Time passed slowly.
The third-round matches followed one after another.
But the first fight between Naruto and Sasuke had left such a deep impression that everything afterward felt ordinary.
In truth, the remaining battles were still brilliant.
Through Kitazawa's eyes, they were no weaker than the individual duels of the original story's joint Chunin Exams.
The fights of Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Yakumo, Hinata, and the others had already reached Elite Jonin level.
"The practical exam ends here; rest for fifteen minutes while we finalize the Final Exams rankings," Kitazawa said with a smile.
"Damn it!" Kiba scratched his head. "With Akamaru on my side, why was it still so tough?"
"Akamaru's still a pup." Tenten consoled him. "And it's not his fault—everyone's improving."
"Especially Naruto." Ino added, "Just hand him first place from now on."
"Youth means charging stronger opponents head-on!" Rock Lee flashed a grin. "How could I ever back down?"
"Sometimes I really envy your mental state." Shikamaru glanced at him.
Though Naruto and Rock Lee usually looked nothing alike, that refusal to give up was admirable.
"What? You want to walk the path of youth, too?" Rock Lee's eyes lit up excitedly.
"No-no-no!" Shikamaru waved his hands hastily. "That's not what I meant!"
"Really?" Lee looked disappointed.
"Think we'll enter the Chunin Exams right after we graduate?" Sakura suddenly asked, curious.
"Only the Chunin Exams?" Kiba raised an eyebrow. "Plenty of us could jump straight to the Jonin trials."
"Then split up—you go for Jonin, I'll take Chunin," Ino declared, hands on hips. "Maybe I'll even place first."
Shikamaru's expression turned complicated.
The Genius Class couldn't claim first, yet she thought she could snag it in the regular Chunin Exams? Wasn't that reversing heaven and earth?
"I'm in no rush to graduate," Naruto scratched his head. "Lessons in the Genius Class are pretty good."
"I'm not spending my whole life in a classroom!" Tayuya protested.
Whether theory or combat, she could never finish top—what was the point?
"Graduating or not makes little difference," Shino adjusted his glasses. "Afterward, it's still missions and being a student."
"If we never graduate, how will the next bunch get in?" Kiba slung an arm over Naruto's shoulder.
"Wonder if any newcomers will join the Genius Class next year," Shion said hopefully.
Though the class didn't separate freshmen and seniors, as a transfer student, she was clearly the newbie; once the new ones arrived, she'd finally be a senpai.
"Probably one," Neji mused. "Hyuga Hanabi."
"Oh, right!" Ino laughed. "Hinata's little sister hits entrance age next year!"
"I bet the rankings will shuffle again," Tenten smacked her forehead.
"Hinata, how's your sister's talent?" Kiba asked curiously.
"Too soon to tell; she's still little," Hinata considered, then shook her head.
Though Hanabi had begun basic Gentle Fist drills, she hadn't shown anything exceptional yet.
"I know another newcomer!" Naruto boasted. "My little buddy, Konohamaru!"
"Konohamaru who?" Kiba blinked.
"The Third Hokage's grandson— Sarutobi Konohamaru!" Naruto gave a big thumbs-up. "I've promised to pass on the Way of youth once he enrolls!"
"We're doomed." Kiba blurted.
Everyone else groaned. Naruto plus Rock Lee was scary enough; add Konohamaru, and the Genius Class might as well be renamed the Youth Class.
The fifteen-minute break ended quickly.
"Before the rankings, one announcement," Kitazawa said, stepping in front of the class with the grade sheet.
Naruto, Kiba, and the others stopped chatting and looked over, curious.
"Previously, we took only the top eighteen for field missions and Team Battles," he continued. "From now on it'll be twenty-one—seven squads—and next term a new instructor joins us."
"Competition's only going to get tougher," Kiba clenched a fist. He and Akamaru had to achieve perfect unity fast.
"The extra three spots will definitely go to Chino, Shion, and Hotaru," Ino beamed.
The three girls smiled; field missions were clearly the faster way to grow stronger.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Naruto raised a hand. "Who's the new teacher? Is he strong?"
"His name's Yamato," Kitazawa paused. "You don't know him, but he's an elite Anbu—very capable."
Anticipation sparked in everyone.
They knew about the Anbu: directly under the Hokage, only the best were accepted—after all, their own teacher Kakashi had once been Anbu captain.
"Now for the practical exam rankings," Kitazawa tapped the sheet. "First: Uzumaki Naruto. Second: Kurama Yakumo. Third: Uchiha Sasuke."
No one disputed the top three—especially first-place Naruto, whose staggering chakra reserves couldn't be matched by any other Konoha ninja.
"Fourth: Hyuga Hinata. Fifth: Hyuga Neji. Sixth: Aburame Shino. Seventh: Kimimaro," he rattled off. "Eighth: Rock Lee. Ninth: Tenten. Tenth: Haku."
The first seven stayed the same, but from eighth place onward, things shifted.
Rock Lee climbed to eighth thanks to Konoha Dragon God; Tenten's Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique snagged ninth; Haku's Ice Release: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals barely clinched tenth.
"This is youth!" Lee clenched both fists, tears flying.
Eighth in a solo exam, earned purely by his own strength, meant the world to him.
Haku said nothing, but inside he was elated—his first time in the top ten.
"With Akamaru, I still can't crack the top ten—you monsters," Kiba complained.
"Woof-woof!" Akamaru chimed in.
"You'll get used to it," Shikamaru sighed.
He'd finally changed his ways and studied hard, yet results seemed no different—save for a better theory grade.
"Eleventh: Inuzuka Kiba. Twelfth: Chino. Thirteenth: Yamanaka Ino. Fourteenth: Haruno Sakura," Kitazawa read. "Fifteenth: Nara Shikamaru. Sixteenth: Tayuya. Seventeenth: Jugo. Eighteenth: Akimichi Choji."
The biggest change in the top eighteen was Chino's entry—her Blood Dragon Eye rivaling the Sharingan.
"Nineteenth: Karin. Twentieth: Shion. Twenty-first: Hotaru," he finished.
Shion and Hotaru exhaled in relief—they'd feared missing the cut.
"All rankings are out," Kitazawa announced ten minutes later. "This term is over—see you next semester!"
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!" the Genius Class chorused.
"Another semester gone," Sarutobi Hiruzen mused.
"Indeed," Maruboshi Kosuke nodded. "Graduation isn't far off."
"Neji, Tenten, and Lee enter their final year next year," Kurenai calculated.
"They'll probably wait to graduate with Sasuke and the others," Chen guessed.
"We can ask them then."
After Kitazawa and the rest of the Genius Class students left, they walked up to him.
"If they're really going to graduate, we'll have to assign them an Elite Jonin." Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a chuckle. "Otherwise their talents will be wasted."
"Guy," Kakashi interjected. "I think he's the right man."
"Rock Lee's been training under Guy all along; they really shouldn't be split up." Maruboshi Kosuke agreed.
"Next year's problems can wait till next year." Kitazawa smiled. "Thanks for your hard work today, everyone. See you tomorrow."
Winter break will start tomorrow.
But for the Genius Class, the holiday barely existed—plenty of students would still attend lessons and keep training.
After Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others left, Kitazawa and Kurenai also went home.
With nothing to do that afternoon, Kitazawa practiced the Flying Thunder God Technique: Second Step at home.
That night, he sparred with Kurenai until midnight.
---
The next morning.
Kurenai was still sleeping in, exhausted.
Kitazawa didn't disturb her; he got dressed, left her breakfast, and used the Flying Thunder God Technique to reach the Ninja Academy.
"Teacher Kitazawa!" Sasuke hurried over the moment he saw him.
He was desperate to beat Naruto—he'd barely slept last night, his mind full of the Mangekyo Sharingan.
"Unlocking the Mangekyo Sharingan is going to be grueling." Kitazawa could guess what Sasuke was thinking, but he still gave him fair warning.
"I'm not afraid of hard work," Sasuke said firmly.
"All right, then." Kitazawa nodded, then looked toward Naruto. "Naruto."
"Teacher Kitazawa!" Naruto stepped up. "Are we continuing Tailed Beast training today?"
"Mm," Kitazawa answered without elaborating. "Follow me."
Sasuke followed. As for Naruto, he didn't mind—training together was normal.
The three of them soon arrived at the Forest of Death.
"Teacher Kitazawa, what's my training?" Sasuke asked eagerly. Naruto looked curious, too.
"Very simple." Kitazawa smiled. "Your training is to fight Naruto."
"Huh?" Naruto's curiosity turned to surprise.
"Fight Naruto?" Sasuke asked in bewilderment. "How does that help unlock the Mangekyo Sharingan?"
"Don't you trust me?" Kitazawa countered.
"I do, but this—" Sasuke faltered, unsure how to respond.
"In that case, let's start." Kitazawa patted his shoulder.
"Teacher, what about my Tailed Beast training?" Naruto scratched his head.
He liked sparring with Sasuke, but he hadn't forgotten his original training.
"Fighting Sasuke is your Tailed Beast training," Kitazawa replied.
"I get it!" Naruto exclaimed after a moment.
I don't get it at all! Sasuke twitched, completely lost.
"Come on, Sasuke!" Naruto ran onto the open ground and shouted.
Sasuke glanced at Kitazawa and drew the Sword of the Thunder God.
A violent aura shot skyward. Dark-red chakra surged around Naruto.
"——?" Sasuke froze.
This is training? Feels more like I'm about to be pummeled.
"Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto yelled, creating two thousand shadow clones.
Sasuke instinctively tightened his grip on the Sword of the Thunder God.
A hopelessly one-sided battle began.
Kitazawa watched Sasuke get thrashed and smiled. The method sounded absurd, but for Sasuke it was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Coupled with the reincarnation bond between Ashura and Indra, the Mangekyo Sharingan should awaken without fail.
The only question was what its technique would be.
In the original story, Sasuke's Mangekyo techniques were Amaterasu and Blaze Release: Kagutsuchi(Flame Control).
Amaterasu needed no explanation—black flames that never went out.
Blaze Release: Kagutsuchi shaped those flames, essentially an upgraded Amaterasu. Together, they represented the pinnacle of offensive ocular jutsu.
Sasuke had awakened them because of his desire for vengeance—he wanted the strongest possible offense.
Plus, Itachi's technique was also Amaterasu; perhaps he wanted to surpass even his brother, hence the enhanced Blaze Release.
But the clan-massacre night hadn't happened; Sasuke had no need for revenge. His lifelong rival was just Naruto.
The two techniques he awakened would definitely relate to Naruto. They almost certainly wouldn't be Amaterasu and Blaze Release: Kagutsuchi.
Kitazawa had no idea what they'd be; he'd only find out once Sasuke unlocked the Mangekyo Sharingan.
After watching for a while, Kitazawa made a shadow clone. Its job was to heal Sasuke, erase his fatigue, and replenish his chakra.
Kitazawa left the Forest of Death and used the Flying Thunder God Technique to reach the ANBU Base gate.
"Lord Kitazawa." Antelope greeted him hurriedly.
"Perfect—find Yamato and send him to my office." Kitazawa nodded and gave the order.
"Yes, Lord Kitazawa." Antelope bowed and left.
Kitazawa headed upstairs. He opened the door and entered his office.
"Kitazawa." Konan rose and walked over.
He pulled her straight into his arms. He bit her ear lightly.
Konan shivered, her body going weak.
"Morning, Konan." Kitazawa smiled and patted her slender waist before letting go.
Konan felt oddly bereft without his warmth, but kept her composure and followed him to the desk.
"Yamato will be here shortly." Kitazawa sat and looked at her.
"Mm." Konan put on an ANBU mask and stood behind him.
Kitazawa could see her long, straight legs with a slight tilt of his head.
A knock came.
"Come in." He looked away.
"Lord Kitazawa." Yamato, wearing an ANBU mask, entered.
"Do you know about the Genius Class?" Kitazawa asked.
"I do," Yamato replied. "Kakashi-senpai went there to teach."
"Would you like to go?" Kitazawa asked with a light chuckle.
"If you order it, Lord Kitazawa, I'll go,"
Yamato answered after a pause. Obey orders—first rule of Root and ANBU alike.
"Good." Kitazawa nodded. "Process your discharge today, then find Kakashi at the Academy; he'll sort you out."
"Yes, Lord Kitazawa." Yamato bowed and left without hesitation.
Kitazawa wasn't worried. Though Yamato came from Root, his nature was sound, and the original story had proved it.
The door shut; Kitazawa casually rested a hand on Konan's thigh.
Konan was slightly startled, then stepped half a pace closer, closing the distance between them.
Kitazawa gently stroked her leg. Ninjas train constantly; her thigh wasn't especially soft but very smooth. In stockings, it would be quite nice.
Kitazawa came to his senses and pulled Konan into his arms. Konan sat on his lap and looked at him.
"I'm heading out to train soon," Kitazawa said, blinking. "Anything else?"
"No," Konan answered instinctively.
"Mm." His gaze fell to her lips.
Konan felt his gaze. Her red lips parted slightly, and a hint of dreaminess flashed in her amber eyes.
After a moment's hesitation, she leaned in, offering her moist lips to him.
Kitazawa captured her lips.
Konan closed her eyes and gave a soft moan. When she finally broke away, breathless, she rested against his chest.
"I'm off. Come find me in the Forest of Death if you need me." He patted her back.
"All right." Konan pushed herself up, limbs still languid.
Kitazawa noted her cool expression; next time, he thought, they could go further.
He stood and left the ANBU Base.
In the Forest of Death, the fight between Sasuke and Naruto raged on. But Sasuke was now utterly exhausted, ready to collapse at any second.
Kitazawa glanced at him once, then moved aside to practice the Flying Thunder God Technique.
The first week of winter break passed quickly.
---
December 20th, Saturday.
Kitazawa stood on the Training Ground, watching the Genius Class train. He rubbed his chin, lost in thought.
Tomorrow was his birthday.
Now his status and position were already different; even if he didn't send invitations, plenty of guests would come uninvited.
Since that was the case, he might as well hold a proper celebration.
Kitazawa planned to set it for noon tomorrow. As for the evening, there was no need for such a big fuss—just a casual meal next door with Tsunade, Shizune, and the others.
Speaking of whom to invite, Kitazawa felt the headache coming. After all, there were quite a few people he needed to ask.
Besides the Genius Class students, relatives, close friends, and the heads of the major clans couldn't be overlooked either.
But since he'd decided to go all out, he might as well invite everyone. Thinking this, Kitazawa felt it wasn't so troublesome anymore.
As for who would deliver the invitations, he could leave that to the ANBU.
Strictly speaking, ANBU shouldn't handle such personal errands, but as long as the Hokage Tsunade didn't mind, there'd be no problem.
Would Tsunade mind? Of course not. She still owed Kitazawa a special reward.
Tomorrow, the answer would be revealed, and he could also complete a system mission whose reward was still unknown.
Kitazawa came back to his senses and began today's lessons.
It was already winter break, and for one group of students, it was about time to switch up their training.
First was Tayuya. She had previously learned the Sly Mind Affect Technique and False Surrounding Technique.
Kitazawa planned to teach her a B-rank genjutsu—Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death.
Next was Hotaru. She only knew Water Release: Water Bullet Technique and Water Release: Water Formation Wall.
Kitazawa prepared to teach her Senju Tobirama's classic Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu.
Then came Shikamaru. After learning the Shadow Replacement Jutsu, plus the Konoha-style Body Flicker Technique and the Shadow Wall, Shikamaru now had decent life-saving abilities.
And he wasn't lacking in control either, since every Secret Technique of the Nara Clan was about control.
After much thought, Kitazawa felt he lacked a powerful offensive ninjutsu and finally decided to teach him the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique.
Strictly speaking, the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique is a non-elemental ninjutsu.
In theory, Shikamaru could learn it.
But whether he actually could, Kitazawa wasn't sure—still, it was worth a try.
After Tenten learned the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique, her strength soared. If Shikamaru learned it, he wouldn't be any weaker than her.
Last was Ino. Not long ago, she had finished her previous training and mastered the Ninja Art: Mind Transmission Technique.
After pondering for a long while, Kitazawa decided to teach her a formidable jutsu—Genjutsu: Infinite Darkness.
Although learning an A-rank genjutsu would be pushing it for Ino at her age, her foundations were solid now, so it was worth a shot.
More than four in the Genius Class needed a training change, but the rest didn't require Kitazawa's attention.
Take Rock Lee, for instance. During this period, he hadn't come to the Ninja Academy to train; instead, he was with Might Guy.
Because Might Guy intended to try teaching him the Eight Gates.
After all, Rock Lee had already turned ten. In the original story, when he took part in the joint Chunin Exams, he was only thirteen.
Yet even then, he could already open the fifth gate of the Eight Gates.
Of course, there were also students who didn't need a change in training.
For example, Hyuga Neji and Hyuga Hinata. After learning the Phantom Arc Arrow, they would continue on to the World-Extinction Arrow.
Time slowly slipped away amid the lessons.
The sun set.
The Genius Class students finished their training and gathered together.
Sakura instinctively looked toward Sasuke. He was giving off an aura that screamed, "Keep your distance."
Although Sasuke had always been aloof, most of the time it was just for show. Now, it didn't feel like an act.
His change had begun last week, right after he started Kitazawa's new training.
Sakura badly wanted to ask what sort of training he was undergoing. But seeing Sasuke's expression, she couldn't bring herself to speak up.
In fact, it wasn't just her—Shikamaru and the others had noticed the change too. But they all trusted Kitazawa not to harm Sasuke, so they refrained from asking.
"Tomorrow's Sunday—one day off," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Tomorrow at noon, I'm treating everyone to a meal."
"Great!" Naruto exclaimed. "I want Ichiraku Ramen!"
"Naruto." Shikamaru quickly reminded him. "Don't you remember what tomorrow is?"
Naruto froze, finally recalling that tomorrow was Kitazawa's birthday. He scratched his head in embarrassment.
Since it was a birthday, Ichiraku Ramen didn't seem appropriate. Besides, with so many people, Ichiraku Ramen Shop couldn't seat them all.
"Remember to be on time." Kitazawa clapped his hands. "See you at noon tomorrow."
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!" The Genius Class students called out their farewells and left.
"Third Hokage, if you're free, please grace us with your presence as well." Kitazawa turned to Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others, extending the invitation.
"It's your birthday—of course we'll come." Hiruzen asked cheerfully, "Mind if I bring family?"
"Not at all." Kitazawa shook his head.
"Then I'll call Asuma and Konohamaru." Hiruzen paused. "Konohamaru will enter the Academy next year; let him get to know the Genius Class students ahead of time."
"With Naruto around, he'll blend right in." Kitazawa still had impressions of Sarutobi Konohamaru.
After all, he had plenty of screen time in the original story, and he truly was a genius.
The mere fact that he learned the Rasengan from Uzumaki Naruto spoke volumes.
Because Naruto's teaching level was practically nonexistent. Konohamaru mastering it was pure talent.
On top of that, he also learned the Big Ball Rasengan and Sealing Technique.
Kitazawa also thought of Konohamaru's two buddies, Ise Udon and Moegi Kazamatsuri.
Ise Udon was nothing special—just a fairly decent Jonin. Moegi Kazamatsuri was different; she had awakened Wood Release.
But her Wood Release was mediocre, inferior to Senju Hashirama and even beneath Yamato.
Judging from the original story, her Wood Release wasn't awakened via Hashirama-cell transplant but naturally.
Chances were she possessed a bit of Senju blood, just not enough, hence the weak Wood Release.
Still, it was Wood Release; admitting her to the Genius Class posed no big problem.
As for Ise Udon, it'd be hard for him to join the Genius Class in his first semester.
"Then we'll head off—see you tomorrow." Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others said their goodbyes and left.
"Kurenai, head home first; I'm going to the ANBU Base." Kitazawa explained, "I'll have ANBU deliver the invitations for tomorrow's lunch in my place."
"Mm." Kurenai nodded. "I'll go home and cook, waiting for you."
Kitazawa watched her walk away.
Unfortunately, he hadn't yet learned the Flying Thunder God Technique: Guiding Thunder; otherwise, he could have used it to take her straight home.
The basic version of the Flying Thunder God Technique could only transport him. But it wouldn't be much longer—just a month or two.
Kitazawa used the Flying Thunder God Technique and arrived at the ANBU Base. He quickly found Antelope and had her take people to invite all the major clans and some familiar ninja.
After giving the instructions, Kitazawa once again used the Flying Thunder God Technique to appear outside the Hokage Office.
He didn't teleport directly inside.
After all, Tsunade was the Hokage; if she was discussing something with someone, barging in would be inappropriate.
Kitazawa raised his hand and knocked. After receiving permission, he walked in.
"What brings you here?" Tsunade set down the documents in her hands when she saw him.
"Do you remember what tomorrow is?" Kitazawa walked up to her; looking down, he could see her snow-white collar.
"Of course I remember." Tsunade rolled her eyes. "You think I'd forget a day like that?"
Kitazawa chuckled and told her about tomorrow's arrangements.
"What about the afternoon?" After listening, Tsunade fell silent for two seconds, then asked.
"Nothing's planned for the afternoon." Kitazawa was startled.
"Then spend the afternoon with me," Tsunade said matter-of-factly. "I just don't feel like working."
"Off to the casino again?" Kitazawa asked with a smile.
"Back to the Senju Clan's residence." Tsunade shook her head.
"What for?" Kitazawa asked, a little surprised.
"Why so many questions? Just come if I say so!" Tsunade snorted.
"Yes, Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa answered at once. "Wherever you say."
"That's more like it." Tsunade's lips curved slightly. "Anything else? If not, don't disturb my work."
"There is one thing." Kitazawa bent down and kissed her soft lips.
Tsunade shot him a glare but didn't push him away.
"All right, I'll be off—see you tomorrow." Kitazawa looked at the lips he had moistened, smiled, and vanished on the spot.
"Flying Thunder God Technique really is convenient." Tsunade licked the corner of her mouth, realized what had happened, and said.
Time moved to the next day.
Konoha Village's largest izakaya.
It started getting lively from nine in the morning, as people kept arriving.
"Wow, so many people!" Naruto looked around and exclaimed.
"Kitazawa really does have good connections in Konoha Village." Asuma chuckled and said.
"My future birthdays have to be this grand, too!" Konohamaru declared, chest puffed out.
"Then you'll have to work hard." Sarutobi Hiruzen patted his head and said.
"Big brother Naruto definitely can!" Konohamaru Sarutobi said proudly.
"Naruto, over here!" Kiba's voice rang out not far away.
"Konohamaru, go with Naruto and meet the Genius Class students." Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Konohamaru and said.
"Okay." Konohamaru nodded.
He followed Naruto to Kiba. Besides Kiba, the rest of the Genius Class students were also at these tables.
"Hey, everyone!" Konohamaru greeted familiarly. "I'm Sarutobi Konohamaru, and my dream is the same as big brother Naruto's—to become Hokage!"
"Freshmen, full of dreams as expected." Tenten couldn't help laughing.
"What does that have to do with being a freshman?" Konohamaru asked, puzzled.
"Only freshmen haven't been crushed by the Genius Class yet," Tenten replied.
"Once you take the Genius Class practical exam, you'll realize becoming Hokage is really hard," Kiba said with a sigh.
"I'm not afraid of difficulties!" Konohamaru gave a thumbs-up. "Big brother Naruto says youth is about overcoming hardships!"
"We're doomed!" Ino shook her head at the familiar gesture.
Time passed in idle chatter.
Twelve noon.
Kitazawa and Tsunade walked into the izakaya, marking the official start of the birthday banquet.
They came to a table in the center. Seated there were Konoha's top brass—Sarutobi Hiruzen, Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hiashi, and others.
"Hokage-sama." Everyone rose to greet them.
"No need for formalities." Tsunade waved her hand. "Today is Kitazawa's birthday; like you, I'm just a guest."
After speaking, she looked at Kitazawa.
"I'll keep it short—thank you all for coming." Kitazawa smiled. "Just enjoy the food."
"You and Tsunade both hate long speeches." Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled.
"Hmph, not everyone rambles like you every time." Tsunade couldn't help retorting.
"Let's change the subject." Sarutobi Hiruzen raised his cup. "A toast to Kitazawa—happy birthday."
"Thank you, everyone." Kitazawa clinked glasses and downed his drink.
The meal lasted nearly two hours.
"Tsunade-sensei, are you alright?" Kitazawa looked at Tsunade's flushed face.
"I—I'm fine." Tsunade swayed. "You—you're coming with me to the—to the casino this afternoon!"
Noticing Kurenai and Shizune nearby, she rephrased.
Kitazawa blinked. What did that mean?
"Lady Tsunade!" Shizune asked disapprovingly. "You're this drunk and still want to go gambling?"
"This little alcohol is nothing." Tsunade paused. "Besides, I have the Yin Seal."
The flush on her face faded, and she looked sober again.
"Shizune-senpai." Kitazawa cleared his throat. "It's my birthday; let Tsunade-sensei take the day off."
"Fine, for your sake this once." Shizune warned, "Don't stay out too late gambling."
"Definitely not." Kitazawa smiled. "We've still got dinner tonight."
"You keep Lady Tsunade company; dinner's on Shizune and me!" Kurenai declared. "We'll make it amazing."
"Thanks." Kitazawa nodded.
"All right, we're heading back; remember to return early." Shizune left with Kurenai and Uzumaki Rina.
"Tsunade-sensei, yesterday you said we were going to the Senju compound?" Kitazawa smiled.
"We are going to the Senju compound." Tsunade stood. "I just misspoke."
"Misspoke?" Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.
"Let's go." Tsunade offered no further explanation and walked out.
Kitazawa suppressed his curiosity and followed.
Soon, they arrived at the Senju Clan's compound.
"I'll open the door." Kitazawa stepped forward and took out a key.
Because he often returned to study Wood Release ninjutsu, Tsunade had given him a key.
"After you, Tsunade-sensei." Kitazawa opened the door with a smile.
"Have you been cleaning?" Tsunade entered to find everything spotless.
"Whenever I came back for Wood Release scrolls, I tidied up," Kitazawa replied.
"Is there hot water in the bath?" Tsunade stretched. "I smell of sake; I want a shower."
"There is," Kitazawa said, eyes on her voluptuous figure.
"Mm." Tsunade headed to the bathroom.
Kitazawa shook his head. He still didn't quite understand why Tsunade had suddenly decided to come back here.
With that lingering confusion in his mind, Kitazawa sat down on the sofa and waited in silence.
After some time, the door finally opened.
Kitazawa subconsciously turned his head—and in that instant, he froze.
Tsunade stepped out, wrapped only in a bath towel.
Her snow-white shoulders were completely exposed, and the towel was stretched taut by its heavy burden, making her figure all the more striking as it cast a large shadow across the floor.
The towel reached down to her calves.
She wasn't wearing any shoes. Her jade-like feet stepped lightly on the carpet, the vivid red of her toenails standing out against her fair skin like petals on fresh snow.
"What are you looking at?" Tsunade's eyes shimmered, a faint trace of moisture glinting within them.
"Of course, I'm looking at the beautiful Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa replied, smiling as he praised her without hesitation.
"Thinking about something?" Tsunade asked again, her voice softer this time.
"Nothing," Kitazawa answered, slightly startled.
"You're lying."
Tsunade walked closer to him, a faint flush blooming on her cheeks. It was hard to tell whether it came from lingering alcohol… or something else entirely.
"I—"
In that moment, Kitazawa suddenly realized what was happening. His heart began to pound.
"And now?" Tsunade lifted her arms.
The towel slipped free.
A vast expanse of snow-white skin was revealed before his eyes.
For a split second, Kitazawa felt as though he had been struck by a blinding light—every curve before him was breathtaking.
Especially her ample bosom, radiating a quiet yet overwhelming sensual allure.
His throat tightened instinctively, his gaze burning with an intensity he could no longer hide.
He stepped forward without thinking and buried himself in her embrace. For the first time, there was no resistance between them.
Tsunade felt a surge of heat rise within her, her body flushing as she wrapped her arms around his head.
A moment later, she let out a soft gasp as he lifted her.
Kitazawa carried her straight into the room.
When the door closed behind them, there was nothing left to separate them—no distance, no barriers.
He gently laid Tsunade down on the bed. Standing over her, he looked down at her perfect form.
Tsunade said nothing, only met his gaze with cheeks tinged faintly red.
After a brief moment, her body trembled, and her brows knit together instinctively.
Kitazawa reached out and slowly stroked her smooth, beautiful back.
A deep sense of pride welled up inside him—he was Tsunade's first man… and her last.
Tsunade soon relaxed.
After all, she possessed the Yin Seal.
"You seem quite smug?" Tsunade glared at him as she suddenly sat up, her mature, voluptuous body bursting forth with astonishing strength.
Kitazawa instinctively grabbed her waist, unwilling to be outdone.
After all, he too possessed the Yin Seal.
And so—a battle of equal strength began.
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P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)