"Your students are truly one more impressive than the last." After reading the mission report, Tsunade couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
Even with all her years of experience, this was the first time she had ever seen a seven-year-old student defeat a Jonin.
Even if the way Sasuke and his team defeated Aoi Rokusho could be explained logically, it was still an astonishing feat.
"They have talent, and they work hard. Such results are only natural," Kitazawa said with a faint smile.
"That may be true," Tsunade replied, setting down the report, "but it still sounds incredibly unbelievable."
She then asked, "What about the Sword of the Thunder God?"
"I gave it to Sasuke," Kitazawa replied simply.
"Sasuke, huh? That works too," Tsunade nodded. "With his talent, he won't let Second Grandfather's sword go to waste."
The Sword of the Thunder God, while a treasured relic, wasn't that significant. Senju Tobirama had used it only occasionally.
His fame across the Ninja World came primarily from his mastery of Water Release, the Flying Thunder God Technique, and Edo Tensei.
The sword, being linked to Lightning Release, wasn't even part of his specialty.
"Since Aoi Rokusho is dead, notify Ibiki," Tsunade said after a brief pause, tapping her finger thoughtfully on the desk.
After all, Aoi Rokusho had once manipulated Morino Ibiki's younger brother, Morino Idate, into stealing the Sword of the Thunder God.
"I've already had the Anbu investigate. Morino Idate is currently in the Land of Tea," Kitazawa explained. "You could let Ibiki go see him."
Unlike Aoi Rokusho, Idate hadn't betrayed Konoha to join another hidden village—he hadn't even continued being a ninja. Allowing Ibiki to meet his brother again would help him resolve a long-standing knot in his heart.
As the captain of Konoha's Interrogation Unit and a Special Jonin, Morino Ibiki was a key asset to the village. If this matter could strengthen his resolve and loyalty toward Konoha—and to Tsunade—it was more than worth doing.
Besides, it required little to no effort on their part.
"Having you around really does save me a lot of trouble," Tsunade said after a moment, smiling slightly.
Kitazawa's earlier actions—ordering the Anbu to investigate Idate—had shown foresight and initiative, aligning perfectly with her own intentions.
Kitazawa blinked, hiding a hint of awkwardness.
In truth, he hadn't planned that far ahead. He simply remembered that in the original story, Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke had encountered Idate Morino in the Land of Tea.
Since Tsunade had brought it up, he just went along with her assumption and acted accordingly. Still, this misunderstanding worked in his favor, and there was no need to correct it.
"Unless something unexpected happens, the Hidden Mist Village ninja delegation should arrive this afternoon," Tsunade said, pulling out a document and handing it to him.
"This is the list of shinobi who will accompany you to receive them. You may add more people if you wish."
"No need. These ninja are already sufficient," Kitazawa replied after glancing at the document.
"I've already had Shikaku arrange accommodations for the Hidden Mist delegation," Tsunade continued. "You'll have dinner with them tonight, and formal negotiations will begin tomorrow."
"I won't be going tomorrow," Kitazawa said, placing the document back on her desk with a light smile. "I'll leave it to Shikaku. I still have classes and Ninjutsu training to handle."
"What Ninjutsu are you training?" Tsunade asked, raising an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you still haven't given up on Wood Release?"
"No," Kitazawa replied calmly, meeting her gaze. "Regarding Wood Release, I've recently discovered a problem—or rather, I've come up with a conjecture."
"What kind of conjecture?" Tsunade's interest was immediately piqued.
"Wood Release is synthesized from Earth and Water Release chakra natures," Kitazawa began. "But don't you think the power of the First Hokage-sama's Wood Release far surpasses that of an ordinary Bloodline Limit?"
Tsunade's thoughts drifted to Yamato's Wood Release. Though he possessed the same technique, his power was nowhere near that of her grandfather, Senju Hashirama.
Yamato's Wood Release aligned more closely with the expected strength of a standard Bloodline Limit.
"It's Yang Release," Kitazawa continued. "I suspect that the First Hokage-sama added Yang Release into his Wood Release—making it not just a Bloodline Limit, but a Bloodline Selection(Kekkei Tota)."
A Bloodline Limit was created by merging two chakra natures. A Bloodline Selection(Kekkei Tota), on the other hand, was the synthesis of three.
The only known Bloodline Selection in the ninja world was Dust Release, mastered by the Second Tsuchikage Mū and the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki of Iwagakure.
"Bloodline Selection?" Tsunade murmured, frowning slightly. "That… actually sounds plausible."
If this theory were true, it would explain why Sarutobi Hiruzen had failed to recreate Wood Release—he simply lacked the additional chakra nature needed.
"But if what you say is true," Tsunade sighed, "then synthesizing Wood Release becomes even more impossible. A Bloodline Selection is several times harder to achieve than a Bloodline Limit."
"These are only my conjectures," Kitazawa replied casually. "There's no harm in trying."
He had, after all, already learned Wood Release long ago. His explanation now was simply to prepare Tsunade—so that when she eventually saw him use Wood Release on par with Hashirama's, she wouldn't be too shocked.
Although his current Wood Release was still at Yamato's level, with his system's support, it would inevitably evolve to something greater.
"As you wish," Tsunade said, dropping the topic with a small sigh.
"There's one more thing," Kitazawa said suddenly, his tone shifting slightly. "I want to add one more condition to the negotiations with the Hidden Mist Village—a request for a sea territory."
"The sea?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "What for? Fishing? We're ninja, not fishermen."
"Not for fishing," Kitazawa replied, "but for mining seabed resources."
He then explained the new ability developed by Shino Aburame's mutated Parasitic Water Insects.
This was not something he could keep hidden from Tsunade. Since she was the Hokage, the best approach was to inform her directly and cooperate.
"There's actually this kind of Kikaichū?"
Tsunade's eyes lit up. She raised a finger and smiled. "I am the Hokage; I want ten percent of the profits."
"Ten percent of the profits can be yours, but the money must be managed by me," Kitazawa replied with a nod.
"What do you mean?" Tsunade's face darkened, displeased. "Why should my money be managed by you? Who exactly is the teacher here?"
"I just don't want you to lose all your money at the casino." Kitazawa met her sharp, beautiful eyes without fear.
"I haven't even gambled yet—how do you know I'll lose?" Tsunade shot up from her seat, fuming. "I'll definitely win!"
Her sudden movement caused her clothes to ripple slightly, and Kitazawa's heart skipped a beat.
"What are you looking at?" Tsunade glared, her tone fierce. "Answer my question!"
"Sorry," Kitazawa said, averting his gaze, his tone layered with double meaning. "It's unavoidable."
"You're really not giving it?" Tsunade asked through gritted teeth.
"I didn't say I wouldn't give it," Kitazawa replied calmly. "I'm just holding onto it for you. If you run out of money, you can come to me for it."
"You—!" Tsunade clenched her fists but soon relaxed, sighing helplessly. "Alright, have it your way."
At least when it came to money, Kitazawa was more straightforward than Shizune.
"Of the remaining ninety percent of the profits," Kitazawa continued, "I'll give half to Konoha."
The most important part of this operation was securing a sea area from the Hidden Mist Village—or rather, the Land of Water.
This opportunity was a result of Konoha's victory over the Mist, so the profits couldn't be monopolized by Kitazawa and the Aburame Clan.
Of course, giving it to Konoha Village was essentially the same as giving it to Tsunade and Kitazawa. After all, the two of them would theoretically govern Konoha as Hokage for decades to come.
"This amount of money will be quite substantial," Tsunade mused. "I think we should find a more trustworthy financial manager."
Konoha already had a finance department responsible for distributing mission rewards and managing funds from the Land of Fire each year.
"I think that's a good idea," Kitazawa agreed.
With him around, Konoha would have plenty of chances to earn money in the future—they'd need someone reliable to manage it.
"How about Rina?" Tsunade suggested after a pause.
"Rina-san is naturally trustworthy," Kitazawa said, "but her strength and prestige might be an issue."
Uzumaki Rina had been rescued from the Hidden Grass Village by Tsunade and Kitazawa. In Konoha, she could only rely on them. Moreover, her daughter, Karin, was Kitazawa's student—she could never betray them.
"The finance department isn't a combat unit," Tsunade said indifferently.
"It doesn't require strength. And if anyone has an opinion, they can come to me. Besides, her surname is Uzumaki—and Konoha already owes the Uzumaki Clan."
"As expected of Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Then I'll go discuss the formation of a seabed exploration team with Clan Head Shibi now."
"The sooner this is done, the better," Tsunade said impatiently.
Kitazawa's proposal had opened up a new way of thinking for her—as Hokage, she could legitimately make money. Perhaps one day, she could even pay off all her debts.
---
After leaving the Hokage's office, Kitazawa made his way to the Aburame Clan.
Along the way, he was warmly welcomed. Before he even reached Aburame Shibi's home, the clan head himself came out to greet him.
"Kitazawa," Shibi said with a rare smile.
"Clan Head Shibi." Kitazawa nodded. "Do you know about the Water Insects that Shino recently succeeded in mutating?"
"We're already cultivating this new species," Shibi replied gratefully. "Thanks to you, our Aburame Clan was able to obtain such powerful Water Insects."
"No need for excessive thanks," Kitazawa said with a faint smile. "I'm here today to convey a mission from Tsunade-sensei."
"Tell me." Shibi's expression turned serious.
"Tsunade-sensei has ordered you to form a seabed exploration team," Kitazawa explained the situation in detail.
Shibi's heart trembled slightly. At first, he thought forming an exploration team wasn't a ninja's duty—but when he heard about the rich seabed resources, he immediately realized the opportunity before him.
Ninja needed money. Clans needed money. Only with money could they grow stronger.
"No problem!" Shibi said, suppressing his excitement. "We can form it within the week!"
"The main issue is the Water Insects," Kitazawa reminded him. "There's pressure at the bottom of the sea."
Though the Water Insects could breathe underwater, the seabed was a completely different environment. The pressure there could crush them instantly.
The only way to counter that was for the Aburame Clan to protect them with chakra—or to evolve a new mutation, though that was uncertain.
In short, they needed to increase the number of Water Insects first. If quality wasn't enough, they would make up for it with quantity.
"I understand," Shibi said after a brief thought. "We should be able to cultivate quite a few within half a month."
"The negotiations with the Hidden Mist Village are also expected to take ten days to half a month," Kitazawa nodded. "This seabed exploration team will be directly under the Hokage."
Being directly under the Hokage meant no one else could interfere—this was to prevent any greedy hands from reaching into the profits.
After finishing their discussion, Kitazawa didn't linger long. Once everything was settled, he returned to the Anbu base.
---
"Kitazawa, I need to return to the Akatsuki Organization for a while." Konan appeared quietly before him.
"I'll give you two days off," Kitazawa said without hesitation.
He already knew why she was going back—to retrieve medicine for Nagato's treatment, as well as the puppets she had promised him.
Kitazawa watched her leave, then turned when a knock sounded at the door.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Kabuto said as he entered. "These are the missions we've completed during this period."
"You've worked hard." Kitazawa accepted the scroll and began reading through it.
The Anbu missions were clearly far more intense than standard ones. The lowest were C-rank, but B-rank and even A-rank missions were commonplace.
With Itachi leading the team, they had completed quite a number of A-rank assignments.
"Have you and Izumi mastered the Compound Ninja Art: Strange Mask Exploding Flame?" Kitazawa asked once he'd finished reading.
"We can successfully perform it," Kabuto replied modestly. "We've just gotten the hang of it."
"It seems I'll have to teach you a new ninjutsu, then."
Kitazawa pondered for a moment before recalling a technique suitable for all three of them—the Rasengan.
For most shinobi, the Rasengan served as a powerful trump card. It also had no need for hand seals, which gave it an enormous advantage in battle due to its speed of activation.
It was one of the reasons why Minato had been able to dominate the Third Shinobi World War, cutting down Jonin-level opponents as if they were nothing. A single Rasengan was often enough to incapacitate even an elite Jonin.
"Go call Torune and Izumi," Kitazawa said, rising from his seat. "We'll gather at the Anbu training grounds."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei." Kabuto nodded, eyes bright with anticipation for the new jutsu.
Not long after, the three arrived at the training grounds.
"I'm going to teach you a ninjutsu called Rasengan," Kitazawa said, looking at them evenly.
"The Fourth Hokage's Rasengan?" Kabuto asked in surprise.
"That's right."
Kitazawa smiled, then began explaining the first stage of Rasengan cultivation—the core principles and control techniques required.
Whether one could master the Rasengan depended primarily on one's understanding of chakra shape transformation and one's level of chakra control.
Since it didn't require nature transformation, it was theoretically simple—but practically demanding.
This was also why Jiraiya had taken only three days to learn it.
Kitazawa estimated that Kabuto would likely master it first, followed by Uchiha Izumi, and finally Torune.
After explaining, he took out a water-filled balloon and demonstrated the process.
"Alright," he said, "practice on your own. If you don't understand something, come find me."
With that, Kitazawa moved to an open area nearby and began training in the Five Release Great Combo Technique.
The learning process for this compound ninjutsu was divided into two stages.
The first step was to master all five elemental release jutsu.
The second—and far more difficult—step was to combine them simultaneously.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's method had involved using Shadow Clones: the main body and four clones each performed one elemental jutsu, merging them together upon release.
Naturally, the true challenge lay in the second step.
The first step, however, wasn't too difficult for Kitazawa. His chakra nature transformations for all five elements had already reached proficient, Jonin-level mastery.
He planned to consult Sarutobi Hiruzen when he reached the second stage. For now, diligent practice would suffice.
By the time the sun began to set and the hour neared five in the afternoon, Kitazawa paused his training and headed straight for Konoha's main gate.
Shikaku and the others were already there waiting. When they saw him, they greeted him warmly.
Kitazawa returned each greeting before taking his place.
Within minutes, Mei Terumī and a group of Hidden Mist shinobi came into view—over thirty in total. For the Mist, this negotiation represented their future; naturally, they came well-prepared.
"Mizukage-sama, welcome to Konoha." Kitazawa stepped forward, extending a hand with a polite smile.
"Kitazawa-sama," Mei Terumī replied as she shook his hand. "It's been half a month since we last met, and your reputation has grown considerably."
She was referring to his creation of the Limb Regeneration Technique, a feat that had shaken the entire shinobi world.
"Please," Kitazawa said, gesturing toward the village. "You've all traveled far. Rest for the night, and we'll begin negotiations tomorrow morning."
"Kitazawa-sama, I have an impolite request," Mei said as they walked together. "Could the Limb Regeneration Technique be included in the negotiations?"
Many of the Mist's shinobi had lost limbs during the war.
"Of course," Kitazawa said with a faint smile. He had anticipated this. Healing was possible—if the Mist was willing to pay the price.
"Thank you."
Mei understood well that such treatment wouldn't come for free. That was precisely why she'd chosen to bring it up formally.
After escorting them to their arranged lodgings, Kitazawa shared a meal with the Mist delegation before taking his leave.
"I thought Tsunade would be here to greet us," Ao muttered, displeased.
"It's fine," Mei said calmly. "After all, our Hidden Mist Village is the losing side."
"Mizukage-sama, why didn't you mention Haku to Kitazawa just now?" Ao asked, changing the topic.
Kitazawa's mission to the Land of Water—where he had taken Haku along with Hinata and others—was no secret. After all, one Mist Jonin and four Chunin had died in the incident.
Their investigation had revealed that Haku possessed the rare Ice Release bloodline limit.
"Haku, strictly speaking, was never truly one of our Hidden Mist shinobi," Mei replied, shaking her head. "And right now, Kitazawa represents Konoha. We can't afford to offend him."
Ao fell silent, letting out a long sigh after a moment.
---
Kitazawa returned home.
Since he had dinner with Mei Terumī and the others, it was already evening. He took out his key and unlocked the door.
"Are you back?" Kurenai's voice rang out softly.
Kitazawa instinctively turned toward her—and the first thing that caught his eye was her fair, delicate feet. She had clearly just showered and changed into a light nightgown, revealing a pair of slender, graceful legs.
"I heard the Hidden Mist Village delegation arrived?" Kurenai asked, stepping closer.
"Mhm," Kitazawa nodded. "I just had dinner with them."
"How was it?" she asked with a teasing smile.
"How was what?" Kitazawa replied as he wrapped his arms around her soft body. "Do you think they'd dare to make things difficult for me?"
"That's true," Kurenai murmured with a chuckle, looping her arms around his neck as her legs lifted slightly.
The nightgown slipped downward under its own weight, revealing smooth, pale thighs that caught the light.
Kitazawa playfully patted her leg, and the soft flesh trembled at his touch. Then, in one fluid motion, he lifted her and started toward the bathroom.
"I only asked you to carry me to the living room," Kurenai protested, biting his shoulder.
"But I don't think that's what you meant," Kitazawa said with a smirk, raising an eyebrow as his hands squeezed her plump, supple hips.
"What are you doing?" Kurenai gasped, her voice low, her ruby-red eyes gleaming with unspoken emotion.
"No bathtub today—let's use the shower," Kitazawa murmured, his tone mischievous.
"I've already showered. You can wash yourself," Kurenai huffed, glaring at him—but her arms didn't let go.
Kitazawa stepped into the bathroom and turned on the hot water. Steam quickly began to rise, fogging the air and blurring the glass walls.
The steady rush of water filled the room.
Through the misted glass, the faint outline of a fair, graceful figure could be seen.
Kitazawa wrapped his arms around Kurenai from behind, helping her bathe.
She bit her lip as faint handprints began to appear on the glass, overlapping and smudged. Her body arched slightly, her long legs tracing a soft, elegant curve—like a crescent moon in the haze.
The mist thickened, and two shadows gradually merged into one.
---
A new day—Tuesday.
Kitazawa woke early.
Kurenai was still asleep, having spent far too long the night before.
He didn't wake her. Instead, after preparing breakfast, he quietly left the house.
Today marked the first day of negotiations between the Hidden Mist Village and Konoha.
Kitazawa had no intention of attending. He left that to Shikaku Nara—after all, what they called "negotiations" were little more than endless arguments.
He preferred not to waste his time.
As usual, after teaching the Genius Class students, Kitazawa resumed training in the Five Release Great Combo Technique.
He created four Shadow Clones to practice with him simultaneously.
The difficulty lay not in the technique itself, but in enduring the fatigue and mental strain once all their memories and exhaustion returned to him at once.
Fortunately, his Senju Bloodline had now reached 100%, allowing him to withstand it.
He also continued instructing the Medical Ninja at Konoha Hospital.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
At the Anbu base, Kitazawa met Konan, who had just returned. She handed him two Summoning Storage Scrolls.
Kitazawa opened the first, and a rich medicinal fragrance immediately filled the air.
He glanced over the contents and said, "The Akatsuki Organization really is impressive—to gather so many rare ingredients this quickly."
Konan nodded silently.
In truth, it had taken the combined effort of the entire Land of Rain and Hidden Rain Village, which had spent a considerable fortune to collect them.
She worried that the cost of Nagato's future treatments would only continue to rise—and that soon, she might need to find her own ways to earn money.
"I'll need about a week to refine and blend these medicines," Kitazawa said. "Once it's done, have him take them regularly."
He then opened the second scroll.
A humanoid puppet appeared before him, accompanied by a detailed instruction manual. The manual described three core attack mechanisms:
1. It could fire senbon from its mouth.
2. Its arms could extend and transform into sharp blades.
3. It contained explosive tags and poisoned needles within its body, allowing it to self-destruct in battle.
Moreover, there was ample room left for modification.
Overall, Sasori had done an exceptional job—this puppet was easily on par with, if not superior to, the three puppets wielded by Kankuro of the Hidden Sand.
"We'll start refining the medicine tomorrow morning," Kitazawa said, storing the puppet away.
"Mhm." Konan vanished from sight—though she hadn't gone far. She had resumed her duty as his silent Anbu protector.
---
A new day—Friday.
On his way to the Hokage Building, Kitazawa ran into Nara Shikaku and asked about the progress of the negotiations.
As expected, there had been none.
For days, the two sides had done nothing but argue. In fact, two negotiation tables had already been smashed by Mei Terumī herself.
Though she usually carried herself with calm dignity, when she lost her temper, she was every bit as fiery as Tsunade.
Even so, she didn't dare resort to violence.
Shikaku, meanwhile, was immovable—unyielding as a mountain.
Given enough time, Kitazawa knew, the Hidden Mist would eventually concede. They couldn't afford to delay forever—certainly not long enough to remain in Konoha for a year or two.
And besides, Zabuza and the others were still imprisoned, waiting to be rescued.
"You've worked hard," Kitazawa said. "Let me know if there's any progress."
"It's my duty," Shikaku replied with his usual calm. "Besides, negotiation is my specialty."
After exchanging farewells, Kitazawa continued toward the Hokage Office.
---
"I've basically mastered the Medical Ninjutsu for Limb Regeneration," Tsunade said directly.
"I've already adjusted your surgery schedule."
Previously, Kitazawa had been performing all the surgeries alone, but now that Tsunade had learned the Limb Regeneration Technique, she could finally share part of the workload.
Although she usually liked to slack off, when it came to treating the disabled ninja, she was extremely proactive and showed not even the slightest hint of negligence.
"When the time comes, just have Konoha Hospital notify me," Kitazawa said, glancing at the surgery schedule.
"Mhm." Tsunade nodded, then asked, "What's the situation with the underwater exploration team you formed?"
"I formed a seventeen-person underwater exploration team according to the Anbu's squad formation, with Aburame Shibi as the captain," Kitazawa replied after a pause. "Right now, we're just waiting for Hidden Mist Village to designate a sea area for us."
Although the southeastern border of the Land of Fire was adjacent to the sea, it was still nearshore—there weren't that many resources there.
"Then let's wait for good news from Shikaku," Tsunade said with a stretch and a smile. "I hope we can make a fortune."
Just as Kitazawa was about to respond, four lines of text suddenly appeared before his eyes.
He glanced at them and was immediately stunned.
[Current Mission: Modify or create a new Ninjutsu.]
[Mission Reward: Rewards will be distributed based on the Ninjutsu's rank, purpose, and impact.]
[Host has completed the mission. Rewards are being distributed.]
[Limb Regeneration Medical Ninjutsu is rated as the highest, rewarding 10% Ōtsutsuki Clan Bloodline.]
Directly rewarding Ōtsutsuki Clan Bloodline?
As was well known, the Sage of Six Paths was the progenitor of all ninja—but strictly speaking, his mother, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, was the true origin.
The Ōtsutsuki Clan stood at the pinnacle—or rather, the root—of every bloodline in existence.
Whether it was the Senju, Uchiha, or Hyuga Clans, all could trace their origins back to the Ōtsutsuki.
Kitazawa's first reaction was that the Tenseigan might now be within reach.
In the original work, Ōtsutsuki Toneri had awakened the Tenseigan by merging the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan with pure Ōtsutsuki Chakra. But even without the Tenseigan, the Ōtsutsuki Byakugan itself was immensely powerful.
For instance, Ōtsutsuki Kinshiki's Byakugan possessed a phasing dōjutsu similar to Kamui.
However, these were matters for the future. Right now, Kitazawa could clearly feel it—his chakra had surged, nearly doubling.