"Mom, I don't think we need to bother Kitazawa-sensei anymore. I've already learned the Shadow Imitation Technique."
Shikamaru Nara spoke cautiously.
"Not a chance."
Yoshino Nara shut that down immediately.
"Our clan has plenty more secret techniques you still need to learn—not just Shadow Imitation."
She knew her son well.
If he quit now, it was only a matter of time before he went back to slacking off.
Shikamaru felt like the world was crashing down on him.
Come on… I just escaped from hell, and now you're throwing me back in?!
"Kitazawa-sensei charges too much anyway."
Shikamaru said seriously.
"Oh, is that so?"
Yoshino smiled sweetly.
"Didn't he just open a shop? Why don't you go work part-time for him to cover the cost?"
Shikamaru's face went stiff.
At that moment, his mom's smile looked just like Kitazawa's—pure evil.
"You think I don't know exactly what you're trying to pull?"
Yoshino snorted smugly.
"I gave birth to you, remember."
"Yeah yeah. You're a genius, Mom."
Shikamaru sighed in defeat.
"So you really don't want to train with Kitazawa-sensei anymore?"
She narrowed her eyes.
"I… really don't."
He hesitated.
"Got it."
Yoshino grinned. If he was really that against it, he wouldn't be hesitating.
"Wait—what do you mean 'got it'?"
Shikamaru panicked.
"We'll wait for your dad to get home and see what he thinks."
She waved him off.
"Ugh, fine…"
He flopped onto the couch.
But every time he closed his eyes, he saw himself struggling through water-walking and combat training.
"Nope!"
He sat straight up.
"I still haven't redeemed myself in training—I can't quit now."
…
Midday
"I'm home."
Shikaku Nara walked into the living room and blinked at his son.
"You're back early?"
"Kitazawa-sensei said I'm done training. No need to continue."
Shikamaru shrugged.
"He's mastered Shadow Imitation," Yoshino added.
"Really?"
Shikaku looked surprised.
"Yep."
Shikamaru cleared his throat and glanced at his mom.
"So, Dad… do you think we still need Kitazawa-sensei?"
"What? Trying to get out of it again?"
Shikaku wasn't slow—he immediately caught on.
Shikamaru knew it was over.
Guess I'll have to go through with it… and maybe get a little revenge in training.
"Let's talk to Kitazawa after lunch," Shikaku said, exchanging a glance with Yoshino.
Typical parents—always dreaming big for their kids.
They liked this more driven version of Shikamaru.
In a world as dangerous as the shinobi one, brains weren't enough. You needed strength to survive.
After lunch, Shikaku and Shikamaru went to the academy.
…
Kitazawa had just packed up his bento and was about to nap when he remembered the Shadow Imitation Technique he'd acquired.
Sitting up, he formed a hand sign.
A moment later, his shadow burst to life and stretched outward.
"This jutsu's actually kind of fun."
He grinned and started playing with it, sending the shadow skittering around the room.
Eventually, he got dizzy and had to stop.
"The only downside is how much chakra it eats. No wonder the Ino-Shika-Cho fight as a unit."
Among them, only the Akimichi techniques worked well solo.
Nara and Yamanaka styles needed teammates to shine.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in."
Kitazawa looked up.
"Kitazawa," Shikaku stepped in.
"Kitazawa-sensei…"
Shikamaru's greeting was weak.
As expected, Kitazawa thought.
He'd told Shikamaru training was over just to trigger a new mission.
"We'd like you to continue tutoring Shikamaru at home."
[New Mission: Help Shikamaru master a second clan secret technique.]
[Reward: Shadow Gathering Technique.]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa smiled at the prompt.
A new quest, huh? Perfect.
So Shikamaru had learned Shadow Imitation already?
Was he trying to surprise him?
Kitazawa glanced at him.
Still just a kid. Smart, but too young to see how far apart we really are.
As for "Shadow Gathering Technique," he remembered its effect—turning your shadow into tangible tendrils. Flexible, multi-use, super practical.
"Well, if Shikaku-senpai is asking, I'm happy to help."
Kitazawa smiled.
"You can leave him to me."
"Glad to hear it."
Shikaku turned to Shikamaru.
"Listen to your teacher, alright?"
"Yeah…"
Shikamaru looked completely defeated.
Kitazawa and Shikaku exchanged a look—and both laughed.
"...?"
Shikamaru blinked.
I'm dying here, and they're laughing?!
"I'll leave him to you, Kitazawa."
Shikaku waved and left.
"Shikamaru, go take your nap in class. Your next training starts next week. Rest up for now."
Why do I need to rest? What kind of hellish training is he planning?
Shikamaru knew he wasn't sleeping tonight.
"Messing with kids is kinda fun."
Kitazawa chuckled as he watched him go.
…
Kitazawa had two classes—both combat drills.
One with Class 1-A, one with Class 2-A.
After classes wrapped up, it was Thursday: time for the June monthly exams.
"Sasuke! Let's have a youthful showdown today!"
Naruto, wearing a green jumpsuit, struck a pose in front of Sasuke.
Everyone in the room stared.
"Does Naruto even know what embarrassment is?"
Ino covered her face.
"Brave," Choji said simply.
Shikamaru was face-down on his desk, totally lifeless.
"Naruto, what are you doing?"
Sakura marched over and shoved him—hard.
Naruto stumbled and nearly fell onto Sasuke.
"No!"
Sakura panicked.
Sasuke's face changed and he dodged faster than ever, narrowly avoiding impact.
Kitazawa blinked, just walking in.
He thought he was about to witness the classic Naruto–Sasuke kiss scene.
Sasuke let out a breath.
Naruto, as usual, scratched his head, totally unaware.
"Alright, everyone in your seats. Time to start the exam."
Kitazawa stood at the podium.
"Sasuke!"
Naruto pointed dramatically.
"I'm aiming for your top spot!"
"Not even close," Sasuke replied calmly.
He wasn't too excited about this test.
What he really looked forward to was the July final exam—by then, he'd have learned Great Dragon Fire Jutsu, and Naruto's shadow clones wouldn't matter at all.
"You all know the rules. Start."
At nine sharp, Kitazawa gave the signal.
Students opened their exam papers and got to work.
Kitazawa left a shadow clone behind to monitor the class with Iruka, while his real self headed to Kurenai's house.
Grading? His clone could handle it.
He had better things to do—like studying medical ninjutsu.
…
Since getting together with her, Kitazawa now had his own room at Kurenai's.
And with all the discussions around new jutsu with Tsunade, he was basically living there.
He unlocked the door and looked at the shoe rack.
"I'm home, Kurenai."
Her sandals were there—Tsunade and Shizune's weren't.
"Isn't today the monthly exam?"
Kurenai was lounging on the sofa, legs crossed, wearing denim shorts thanks to the heat.
Seeing Kitazawa, she lowered her legs, revealing her long pale thighs in the summer light.
"With Iruka there, I didn't need to stay."
Kitazawa's eyes moved upward.
She was wearing a cream-colored crop top that showed off her toned waist and navel.
"Do I look good?"
She noticed his gaze and raised her arms playfully, which made certain things… move.
"You look amazing."
Kitazawa paused, then asked,
"Did you go out today?"
"No. Why?"
"Because that outfit's too good—only I should get to see it."
"It's for you only."
She smiled brightly.
She'd bought this outfit after they got together.
Before, she only wore three things: kimono, a red dress, or her usual red-and-white gear.
Kitazawa blinked, heart fluttering.
He walked over, leaned in close.
At this range, he could see every detail of her face and catch her sweet scent.
"You…"
Kurenai's breath hitched. Her toes curled instinctively.
"Can I kiss you?"
"You really need to ask at this point?"
She rolled her eyes—and kissed him first.
Soft, warm contact.
Kitazawa instinctively deepened it.
Kurenai's breath caught, her blush spreading from her cheeks to her neck.
But she didn't push him away.
After a while, they pulled apart.
"You… need to study. Only two days left."
She licked her lips, feeling honestly parched.
"It's fine. Just one book left."
"Tsunade will be back soon."
She looked away.
Kitazawa kissed her collarbone, then finally went upstairs.
Kurenai took a deep breath, chest still rising and falling.
That kiss had almost crossed a line—and she knew it.
…
In his room, Kitazawa told himself to take it slow.
From first kiss to deep kiss, Kurenai had accepted everything.
Just a little more time…
He picked up the last medical book.
If he focused, he could finish it today.
Reading was easy.
Memorizing and understanding—now that took time.
That's med-nin life for you.
…
The sun was setting, but it was still boiling hot.
Kitazawa couldn't help but wish he had Ice Release—to make instant AC.
He set the book down.
After two weeks, he had finally completed Tsunade's first assignment.
All thanks to Shadow Clone Jutsu.
He dispelled the clone still at the academy, and its memories rushed in.
Class 1-A's theory test was done and the rankings were out.
Last time Sasuke placed first.
This time, Sakura took the top spot.
Kitazawa figured Sasuke had skipped studying to train fire-style.
Sakura had always been strong academically anyway.
Naruto had dropped from sixth to thirteenth—without Kitazawa's help.
Still, he was doing way better than before.
At least he wasn't dead last.
Same structure as last time.
Naruto still aced physical testing.
Sasuke dominated clone technique and tool throwing.
By afternoon, the monthly exam wrapped up.
Final rankings were announced.
Not much had changed—except Naruto had dropped to eleventh.
"Haha!"
Kiba was thrilled.
"I finally beat you, Naruto! You owe me Ichiraku ramen!"
He'd lost to Naruto last time and had been brooding about it ever since.
Now, he could celebrate sweet revenge.
~~~
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