thinking. Still, this was a matter that could help ease relations between the Uchiha Clan and the village.
For now, Danzo had ceased his activities after Root's heavy losses. The Uchiha Clan, too, had grown more peaceful under Fugaku's warning and Tsunade's forceful suppression of Danzo multiple times.
This was a situation Itachi had never thought possible—yet here it was.
"Itachi, come to my room. I have something to ask you," Fugaku said, patting Sasuke's head before entering.
"I'll be back soon." Itachi smiled at Sasuke and followed his father inside.
"I just received news from the Anbu that a Jonin meeting will be held on Sunday morning."
Uchiha Fugaku asked directly, "The Jonin meeting hasn't been held for almost a year; do you know what it's about?"
He had Itachi join the Anbu precisely to act as a spy, to know the movements of Konoha's high-ranking officials. And every time a Jonin meeting was held, it meant something big was happening.
"I don't know the specific reason." Uchiha Itachi paused and said, "Perhaps it's related to Kitazawa; Kitazawa has been in and out of the Hokage Office most frequently these past few days."
"Are they going to announce the news of Kitazawa becoming Tsunade's student?" Uchiha Fugaku asked thoughtfully.
"It's possible." Uchiha Itachi nodded.
---
The time came on Sunday, the first week of winter break was also coming to an end.
At the Ninja Academy training ground.
Normally, Naruto and the others would arrive at eight o'clock, but today they arrived half an hour early. In addition, Yakushi Kabuto, Shikamaru, and others who were not participating in the special training were all present.
"Kitazawa-sensei asked me to inform you." Karin spoke first, "He has a Jonin meeting this morning, so he wants us to train on our own."
"Then, should we invite Kitazawa-sensei to eat at noon or in the evening?" Naruto scratched his head and asked.
"It's best to set it for noon." Kabuto adjusted his glasses and said, "In the evening, Kitazawa-sensei will definitely be eating with Lady Tsunade and them."
"Hmm." Karin nodded. "My mom also told me to go home for dinner in the evening."
"But we don't know when the Jonin meeting will end." Ino frowned. "What if we miss lunch?"
"I did some research, and on average, Jonin meetings last about three hours." Kabuto smiled gently and speculated, "There hasn't been anything major happening in Konoha Village lately, so I don't think it will last three hours."
"You even researched that?" Shikamaru's eyes widened.
"I had nothing to do yesterday," Kabuto said casually.
"Then let's set it for noon!" Naruto clenched his fists, as if preparing for a battle. "Let's go to the BBQ restaurant early and get ready!"
"Hinata, have you reserved a private room?" Shikamaru looked at Hinata.
"I've booked the barbecue restaurant we went to last time with Kitazawa-sensei. No one will disturb us today." Hinata nodded softly.
"Ah?" Shikamaru and the others exclaimed in surprise.
"Wh-what's wrong?" Hinata blinked, confused.
"You're so rich!" Sakura said, her face full of envy.
"How did you convince your dad to give you so much money?" Ino asked curiously.
"He gave it to me voluntarily." Hinata tilted her head. "I didn't ask him for it."
Currently, Tsunade was at the height of her power, just one step away from becoming the Fifth Hokage. Kitazawa had a close relationship with her, so Hyuga Hiashi was very generous in investing in him.
Ino was speechless. Same village, different dads, different treatment. Although her dad also gave her money, he wouldn't give that much.
"Who's going to call Kitazawa-sensei?" Shino reminded, "This task is the most difficult; we can't let Kitazawa-sensei discover the problem."
"I'll go." Kabuto volunteered.
"Kabuto-senpai will handle it, no problem!" Naruto immediately agreed.
He was still deeply impressed by how Kabuto had used the Uchiha Clan's prestige to teach that gift shop owner a lesson last time.
"Indeed." Shikamaru echoed.
Sasuke, Neji, and the others also nodded in agreement.
"Alright then." Kabuto clapped his hands. "Everyone, continue training."
The time came to eight o'clock.
Although it was Sunday, the Hokage Building was unusually lively due to the Jonin meeting.
"Is Tsunade not coming?" Sarutobi Hiruzen said after listening to Anbu Ninja Hare's report. "Never mind, it doesn't matter if she doesn't come."
Just then, another Anbu Ninja walked in.
"Hokage-sama." The Anbu bowed slightly. "Danzo-sama will arrive shortly."
"What a bother." Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately felt a headache coming on.
"Hiruzen!" Danzo's voice arrived before he did. "Why wasn't I informed of this Jonin meeting?"
"I didn't inform you because I hoped you would calm down and reorganize Root." Sarutobi Hiruzen said in a serious tone.
In reality, he didn't want to see Danzo and Tsunade clash again, which was why he hadn't informed him.
"Root's reorganization is complete." Danzo was very displeased, emphasizing, "I am the Hokage's assistant and the leader of Root; how can a Jonin meeting be without me?"
When he learned that he hadn't been informed of this Jonin meeting, his heart turned cold. Because in his opinion, this was a sign of his loss of power.
"Since you want to attend, then attend." Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand.
Anyway, Tsunade had already made it clear she wouldn't come, so Danzo's attendance made no difference.
"I—" Danzo was stunned.
He had expected a fierce debate with Sarutobi Hiruzen, but it was so easy? Then why hadn't he been informed in the first place?
---
At eight-thirty in the morning.
Although the Jonin meeting was scheduled for nine, many Special Jonin and Jonin had already arrived early.
This included Kitazawa. He had originally intended to come later, but Kurenai couldn't stand it and kicked him out of the house.
After Kitazawa entered the meeting room, he scanned around and found many familiar faces.
For example, Hyuga Hiashi, Nara Shikaku, and Shibi Aburame, among others.
Kitazawa's gaze finally landed on Kakashi and Might Guy. Normally, Anbu's Special Jonin and Jonin did not need to attend Jonin meetings. After all, their identities were confidential. Moreover, as Anbu, they only needed to obey the Hokage's orders.
Kakashi had now left Anbu, so he naturally had to attend.
As for Might Guy—unlike his father, Maito Dai, who remained a Genin for many years—he had become a Jonin early on. Kakashi became a Jonin at twelve, while Guy achieved it at sixteen. From this, it could be seen that Might Guy's talent was much higher than Maito Dai's.
Kitazawa was about to go over when he heard someone calling him. He instinctively looked over and saw it was Nara Shikaku. To his left and right sat Akimichi Choza and Inoichi Yamanaka.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Nara Shikaku said with a smile, "If there's no seat, you can sit here."
"Thank you." Seeing this, Kitazawa didn't stand on ceremony.
The four started chatting. During the conversation, Akimichi Choza also mentioned that Akimichi Choji would undergo special training next semester. Kitazawa naturally welcomed it.
At nine o'clock in the morning, the door to the meeting room opened, and Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo walked in. The chatting crowd immediately quieted down.
Kitazawa subconsciously glanced at Danzo. He was confused as to why it wasn't Tsunade. But he had to admit—Tsunade was impressive. She could even skip a Jonin meeting.
The next second, Kitazawa felt a cold gaze sweep over him. It was Danzo. Kitazawa wasn't surprised. He was definitely on Danzo's blacklist. No help for it—Tsunade always dragged him along whenever she caused trouble.
Fortunately, Kitazawa now holds many positions. Unless absolutely necessary, Danzo wouldn't try to kill him.
"Today's Jonin meeting is mainly to announce two things." Sarutobi Hiruzen said after sitting down.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. Besides the genius class, was there anything else?
"Since its establishment, the Ninja Academy has cultivated many excellent Ninjas for Konoha Village." Sarutobi Hiruzen said unhurriedly, "But over the years, the Ninja Academy has encountered quite a few problems."
Everyone understood immediately. This meant a reform of the Ninja Academy.
"There are two main problems: first, the teachers' skill level is insufficient, and second, genius students aren't receiving special treatment." Hiruzen waved his hand and said, "After discussions between Kitazawa and me, we've put together a plan. Please take a look."
Anbu Ninja Hare, next to him, immediately picked up a stack of documents and began distributing them.
"Kakashi, you actually went to become a Ninja Academy teacher?" Might Guy asked, surprised, after reading the document.
"Mm," Kakashi said indifferently.
"It's a pity my training isn't suitable for most students; otherwise, I would also go to be a Ninja Academy teacher." Might Guy said with great regret.
Of course, there was another reason. After becoming a Ninja Academy teacher, he wouldn't have as much time for training. What suited him best was being a squad leader, leading three students, and training together.
Unlike Might Guy, Uchiha Fugaku, Nara Shikaku, and others thought more deeply. Even Elite Jonin like Kakashi and Kosuke Maruboshi were transferred to be teachers, Sarutobi Hiruzen definitely valued this genius class greatly.
Coupled with the fact that it gathered the most talented students, there was no doubt that this genius class would produce a large number of Konoha's future pillars.
And these pillars would all be classmates, which was practically a new Ninja faction second only to the Hokage lineage.
Many Jonin at this moment were thinking of having their children enter this genius class. As for some Ninja clan leaders, they were considering sending Jonin from their clan to teach in the genius class.
There was no doubt that a future Hokage might even come from this genius class. If one could be a future Hokage's teacher, the benefits would naturally be immense.
Danzo thought a lot but ultimately gave up on all of it. Because he knew that Hiruzen would never let him interfere with the genius class. Aside from staging a farce of "you will regret it," there would be no result.
"The second matter." Hiruzen said in a deep voice, "Over the past year, Kitazawa has performed exceptionally well, so starting today, he will serve as the Vice Principal."
"…..?" Kitazawa looked bewildered. Such a promotion was truly beyond his expectations.
The Vice Principal of the Ninja Academy might seem insignificant, but in reality, he held great power. In terms of status, he could be equivalent to the Anbu Commander or the Head of the Konoha Military Police Force. In that sense, Kitazawa was already a high-ranking Konoha official.
Moreover, the Principal of the Ninja Academy was always held by the Hokage. Becoming Vice Principal undoubtedly made him a trusted confidant of the Hokage.
"Kitazawa-sensei, congratulations!" Nara Shikaku and others nearby offered their congratulations.
"Thank you," Kitazawa responded to each of them.
Although quite sudden, becoming the Vice Principal of the Ninja Academy had many benefits, so he naturally wouldn't refuse.