Time came to Thursday.
Today was the Genius Class's theoretical exam. Tomorrow will be the practical exam.
Sasuke, Naruto, and eighteen other outstanding students would participate in a new type of practical exam — going out and performing missions.
Kitazawa ate breakfast and then headed to Konoha Hospital.
He left the Genius Class's theoretical exam to Iruka to proctor. He wanted to use this time to perform limb regeneration surgery on a Jonin who had lost his right arm.
As for the Medical Ninjutsu learning class, there were no available classrooms today, so they had a day off.
After all, it was the Genius Class's theoretical exam — or more accurately, the theoretical exams for all six grades.
"Lord Kitazawa." The Medical Ninja at Konoha Hospital greeted him one after another.
After attending his classes for a while, they had a clear understanding of Kitazawa's Medical Ninjutsu level. In Konoha Village, besides Tsunade, he was undoubtedly the best.
With his status combined with his strength, the Medical Ninja at Konoha Hospital had become very respectful toward him.
"Senior Nono." Kitazawa arrived at Nono Yakushi's office.
"Teacher Kitazawa." Haku immediately stood up to greet him.
Kabuto was currently an ANBU ninja, and he occasionally had missions to carry out. When he was unavailable, he entrusted Haku to Nono Yakushi's care.
"How is your training coming along?" Kitazawa asked, looking at Haku.
"It should be pretty good," Haku said uncertainly after thinking for a moment.
"Not 'should be,' it's really very good."
Nono smiled and said, "I'm already teaching him the basic Three E-rank Techniques."
"His progress is indeed very fast." Kitazawa was a bit surprised, but upon closer thought, he found it reasonable.
Haku was only three years older than Naruto and Sasuke. In the original work, he died at fifteen.
At that time, even if he didn't possess Jonin-level strength, with his Ice Release, he was definitely among the top Chunin. Moreover, he had developed his Ice Release entirely on his own.
Judging by that, his talent was absolutely top-notch. Although he couldn't compare to the 'cheating' Naruto and Sasuke, he was on par with most of the Konoha Twelve.
"Haku, continue your training." Nono stood up and said, "Kitazawa and I are going to perform a surgery."
"Okay, Dean." Haku nodded. "See you next time, Teacher Kitazawa."
Kitazawa nodded back and followed Yakushi Nono to the operating room.
The morning passed quickly.
By the time the surgery was over, it was already eleven o'clock. After Kitazawa and Nono had lunch, they went to the Hokage Office.
As usual, after chatting with Tsunade for a few moments, he found a place to practice his Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall.
In less than an hour, he stopped. Kitazawa waited for a moment and then saw Konan approaching.
"I've already had them procure the medicinal ingredients; they should be delivered next week," Konan said proactively.
"Did you encounter any trouble?" Kitazawa asked with a nod.
"Not yet." Konan paused before continuing, "Your human puppet will also be delivered next week."
"It seems the human puppet master you found is extraordinary," Kitazawa said with a chuckle. "To be able to create a human puppet with Special Jonin-level strength in such a short time."
"His strength is indeed impressive," Konan replied calmly.
Sasori had been invited to join the Akatsuki after she defeated him.
But at that time, he hadn't yet transformed himself into a human puppet. Now that he had, Konan wasn't sure what level his strength had reached.
"Aoi Rokusho will be going to the Land of Rivers on Sunday to carry out a mission," Konan added. "He'll be alone."
"Thank you," Kitazawa said with satisfaction.
"It's what I should do."
The reason Konan was so diligent was naturally because she hoped Kitazawa would be equally serious about treating Nagato's legs. Kitazawa could easily guess her thoughts.
His principles were simple — he treated others as they treated him. Coupled with the system mission, he had no reason to play any tricks.
"You should return to the ANBU base to rest," Kitazawa said, waving his hand. "From now on, when I come to the Hokage Building, you don't need to follow."
The Hokage Building had many eyes and ears, and Konan could easily be discovered.
Of course, the main reason was that Kitazawa didn't want anyone to know he was cultivating Wood Release — at least for now.
"Yes." Konan turned and left.
The sun set in the west. Kitazawa finished his afternoon training and returned to the Hokage Office. To his surprise, besides Tsunade, Nara Shikaku was also there.
"You've returned just in time." When Tsunade saw him, she tossed him a document.
Kitazawa opened it, scanned through a few pages, and immediately understood what they were discussing.
The document came from the Uchiha Clan — more precisely, an application requesting Konoha's approval to relocate back to their original compound.
"Kitazawa, what do you think?" Tsunade asked after a moment.
"I think we can agree." Kitazawa closed the document and said, "That compound originally belonged to the Uchiha Clan. It should indeed be returned to its rightful owners."
"That compound currently belongs to the two Hokage advisors and the Shimura Clan," Nara Shikaku reminded him.
The Uchiha Clan's original compound was located in the center of Konoha Village.
After they moved out, the vacant land naturally couldn't be left unused. Over time, it had been divided among Danzo, Homura Mitokado, and Utatane Koharu.
"Then we should agree to the Uchiha Clan's application even more," Kitazawa said immediately.
Although he was doing this to complete a system mission, it was also satisfying to irritate those two old geezers.
"I knew you'd think that way," Tsunade said, smiling.
Nara Shikaku looked between the two of them, a trace of hesitation in his eyes.
Earlier, when Tsunade had asked for his opinion, he had suggested they approve the move — but gradually, not all at once.
He was worried the two Hokage advisors might do something reckless because of it. After all, during the previous Jonin meeting, they had already been furious.
But judging from Tsunade and Kitazawa's expressions, their stance was clearly different from his.
"Hokage-sama."
Nara Shikaku quickly made up his mind and said, "Then I will inform the Shimura Clan and the others to move out as soon as possible."
This was called a wise man adapting to circumstances. Tsunade wasn't afraid, so what did he have to fear?
Not to mention that Tsunade was the Hokage — he himself was now also a Hokage Advisor. In terms of status, he was no less than Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu.
As for the Shimura Clan, after losing Danzo, they no longer had any higher-ups in Konoha to protect them.
It was already good enough that they could survive; when it came to such power struggles, they didn't even have the qualifications to participate.
"If they have any objections, tell them to come find me," Tsunade said domineeringly.
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Nara Shikaku bowed slightly and turned to leave.
"Kitazawa, how long do you think it will be before those two come to find me?" Tsunade chuckled and asked.
"No more than an hour," Kitazawa said after thinking for a moment.
"What a waste of my time," Tsunade muttered as she stretched.
"You only need to say one sentence," Kitazawa said with a blink.
Because of Tsunade's movement, her clothes became very contoured.
"What sentence?" Tsunade asked with some curiosity.
"I am the Hokage," Kitazawa lightly coughed and said.
"That sentence makes me sound a bit unreasonable."
Tsunade gave him a sidelong glance, then smiled and said, "But with those two old geezers, there's no need to be so reasonable."
She didn't like Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu. In the original work, there was even a scene where Tsunade, annoyed by their nagging, grabbed their collars and threatened them.
"How is Naruto doing?" Tsunade suddenly thought of something and asked.
"Very well," Kitazawa replied. "Ever since it was announced that he is the Fourth Hokage's son, the villagers' attitude towards him has changed."
"That's good." Tsunade nodded. "I hope he doesn't develop any bad psychological trauma from his past experiences."
"Naruto is naturally optimistic; these things won't affect him much," Kitazawa said with a smile. "If there are any problems, I will inform you immediately."
"With you around, I'm at ease." Tsunade casually picked up a document from the table and said, "This matter was brought about by you; take a look."
Kitazawa stepped forward and took the document.
It detailed the expansion of the Konoha Military Police Force. The Uchiha Clan had relinquished half of their share — or rather, their power.
Simply put, the members of the Police Force were now half Uchiha Clan ninja and half ninja from other clans.
"Good sincerity," Kitazawa said, putting down the document.
"This is also why I agreed to their relocation back to their original compound."
Tsunade smiled. "I've seen the change in the Uchiha Clan."
"A large part of the reason the Uchiha Clan was so aggressive before was due to Danzo Shimura's suppression," Kitazawa said thoughtfully.
"I think it's better to guide the Uchiha Clan than to suppress them. Their demands are actually very simple — they want to become Hokage."
If they truly wanted to betray Konoha, they would have followed Uchiha Madara back then.
From another perspective, they were also typical adherents of the belief that the strong should rule the weak. After all, Uchiha Madara lost to Senju Hashirama.
As of now, there was Tsunade, there was him, and, of course, there was also a spy, Uchiha Itachi. Coupled with the hope they saw in the Hokage, Kitazawa believed the Uchiha Clan was still manageable.
"From the current situation, the Uchiha Clan is not incapable of adapting," Tsunade agreed. "As long as they don't harm Konoha, everything is acceptable."
"Tsunade!" Just then, Utatane Koharu's furious voice rang out.
"It seems you miscalculated; it hasn't even been half an hour yet," Tsunade said with a smile.
"Doesn't that just make you seem more accurate?" Kitazawa replied, spreading his hands.
With a loud bang, the door was pushed open. Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado stormed in.
"This is the Hokage Building!" Tsunade immediately changed her expression and reprimanded, "As Hokage Advisors, making such a ruckus — what kind of decorum is that?"
Utatane Koharu's body trembled with anger.
But Tsunade was the Hokage — when she said that, no one could find fault with it.
"Tsunade, why are you letting the Uchiha Clan move back?" Homura Mitokado demanded.
"The reason the Uchiha Clan was moved out was due to Danzo Shimura's baseless suspicions," Tsunade said unhurriedly. "We still haven't found any evidence linking the Nine-Tails Rampage to the Uchiha Clan."
"But the Nine-Tails was indeed controlled by the Sharingan!" Utatane Koharu said coldly.
"The Uchiha Clan isn't the only one with a Sharingan," Tsunade countered. "Danzo Shimura also has a Sharingan."
"..." Utatane Koharu was immediately speechless.
"That may be so, but the Uchiha Clan poses a potential danger," Homura said gravely. "Moving them back to the center of Konoha would make it even easier for them to cause trouble if they wished."
"I trust Kitazawa," Tsunade said, changing the subject. "He and the ANBU will keep a close eye on the Uchiha Clan."
"If the two Hokage Advisors don't trust me, we can have a fight," Kitazawa said at the opportune moment.
"Tsunade, you need to control your student!" Utatane Koharu exclaimed, hearing the threat.
"My student is just like that — he takes after me," Tsunade chuckled. "And I think he's right."
"Tsunade!" Utatane Koharu said discontentedly. "You are the Hokage — how can you be so unreasonable?"
"I've already reasoned with you," Tsunade said coldly, her face darkening. "This matter has been decided and cannot be changed!"
"Tsunade, you will regret this!" Utatane Koharu said, flustered with anger.
"I am the Hokage!" Tsunade retorted without hesitation.
"Koharu, let's go," Homura Mitokado said quickly, realizing there was no room left for negotiation. He grabbed Utatane Koharu's arm and led her out of the office.
"I should've listened to you and just said that last sentence directly," Tsunade sighed, shaking her head.
"They've been thwarted so many times lately—they've probably grown to resent you," Kitazawa reminded her.
"What can they do?" Tsunade said disdainfully. "Compared to them, Danzo Shimura at least had some guts."
"I'll have the ANBU monitor them," Kitazawa said after a brief pause, his tone thoughtful.
"Suit yourself," Tsunade replied indifferently.
Logically speaking, having the ANBU monitor the Hokage Advisors was a violation of Konoha's internal regulations. But Tsunade truly disliked those two.
If they didn't cause trouble, she wouldn't interfere—but if they did, she wouldn't be as lenient as Sarutobi Hiruzen had been.
"Let's go to the casino," Tsunade said suddenly, stepping closer and extending her fair hand toward him.
"Tsunade-sensei, what does this mean?" Kitazawa blinked, taking her hand as he asked.
"Don't play dumb!" Tsunade rolled her eyes and tried to pull her hand back, but found she couldn't.
"Go home early," Kitazawa said, slipping a stack of money into her hand. "Only five hundred thousand ryō today."
"Such nagging!" Tsunade huffed, snatched the money, stomped on his foot, and turned to leave.
After walking out of the Hokage Building, she glanced down at the hand he had just held and pouted. This guy's really getting more and more presumptuous.
Meanwhile, Kitazawa casually shut the Hokage Office door behind him.
He walked down the bustling street, deep in thought. Tsunade asked him for money every day—this couldn't go on forever.
He stroked his chin, considering his options. He needed to increase income and reduce expenditure.
Perhaps he could investigate the casinos in Konoha Village and see if there was a way to quietly take control of them. That, or find other methods of earning money.
But before that, he had to finish the Genius Class Monthly Exam.
---
Time passed quickly, and soon it was Friday.
The students of the Genius Class assembled at the Ninja Academy's training grounds.
They were divided into two groups: one participating in the regular practical exam, and the other taking part in the new-style mission-based exam.
The teachers had also arrived—Umino Iruka, Maruboshi Kosuke, Kakashi, and the newly joined Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Kitazawa-senpai," Iruka said, stepping forward and handing over a scroll. "This is the ranking for the Genius Class's theoretical exam."
"You worked hard yesterday, Iruka." Kitazawa opened the scroll and quickly skimmed through it.
The rankings were nearly the same as before—nothing particularly surprising.
"Then let's start the practical exam," Kitazawa said as he returned the scroll. He then walked toward Kakashi and Hiruzen.
For this part of the test, their job was merely to observe and score.
"You and Tsunade made quite a stir yesterday, didn't you?" Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a teasing smile.
"For the Third Hokage-sama to say that… it seems the two advisors went to find you again," Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.
"You guessed right," Hiruzen said with a chuckle, "but I didn't interfere. After all, I'm just an ordinary Ninja Academy teacher now."
Kitazawa twitched the corner of his mouth. That line sounded oddly familiar.
"Haha!" Kosuke laughed. "Hiruzen, you're truly humorous."
"Ahem," Kitazawa cleared his throat, steering them back to the topic. "Let's focus on the exam."
Iruka had chosen the same examination format as Kitazawa: random pairings for sparring.
However, since Sasuke and Naruto were no longer participating, there was no need for three rounds of combat—the number had been reduced to two.
Naturally, with fewer participants, the overall intensity and excitement of the matches also decreased.
"Kitazawa," Sarutobi Hiruzen said after watching for a while, "I think I should participate in that new type of practical exam too."
"You'll lead a team?" Kitazawa asked, somewhat surprised.
"Is that a problem?" Hiruzen puffed up slightly. "I've trained Konoha's Sannin before!"
"Of course not," Kitazawa quickly replied. "I'm not doubting your ability—I'm just worried it might waste your time."
"That's nothing," Hiruzen waved his hand dismissively. "I have plenty of time these days."
"Alright then," Kitazawa said, nodding. "I'll arrange a team for you in the next Monthly Exam."
"Hiruzen, it seems you want to stretch your muscles again," Maruboshi Kosuke said with a grin.
"It's true, I haven't left Konoha in far too long. It might be refreshing to go on a mission," Hiruzen said with a chuckle.
Just as Kitazawa was about to respond, three lines of golden text appeared before his eyes:
[Current Mission: Help the Uchiha Clan return to their original territory and gain their friendship.]
[Mission Reward: Izanagi.]
[Host has completed the mission. Reward issued.]
The Uchiha Clan had moved swiftly—they'd already returned to their ancestral compound in less than a day. But Kitazawa understood their eagerness; it was only natural.
Izanagi, he thought. An invincible resurrection ninjutsu.
Of course, the price was steep—the permanent blindness of one Sharingan.
"Third Hokage-sama, would you like to learn Limb Regeneration?" Kitazawa suddenly asked, remembering something.
In the original records, Sarutobi Hiruzen was proficient in every ninjutsu within Konoha and was even a rare ninja with mastery over all seven chakra attributes. That meant he could certainly learn Medical Ninjutsu.
The reason Kitazawa asked was simple—it aligned with his current system mission: to teach Limb Regeneration to five people.
Tsunade, Shizune, Nono Yakushi, Kabuto Yakushi, and Sarutobi Hiruzen—exactly five.
Moreover, each of them was exceptionally talented in Medical Ninjutsu. Teaching them would allow him to complete the mission at maximum efficiency.
"Yes, I'd like to learn," Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded. "Limb Regeneration is an extremely practical technique. I might need it someday."