From Kitazawa's perspective, Compound Ninjutsu seemed like a substitute for a Bloodline Limit.
Bloodline Limits were divided into two types.
One type came from an organ mutation, such as the Sharingan and Byakugan. The other was formed through the fusion of chakra nature transformations—for example, Wind Release plus Water Release could merge into Ice Release.
Compound Ninjutsu was also a combination of two or more elemental ninjutsu. But obviously, the combination was far less powerful than true fusion.
Kitazawa remembered that Sarutobi Hiruzen was the one who had used Compound Ninjutsu most frequently in the original work. His trump card was the Five Elements Great Bullet Technique.
It used five different elemental ninjutsu—Fire, Lightning, Water, Earth, and Wind—attacking the enemy simultaneously, capable of devastating effects.
Kitazawa felt he could also learn the Five Elements Great Bullet Technique. Of course, the prerequisite was that he could become Tsunade's student.
Kitazawa snapped back to reality and fell into deep thought once again. He found this mission a bit subtle. It was a high-level mission to boost the team's reputation.
According to Konoha's standards, missions ranked B and above were considered high-level. But high-level missions themselves weren't the main point—the main point was boosting the team's reputation.
Did they have to take down a Jonin?
However, outside of wartime, missions involving Jonin were not easy to find. Most of them were infiltration tasks into enemy villages. But such missions were far too dangerous for his squad. After all, within enemy territory, a slight misstep could lead to being surrounded.
It would be best if they could find a lone Jonin.
"Tomorrow, you all come to the Ninja Academy to find me, and we'll go to the Mission Hall together to accept a high-level mission," Kitazawa said after some thought.
"Understood, Kitazawa-sensei."
Kabuto and the other two didn't linger and turned to leave.
Kitazawa glanced at the students still training. After confirming there were no issues, he headed toward the uninhabited Death Forest outside the village.
"Lightning Release: Chidori!"
After forming hand signs, Kitazawa extended his right hand. A piercing thunderous sound erupted, as though a thousand birds were chirping. Lightning flashed, instantly enveloping his hand.
Kitazawa activated his Two-Tomoe Sharingan and rushed forward at incredible speed. The next instant, he appeared before a distant tree.
As the Lightning Release: Chidori struck, the tree trunk violently shook, splitting open with deep cracks. The fractures spread like a spiderweb, leaving scorched marks wherever they went.
Kitazawa withdrew his hand, studying the pierced trunk, and nodded slightly.
Lightning Release: Chidori had two defining traits: speed and piercing power. Of course, it also carried the paralyzing effect of electricity.
Rasengan, being pure chakra without elemental affinity, lacked these qualities. However, its raw destructive force was greater. Still, the two techniques were quite similar. Against a ninja's body, which typically had strong offense but weak defense, a direct hit from either Rasengan or Chidori would mean death or severe injury.
After testing Chidori, Kitazawa returned to the Ninja Academy's artificial lake to practice Water Release: Instant Water.
As the sun set, evening arrived.
"Today's training ends here. Everyone, go home and rest," Kitazawa said, clapping his hands.
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto, Kiba, and the others called out cheerfully before heading off.
Kitazawa subconsciously glanced at them. Today, they were all leaving together—even Hinata, Ino, and Karin.
He withdrew his gaze, paying it no mind, and left the Academy.
At the school gate, he raised an eyebrow. He felt someone observing him. Kitazawa only smiled faintly and continued walking toward Kurenai's house.
A moment later, Shikamaru's head popped up from a nearby wall. He glanced in the direction Kitazawa had gone and said, "Kitazawa-sensei is gone!"
The next second, the wall shook, and Akimichi Choji emerged.
"Get down!" Shikamaru's expression shifted slightly. "This wall is going to collapse!"
"Oh." Choji landed back on his feet.
"Shikamaru!" Naruto's voice rang out. "We're over here!"
"We're coming now."
Shikamaru leaped down and said, "Let's go, Choji."
The two had not participated in the winter break special training, so they had been waiting at the gate beforehand. When they saw Kitazawa, they were startled, but fortunately, he hadn't noticed them.
"Shikamaru," Naruto said with a hint of regret, "it's a shame you didn't join our special training. We all got new training now."
"No shame, no shame!" Shikamaru quickly shook his head. "Please, don't ever mention me in front of Kitazawa-sensei!"
He had only managed to secure this winter break by ranking in the top ten during exams. He wouldn't give up that freedom for any special training, not even if it killed him.
"You might escape this winter break, but you won't escape next semester," Ino said with a teasing smile.
"Next semester's problems can wait until next semester," Shikamaru replied with a resigned look. "Besides, I can practice Yin Release chakra transformation at home too."
"You're right, but my training isn't just Yin Release practice anymore." Ino crossed her arms, chin lifted in confidence. "Next semester, you definitely won't be my opponent."
Shikamaru paused. Over the past two semesters, they had sparred many times. Overall, it had been a six-four split in his favor—he had a sixty percent chance of winning.
That was only because the Nara Clan's secret techniques were more suitable for solo combat than the Yamanaka Clan's.
What kind of new training had made her so confident?
Shikamaru's curiosity flickered but was quickly suppressed. For him, enjoying winter break was the top priority. Even if Ino beat him up later, that would be his future self's problem, not his current one.
"Is everyone here?" Kiba interrupted their conversation, asking.
"Sasuke and Sakura aren't here yet," Karin said, glancing left and right.
"I've already informed them," Shikamaru paused, then added, "They should be here soon."
Sasuke hadn't started his special training yet, so he was at home today. Sakura's training remained the same—she was still interning at Konoha Hospital while learning Medical Ninjutsu.
"There are three more people who haven't been notified," Shino Aburame said, adjusting his glasses. "Kabuto-senpai, Izumi-senpai, and Torune."
The three of them had formed a ninja team and become Kitazawa's students, so they were also considered part of the group.
"My bad, I forgot to call them," Naruto said, scratching his head.
"It's fine. You all wait here a moment; I'll go find them," Shino Aburame volunteered.
"Ino!" Sakura's excited voice rang out.
Ino instinctively turned and immediately understood why she was so happy.
Because beside Sakura stood Sasuke, hands in his pockets. They must have run into each other on the way.
"What's the plan for today?" Sakura asked curiously. "Haven't we already decided on the birthday present?"
"We're going to the commercial street together to buy a gift," Ino replied. "After buying it, we'll decide how to present it to Kitazawa-sensei."
"Can't we just give it to Kitazawa-sensei on his birthday?" Sakura asked, confused.
"That's true, but we should try to keep it a secret to give him the biggest surprise," Ino said after a pause. "We'll discuss the details once everyone arrives."
Not long after, Shino and Kabuto appeared.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, everyone." Kabuto followed with a gentle smile. "I imagine you haven't had dinner yet, so I brought some snacks for you."
"Thank you, Kabuto-senpai!" Naruto happily accepted the takoyaki.
"It's nothing, just a little money," Kabuto said as he handed them out. "So, shall we head to the commercial street now?"
Shikamaru stroked his chin. He felt Kabuto had instantly become the backbone of the group. But that was fine—he was older and more experienced, and following him would save time.
"I learned a bit about the commercial street while on a mission earlier," Kabuto explained as they walked. "There are two really good gift shops there—quality items, inexpensive, and with a wide variety."
Uchiha Izumi and Aburame Torune exchanged a glance.
When did that happen? Why didn't they know? And did he really have time to study the shops while on a mission?
"Kabuto-senpai, were the missions you did the same as the official ninja missions?" Naruto asked, more interested in the topic of missions.
"Yes," Kabuto said with a smile. "The kind of missions that earn money, accepted through the Mission Hall."
"Did you encounter any really strong enemies?" Naruto asked excitedly.
Kiba, Karin, and the others also turned to look at Kabuto. They were all curious about what true ninja life was like.
"That depends on the mission rank," Kabuto explained, and then described the five ranks of missions.
"Is that so?" Naruto scratched his head. "I thought we'd be able to do high-level missions as soon as we graduated."
"How could Genin handle high-level missions right from the start?" Kabuto chuckled softly. "According to Konoha's rules, everyone begins with D-rank missions."
"Is there any way to take on higher-level missions earlier?" Naruto pressed impatiently.
"If your strength is exceptional, you might be able to break the rules," Kabuto said after a moment of thought.
"Great!" Naruto declared with fiery determination. "I'm going to work hard and become strong enough to take on high-level missions as soon as I graduate!"
"We're here," Kabuto said, stopping in front of a store. "Let's go into this gift shop first."
"Let's go!" Naruto charged forward.
"Wait! Kid, you can't go in!"
Suddenly, a middle-aged man blocked Naruto's path, a look of disgust on his face.
Naruto froze. Having spent so much time with Sasuke and the others, he had forgotten that the villagers still ostracized him.
"Why can't he go in?" Kabuto stepped forward, shielding Naruto. His voice was calm but firm. "What sense does it make to block a customer?"
"I'm the owner. I have the right not to sell," the man snapped. "Go on, get out, before I throw you out!"
"Kabuto-senpai, we—" Naruto tugged at Kabuto's sleeve.
"Sasuke, turn around," Kabuto said quietly, taking a deep breath.
Sasuke glanced at him but didn't ask questions. He simply turned, revealing the Uchiha crest on his back.
"He's the second young master of the Uchiha Clan," Kabuto reminded the man.
"You—you're threatening me?"
The shopkeeper trembled at the sight of the Uchiha crest. The Uchiha Clan managed Konoha's Military Police Force. They were rigid and unyielding in enforcing rules, which made the villagers resent them, but also fear them deeply.
"This isn't a threat," Kabuto said evenly. "When you open a shop, you must welcome customers. Insulting one instead? By the rules, I could notify the Military Police."
"That's right!" Sasuke added coldly. "I can have them here right now."
"M-Misunderstanding! It's all a misunderstanding!" Cold sweat ran down the man's forehead. "Esteemed guests, please, come in!"
"That's it?" Kabuto raised an eyebrow.
"I'll give you a discount!" the shopkeeper said desperately. "Everything is thirty percent off!"
"Let's go in," Kabuto said, waving the group forward.
Sasuke's eyes widened. Was the Uchiha name really that effective?
In that instant, he truly felt the weight and prestige of the Uchiha Clan.
He walked into the gift shop with his head held high, chest puffed out, his steps radiating arrogance.
"Kabuto-senpai, you're amazing!" Naruto exclaimed excitedly.
"Indeed," Kiba chimed in. "Just a few words and the owner gave us a discount."
"It's not me who's amazing, it's the Uchiha," Kabuto said with a calm smile.
"After all, it's the Uchiha!" Sakura added with a wide grin. "In this Konoha Village, who doesn't know the Uchiha?"
At her words, Sasuke's lips curved upward ever so slightly.
"Ahem," Shikamaru interrupted, "let's start buying gifts."
He had watched the entire scene and silently acknowledged Kabuto's skill. The way he used indirect pressure to turn the situation around was impressive.
Everyone immediately began browsing through the shop. Some didn't—like Hinata and Sasuke—because the birthday gifts they wanted to prepare were special.
---
Time quickly advanced to the next morning.
Kitazawa heard a knock on his door early in the day. When he opened it, he found Rina Uzumaki standing there.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Rina said, taking out a scroll, "Lady Tsunade asked me to give this to you."
Kitazawa unrolled the scroll and scanned through it. His heart leapt with joy.
It was a Sealing Technique scroll—containing three basic techniques he had yet to learn: String Light Formation, Finger Carving Seal, and Binding Jutsu.
[Current Mission: Learn three Sealing Techniques within the winter break.]
[Mission Reward: Evil Sealing Method.]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. An unexpected reward—the Evil Sealing Method. It was a rank above the three basic techniques Tsunade provided, classified as B-rank.
Its effect was to seal the target's chakra flow using a cursed seal formula. In the original work, Kakashi used this technique to suppress the Cursed Seal of Heaven placed on Sasuke.
"There's another scroll," Rina Uzumaki continued, pulling out a second one. "Lady Tsunade said to give this to Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa opened it—and froze in shock. Because written inside was the Emotion Displacement Ninjutsu.
Tsunade had classified it as A-rank. Its effect was simple yet profound—to instantly swap the emotions of a target, replacing excitement with sorrow, or sorrow with rage, and so on.
She had named it the Emotion Displacement Technique. At its core, it was a Yin Release secret art.
Kitazawa's mind stirred. This ninjutsu could prove invaluable in battle. It could disrupt an opponent brimming with killing intent, throwing them into emotional chaos for a brief moment and robbing them of initiative.
However, landing it would be difficult. Much like the Yamanaka Clan's techniques, accuracy and timing were everything.
"Did Lady Tsunade say anything else?" Kitazawa asked, carefully rolling up the scroll.
"She said to meet her every Saturday and Sunday, starting next week," Rina replied after hesitating for two seconds. "But don't look for her at other times—she'll be at the casino."
"As expected of Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa shook his head with a faint smile. "I understand. Thank you for coming all this way, Mrs. Rina."
At last, Tsunade's hemophobia treatment was scheduled to begin. Coincidentally, this period would also be perfect for Yakumo Kurama to study the Emotion Displacement Technique.
After breakfast, Kitazawa made his way to the Uchiha compound.
Sasuke and Uchiha Mikoto were already waiting. Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Itachi, however, were not present.
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei," Mikoto said softly, her expression gentle.
"Goodbye, Mom," Sasuke greeted her before quickly following after Kitazawa. "Kitazawa-sensei, what's the name of the ninjutsu we're going to learn?"
"Lightning Release: Chidori," Kitazawa answered.
"Huh?" Sasuke froze in surprise. "Kitazawa-sensei, I can't use Lightning Release."
"But you have an aptitude for it," Kitazawa replied, producing a chakra paper. "If you don't believe me, try it yourself."
"I actually have a lightning nature?" Sasuke muttered in disbelief after channeling chakra into the paper.
The two soon arrived at the Ninja Academy.
"Kitazawa," a voice called from the entrance. It was Kakashi, now wearing his classic Jonin vest.
"Sasuke, let me introduce you," Kitazawa said, stepping forward. "This is Kakashi. He's our class's new ninjutsu teacher."
Sasuke blinked, startled. A new teacher? But why did that name sound so familiar?
"He wants to test your strength," Kitazawa explained.
"If you don't pass my test, you're not qualified to be my student," Kakashi said flatly, his lone eye sharp and unreadable.
---
Sasuke felt a flicker of recognition. A kindred spirit?
But it was quickly replaced with irritation. He was a Uchiha—ranked third in practical combat across the entire Academy. How could he possibly not be qualified?
A mere Academy teacher was being far too arrogant!
"I think so too," Sasuke said coolly.
The implication was clear: if Kakashi couldn't pass his standards, he wasn't qualified to be Sasuke's teacher either.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, faint amusement flickering in his gaze. This one certainly had personality.
For a moment, he was reminded of his old teammate—Uchiha Obito—who carried the same confidence.
Kitazawa glanced up at the sky. The day was bright and clear, perfect for what was to come.