Kitazawa met Sarutobi Hiruzen under the guidance of a member of the Sarutobi Clan.
The old man sat by a quiet pond, a fishing rod in hand, eyes fixed on the rippling surface of the water. The gentle breeze stirred the pond's reflection, distorting the image of his weathered face.
Kitazawa couldn't help but feel a subtle sensation rise within him. Could it be that fishing truly is the final destination of all middle-aged and elderly men?
"Why do you have time to come looking for me, a retired old man?" Hiruzen glanced at him, his tone relaxed yet tinged with amusement.
"I feel Hokage-sama's state of mind has become much more refined than before." Kitazawa walked up beside him, smiling lightly.
Though Sarutobi Hiruzen had already retired, he was still the former Hokage — a man whose presence commanded respect. Kitazawa subtly adjusted his tone and address in acknowledgment of that.
"No duties, no burdens — naturally, my mood has improved." As he spoke, Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed to recall something.
He discreetly nudged the bucket of fish beside Kitazawa to the other side, shifting just enough so his body blocked it from view.
"Then shall I give Hokage-sama a bit more work?" Kitazawa noticed the subtle movement but chose to ignore it, his voice carrying a hint of playful intent.
"Is it Koharu and the others again?" Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned instantly.
He had already warned those two several times — why were they still stirring up trouble?
"It has nothing to do with the two Hokage advisors," Kitazawa quickly clarified, seeing the misunderstanding. "I've actually come to invite you to be a teacher for the Genius Class."
"I didn't expect you to still remember that." Sarutobi Hiruzen was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled softly.
"Hokage-sama's strength is unparalleled. Having you simply retire like this is a great loss for Konoha Village," Kitazawa said earnestly. "It's precisely because of this that I'd like you to teach in the Genius Class."
"What are the specific arrangements?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked after a brief thought, his smile returning. "If it's too much work, I won't do it."
"You'll be the homeroom teacher of the Genius Class," Kitazawa explained. "There aren't any strict teaching requirements. You can teach whichever class you wish — or, if you don't feel like it, you can simply observe Naruto and the others' training."
After all, he was the former Hokage — treating him as an ordinary teacher would be inappropriate. Kitazawa deliberately adjusted the position, giving him authority and freedom alike.
However, as the vice principal of the Ninja Academy, Kitazawa technically remained his superior.
In other words, the Third Hokage would, in name at least, be his subordinate.
"That lenient?" Sarutobi Hiruzen raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.
He had expected Kitazawa to assign him some classes, but this was far more flexible than he imagined.
"The Genius Class's daily lessons are already sufficient," Kitazawa said.
"But we still lack someone who can fill in the gaps — someone who can identify our blind spots. You're the most suitable person for that."
Simply put, Sarutobi Hiruzen would act as both mentor and consultant — a guiding presence rather than a full-time instructor.
"What you said makes sense." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded approvingly. "In that case, I'll accept."
The terms were simply impeccable — so lenient that refusal would have seemed foolish.
Besides, he also wished to see Naruto's growth with his own eyes from time to time.
"Hokage-sama, are you free tonight?" Kitazawa mentioned the dinner that Sasuke and the others were planning.
"I'll be there on time." Sarutobi Hiruzen replied almost immediately.
Deep down, he still carried guilt toward Naruto. After all, he had promised Minato Namikaze and Uzumaki Kushina that he would take good care of their child… yet in many ways, he knew he had failed them.
"Then we'll await your arrival." Seeing the matter settled, Kitazawa offered a polite bow and turned to leave.
At the Ninja Academy's training ground, the students of the Genius Class were immersed in practice.
Kitazawa gave a few brief pointers, left behind a Shadow Clone to supervise, and then made his way to an open clearing nearby.
The wind howled faintly from a distance. Kitazawa raised his eyes and saw a dense cluster of Narutos — dozens of shadow clones engaged in fierce training.
However, his attention soon focused on Shino Aburame.
The quiet boy stood calmly amid the chaos, his Kikaichu insects swarming in intricate patterns, intercepting Naruto's Wind Release: Shuriken attacks one after another.
Kitazawa watched for a while and quickly understood Shino's intent — he was attempting to breed a strain of Kikaichu that could resist the cutting power of Wind Release.
Although Naruto's technique was still crude, the idea was sound.
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto spotted him and immediately shouted in excitement.
Shino exhaled, wiping the sweat from his forehead. Facing Naruto's relentless attacks had clearly pushed him to his limit.
"Shino," Kitazawa said evenly, "about your Kikaichu — if you're aiming for Wind Release resistance, there's actually another possible evolutionary direction."
After all, his system had triggered a related mission — and to avoid failure, he had to participate personally.
"Please guide me, Kitazawa-sensei." Shino's voice became serious in an instant.
"Kikaichu can use the enemy's wind to accelerate," Kitazawa explained.
"That… sounds feasible!" Shino was momentarily stunned, then after a few seconds of thought, his eyes brightened.
"Just like the Kikaichu of Fire and the Parasitic Giant Water Bug before," Kitazawa continued, "two different Wind-type Kikaichu variants can evolve — one for resistance, and one for acceleration."
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei. I'll give it my all." Shino bowed slightly, his tone firm.
Indeed, a Kikaichu that could harness an enemy's wind for speed was far more valuable than one that merely resisted it.
Kitazawa's insight also opened a new conceptual path for him — that evolution could stem not only from opposition, but also from adaptation.
"That sounds kinda complicated," Naruto muttered, scratching his head.
"You don't understand the situation, so naturally, you'll only half-understand it." Kitazawa sighed lightly. "Come with me. I have something to ask you."
He turned and walked toward a shaded spot nearby, then stopped. Naruto hurried after him, curiosity written across his face.
Shino, perceptive as ever, quietly turned his back — tactfully giving them privacy.
"How are you getting along with that fox inside you?" Kitazawa looked at Naruto and asked.
"Fox?" Naruto was stunned for a moment before realizing he was referring to the Nine-Tails.
However, the Nine-Tails did indeed look like a fox. If its size weren't so large, it would probably be quite cute.
"No change." Naruto pulled his wandering thoughts back, shook his head, and said.
"Looks like I'll have to find a way." Kitazawa stroked his chin and said, "Whenever you have time, ask it if it wants to hear about Uchiha Madara's unofficial history."
"Are those the stories you mentioned before?" Naruto said with great interest, "I want to hear them!"
"I'm asking you to ask it." Kitazawa tapped his forehead with his finger and said, "I didn't ask if you wanted to hear it."
Naruto chuckled.
"You train first." Kitazawa reminded him, "Remember to be at the barbecue restaurant on time tonight; Hokage-sama will also be there."
"Grandpa Third?" Naruto immediately said happily, "I definitely won't be late!"
After leaving the Ninja Academy, Kitazawa went to the Hokage Office.
But to his surprise, Tsunade was not there. He didn't ask further, sat on the sofa, and began to refine his Chakra.
After mastering the Yin Seal, he would infuse Chakra into his forehead whenever he had nothing to do.
Time slowly passed.
The sound of the door opening echoed.
"When did you arrive?" Tsunade glanced at him and then plopped down opposite him.
"About two hours ago." Kitazawa stopped refining Chakra and asked with a smile, "You were gone for so long? Did you secretly go to the casino?"
"Am I that kind of person?" Tsunade rolled her eyes and said, "I went to Konoha Hospital to practice the Medical Ninjutsu of Limb Regeneration."
"You learned it so quickly?" Kitazawa asked in surprise.
"No." Tsunade shook her head and said, "I just tried it on a fish."
"But with your talent, you'll learn it in half a month at most." Kitazawa estimated.
By then, his system mission to have five Medical Ninjas learn Limb Regeneration would gain another progress bar segment.
Of course, what he cared about more was the system's mission to modify Limb Regeneration.
He hoped it could be completed. If he had to wait until all five Medical Ninjas learned it, that would be too long. One should be enough.
Tsunade and he could treat many disabled Ninjas in a short time. They would spread their reputation throughout the Ninja World by word of mouth.
"That sounds like you've become my teacher," Tsunade said with a light chuckle.
"At least when it comes to the Medical Ninjutsu of Limb Regeneration, I am your teacher." Kitazawa blinked and said.
"What are you talking about?" Tsunade kicked him and emphasized, "I am your teacher!"
"Speaking of teachers, I just went to see Hokage-sama and invited him to be a teacher for the Genius Class."
Kitazawa said without changing his expression.
"That's good; being a teacher suits him."
Tsunade responded and then asked, "How is your Yin Seal coming along?"
"I think it's going very smoothly; maybe I'll finish training next month."
Kitazawa asked curiously, "Tsunade-sensei, how long did it take you to learn the Yin Seal back then?"
"Faster than you, anyway!" Tsunade pouted and said.
Kitazawa immediately understood.
Although Tsunade is currently the best Medical Ninja in the Ninja World, she is actually a late bloomer, just like Jiraiya.
At least during the Second Shinobi World War, in her battle against Hanzō, she didn't have the diamond-shaped mark of the Yin Seal on her forehead.
Of course, I couldn't expose her, lest she kick me out.
"As expected of Tsunade-sensei." Kitazawa praised her with a serious expression.
"You learn quickly because you have a lot of Chakra; don't get conceited because of it." Tsunade snorted lightly, reminding him.
"Yes, Tsunade-sensei." Kitazawa nodded and said.
"There's only one hour left until we clock out. I'll leave the rest of the time to you."
Tsunade stood up, a smile appearing on her face, and said, "I'm going to the casino first to win back the money I lost for you."
"Can you really win it back?" Kitazawa's gaze fell on her beautiful face as he asked, "How about I give you a little luck?"
"I just said I'm your teacher!" Tsunade subconsciously glared at him.
"Here you go." Kitazawa smiled and took out a passbook.
Tsunade walked over, took the passbook, and stood still.
She hesitated for two seconds, then suddenly leaned down and kissed Kitazawa on the forehead.
Kitazawa was stunned. He hadn't expected Tsunade to actually act on it.
Tsunade turned and left without a word.
She closed the door, thinking that this made the previous kiss proper.
After the drinking session, what she had intended was a kiss on Kitazawa's forehead.
But due to an accident, it didn't succeed—or rather, it succeeded too much; now it was finally made up for.
After convincing herself, Tsunade headed to the casino.
Kitazawa retracted his gaze and continued to cultivate. Tsunade's performance today also proved the correctness of his proactive strategy.
If this continued, becoming a rebellious disciple might even be possible.
---
Evening arrived.
Barbecue restaurant.
When Kitazawa arrived, Sasuke, Naruto, and Kakashi Hatake were already there and had even ordered their food.
"Kitazawa-sensei, hurry up, you're the only one left!" Ino waved at him with a beaming smile.
"One more is missing." Kitazawa walked over and said, "I invited the Third Hokage-sama."
Except for Naruto, Sasuke and the others felt surprised and delighted.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was now officially retired, and his reputation and standing were intact.
"I'm not late, am I?" Not long after, Sarutobi Hiruzen appeared before them.
Besides him, Asuma and Sarutobi Konohamaru were also there.
"Kitazawa, I'm here to freeload a meal. Is that okay?" Asuma asked with a smile.
"Of course." Kitazawa nodded and said.
"Are you the legendary Kitazawa?" Konohamaru asked boldly.
"You're being disrespectful—call him uncle!" Asuma unceremoniously smacked him on the head.
"Konohamaru, don't be rude." Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at him and said.
"Uncle Kitazawa." Seeing this, Konohamaru Sarutobi could only obediently call out.
Kitazawa felt a subtle sensation. How did he suddenly become an uncle?
In the original work, Sarutobi Konohamaru was also a mischievous child when he first appeared, but after being beaten by Naruto, he became his follower.
Kitazawa remembered he also had two companions—Ise Udon and Moegi Kazamatsuri.
Moegi Kazamatsuri even awakened Wood Release when she grew up, although it was the Yamato version.
"Hiruzen." Maruboshi Kosuke said with a smile, "It's rare for us to gather for a meal; tonight, we must drink until we drop."
"No problem." Sarutobi Hiruzen sat down beside him and said, "Don't be stiff; I'm not the Hokage now, so just treat it like home."
In fact, except for Kakashi, Kitazawa, and Kosuke were all very casual.
Konohamaru, however, was just like in the original work—conquered by Naruto's grand words and recognizing him as his big brother.
Naruto was also very excited to have his first follower. He drank several bottles of... juice with Konohamaru Sarutobi.
Night deepened.
Everyone ate and drank their fill and left the barbecue restaurant.
"You don't need to see us off; we'll see each other tomorrow." Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand and said.
"Grandpa Third, are you going to have dinner with us again tomorrow?" Naruto asked excitedly.
"No." Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head and said, "Because starting tomorrow, I will be your Genius Class teacher."
"What?" Inuzuka Kiba's eyes widened as he instinctively asked.
"Wow! The teacher lineup for our Genius Class is truly terrifying!" Tenten exclaimed with admiration.
"That's right!" Ino said happily.
Kitazawa, Maruboshi Kosuke, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Kakashi, and Iruka—
This lineup of teaching at the Ninja Academy would make anyone call it a luxury. But such a bizarre thing actually happened, and they were the ones to encounter it.
"With such good teachers, you all need to work hard. If you drop out of the Genius Class, it will be your loss."
Kitazawa said with a slight smile.
"We definitely won't!" Naruto gave a thumbs-up and said, "Effort is youth! Fifty more laps of training tomorrow!"
"I'll join you!" Rock Lee immediately responded.
"..." Sasuke's mouth twitched.
Having talent and still being so competitive was simply insane. If this continued, would he still have a chance at first place?
"It's getting late. Those who are going my way, I'll see you home." Kitazawa clapped his hands and said.
Naruto, Hinata, Ino, Choji Akimichi, and Shikamaru immediately moved closer to him.
Neji subconsciously looked at Hinata. How are you going the same way?
But he didn't say anything further.
"Kosuke-senpai, Kakashi, please take the other students home." Kitazawa greeted them, then walked toward Naruto's house, which was the closest.
They quickly arrived in front of a residence.
"Huh?" Naruto scratched his head and asked, "Is this my house?"
"Why are there so many things at the door?" Ino asked, puzzled.
The entrance to Naruto's house was filled with all sorts of items—densely packed, several small piles half a person tall.
Kitazawa walked forward and picked up a gift box. There was a small note on it, with words of apology written across.
"Naruto, these are gifts from the villagers." Kitazawa understood and said.
"Why are they giving me gifts?" Naruto asked, looking confused.
"What else could it be? It's an apology to you." Ino clenched her small fists and said, "At least they have a conscience!"
"So, I can buy things from them normally now?" Naruto paused, then suddenly asked happily.
"You really are..." Ino was momentarily at a loss for words.
Kitazawa, however, was not surprised.
After all, in the original work, Naruto never blamed the villagers—even before it was revealed that he was the Fourth Hokage's son.
"Let's move these things inside." Kitazawa commanded, "Naruto, open the door."
Naruto immediately walked forward and opened it.
Ino and Shikamaru began to help move the items. Once everything was brought in, Naruto's living room was completely filled.
Kitazawa suspected that half the villagers of Konoha had come to give gifts. In a sense, it was quite outrageous.
"Wow, limited edition instant ramen!" Naruto pulled out a pack of instant ramen and shouted excitedly.
"What's so good about instant ramen?" Choji Akimichi shook his head and said, "I think potato chips are better."
"There are potato chips, too." Naruto handed him a bag and said.
"Thanks!" Choji Akimichi immediately became excited.
"Do any of you want anything?" Naruto said generously, "I can't possibly use or eat all of these things by myself."
"It's fine." Kitazawa looked around and said, "These things can be stored for a while; you can deal with them slowly."
"Kitazawa-sensei is right." Shikamaru shook his head and said, "I don't want anything."
"Me neither." Ino echoed.
"Naruto, then we'll be going. See you tomorrow." Kitazawa patted his shoulder and said.
"Mm, see you tomorrow!" Naruto said with a beaming smile.
Today was truly a happy day for him.