"Tomorrow, Hidden Mist Village and Konoha Village will hold a Genin Exchange Meet."
Kitazawa sat at his desk with a faint smile and said, "I recommended all of you to Hokage-sama."
Sasuke and the others exchanged puzzled glances, clearly caught off guard by the sudden news.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Naruto raised his hand, asking curiously, "What are we supposed to do at this exchange meet? Chat with the Genin from Hidden Mist Village?"
"We are Ninja," Kitazawa explained calmly. "We communicate with our fists, not our mouths. At the Genin Exchange Meet, both sides will engage in five sparring matches."
"I'm in!"
As soon as Naruto heard the word sparring, he immediately agreed, looking visibly excited.
Kitazawa couldn't help but chuckle. This child had truly become a battle maniac after following Might Guy.
Still, there was no harm in it—his talent was high, and the more he fought, the faster he'd grow.
Sasuke's eyes lit up. Sparring with the Genin from Hidden Mist Village?
If they wanted to win, the Mist would surely send their most outstanding Genin. If he could defeat them, it would bring great honor to the Uchiha Clan—something that would surely please both his father and brother.
He remembered Itachi once saying that Uchiha Shisui had made his name during a war with the Hidden Mist Village.
This exchange meet was, for Sasuke, a perfect opportunity. Thinking that, a surge of anticipation rose in his chest.
"Are all five of us participating?"
Neji looked around, a little incredulous. This was a Genin exchange meet, but none of them were technically Genin.
Why would Kitazawa-sensei send them? Did he think they were already stronger than the average Konoha Genin? Though, in truth, they probably were.
"Yes. All five sparring matches will be handled by you." Kitazawa nodded. "Hokage-sama has high hopes for you, so don't disappoint her."
"We'll do our best!"
Naruto immediately gave a thumbs-up, his teeth flashing. "Hokage-sama will see our passionate youth then!"
"Just don't wear a green jumpsuit," Sasuke muttered, twitching his lips.
Undoubtedly, many Ninjas from both villages would be watching the exchange meet. If Naruto showed up in a green jumpsuit and stood next to him, Sasuke might flee Konoha overnight out of embarrassment.
"Huh? Why?" Naruto scratched his head in confusion.
"I've already prepared your clothes," Kitazawa said, clearing his throat. "Since you're representing Konoha, you'll wear Konoha's official Ninja vests."
Naruto's eyes immediately lit up in excitement. While he liked his green jumpsuit, the Ninja vest symbolized something greater—it meant he could experience being a real Ninja ahead of time.
"There's still one day until the matches," Kitazawa continued seriously. "Your teachers have already taught you everything they can. Rest well and stay in top condition. I believe in you."
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto promised enthusiastically. "We definitely won't let you down!"
Kurama Yakumo, Hyuga Hinata, and the others also nodded firmly.
The Genius Class's teaching lineup was already the strongest in the Ninja World—Sarutobi Hiruzen, Maruboshi Kosuke, Kakashi, and Kitazawa himself. No matter how excellent the Genin from other villages were, none could have such mentors.
Especially since Kitazawa had trained them even before the class was officially established. If they still failed, they wouldn't have the face to call themselves his students.
"If you defeat the Genin from Hidden Mist Village," Kitazawa added, "you can each choose any B-rank Ninjutsu."
"What a reward full of youth!" Naruto exclaimed. "I'm definitely getting this reward!"
Sasuke and Hinata, however, remained calm. They weren't lacking in B-rank Ninjutsu.
In truth, Naruto wasn't either—he had already learned several A-rank techniques without even realizing it.
"The Genin Exchange Meet will be held at our school's training ground," Kitazawa reminded them. "Don't be late."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei!" the five of them replied in unison.
"You may leave," Kitazawa said, waving his hand.
The five turned and left the office. The door closed behind them.
Kitazawa leaned back, calculating. A complete victory wasn't a big problem.
An average Genin usually knew only the three basic E-rank techniques. If they could master one or two low-level elemental Ninjutsu, they'd already be considered excellent.
But Neji and the others each had at least one high-level technique under their belt. Yakumo, Sasuke, and Naruto were even more exceptional—given good luck, they could probably defeat a Jonin.
Hopefully, Mei Terumī can handle it, Kitazawa thought.
At this rate, the five matches might leave the Hidden Mist Genin questioning their entire existence.
The only variable was the random matching system. Hidden Mist Village would definitely send Chōjūrō. There was also Hozuki Suigetsu—though Kitazawa wasn't sure if Orochimaru had already taken him in.
In the original timeline, Suigetsu first appeared in Orochimaru's base. But with how much the timeline had shifted, that could have changed.
He would find out tomorrow.
Glancing at the clock, Kitazawa stood and walked toward Konoha's main gate.
Moments later, he saw Aburame Shibi and his team gathered there—the underwater exploration squad he had assembled.
Now that they had secured a sea area from Hidden Mist Village, they planned to depart today and establish a stronghold.
"Kitazawa," Shibi greeted as he approached.
"Lord Kitazawa," the other Aburame clan members said respectfully.
In the Ninja World, strength was everything—and Kitazawa's strength and status far surpassed theirs.
More importantly, he had provided great help to their clan. Whether it was the Exploding Insects or the mutation of the Kikaichu, both were his contributions. To them, he was a benefactor.
"Clan Head Shibi," Kitazawa said after a moment's thought, "I'll send an Anbu squad with you. If anything urgent comes up, have them handle it."
In truth, the Anbu squad's real mission was to investigate Gato's operations in the Land of Waves.
However, since the Konoha Village underwater exploration team planned to establish their stronghold on an uninhabited island not far from the Land of Waves, Kitazawa had cleverly arranged for both objectives to overlap.
To outsiders, the Anbu's presence was merely to assist the exploration unit, but in reality, they were there to uncover the truth behind Gato's suspicious trading network and illegal sea routes.
That was why Kitazawa told Aburame Shibi that he could rely on the Anbu for any urgent matters—they would indeed lend aid, but their true task lay beneath the surface.
"I won't delay you any longer. I wish you all a smooth journey," Kitazawa said with a gentle tone, not waiting for Shibi Aburame's reply.
The underwater exploration team had, in fact, been waiting specifically for Kitazawa before setting off.
"Then we'll be going now. See you next time, Kitazawa," Aburame Shibi said courteously, leading his clan members forward.
As the head of the Aburame Clan, he naturally wouldn't remain permanently on the distant island, but since the base had yet to be established, it was his duty to oversee the early stages personally.
After all, this operation held great significance—not only for Konoha's future sea expansion but also for the Aburame Clan's advancement.
---
Time soon advanced to Thursday.
The Genin Exchange Meet between Konoha Village and Hidden Mist Village was scheduled for that afternoon.
To accommodate the event, Kitazawa had arranged for a temporary viewing stand to be constructed on the Ninja Academy's Training Ground.
Although the scale of this exchange wasn't particularly large, its significance was enormous. Aside from the five Genin from Hidden Mist Village who would be participating, there were fewer than forty official spectators.
Since the two villages had just signed a new alliance agreement, Konoha didn't want to draw unnecessary attention. Out of courtesy and diplomacy, they also invited around forty Konoha representatives to maintain balance.
Because of the limited seating, many Ninja—even Jonin—had privately approached Tsunade and Kitazawa, asking to attend.
Though it was only a Genin sparring event, once it involved another Hidden Village, the prestige of the entire nation was on the line.
Naturally, both Tsunade and Kitazawa declined most requests. Still, they weren't overly strict—so long as no one interfered with the matches or appeared openly, a few hidden observers were acceptable. The Ninja Academy's grounds were vast; hiding several Ninjas was no challenge at all.
Regardless of how many watched, the results of this exchange meet would inevitably spread throughout both Konoha and Hidden Mist Village.
At exactly twelve noon, Kitazawa once again visited the Hokage's Office—under the pretext of a casual meeting, but in truth, to freeload a meal.
"How are your students doing?" Tsunade asked, shifting slightly to make room for him beside her.
"They're all in excellent condition," Kitazawa replied, settling down comfortably.
"The Hidden Mist Village Genin have arrived too," Tsunade continued. "I've reviewed their profiles—Chōjūrō and Hozuki Suigetsu are the ones to keep an eye on. Still, it's a best-of-five format, so even if we lose one or two matches, it's not a big deal."
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes. So Orochimaru hasn't captured Hozuki Suigetsu yet?
In the original timeline, Orochimaru had taken an interest in Suigetsu because of his Water Transformation Technique, capturing him for experimentation.
Suigetsu would remain imprisoned until Sasuke defected to Otogakure and later rescued him to form Team Hebi alongside Karin and Jugo.
However, the story never stated the exact timing of Suigetsu's capture.
Could it be because Orochimaru hasn't left the Akatsuki yet? Kitazawa mused. It was highly possible.
Due to Kitazawa's influence, Uchiha Itachi never defected, meaning the scene in which Orochimaru ambushed him and was instantly defeated had never occurred.
Without that humiliation, Orochimaru wouldn't have developed an obsession with the Mangekyō Sharingan, wouldn't have abandoned the Akatsuki, and wouldn't have initiated the Konoha Crush Plan.
At this stage, Orochimaru's primary focus was likely still Nagato's Rinnegan. That explained why he remained within the Akatsuki and hadn't yet returned to rebuild the Hidden Sound Village.
Still, Kitazawa wasn't concerned. Suigetsu was far too young now—barely seven years old, the same as Sasuke. His ninjutsu proficiency would be limited.
On the other hand, Chōjūrō, who was two years older, had already gained a reputation in Hidden Mist Village as a prodigy swordsman.
"Do you want to make a bet?" Kitazawa suddenly asked, glancing at Tsunade's profile.
"A bet?" Tsunade turned toward him, raising an eyebrow. "Why so suddenly? And what kind of bet?"
"A bet on whether we'll win all five matches," Kitazawa said lightly. "Didn't you say we might lose one or two? I'll bet that we won't lose a single one."
Tsunade thought for a moment, then smirked. "Fine. I'll take that bet."
It was, in essence, a win-win situation. If she won, she'd get to tease him later. If she lost, and Konoha achieved five straight victories, that would still be cause for celebration.
"Good," Kitazawa replied with a faint grin. "In that case, there shouldn't be any more surprises."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean? You think I'm destined to lose?"
"Then do you want to win?" Kitazawa countered smoothly.
"...!"
Tsunade froze for a second, realizing too late that she'd walked straight into his trap. Her lips twitched in irritation, but she couldn't find a proper retort.
"Eat!" she finally snapped, gritting her teeth as she changed the subject.
"Getting angry doesn't suit you," Kitazawa said teasingly, picking up a piece of fried shrimp with his chopsticks and holding it to her lips. "Come on, open your mouth."
"I'm not a child," Tsunade muttered, but still leaned forward and took a bite.
A second later, she froze, suddenly realizing—those were his chopsticks. She cast a quick glance at him, trying not to show her fluster.
"What's wrong? Want me to feed you another?" Kitazawa asked innocently, blinking.
"...No," Tsunade said after a brief pause, turning away and continuing to eat.
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile faintly.
After finishing lunch, the two headed together toward the Ninja Academy.
"I just thought of something," Tsunade said suddenly, her brow furrowing. "Do you think Mei Terumī might have given the ninja swords of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist to Chōjūrō and Hozuki Suigetsu in advance?"
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist possessed seven mystical blades.
Kiba(Lightning Blades), currently wielded by Kitazawa and Kakashi Hatake.
Samehada, which had already chosen Naruto as its master.
Executioner's Blade, still in the hands of Biwa Jūzō, the sole survivor of the first generation of Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
The remaining four swords, however, remained in the Hidden Mist Village.
Originally, the swords were under the possession of Suigetsu Hozuki's elder brother, Hozuki Mangetsu.
He held a summoning scroll capable of calling forth all seven ninja swords and was once renowned as a prodigy of the Hidden Mist Village.
In the original storyline, he inherited Hiramekarei (Twin Swords) — yet his brilliance was short-lived, for he died young.
In other words, the current four swords remaining in Hidden Mist Village were all ownerless.
In the original work, Chōjūrō and Suigetsu Hozuki became the third generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, though only two of them held the title. Hidden Mist could no longer gather seven true members.
Chōjūrō inherited Hiramekarei (Twin Swords), while Suigetsu Hozuki obtained the Executioner's Blade.
But now that the Executioner's Blade was in the hands of Biwa Jūzō, even if Suigetsu were to inherit one, he would have to take up a different sword instead.
"Even if they've been given the swords in advance, it doesn't matter," Kitazawa said casually.
"Naruto's Samehada and Sasuke's Sword of the Thunder God will not be inferior to theirs."
"Mm." Tsunade nodded and replied, "The rest depends on luck."
As long as Chōjūrō and Suigetsu Hozuki faced opponents like Naruto, Sasuke, or Kurama Yakumo, they were bound to lose.
However, if they happened to draw Hyuga Hinata or Neji, then with the ninja swords in hand, they might still stand a chance at victory.
"My luck has always been good," Kitazawa said with a faint glance toward Tsunade — though he wisely refrained from adding, 'at least better than yours.'
After all, the last thing he wanted was for the Mizukage and the Hidden Mist delegation to witness Konoha's Hokage chasing and beating an Anbu captain in front of everyone.
The Genin Exchange Meet was scheduled for 1 PM.
Although the appointed time hadn't yet arrived, a crowd had already gathered at the Ninja Academy Training Grounds.
The ninjas from Hidden Mist Village had arrived early.
"Mizukage-sama," Ao approached Mei Terumī.
His Byakugan had been replaced by his original eye, but the injury hadn't fully healed — his right eye remained hidden beneath a black eyepatch.
"Are Chōjūrō and Suigetsu familiar with their ninja swords?" Mei Terumī asked.
Just as Tsunade had suspected, the Seven Ninja Swords of the Mist had indeed been entrusted to Chōjūrō and Suigetsu Hozuki in advance.
"They are both top-tier prodigies of our village," Ao said with pride. "They've already mastered their weapons' techniques. When they grow up, they will surely become true members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
"That's good." Mei Terumī nodded in satisfaction. "With them, our odds of victory in this exchange are very high."
"We will definitely win," Ao said confidently.
"Have you looked into the background of those students?" Mei Terumī's gaze shifted toward the Genius Class students not far away.
"I sent people to inquire among the nearby villagers," Ao replied. "Two names kept coming up."
As the defeated party from the previous diplomatic encounter, the Mist delegation dared not use ninja methods to investigate the Academy's students.
If Konoha discovered it, it would cause serious diplomatic trouble. Besides, every move they made within Konoha was under constant surveillance — so they had opted for a simpler, more open approach.
"Which two?" Mei Terumī asked curiously.
"One is Naruto, the son of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze," Ao said hesitantly. "They say he can use Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu."
"Are you certain?" Mei Terumī was momentarily stunned. "Even many Jonin can't perform that technique."
"I also suspect Konoha might be misleading us," Ao admitted. "It could be a smokescreen."
A child that young shouldn't possibly have such vast Chakra reserves.
"Possibly," Mei Terumī murmured, thinking of Nara Shikaku.
His sharp mind had left a deep impression during the negotiations. It wouldn't surprise her if he'd planted such misleading information.
"The other," Ao continued, "is Sasuke, the son of Uchiha Clan leader Uchiha Fugaku. Rumor has it he's awakened the Two-Tomoe Sharingan."
"How old is he?" Mei Terumī frowned.
"Seven," Ao replied.
"Awakening a Two-Tomoe Sharingan at seven?" Mei Terumī shook her head. "That sounds fabricated, no matter how you look at it."
"There's one more claim," Ao added with a half-smile. "They said Sasuke and Naruto defeated a Jonin."
"..." Mei Terumī fell silent.
A pair of seven-year-olds defeating a Jonin? Even as false information, it bordered on the absurd.
"They're here. Let's go." Mei Terumī noticed Tsunade and Kitazawa approaching, and she led her group forward.
As for the rumors Ao had mentioned, she dismissed them entirely. Not a word of it sounded believable.
At 1 PM, two ballot boxes were brought out.
The left contained the names of the five Hidden Mist Genin — to be drawn by Kitazawa.
The right contained the names of the five Konoha Genin — to be drawn by Ao.
In front of the elevated sparring platform, Tsunade, Mei Terumī, and other high-ranking officials had already taken their seats.
Many of Konoha's prominent Jonin were present as well — Sarutobi Hiruzen, Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Itachi, Hyuga Hiashi, Nara Shikaku, and Akimichi Choza.
"Dad and big brother are both here!" Sasuke exclaimed excitedly.
The thought of defeating the Hidden Mist prodigies in front of them made him nearly burst with anticipation.
"Time's up — let's start the draw," Kitazawa announced, raising his hand. "Please."
Ao nodded, stepped forward, and drew a slip from the box. He glanced at it and said, "Uzumaki Naruto."
Kitazawa casually drew one from the other box. "Chōjūrō," he read.
Both Mei Terumī and Tsunade smiled knowingly. Each of them believed they had drawn the winning match.