Kitazawa watched for a while, then nodded slightly.
"As expected of one of the original story's protagonists, Uchiha Sasuke is gifted," he thought.
Sasuke had already found the basic knack for training chakra nature transformation; success was only a matter of time.
Forming hand‑seals, Kitazawa created a shadow clone.
The clone stayed behind to keep an eye on Sasuke, while the real Kitazawa returned to his office.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Hyūga Hinata put down her pen and greeted him.
"What are you planning to write for your speech?"
Kitazawa walked up behind her and asked with a smile.
"I intend to share some study methods."
Hinata turned to look at him and asked cautiously, "Is that okay?"
"Of course."
Kitazawa patted her head. "Hinata, you're ranked first in the whole grade now—have some confidence."
"Mm."
Hinata felt a warm surge in her chest and became more motivated.
"Go ahead and write. When you're done, I'll help you polish it."
Kitazawa returned to his desk, folded his hands, and began thinking.
Uzumaki Naruto's task was to place in the top ten in the next monthly exam.
Theoretically, that seemed unlikely.
The only way was brute‑force memorization—letting him know in advance what material the test would cover.
As for the practical exam, he actually had a good shot at the top ten.
If Naruto could already take first place in the physical‑fitness test, then with some improvements to his Clone Technique and shuriken throwing, he should be fine.
Kitazawa pulled out a scroll and began drafting practice questions.
He had first considered letting Naruto skip class to cram, but since Naruto hadn't fully mastered the classroom content, skipping would only hurt him.
So there was just one solution: extra drills after school.
Afternoon arrived.
"I'm finished, Kitazawa-sensei."
Hinata walked up, visibly nervous.
Kitazawa took her draft and read it.
Just as she'd said, it was entirely about her study methods.
"You're missing a closing section."
Meeting her eyes, Kitazawa smiled. "That's where you add the 'value statement.'"
Hinata looked puzzled.
"No problem—I'll show you."
He picked up a pen and wrote: "Under the leadership of Hokage-sama, we must inherit the Will of Fire…"
Hinata rose on tiptoe, leaning over the desk to watch closely.
Tilting her head, cheeks flattened, she half‑understood, half‑didn't.
"All right—just refine it tomorrow."
Setting down the pen, Kitazawa said, "Let's head to class."
"Y‑yes!"
Hinata followed him to the practice field.
Because she'd spent all day on the speech, only the last period remained: combat training.
"Today's lesson is still the Clone Technique. Those who failed that section on the last exam will get special help this period."
Kitazawa faced Class 1‑A and smiled.
Many students groaned in pain.
"Anyone who's already mastered the Clone Technique may train freely."
He formed hand‑seals and produced a shadow clone. "Those who failed, follow my clone."
Class 1‑A instantly split into two groups.
"Ino, can I join you for special training?"
Haruno Sakura grabbed Yamanaka Ino's arm.
"Training, huh? I know why you really want to come."
Ino teased.
Sakura's motives were: (1) she knew the Clone Technique, and (2) she wanted to see Sasuke.
"Let me warn you first," Ino said seriously. "Whatever your reason, if you train with us you have to be serious."
Sakura froze.
Her best friend suddenly felt more mature, almost unfamiliar.
"I understand—I'll train hard," Sakura said through gritted teeth.
Anything was worth it if she could see Sasuke.
"I'll take you to Kitazawa-sensei."
Ino dragged her over.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Sakura asked expectantly, "May I join the training?"
Kitazawa thought for a moment and was about to agree.
One more or one less student made no difference to him.
After all, he was giving them extra training mainly to complete a system‑assigned mission.
Just then, four lines of text appeared before his eyes:
[As the class monitor, you should try to fulfill your classmates' requests.]
[Current mission: Help your classmate Haruno Sakura complete tree‑climbing training.]
[Reward: Blood Coagulation Technique.]
[Accept?]
Whoa, lucky break.
As expected of one of the heroines.
The Blood Coagulation Technique was a D‑rank medical ninjutsu that, as the name implied, could stop bleeding from ordinary wounds.
"We're heading to the training ground," Kitazawa said with a nod.
"Thank you, Sensei!" Sakura pumped her small fists in excitement.
The group arrived at a nearby training field.
Along with Ino and Sakura came Hinata.
Naruto wasn't there—his Clone Technique still needed work.
Kurama Yakumo was learning genjutsu with Yūhi Kurenai.
"Sasuke‑kun!"
The moment Sakura saw Sasuke, she called out.
She got no response.
"Quiet," Kitazawa reminded her. "He's practicing chakra nature change—he can't be disturbed at all."
"Sorry!" Sakura clapped a hand over her mouth.
"Sakura, my shadow clone will teach you tree‑climbing to improve your chakra control," Kitazawa arranged. "Ino, Hinata, you two come with me."
He led the three of them to the academy's artificial lake.
"Today, we're doing water‑walking training."
Kitazawa leapt—chakra gathered under his feet—and landed on the lake's surface.
He walked to the far side of the lake, then returned to shore.
"Water‑walking is still chakra‑control training, but harder than tree‑climbing," he explained. "Water is liquid; it can't support much weight. Slip up and you'll fall in."
Ino nodded, full of fighting spirit.
Hinata, by contrast, looked worried. Though her chakra control was better than Ino's, their personalities showed in their reactions.
"Don't worry too much," Kitazawa smiled. "I'll fish you out before you go under."
"Then I'm counting on you, Sensei," Ino said, smiling, and stepped onto the lake.
"Go ahead," Kitazawa said, patting Hinata's head.
"Mm." Hinata exhaled, lifted her foot, and stepped onto the water.
Kitazawa watched from the shore.
Whenever either girl started to topple, he dashed forward, caught her, and brought her back to rest.
The period ended quickly.
"Naruto, wait."
Kitazawa called him over.
"Here." He handed Naruto a scroll. "Do this set of problems tonight at home."
"Huh?" Naruto was dumbfounded.
"You ranked seventeenth this time. Don't you want to be in the top ten next month?" Kitazawa asked.
"I do!"
Naruto stared at the papers, then gritted his teeth. "I'll do it!"
"If you make the top ten, I'll give you an extra reward," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Besides treating you to ramen, I'll teach you a really awesome jutsu."
"Really?"
Naruto perked up instantly. "Carrying the future title of Hokage, I swear I'll make the top ten!"
Kitazawa twitched at the corner of his mouth.
That line sounded so familiar… Where have I heard it? Head-Pat Village, maybe?
~~~
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