"The spar begins."
Kitazawa voluntarily acted as the referee.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
Seeing Kakashi stand still, Sasuke didn't hesitate. He leaned back and exhaled a massive fireball.
Waves of heat radiated outward, the fireball glowing like a miniature sun as it roared forward at terrifying speed.
Earth Release: Earth Wall!
Kakashi calmly formed hand seals. Before the fireball could reach him, an earthen wall carved with three dog heads rose from the ground.
With a deafening bang, the blazing sphere smashed into the wall, shattering into fragments of flame.
Shadow Clone Technique!
Realizing that Fire Release alone was ineffective, Sasuke immediately created two Shadow Clones.
Konoha Whirlwind!
The clones rushed at Kakashi from both sides, their movements sharp and coordinated.
But Kakashi, recognizing the familiar taijutsu, simply lifted his leg and unleashed a flurry of precise kicks. In an instant, both clones were destroyed.
Sasuke's pupils trembled violently. Just a single kick had been enough to disperse both of them?
Genjutsu: Unknown Fire!
He quickly formed another set of seals. His Two-Tomoe Sharingan pulsed, releasing an invisible wave toward Kakashi.
Kakashi ignored it completely. Using the Body Flicker Technique, he reappeared right in front of Sasuke and threw a clean, expressionless punch.
Sasuke instinctively raised his arms to block, but the next second, an overwhelming force surged through. His arms went numb, and his body was hurled backward uncontrollably.
Kitazawa appeared behind him, catching him gently and lowering him to the ground.
"Still want to fight?" Kakashi asked, his tone calm.
Sasuke looked up at him, dazed and shaken.
Though the exchange had been brief, he had been utterly suppressed. His resistance had been meaningless from start to finish. Even his specialty—genjutsu—had proven useless.
And Kakashi hadn't even shown his true strength. He had only used Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall and the Body Flicker Technique.
"Kakashi, has Sasuke passed the test?" Kitazawa chuckled.
"Half of it," Kakashi replied casually. "The other half depends on whether he has an affinity for Lightning Release."
"I definitely do!" Sasuke blurted instinctively, though his tone lacked its usual confidence.
"Then start with Lightning Release: Chakra Nature Transformation," Kakashi instructed.
"Kakashi, I'll leave Sasuke in your care. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be going."
Kitazawa patted Sasuke's shoulder with a smile. He planned to return later to observe when Kakashi began teaching Chidori.
At the Ninja Academy training ground, Naruto, Ino Yamanaka, and Hinata were already deep into training. Kitazawa scanned the area and then created two Shadow Clones.
"Teacher Kitazawa," Kabuto, Aburame Torune, and Uchiha Izumi—who had been waiting—walked up.
Kitazawa gave orders. One clone stayed behind at the training ground, while the other headed to the Artificial Lake.
"Let's go to the Mission Hall," Kitazawa said, leading his squad toward the Hokage Building.
"Teacher Kitazawa, what rank of mission are we taking this time?" Kabuto adjusted his glasses.
"B-Rank or A-Rank," Kitazawa replied casually, scanning the mission board.
Although his squad was strong, they were still far from Jonin level.
Kabuto and Aburame Torune were closer to Special Jonin at best, while Uchiha Izumi—with only her One-Tomoe Sharingan—was still just an elite Genin.
In the original timeline, Izumi had awakened her Three-Tomoe Sharingan during the Uchiha Clan Downfall. But with the clan's future uncertain now, that growth might never occur. Still, they were young, and their rise to Jonin was only a matter of time.
After searching for a while, Kitazawa frowned. As expected, there were no missions involving isolated Jonin.
"Teacher Kitazawa," Kabuto raised his hand, pointing, "what about this one?"
It was a B-Rank mission—to eliminate a band of rogue ninja who had seized a mine in the Land of Iron. They had no Jonin among them, but there were five Chunin.
It was, indeed, a perfect choice. In terms of difficulty, it was well-suited for their first high-level mission.
But Kitazawa quickly noticed—it didn't meet the system's requirements. Meaning it wouldn't help boost their squad's reputation.
He let out a quiet hum. He had overlooked someone—Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Missions came in two types: One, those posted on the Mission Hall board by daimyo, nobles, or merchants. Two, those directly issued by the Hokage.
"You all wait here," Kitazawa said, turning away. "I'll speak with Hokage-sama directly."
He had planned to see Hiruzen anyway—after all, Tsunade's newly developed ninjutsu needed to be reported.
"Kitazawa, perfect timing," Hiruzen said with a smile as Kitazawa entered. "I was just about to send Haru to inform you—Kosuke has agreed to become the teacher for the Genius Class."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama, for your assistance," Kitazawa responded quickly.
"It's all for Konoha. No need for thanks," Hiruzen replied indifferently.
"Hokage-sama," Kitazawa said, producing a scroll, "this is Lady Tsunade's latest psychological medical ninjutsu."
"Oh?" Hiruzen asked, genuinely surprised. "Why didn't Tsunade deliver it herself?"
"She's at the casino," Kitazawa answered, expression unchanging.
In reality, he could already guess Tsunade's reason for avoiding Hiruzen. Most likely, it was due to the arrangements Hiruzen had made after the Student Council's practical selection, which left her dissatisfied.
"She's still the same." Hiruzen didn't dwell on it and opened the scroll.
After finishing it, he fell into thought.
This Emotion Displacement Technique was far more useful than he had expected. His thoughts aligned with Kitazawa's—its applications extended to both psychological treatment and combat.
"An A-Rank Ninjutsu holds tremendous value." After a moment of consideration, Sarutobi Hiruzen said, "This time, I'll grant you two million ryō."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Kitazawa immediately responded.
"Tsunade's share of the money, you can pass on to her." Sarutobi Hiruzen stored the scroll away as he spoke.
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Kitazawa paused, then said, "There is something else I'd like to request your assistance with."
"What is it?" Sarutobi Hiruzen picked up his pipe, taking a puff with a satisfied expression.
"My ninja squad has carried out many D-Rank missions this past month, and the team members have grown very close to the villagers," Kitazawa spoke with a troubled look. "My next plan is to take on a suitable high-level mission, but I haven't been able to find one."
"Not just many—you've completed ninety D-Rank missions in less than a month. Your squad is truly remarkable," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with satisfaction. "And you've done them exceptionally well; countless villagers have given glowing feedback about you."
"It's all thanks to my three team members." Kitazawa shook his head humbly.
"Your squad does indeed have the strength for high-level missions." Hiruzen tapped his pipe thoughtfully and asked, "I also have several here. Do you have any specific requirements?"
For an ordinary ninja, he would never be this accommodating. But Kitazawa was Tsunade's disciple—his own grand-disciple by extension.
Moreover, Kitazawa was upright and outstanding, something Hiruzen greatly appreciated. Granting him preferential treatment was natural.
"Preferably a mission that involves a Jōnin," Kitazawa mused, "but my three team members aren't that strong yet, so it can't be overly dangerous."
"Your request is a difficult one." Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly chuckled, then said, "But in fact, there is one."
There really was? Kitazawa quickly expressed his gratitude.
"This is my private mission," Hiruzen said, his tone turning serious.
Kitazawa was momentarily stunned.
A private mission? His first thought was something trivial—like catching an adulterer. But Hiruzen's wife, Biwako Sarutobi, had already been killed by Uchiha Obito during the Nine-Tails' attack.
"It concerns Asuma," Hiruzen sighed. "He has always been rebellious, unwilling to remain in Konoha. He left for the Land of Fire and became one of the Guardian Shinobi."
At the mention of Sarutobi Asuma, Kitazawa's expression grew subtle.
Did Hiruzen truly not know about his relationship with Kurenai? Logically, he should have noticed. The two had never particularly gone out of their way to hide it.
"I recently received intelligence that there are problems within the Guardian Shinobi. They've split into two factions." Hiruzen's expression turned grave. "One faction is led by Asuma, the other by Kazuma. The two sides have already engaged in multiple fierce battles."
Kitazawa's mind stirred as he recalled the events from the original work. Though only briefly mentioned, it was true.
In short, Kazuma believed the Land of Fire should be ruled solely by the Daimyō, with no Hokage—placing all power in the Daimyō's hands. Naturally, this ideology was opposed by Asuma and others, leading to a violent schism between the factions.
The result? Kazuma's side suffered heavy losses, and the Guardian Shinobi were ultimately disbanded. Asuma returned to Konoha and became the squad leader of Shikamaru, Ino, and Chōji.
"Hokage-sama, are you asking me to go to the Land of Fire to assist Asuma?" Kitazawa asked.
"This matter involves the Daimyō, which makes it highly sensitive. I hadn't planned to send anyone," Hiruzen admitted, then nodded. "But you are one of the few suitable candidates—because your teacher is Tsunade."
Kitazawa understood after a moment's thought.
The Guardian Shinobi were the Daimyō's personal guards. Kazuma's ideology directly benefited the Daimyō. It was very likely he had the Daimyō's tacit support.
But Hiruzen, of course, wanted Asuma to prevail—not only because he represented the pro-Hokage faction, but also because he was his own son.
Still, as he said, this was a sensitive affair. If Konoha intervened openly, it would certainly draw the Daimyō's displeasure.
Kitazawa, however, was Tsunade's student. And Tsunade was closely acquainted with the Daimyō's family—one could even say she had deep ties with them.
"That being said, your going cannot be officially called my mission." Sarutobi Hiruzen thought for a moment, then said, "You'll simply say you happened to be passing through, remembered Asuma, and went to visit an old classmate."
Kitazawa suddenly realized. Besides being Tsunade's disciple, he also carried the identity of Sarutobi Asuma's former classmate.
In that case, even if the Daimyō harbored suspicions, there would be no proof. It had to be said—when it came to subtle maneuvering, Hiruzen was truly an old fox.
"I understand, Hokage-sama," Kitazawa replied in a steady tone. "Then our squad will take on this mission."
Dangerous? Yes. But it remained within acceptable limits.
There were twelve Guardian Shinobi in total. Of them, only Kazuma, Sarutobi Asuma, and Chiriku possessed Jōnin-level strength.
And besides, the outcome was already predetermined in the original story—Kazuma and his group were destined to lose.
Kitazawa and his Ninja squad just needed to go and blend in.
Of course, considering the system's mission requirements, he could look for an opportunity to eliminate Kazuma and his group. After all, the Guardian Shinobi had quite a reputation.
"This mission is designated as S-Rank, with a reward of one million ryo," Sarutobi Hiruzen said after a moment's thought.
Involving twelve Special Jonin and Jonin, and being related to the Land of Fire's Daimyo, designating it as S-Rank was quite reasonable.
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Kitazawa paused and asked, "Should I depart after the Jonin meeting?"
"You may," Hiruzen Sarutobi replied with a smile. "You don't need to worry too much. From what I know, Asuma and his group currently have the upper hand."
If it were too dangerous, he would never have sent Kitazawa and his squad. If something truly went wrong, Tsunade would tear down the Hokage Building herself.
After discussing the matter, Kitazawa left the Hokage's Office.
Hiruzen watched his retreating figure, then picked up his pipe and took another puff. He naturally knew that Kitazawa and Kurenai were very close.
He also knew that Sarutobi Asuma had been pursuing Kurenai, but young people in love should be left to fair competition.
Furthermore, with Kitazawa now connected to Tsunade, Sarutobi Hiruzen could not possibly intervene to help his son. That would be far too undignified.
Kitazawa returned to the mission hall. Although supporting Asuma felt a little strange, he saw this as an opportunity.
How to put it? Asuma was actually a good man. Kitazawa had no desire to clash with him over Kurenai.
It wouldn't be difficult to make him give up—after all, he had already won Kurenai's heart. All he needed to do was display his true strength.
The Ninja World ultimately respected power. If he were strong enough, then Asuma, no matter how unwilling, would have no choice but to admit defeat.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Kabuto and the other two quickly came forward to greet him.
"Let's go back," Kitazawa said with a smile. "I just accepted an S-Rank mission from Hokage-sama."
Kabuto and the others immediately showed surprise upon hearing this. Although their strength was decent, an S-Rank mission still felt far too early for them.
"What exactly is the mission?" Kabuto asked.
His instincts as an intelligence operative kicked in, and he was already analyzing. Since the third hokage entrusted this mission to them, it meant he believed they could complete it. The difficulty of this S-Rank mission might not be as severe as it sounded.
"I'll tell you when we reach the capital of the Land of Fire," Kitazawa replied, glancing at him. "You'll be responsible for gathering information then."
"Alright." Kabuto raised an eyebrow, understanding at once. This was Kitazawa's way of testing them. But intelligence gathering was his forte.
Still… what kind of S-Rank mission awaited them in the Land of Fire's capital? Could it be tied to the Daimyo?
"Go back and prepare well. We depart next Monday." Kitazawa reminded them, "This mission will likely keep us busy for a long time, so prepare for about half a month."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei," the three replied in unison.
"See you next Monday." Kitazawa parted ways with them at the entrance of the Hokage Building.
"Kitazawa?" Kurenai heard the door open and instinctively turned toward it. When she saw that it was indeed Kitazawa, a look of surprise lit up her face.
"Why are you back at this time?" she asked while practicing the Four-Limbs Weighting Seal.
Although it was vacation, because of the winter break's special training, Kitazawa usually only returned home around five or six in the evening. Now it wasn't even ten in the morning.
"I just accepted an S-Rank mission from Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa walked forward, his gaze lingering on her graceful figure, and spoke with a smile.
Kurenai was wearing a silk nightgown. It was thin and clung lightly to her body, accentuating her elegant curves.
"Why is it an S-Rank mission?" Kurenai asked sharply, her gaze tightening.
"It's a mission to support Sarutobi Asuma." Kitazawa briefly explained the mission's contents to her.
"This mission sounds dangerous. I'll go with you," Kurenai said without hesitation.
"Mm." Kitazawa paused, then brought up his previous thought.
"I'll follow your lead," Kurenai said softly, already understanding his meaning.
Displaying overwhelming strength to make Asuma retreat was undoubtedly the best method. After all, she didn't want to become complete enemies with him. They were classmates, after all.
"We'll depart next Monday," Kitazawa said as he stepped forward, slipping his arm around her waist.
"Next Monday? The timing is just right." Kurenai's lips curved into a smile. "We can celebrate your birthday before we go."
"You mentioning it made me realize—Sunday is the twenty-first." Kitazawa leaned down and kissed her delicate profile. "Thank you."
He had never cared much about birthdays. He was a lone wolf by nature. But this year, with Kurenai at his side, it would be far livelier than all the years before.
"What gift do you want?" Kurenai asked, kissing him back.
"Who asks directly like that?" Kitazawa teased, patting her softly. "Are you trying to be lazy?"
"I just don't want to waste anything." Kurenai shot him a sidelong glance. "Fine, I'll take a small loss and give you the gift you want most."
"The gift I want most?" Kitazawa asked in confusion. "What is it? How come I don't know?"
To be fair, he lacked nothing now. Kurenai had already given him everything she could.
"It's a secret." Kurenai licked her lips playfully and whispered, "You'll find out then."
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P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)