After Kitazawa finished testing the Demon-Slaying Bow, he walked toward the Hokage Building.
A ten-minute walk took him about thirty minutes. Because of Wood Release, his reputation in Konoha Village had reached its peak.
It was no exaggeration to say that he had surpassed Tsunade and become the most famous Ninja in Konoha Village. Of course, the deceased Senju Hashirama didn't count.
By the time Kitazawa reached the Hokage Building, his three summoning storage scrolls were already full.
The summoning storage scrolls were completely filled with gifts from the villagers and the Ninjas of Konoha Village.
From ordinary vegetables to everyday fruits, and finally to Ninja Tools, there was truly everything imaginable.
Kitazawa wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Dealing with these enthusiastic villagers and Ninjas was more exhausting than fighting Mōryō. Having too much fame really wasn't a good thing.
However, Kitazawa was quite self-aware. The reason he had such great fame was that Wood Release itself was very famous. In other words, he benefited from Senju Hashirama's reputation.
If Senju Hashirama hadn't previously used Wood Release to sweep across the Ninja World, his use of Wood Release wouldn't have caused such a massive sensation.
Although his Wood Release was very strong, it was at most equivalent to Ōnoki's Dust Release; it hadn't reached the point of invincibility.
Kitazawa stopped in front of the Hokage Office door. He raised his hand and knocked on the door.
"Come in." Tsunade's voice came through.
Kitazawa pushed the door open and walked inside.
"How was it?" Tsunade looked at him and asked with a smile, "Did you feel the status of Wood Release in Konoha Village?"
She had heard the commotion outside earlier, and when she looked out the window, she saw Kitazawa surrounded by villagers and Ninjas.
"You sound like you're gloating," Kitazawa complained.
"Gloating? I'm happy." The smile on Tsunade's face deepened.
To her, the scene of Kitazawa being so popular was a sign that she could retire early. She just needed to coast for a little while longer, and then she could toss the position of Hokage to Kitazawa.
When that time came, she would regain her freedom, go to the Casino and Izakayas every day, and enjoy the rest of her life.
"Don't think I don't know what you're thinking." Kitazawa shook his head and said with a smile, "Whether you retire or not depends on my mood."
"I am your teacher!" Tsunade immediately clenched her fist and threatened him.
"So what?" Kitazawa met her gaze and said fearlessly, "If it doesn't work out, you can find a different student."
"How can I change now?" Tsunade rolled her eyes and asked.
In the current Konoha Village, anyone other than Kitazawa who became the Sixth Hokage would face doubt and opposition.
"Then you have to be nicer to me." Kitazawa walked up to her, leaned against the Hokage desk, and looked down. What met his eyes was a snow-white curve.
"Your Wood Release is still far inferior to Grandfather's, so don't get too carried away!" Tsunade stepped on his foot in annoyance and warned him.
"I understand." Kitazawa nodded and said.
"Mm." Tsunade glanced at him and said, "It's a shame I couldn't witness your fight with Mōryō myself."
"If you want to see it, I can demonstrate it for you right now." Kitazawa casually picked up the cup of water on the Hokage's desk and took a sip.
"No need to waste Chakra." Tsunade paused, then said, "That's my cup."
"I know." Kitazawa put down the cup and asked with a smile, "I performed a great service; can't I even drink a cup of your water?"
"That's not what I meant." Tsunade hesitated, then finally said, "Forget it, use whatever you want."
She originally wanted to say that it was a cup she had already drunk from, but given her relationship with Kitazawa, such a small matter didn't count for much.
"What has been the reaction of the other Ninja Villages?" Kitazawa suddenly thought of something and asked curiously.
"On the surface, there's no reaction." Tsunade smiled, "In reality, I suspect they aren't calm."
Senju Hashirama and his Wood Release back then had left a psychological shadow on all Ninjas. Now that Wood Release had reappeared, they naturally couldn't remain composed.
"You need to be careful recently." Tsunade reminded him, "They might take a reckless risk and try to assassinate you."
"I'm not afraid of them." Kitazawa thought for a moment and said, "But the Genius Class is another matter. I will have the Anbu strengthen their protection."
"Mm." Tsunade agreed, saying, "The Genius Class must not suffer any losses."
"With Lord Third watching over them, plus the Anbu, most dangers can be neutralized." Kitazawa looked at her and said, "You don't need to worry too much."
"There's also something interesting." Tsunade suddenly laughed and said, "Iwagakure, the Hidden Sand Village, and the Hidden Mist Village have all followed our example and established Genius Classes."
"Although the Genius Class is useful, the most fundamental factor lies in the students." Kitazawa said carelessly, "They don't have that many geniuses. Even if they establish Genius Classes, the effect will be very limited."
"That's true." Tsunade sighed, "Sometimes I'm astonished myself by how many geniuses Konoha Village has in this generation."
Because the original story is called Naruto, not Five Kage Ninja.
Kitazawa smiled and said, "Maybe Konoha Village is just lucky."
That statement isn't false. Everything in the Ninja World originated from the alien Ōtsutsuki Clan.
The more connections a Ninja Village has with the Ōtsutsuki Clan, the better its luck, and the more geniuses it produces.
And among the geniuses of Konoha Village's current generation are the two sons of the Six Paths Sage—more accurately, Chakra Transmigrants.
When the time of crisis arrives, the Six Paths Sage will even pop out and give them power-ups, instantly making them the strongest in the Ninja World.
"Besides luck, I can't find any other reason." Tsunade nodded and said, "Do you have anything else? If not, you should go rest."
"I don't, but what about my reward?" Kitazawa's gaze fell upon her red lips.
Tsunade couldn't help but be startled. She didn't need to guess; she knew exactly what reward Kitazawa wanted.
"Do you still look like a student at all?" Tsunade stood up, looked at him, and asked.
"Then what should a student look like?" Kitazawa blinked and asked.
Tsunade held his gaze for a few seconds, then finally leaned forward and kissed him.
Given her personality, she naturally wouldn't be shy and hesitant like a girl experiencing first love. Since things had come to this, she could only accept it calmly.
Kitazawa was stunned for a moment, then responded. He stretched out his hands and wrapped them around Tsunade's waist.
Even after the battle of lips and tongues was over, he didn't let go; instead, he held her even tighter. Tsunade caught her breath but didn't push him away.
Kitazawa felt the softness in his arms, raised his right hand, and gently stroked her hair.
"Alright, it wouldn't be good if someone saw us later. You should go down and rest." Tsunade snapped back to reality, took half a step back, and said.
"Mm." Kitazawa chose to stop before going too far.
After all, Tsunade had already half-accepted it; the rest was just a matter of time, and rushing things would be counterproductive.
Kitazawa turned and left the Hokage Office.
---
The next day, August 2nd.
Kitazawa arrived at the ANBU Base early in the morning.
"Kitazawa." Konan looked at him, remembering again that terrifying Wood Dragon.
"Good morning, Konan." Kitazawa greeted her as usual.
He walked up to his desk and began reading the intelligence reports from the past few days.
Without a doubt, the major recent events in the Ninja World were all related to his Wood Release.
Although he already knew the reactions of the major Ninja Villages from Tsunade yesterday, the reports detailed the information more thoroughly. But overall, there was nothing particularly noteworthy.
It was impossible for the other Ninja Villages to launch a war against Konoha Village just because Kitazawa had mastered Wood Release.
The uncertainty of war was too great; no Ninja Village would casually start one without a significant advantage or being forced into it.
After Kitazawa finished reading the reports, he went to the Ninja Academy.
Konan did not follow him. This was Kitazawa's instruction: she didn't need to secretly follow him when he was at the Ninja Academy, except during lunch break.
Konan was actually very busy. Besides her work in the Anbu, she also had to remotely manage the two major businesses of the Land of Rain and the Akatsuki Organization: silver jewelry and rainwater.
After Kitazawa left, Konan returned to her dorm. As soon as she opened the door, she noticed a small note on the table.
Konan walked forward. There was only one character on the note: North. It was the codename used by members of the Akatsuki Organization.
However, this note wasn't left by Kakuzu, but by White Zetsu. Only White Zetsu could sneak into Konoha Village silently without being detected.
Konan's first reaction was: Why would Kakuzu look for her? Was there a problem with the Land of Earth business?
But even if there was, there was no need for him to personally travel all the way to Konoha Village. Konan put the note away and walked outside.
---
Forest of Death — outskirts of Konoha
In a remote, secluded corner, Kakuzu was examining the nearby giant trees, a hint of nostalgia appearing on his face.
The Forest of Death was a spectacle created by Senju Hashirama.
When he was young, he had fought this God of the Ninja World. He was sent by the higher-ups of Takigakure.
However, because the assassination mission failed, he received severe punishment. Enraged, Kakuzu stole Takigakure's Secret Technique and became a Rogue Ninja ever since.
Undoubtedly, his life was changed because of Senju Hashirama.
When Kakuzu heard that Wood Release had reappeared in Konoha Village, he rushed over without hesitation.
"Kakuzu." Konan's cold voice rang out, "What are you doing in Konoha Village?"
"Kitazawa," Kakuzu replied.
"The Akatsuki Organization cannot clash with Konoha Village right now, so this kind of action is not allowed." Konan immediately frowned and refused without hesitation.
Kakuzu was slightly taken aback.
He always felt that Konan had become somewhat different. But… losing to Wood Release was the biggest knot in his heart his entire life.
Kakuzu had thought that after Senju Hashirama died, he would never have a chance for revenge, but then Kitazawa emerged out of nowhere, becoming the second Wood Release Ninja.
If he didn't fight the Wood Release Ninja, he wouldn't be satisfied.
But Konan's answer was indeed flawless. The Akatsuki Organization's current goal was to make money, and both the Land of Fire and Konoha Village had many high-quality clients.
Most importantly, if they made an enemy of Konoha Village, the Akatsuki Organization would be targeted and exposed, making it impossible to earn money peacefully as before.
Should he quit the Akatsuki Organization?
Once a member leaves, they face endless pursuit from the others. Kakuzu wasn't too afraid of that, but he was afraid of not being able to make money.
The money earned from the two major businesses—silver jewelry and rainwater—had already surpassed what he had made in his entire life.
If he were asked to give that up, he would rather die.
"I think you misunderstand." Kakuzu suddenly realized and said, "I'm not here to assassinate Kitazawa, but to spar with him."
"…?" Konan was stunned internally. She actually heard the word spar come out of Kakuzu's mouth?
Kakuzu had been a member of the Akatsuki Organization for a long time, and Konan understood him well.
In short, he was a Ninja who would stop at nothing for money. He had even killed several members of the organization itself for bounty money.
Therefore, when Konan heard that Kakuzu's target was Kitazawa, she subconsciously assumed he wanted to kill him for the bounty.
After all, the bounty on Kitazawa's head in the underground black market was currently astronomical.
"Personally, I greatly admire Wood Release, so I want to witness the legendary Wood Release for myself," Kakuzu said without changing his expression.
This statement was not a lie. Although his strength was great, he wasn't arrogant enough to kill Kitazawa inside Konoha Village.
Setting aside Kitazawa's own strength, Ninjas like Sarutobi Hiruzen, Tsunade, and Orochimaru could keep him permanently in Konoha Village.
Kakuzu certainly didn't want to die. After all, he hadn't earned enough money yet—especially since getting into business had opened the door to a new world for him.
His previous routine of doing missions and collecting bounties seemed inefficient now. His seeking out Kitazawa was purely due to his obsession with Wood Release.
"If it's just a spar, I can ask Kitazawa for you," Konan said after a moment of thought.
"Very well." Kakuzu nodded and said, "If he agrees, tell him to meet me at the Valley of the End next Monday at nine in the morning."
He would use this week to make thorough preparations. As for choosing the Valley of the End, it was because it was the place where Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara fought.
If he defeated Kitazawa's Wood Release here, it would be like getting revenge right in front of Senju Hashirama.
"I will go along with you," Konan warned.
"I understand." Kakuzu understood her underlying meaning.
She was worried the spar would turn into a death match, leading to an outbreak of war between the Akatsuki Organization and Konoha Village.
Kakuzu did not refuse. He was also afraid that Kitazawa's Wood Release truly matched Senju Hashirama's level, in which case, he might be killed.
It wasn't that he was cowardly; it was simply that Senju Hashirama's Wood Release had left too deep an impression on him back then.
"I will wait one day next Monday. If he doesn't show up, I'll leave." After Kakuzu finished speaking, he vanished from the spot.
Konan fell into thought. She was wondering how to bring this up with Kitazawa.
Nine o'clock in the morning.
As soon as Kitazawa arrived at the Ninja Academy, he was surrounded by the students of the Genius Class.
The questions they asked were basically all related to Wood Release. Wood Release was simply too famous in Konoha Village; from old women to children, everyone knew about it.
"Alright, everyone, go train!" After Kitazawa answered a few of their questions, he dismissed them.
"Kitazawa, you've become quite something now," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a chuckle.
"That's all thanks to the fame of the First Hokage," Kitazawa said modestly, shaking his head.
"Being able to defeat a demon like Mōryō, your Wood Release must be excellent. Konoha Village might produce another Ninja World God," Kosuke had high hopes for Kitazawa.
Although Kakashi didn't speak, he felt a subtle sense of strangeness while looking at Kitazawa. His impression of Kitazawa was that his strength would surge dramatically every so often.
Kakashi was a genius himself and had seen other geniuses like Sasuke and Naruto, but he still felt Kitazawa was highly unusual.
Now, it was even more absurd that he had mastered Wood Release, and his strength far surpassed Kakashi's own.
"Let's talk business," Kitazawa cleared his throat and said, "The students of the Genius Class are now so famous that they are likely targets for other Ninja Villages."
"That is indeed a problem." Chen said with a serious expression, "Many geniuses die at the hands of their enemies." At this moment, he thought of his former student.
"I will have the Anbu strengthen protection for the Genius Class students," Kitazawa nodded and said, "Also, we, the teachers of the Genius Class, must pay extra attention to their safety during the day-to-day."
"Don't worry," Kosuke immediately guaranteed, "If anyone wants to harm them, they'll have to kill me first."
"Exactly!" Chen echoed.
These old Ninjas were not far from death, and their only wish was for these Genius Class students to grow up healthy.
Kitazawa suddenly thought of the Will of Fire. Kosuke and the others now perfectly embodied the Will of Fire.
After the discussion, everyone went to their respective study groups to instruct the students.
"Naruto, Sasuke, and Neji, come here," Kitazawa said, thinking for a moment.
Hearing this, the three immediately stopped their training and walked up to him.
"I'm assigning you a mission," Kitazawa said with a smile, "This afternoon, take Shion around and show her the sights."
He had originally only intended to call Naruto and Sasuke, but considering their personalities, he added Hyuga Neji.
Neji was somewhat similar to Sasuke in personality, but they were actually completely different. Uchiha Sasuke acted cool, while Neji was genuinely composed.
"Mission accomplished, guaranteed!" Naruto thumped his chest and declared. Sasuke and Neji didn't react much; they just nodded.
"Go back to training," Kitazawa said, waving his hand, "I'll take you to find her this afternoon."
The three returned to their respective spots and resumed training.
Time reached noon.
Kitazawa returned to his office.
"Kitazawa." Konan stood up, hesitated for two seconds, and said, "There is something I want to talk to you about."
"What is it?" Kitazawa asked, looking at her curiously.
"One of our Akatsuki Organization members greatly admires Wood Release and wishes to have a spar with you," Konan said truthfully.
She had thought about it all morning and finally decided to use Kakuzu's reason.
[Current Mission: Challenge from Kakuzu. Defeat him using Wood Release.]
[Mission Reward: Wind Release: Rasenshuriken.]
[Do you accept?]
Kitazawa's eyes lit up. He thought, As expected of Kakuzu, he's turned into a Money-Giving Boy.
Wind Release: Rasenshuriken is an S-rank Wind Release Ninjutsu in the original story. Its incomplete version destroyed two of Kakuzu's hearts in one go.
However, it also has a drawback: its power is too immense and can injure the user, making it a Forbidden Technique.
In the original work, Naruto lost feeling in his right hand after using it once, and continued use would have crippled his right hand entirely.
However, once he mastered Sage Mode, Wind Release: Rasenshuriken no longer had side effects.
Although Kitazawa did not yet have Sage Mode, he believed the System would grant it to him someday.
In short, this mission reward was a guaranteed win; it was extremely profitable.
Theoretically, Kitazawa could create Wind Release: Rasenshuriken himself, but it would take a lot of time, so there was no need.