It was Friday.
Jiraiya had already left Konoha Village.
After breakfast, Kitazawa leisurely made his way to the Ninja Academy.
With the Sealing Technique mission completed, he temporarily put his mind at ease. Since the Water Release and Earth Release missions had deadlines for next semester, he wasn't in a hurry.
"Teacher Kitazawa!" Shino Aburame, usually composed, was now visibly excited.
"Any new progress?" Kitazawa raised an eyebrow and asked.
"I just discovered a Kikaichu that can withstand fire for five seconds!" Shino extended his hand, and in his palm lay a Kikaichu.
The previous Kikaichu, which could resist fire for three seconds, was blackish-red, while this one was crimson, instantly bringing flames to mind.
"It seems your Kikaichu flame experiment is close to success." Kitazawa nodded and said, "Five seconds is long enough to ignore most Fire Release Ninjutsu."
For instance, with Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique, a Kikaichu with five seconds of resistance could easily pass through the large fireball.
Of course, there were also natural enemies.
One type was a super-large-scale Fire Release Ninjutsu, like Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation.
Another type was a controllable Fire Release Ninjutsu, such as Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique. And then there was ultra-high-temperature Fire Release, although the Fire Release Kitazawa used was already quite hot.
"Judging by the condition of this Kikaichu, five seconds is pretty much its limit." Kitazawa observed it for a moment and said, "It will be very difficult to extend the time further."
"Mhm." Shino agreed. "Teacher Kitazawa is right. I plan to end the experiment once this Kikaichu successfully breeds offspring."
"Did the previous Kikaichu, which could resist fire for three seconds, form a species?" Kitazawa asked again upon hearing this.
"It has succeeded!" Shino Aburame's spirits lifted as he spoke.
He raised his hand, and over a dozen black-and-red Kikaichu flew out from his sleeve, circling in front of him.
"You could give them names to differentiate them," Kitazawa suggested.
"Let's call them Fire-Resistant Bugs," Shino pondered for a moment and said, "Three-second Fire-Resistant Bugs and Five-second Fire-Resistant Bugs."
"That's… quite straightforward." Kitazawa couldn't help but smile.
"As long as it's practical," Shino said indifferently.
"That's true." Kitazawa patted his shoulder and said, "Continue your training."
"Mhm." Shino turned and walked towards the Artificial Lake.
Kitazawa looked at Kabuto, Aburame Torune, and Uchiha Izumi. Their talents were all excellent, so they had largely mastered the Ninjutsu he taught them.
Kitazawa stroked his chin. Half a month had passed since their Ninja Squad's last Guardian Ninja mission. He planned to find time after school started to visit the Mission Hall and see if he could trigger new system missions.
It would be best if he could; otherwise, he would just pick a random B-rank mission to practice.
Kitazawa's gaze fell upon Uchiha Izumi. How should her Two-Tomoe Sharingan be awakened?
Kitazawa thought of Uchiha Itachi. The best way for Uchiha Izumi to awaken her Two-Tomoe Sharingan would be to ask Uchiha Itachi for help. After all, their relationship was the closest.
But how to help was a problem. Uchiha Itachi would have to be in trouble to give Uchiha Izumi a great shock.
However, he couldn't actually be in trouble; it would have to be a half-truth, a performance.
Kitazawa snapped out of his thoughts, found an empty space, and began practicing Earth Release: Earth Wall.
He planned to first learn an Earth Release Ninjutsu, then a Water Release Ninjutsu, to complete the Water Release Ninjutsu mission.
After all, the remaining two Water Release Ninjutsu were A-rank, requiring a longer time. Earth Release: Earth Wall was only B-rank, and he estimated he could master it in at most half a month.
---
Time slowly passed.
Five in the afternoon.
Kitazawa called Naruto, Hinata, Ino, and others over. This also included Sasuke and Kakashi.
"The day after tomorrow is Sunday, which is registration day." Kitazawa announced, "Therefore, our winter break special training ends here!"
"What? Is it already over?" Naruto was surprised, then regretfully said, "I feel like I haven't learned anything this past month."
"I learned a lot." Sasuke glanced at him and said indifferently, "Next month's exam, I will take your first place."
"As expected of my lifelong rival!" Naruto instantly became full of fighting spirit. "Don't worry, I will definitely train hard and have a youthful showdown with you!"
"Don't forget about us!" Ino put her hands on her hips and said with a smile, "Who knows, first place might fall into my hands!"
"Impossible!" Sakura subconsciously retorted, "First place belongs to Sasuke-kun!"
"First place next semester won't be that easy to get," Kitazawa said with a mysterious smile, "Because on registration day, our First Year Class A will undergo an unexpected change."
"What change?" Ino paused, asking curiously.
"Will there be a powerful transfer student like Yakumo?" Naruto's spirits lifted, asking excitedly.
"Yes and no." Kitazawa chuckled. "Alright, you all go back. You'll know what the change is the day after tomorrow."
"Teacher Kitazawa, goodbye!"
Everyone had no choice but to suppress their curiosity and turn to leave.
"Kakashi." Kitazawa reminded, "Be at school at nine in the morning the day after tomorrow. Don't be late."
"Mhm." Kakashi nodded and vanished on the spot.
Kitazawa didn't go straight home but went to the Kurama Clan's compound. He found Yakumo and discussed changing the treatment method, specifically the content of the illusion, for tomorrow.
The night passed uneventfully.
---
Saturday morning.
Kitazawa and Yakumo arrived at Tsunade's house.
"Why are you two here so early?" Tsunade rubbed her temples and asked.
Each treatment was undoubtedly a form of torture for her. If not for her promise to Kitazawa, she truly would have wanted to escape.
"Never mind, let's begin," Tsunade sighed.
Better to endure the pain sooner than later; since it had to be experienced, it was better to start and finish early.
Kitazawa stepped forward and sat beside her. He extended his hand and looked at her.
Tsunade met his gaze. His gentle eyes caused a ripple in her stagnant heart. She averted her gaze and took Kitazawa's hand.
The next second, Yakumo activated her Bloodline Limit ability — Terrifying Illusion. Kitazawa and Tsunade once again found themselves in the temporary camp of Konoha Village.
"Tsunade, you're finally here!" Orochimaru quickly stepped forward. "Nawaki is in critical condition now; only you can save him!"
"Wh-what?" Tsunade was stunned.
Kitazawa, meanwhile, secretly observed her. Although Tsunade was under a genjutsu, with her strength, she could break out of it. This beautiful dream woven for her could not continue if she was unwilling to accept it.
However, the good news was that Tsunade did not refuse. After two seconds of being stunned, she fully immersed herself in the role.
"Where is Nawaki? Quickly take me to him!" Tsunade asked anxiously.
"In that tent," Orochimaru said, raising his hand. "Two Medical Ninja Jōnin are currently trying to save him."
Without a word, Tsunade rushed into the tent. She came before the bloody Nawaki and quickly said, "Let me do it!"
"Yes, Lady Tsunade." The two Medical Ninja Jōnin quickly made way.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. To his surprise, Tsunade did not trigger her hemophobia upon seeing so much blood.
Did her desire to save Nawaki outweigh her fear of blood? Or was it because this was an illusion, and the current Tsunade was her twenty years ago?
A thrilling surgery thus began. To prevent Tsunade from noticing any flaws, Nawaki's injuries were still caused by explosive tags — the only difference being that a glimmer of hope for survival remained.
Five hours later, the surgery ended. Tsunade subconsciously stepped back two paces, feeling dizzy. Kitazawa quickly stepped forward and supported her, preventing her from falling.
"Thank you," Tsunade said, then nervously looked at Nawaki.
"Lady Tsunade, he is out of danger," the two Medical Ninja said after checking.
A relieved smile appeared on Tsunade's face. This time, she had saved Nawaki.
"It's a good thing you arrived in time," Orochimaru sighed in relief.
"Nawaki needs a period of rest and recuperation," Tsunade said, looking at Nawaki. "I want to take him back to Konoha Village."
"That's fine," Orochimaru nodded. "The battlefield is still too dangerous for him."
Three days later, Tsunade and Kitazawa brought Nawaki back to Konoha Village.
"As long as he's alive, it's all good."
Third Hokage Hiruzen personally welcomed them. After less than a week of rest, Konoha Village held a Jōnin meeting.
"Sensei," Tsunade stood up and said, "I have a suggestion regarding Medical Ninja."
"What is it?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.
"I want to consistently include a Medical Ninja in every Ninja squad," Tsunade said in a deep voice. "This way, the survival rate of Ninja squads can be increased."
"I disagree," Danzo Shimura shook his head. "It is wartime now, and there isn't enough time or resources to train so many Medical Ninjas."
"Danzo has a point," Homura Mitokado said slowly.
For a time, many Jōnin expressed their opposition.
"I agree," Kitazawa said, standing up. "Although Medical Ninjas are difficult to train, one more Medical Ninja can guarantee the lives of an entire squad."
Tsunade subconsciously looked at him. A look of daze appeared on her face.
"Let's discuss this matter after the war ends," Hiruzen Sarutobi said after thinking for a moment.
"Thank you, Kitazawa," Tsunade said after the Jōnin meeting ended.
"It's nothing," Kitazawa replied with a smile. "After all, I am also a Medical Ninja."
The following content was very simple.
After Nawaki woke up, he rejoined the war. Under the leadership of Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade, Konoha Village ended the Second Ninja World War.
Konoha Village experienced a baby boom. Kakashi Hatake, Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi, Might Guy, and others were born and grew up.
In the blink of an eye, it was the Third Ninja World War. Konoha Village was besieged from all sides.
Fortunately, Nawaki awakened Wood Release, and he, along with Minato Namikaze, turned the tide and saved Konoha Village.
After the Third Ninja World War, Hiruzen Sarutobi voluntarily abdicated. Nawaki and Minato Namikaze competed for the position of Fourth Hokage.
Ultimately, Nawaki, relying on his Wood Release and the support of Tsunade and Orochimaru, successfully became the Fourth Hokage.
January 1st. It was both New Year's Day and the Hokage handover ceremony.
"Nawaki." Sarutobi Hiruzen handed him the Hokage's hat, smiling. "From today on, Konoha is entrusted to you. I hope you work hard."
"I, Nawaki, the Fourth Hokage!" Nawaki put on the Hokage's hat, stood in front of the Hokage Building, and solemnly announced to the villagers and Ninja below. His gaze searched and quickly found Tsunade and Kitazawa.
"Big sister!" Nawaki waved his hand and shouted loudly. "My dream has come true!"
Tsunade looked at his smile, stunned in place. A moment later, tears welled in her eyes.
With a crack, the illusion shattered.
"What a long, long dream," Tsunade said with a dazed expression.
Yakumo subconsciously looked at Kitazawa. She didn't know if this treatment had been effective.
"Thank you," Tsunade recovered and said.
"Eh?" Yakumo was a little flustered for a moment.
"Let's not do treatment today," Tsunade smiled. "Don't ruin such a wonderful dream."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade." Yakumo stood up and left discreetly.
"Was that your idea?" Tsunade looked at Kitazawa and asked.
"Yes," Kitazawa nodded. "I believe that simply repeating sad events will not be beneficial for treating hemophobia."
"That does make some sense." Tsunade's eyes suddenly narrowed as she asked, "But why did you alter some of the content?"
"I altered a lot of content," Kitazawa said seriously. "It was all for the better treatment of hemophobia."
Although he had selfish motives, his actions couldn't be called wrong, as it truly had the potential to alleviate the pain caused by Kato Dan's death.
"You're quite bold," Tsunade rolled her eyes at him. "For the sake of this beautiful dream, I'll let you off for now."
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade!" Kitazawa said immediately.
"You may be spared death, but you won't escape punishment." Tsunade stood up, stepped on his foot, and said, "Come with me to the casino."
---
Sunday, registration day.
Naruto woke up very early. He hadn't seen Kiba and Akimichi Choji for the whole winter break, so he seemed a bit impatient.
"I wonder what the reforms Kitazawa-sensei mentioned are," Naruto mused as he walked.
"Naruto!" A familiar voice rang out.
"Kiba!" Naruto looked up and saw Kiba standing on the wall.
"Happy?" Kiba leaped down with a smile. "For me to personally wait for you, I'm giving you a lot of face!"
"Thanks!" Naruto gave a thumbs-up. "I can already feel the burning passion of youth!"
"Alright, alright, put your youth away," Kiba clapped his hands and asked, "What new Ninjutsu did you learn this winter break? I learned a powerful Secret Technique!"
"None," Naruto shook his head.
"Really?" Kiba looked surprised. "Does that mean I can defeat you?"
"Even if Naruto stood still, you wouldn't be his opponent," a voice approached from a distance.
"Who?" Kiba said angrily. "I've gotten a lot stronger!"
"It's me." Shikamaru appeared around the corner, his hands clasped behind his head as usual.
"Do you want some?" Akimichi Choji offered potato chips.
"Thanks." Kiba grabbed a handful without ceremony.
Choji's eyes widened in pain watching him. Fortunately, Naruto only took one chip.
"Shikamaru, what did you mean just now?" Kiba chewed on potato chips as he walked.
"He means you can't even beat me, let alone Naruto," Ino said with a smile.
"Impossible!" Kiba blurted out. "Your Secret Technique can't control me at all!"
"Kitazawa-sensei taught me a new Ninjutsu," Ino blinked.
"…" Kiba hesitated, suddenly losing his confidence.
After all, his biggest trump card, Hell Hound, was taught by Kitazawa. Plus, he had spent the entire winter break at home learning Fang Over Fang, so he really didn't know what Ino had learned.
"It's nothing," Shikamaru yawned indifferently. "If I can't get first, tenth is fine too."
"Kitazawa-sensei said our class will undergo major reforms," Ino glanced at him. "You might not even get tenth."
"What reforms?" Shikamaru already felt a headache coming on. He knew without thinking that it would be very troublesome.
"I don't know," Ino shook her head. "Kitazawa-sensei will tell us when we get to the classroom."
The group chatted as they walked into the Ninja Academy. Along the way, they also met Sasuke, Sakura, and Hyuga Hinata, and their group grew larger.
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto jogged forward when he saw Kitazawa.
Hinata took a step forward, but then pulled it back. She could only watch as Naruto snatched her opportunity.
"Good morning." Kitazawa nodded slightly. "Don't register yet, go back to your seats and sit down."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei." Sasuke, Naruto, and the others returned to their seats.
"Have you noticed anything?" Shikamaru observed for a while and then asked, "Why did some students come and then leave?"
"It is indeed strange," Shino adjusted his glasses.
"Is it related to the reforms Kitazawa-sensei mentioned?" Ino asked thoughtfully.
"Most likely." Sakura suddenly let out a soft exclamation. "Why are Neji and Tenten here?"
"What's going on? And my big sister?" Kiba spotted Inuzuka Hana outside the door.
Everyone immediately looked at each other, unsure of what was happening. Hyuga Neji, Inuzuka Hana, and Tenten were the same.
"All of you, come in," Kitazawa beckoned to the people outside the door.
Neji, Inuzuka Hana, and the others walked into the classroom.
"From today on, all of you will join First Year Class A." Kitazawa's words were astonishing.
"What?" Both the original First Year Class A students and the students from other classes, like Hyuga Neji, showed expressions of shock.
"This is the school's reform, placing the top thirty students in the entire school into one class," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Welcome to the Genius Class."
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P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)