Konan's eyes flashed with thought. Kitazawa's answer sounded very reasonable. If he had sworn he could cure him, she would have been suspicious instead.
"I can take you to see him," Konan said expressionlessly.
"There's no way I'm going to see him personally," Kitazawa shook his head and said. "I know nothing about your Akatsuki Organization, and the Hidden Rain Village and Konoha Village are hostile."
Although the Akatsuki Organization hadn't become a public enemy of the Ninja World at this stage, Uchiha Obito, under the guise of Uchiha Madara, had long been a member of the Akatsuki Organization.
In the original story, the Fourth Mizukage Yagura was controlled after encountering Uchiha Obito, Pain, and Konan. Kitazawa had severely injured Uchiha Obito, and now he surely wished to kill him quickly.
If he went to the Akatsuki Organization, it would be like a lamb entering a tiger's den, seeking his own death.
Even without Uchiha Obito, the other members of the Akatsuki Organization were not to be trifled with; they would resort to force if things didn't go their way.
All things considered, Konan was the only relatively normal person in the Akatsuki Organization.
"I guarantee you'll be absolutely safe," Konan said seriously.
"We've only met twice; there's no trust between us," Kitazawa refused again.
"..." Konan bit her lip, not knowing what to say for a moment.
Kidnap him to the Akatsuki Organization? Kitazawa was powerful; taking him down wouldn't be easy. Besides his strength, his identity was also powerful.
Making a move against him would be tantamount to going to war with Konoha Village. The Akatsuki Organization wasn't ready to go to war with the Five Great Ninja Villages yet.
Nagato and the so-called Uchiha Madara wouldn't allow her to disrupt the Eye of the Moon Plan either.
Should she give up now? But having finally seen hope for Nagato's treatment, she was unwilling to miss out.
"You can bring him to Konoha Village," Kitazawa said.
"That's impossible," Konan said without thinking.
"Then don't enter Konoha Village; choose a location in the Land of Fire." Kitazawa naturally guessed Konan would refuse him, so he proposed a condition she would find easier to accept.
Konan fell silent upon hearing this. This might be the only way. However, convincing Nagato to come to the Land of Fire wouldn't be easy.
"I'll choose the location," Konan looked up, her tone cool and clear. Although it was tricky, she still wanted to try.
"No problem," Kitazawa paused and said, "But only the two of you can come." He already planned to use a Shadow Clone to meet Nagato then.
"Okay," Konan said indifferently.
After Nagato gained the Rinnegan and the Six Paths of Pain, his strength advanced by leaps and bounds, far exceeding the limits of a Ninja. Because of this, he became extremely arrogant, calling himself a god.
Konan dared to recruit various rogue Ninja into the Akatsuki Organization also because she trusted Nagato's strength. She was confident that even if Kitazawa set a trap for them, only she and Nagato would survive.
"As for the reward, I'll mention it after I've seen him," Kitazawa smiled and said. "Once you reach the designated location, come find me."
Konan nodded. She said nothing more, turning and leaving.
Kitazawa watched her, stroking his chin.
Nagato's legs were crippled, and logically, Obito, or rather Uchiha Madara, could have cured him. After all, Obito could repair half his body using Hashirama cells and White Zetsu cells.
Kitazawa guessed there were two reasons. One was that Obito and Black Zetsu believed a crippled Nagato would be easier to control.
The second was that Nagato didn't trust them. Even if they offered to help treat his legs, he still chose to refuse, worried they would tamper with him. Kitazawa felt both reasons were possible.
As for why Konan sought him out… one was because he had created the Medical Ninjutsu of Limb Regeneration.
The second was because, in Konan's eyes, there was no enmity between him and Nagato, and he didn't know about the Eye of the Moon Plan or Nagato's identity.
Theoretically, this was a fair transaction. But unfortunately, Kitazawa knew more than Konan imagined.
Regardless, he would first assess Nagato's condition. Whether to treat him, how to treat him, and what price to demand—the choice was all his.
Nagato's problem wasn't actually his crippled legs, but rather that the Gedo Statue had siphoned too much Chakra and life force from him.
Even if his legs were cured, there wouldn't be a significant improvement. If the benefits were great enough, Kitazawa wouldn't mind helping him with the treatment.
"I'm back!" Kitazawa returned to Kurenai's home. He pushed the door open and walked in.
"Kitazawa!" Kurenai appeared before him instantly. "I have good news for you!"
"Did you successfully master Wind Release: Rasengan?" Kitazawa's gaze fell on her beautiful face.
There was sweat on her fair forehead, and her cheeks were slightly flushed, like two evening glows. Clearly, she had been training.
"Can't you pretend not to guess?" Kurenai pouted, her excitement largely diminished.
"My mistake." Kitazawa held her waist and said, "I'll make it up to you tonight."
"All you think about are naughty things all day." Kurenai glared at him and said.
"Do you still remember our bet?" Kitazawa kneaded her rounded buttocks twice and asked.
"Hmph, I'm a good sport." Kurenai stomped on his foot in annoyance and asked, "What's your request?"
Kitazawa leaned down and whispered a few words into her ear. Kurenai's eyes widened instantly upon hearing him. She simply couldn't believe what she had heard.
"How is it? Can you do it?" Kitazawa asked with a smile.
"Of course I can do it, but you really are… a pervert!" Kurenai showed a look of disdain.
"You just said you'd be a good sport," Kitazawa reminded her. "Don't go back on your word."
"Don't underestimate me!" Kurenai immediately said, angered and embarrassed. "I'll definitely make you beg for mercy then!"
"I'm looking forward to it." Kitazawa stroked her full thighs and said.
"I'll go make dinner." Kurenai rolled her eyes, turned around, her long black hair flowing, appearing fluffy.
Kitazawa admired her alluring body curves until she entered the kitchen before he withdrew his gaze.
After lunch, he took advantage of the time to practice Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall.
---
Night deepened.
Kitazawa returned to the house. As soon as he entered the living room, he saw Kurenai sitting on the sofa.
She had changed into a silk nightgown, and her long, fair legs were encased in black stockings. Under the light, the black stockings looked extremely smooth.
"Why didn't you wait for me to shower together?" Kitazawa caught a faint scent.
"It's not too late to shower now," Kurenai tucked her hair behind her ear and said softly. "I've prepared hot water for you."
"Will you scrub my back?" Kitazawa looked at her like a good wife and loving mother, feeling a tickle in his heart.
"Mhm." Kurenai stood up, walked to him, and said, "Carry me over."
Kitazawa immediately embraced her soft body. With a slight effort, he lifted her. Kurenai's long, black-stockinged legs rested against his arm, swaying in the air.
"Aren't you afraid of getting your nightgown and stockings wet?" Kitazawa asked with a smile.
"It's already like this, are you still concerned about such things?" Kurenai's lips curved slightly as she asked.
"You're right." Kitazawa came to the bathroom and set her down.
"Raise your arms."
Kurenai reached out and helped him take off his clothes. She glanced at him, and a blush appeared on her face.
"I'll help you too."
Kitazawa felt for the clasp on her back. The silk nightgown immediately fell to the floor. Her exquisite body came into Kitazawa's view.
"Should I take off the stockings?"
Kurenai paused, then said, "Never mind, I shouldn't have asked that question."
She lifted her black-stockinged, beautiful legs and entered the bathtub. The black stockings immediately became wet, their color deepening a few shades, forming a stark contrast with her fair skin.
"Right here." Kitazawa embraced her voluptuous body and said, "Let me see your mastery of the Chakra Enhanced Strength."
"If I knock you unconscious, don't blame me!" Kurenai clenched her fists and said.
"You're dreaming," Kitazawa said without ceremony.
With his Yin Seal and Seal-less Healing, Kurenai's Chakra Enhanced Strength only made him more excited.
"Damn it!" Kurenai was enraged by his attitude. "I'm definitely going to teach you a good lesson today!"
She bit her rosy lips, her black thighs tensed, and directly used Monster Strength.
Kitazawa's heart jolted, and he couldn't help but wince. Kurenai was indeed very skilled with Monster Strength, immediately finding his most vulnerable spot.
But it was still useless. Kitazawa quickly adapted.
Instead, Kurenai was exhausted from using her monstrous strength multiple times, consuming a large amount of stamina in advance. Amidst heavy panting, she was drenched in sweat and lost the ability to move.
—
The time came to Wednesday.
Kitazawa got out of bed. He glanced at Kurenai, who was sprawled out, and couldn't help but smile.
After making breakfast for her, Kitazawa went to the Ninja Academy. He noticed that Naruto and Sasuke all looked more serious than usual.
Kitazawa thought for a moment and understood their thoughts. It was most likely because of the practical exam he proposed yesterday.
The first place in the Genius Class once again became a suspense.
When going out on missions, to get first place, personal strength was no longer the only factor. It also depended on the performance of teammates and the completion of the mission. In terms of requirements, it tested their comprehensive abilities.
If it were the previous type of practical exam, Sasuke and Neji would not be so proactive, because the first and second places were basically reserved for Naruto and Yakumo.
Kitazawa smiled, thinking that this method was quite good.
After leaving a Shadow Clone, he went to the Genius Class classroom to teach the Medical Ninjas from Konoha Hospital.
In the afternoon, he left another Shadow Clone, while his main body went to the Hokage Office.
Kitazawa raised his hand and knocked on the door.
"Come in." Tsunade's voice rang out. Kitazawa pushed the door open and walked in.
"It's you."
When Tsunade saw him, she immediately revealed her true nature, leaning against the Hokage chair without any pretense. She even put her two legs together on the Hokage's desk.
From Kitazawa's perspective, her long legs and ample buttocks were fully visible. Such a breathtaking scene made it hard for him not to notice.
"Tsunade-sensei, if someone sees you sitting like that, it will damage your image as Hokage," Kitazawa lightly coughed and said.
"It's fine, anyway, only you and Shizune can see it," Tsunade closed her eyes and said. "I'll take a nap first; you can cultivate the Yin Seal yourself."
After she finished speaking, steady breathing soon followed.
Kitazawa looked at her rising and falling clothes, thinking that she was really tired. But on second thought, it was normal. She had just become Hokage, and it was her busiest time.
After this week, when the Hokage's secretary takes office, it will be much easier.
Kitazawa did not disturb her and went outside the Hokage Building. He was not cultivating the Yin Seal, but Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall.
---
Four in the afternoon.
Kitazawa finished his cultivation and returned to the Hokage Building.
"Did you encounter any problems?" Tsunade had finished her nap and was back to work.
"No," Kitazawa shook his head and said. "I have something I want to tell you."
He recounted the new method for the Genius Class practical exam.
"You are as bold as ever," Tsunade frowned and said. "Although their strength is sufficient, they are still too young."
"It's just some low-level missions, there won't be any danger," Kitazawa replied. "I will also send Anbu to follow them."
"Then let's try it for two months first." Tsunade pondered for a moment and made a concession.
Kitazawa had considered everything so thoroughly that it was hard for her to refuse.
"Coincidentally, I also have something to tell you."
Tsunade looked at him and asked, "Two weeks later, the negotiation with Hidden Mist Village—will you go?"
"Shikaku Senpai is more suitable than I." Kitazawa paused and said, "If you want me to be a representative, that's fine."
"You truly are my student." Tsunade smiled. "As lazy as me."
"This is not called laziness, it's called efficiency," Kitazawa corrected her. "As Hokage, what you should consider is not doing everything yourself, but who can complete this matter the fastest."
Tsunade was stunned. She bit her finger and said, "That sounds very reasonable."
"How many Hokage secretaries are you planning to set up?" Kitazawa asked with a smile.
"Three. Currently, it's you, Shizune, and Shikaku." Tsunade crossed her arms thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it, I think I should add two more."
"Why am I involved again?" Kitazawa asked, somewhat puzzled.
"Nothing, just adding a position for you," Tsunade said casually.
The actual reason was that the Anbu Commander's reputation was not as prominent as that of a Hokage's secretary. She was now completely training Kitazawa as the next Hokage.
"Do you have any suitable candidates for the Hokage secretary?" Tsunade asked again without waiting for his answer.
"Since there are already so many Hokage secretaries, why not establish a department for Hokage secretaries?" Kitazawa suggested.
"Is there a difference?" Tsunade asked with a puzzled expression.
"Of course, there's a difference," Kitazawa explained. "A department emphasizes division of labor and cooperation."
He told her about the functions of a secretariat in his previous life:
First, it handles the daily work of Konoha Village; minor matters can be dealt with directly without reporting.
Second, it acts as a transit station between the Hokage and various agencies.
Third, it drafts various rules, regulations, and documents.
Fourth, it supervises the operation and implementation of various agencies.
Fifth, it mediates and connects various agencies.
"You be the Hokage," Tsunade said directly after listening.
Although she knew many uses for a Hokage secretary, this detailed and systematic summary was the first time she had heard it.
"Tsunade-sensei, is this really the time for jokes?" Kitazawa retorted.
"You're right. Then you can be the next Hokage," Tsunade thought for a moment and said.
"Let's talk about serious matters," Kitazawa glared at her.
"Do as you say!" Tsunade said excitedly.
If the Hokage Secretariat could truly fulfill the role Kitazawa described, then the things she, as Hokage, needed to do would be cut by at least two-thirds. Simply put, she could happily slack off.
"I have another idea," Kitazawa said with a slight smile. "Why not call the head of the Hokage Secretariat the Hokage Advisor?"
"You want to take away the power of those two Hokage Advisors?" Tsunade couldn't help but be tempted by this.
Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu's Hokage Advisor positions were actually honorary. But the Hokage Advisor of the Hokage Secretariat would not be.
In the long run, this would minimize the influence of Mitokado and Koharu. After all, everyone could clearly see who was actually doing the work.
"That's right," Kitazawa nodded. "The deputy head of the Hokage Secretariat will still be called the Hokage Secretary, and the other members will be ordinary secretaries."
"Should Shikaku be chosen as the new Hokage Advisor?" Tsunade mused. "He has the Ino–Shika–Chō behind him and won't be afraid of the other two Hokage Advisors."
"This is the best choice," Kitazawa paused and said. "There can be three Hokage Secretaries. Besides Shizune Senpai, add one Uchiha and one Hyuga."
"Uchiha and Hyuga?" Tsunade tapped on the desk. "They basically had no chance of reaching such a position before."
At least one Uchiha—Uchiha Kagami—joined the Hokage Guard Platoon. But the Hyuga Clan had never truly produced core members of Konoha Village.
"Times have changed; giving them a position will make them more loyal," Kitazawa chuckled. "This Ninja World is ultimately a world where strength is respected."
"You have more courage than I and the Old Man," Tsunade said after a brief pause, with genuine emotion.
Kitazawa's style of behavior inexplicably reminded her of Senju Hashirama. He was confident enough to overpower anyone, so he didn't care about their power struggles.
"I learned from you," Kitazawa said with a smile. "After all, I am your student."
"I like hearing that," Tsunade's lips curved slightly. She asked again, "How will you solve the Uchiha Clan's reputation problem?"
The position of Hokage Secretary is considered a high-ranking position in Konoha Village. For the Uchiha Clan to produce a Hokage Secretary, it would require the agreement of most Jonin.
"Decentralization of power and cooperation," Kitazawa proactively said. "I will go and talk to the Uchiha Clan."
"Aren't you going to explain?" Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Who exactly is the Hokage?"
"Actually, it's nothing," Kitazawa replied. "It's just to have the Uchiha Clan relinquish some of the Konoha Military Police Force's power in exchange for the support of other Ninja clans."
"Alright, no need to say more. You go and handle it."
Tsunade, after hearing this, immediately became a hands-off boss. "Tell me the results afterward, and we'll announce it at next week's Jōnin Meeting."
--
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P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)