Kitazawa headed to the Uchiha clan compound.
He didn't go straight to the Anbu office. Besides it already being after hours, he also didn't want to draw Shimura Danzō's attention.
The route to the Hokage Building was crowded and full of prying eyes—Root was sure to have lookouts. Going to the Uchiha compound would be less conspicuous.
After all, he was an Academy instructor; a home visit after classes was perfectly normal.
"Kitazawa-sensei?" Uchiha Sasuke, training in the courtyard, noticed him.
"Take a break, you two." Uchiha Mikoto came up to greet him, speaking gently. "Kitazawa-sensei, perfect timing—stay for dinner with us."
"I'm here to see Itachi," Kitazawa lowered his voice. "On orders from Tsunade-sama."
Mikoto's eyes sharpened. She may have become a homemaker after marrying Uchiha Fugaku, but as the clan leader's wife she understood perfectly well: if this was something Tsunade designated, it had to be serious.
"Let's talk inside." She paused. "Fugaku isn't back yet—should I notify him?"
"No need," Kitazawa said, shaking his head. Doing that would be no different from announcing to Danzō that they were getting together to plot.
"Itachi, make some tea," Mikoto said over her shoulder.
"Yes." Itachi blinked—sensing something unusual—but didn't ask. He turned to fetch the tea leaves.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Sasuke followed them into the living room, curiosity getting the better of him. "Is this about me?"
"It's not." Mikoto stroked his hair. "Go to your room, and don't interrupt."
"…?" Sasuke glanced around. Was there really something he wasn't allowed to hear? But since Mikoto had said so, he couldn't push.
"Your tea, Sensei." Itachi soon emerged with a steaming cup.
"Thanks." Kitazawa took a sip. "Itachi, Tsunade-sama would like to ask a favor."
"Tsunade-sama?" Itachi was taken aback.
"Itachi." Mikoto shot him a meaningful look.
"Please tell me," Itachi said, face solemn. "If it's for Tsunade-sama, I'll see it done even if it kills me."
Whether for the Uchiha or the Will of Fire, he had to give it his all.
Seeing that, Kitazawa thought, just as expected—Uchiha Itachi was a razor-sharp, extreme scalpel. How much you could do with him depended on how you used him.
Of course, the prerequisite was that the task served to improve relations between the Uchiha and Konoha—and Tsunade represented Konoha itself.
"There's a Root researcher named Shinraku Tanuki," Kitazawa said bluntly. "Tsunade-sama wants you to find out exactly what he's working on."
"Understood. I'll look into it immediately," Itachi agreed without hesitation. As an Anbu elite, investigation was routine work—and his specialty. True, the target this time was a Root researcher.
In the original events, Itachi believed Danzō because he had no other options—the clan had made clear they intended to rebel. But now he definitely wouldn't stand with Danzō and Root, so he had no psychological burden investigating them.
"When you learn what he's researching, tell no one," Kitazawa reminded him. "Once you have the files, disappear and come straight to me."
If it were anyone else, Kitazawa wouldn't be so trusting. But Itachi's loyalty to Konoha was absolute; Kitazawa was certain he wouldn't even tell Fugaku.
"Yes." Itachi felt a jolt. Between the lines, Kitazawa was saying Shinraku's research was highly confidential and important. His first reaction wasn't curiosity about the materials; it was the feeling that he'd been entrusted by Tsunade. Given her position, a single sentence from her could mobilize many people.
"Sorry to intrude—I'll get going. When this is over, Tsunade-sama will see you properly rewarded." Kitazawa stood, casually dangling a big promise—exactly the kind of promise Itachi needed.
He and Shisui had long worked to avert open conflict between the Uchiha and Konoha, but Danzō's ruthlessness and Hiruzen's wavering left them feeling powerless.
Shisui had even been ambushed by Danzō after exposing his Mangekyō—yet still faked his death, because if the clan learned of the ambush, fury would explode into rebellion.
Now Tsunade's return gave Itachi hope—because she was actually taking action, and her actions were striking directly at Danzō and Root, relieving pressure on the Uchiha.
Kitazawa said a quick goodbye to Sasuke and left.
"What do you think Tsunade-sama's aim is?" Mikoto asked after seeing him out and shutting the door.
"I don't know," Itachi said, shaking his head.
"Whatever it is, anything against Root is a good thing," Mikoto smiled. Root's methods were so wanton that even someone as gentle as she was despised them.
"Mhm." Itachi suddenly thought of something. "Don't mention Shinraku to Father."
"Why?" Mikoto blinked.
"If he sends people to investigate too, he could ruin Tsunade-sama's operation," Itachi said gravely.
"Fugaku isn't that reckless," Mikoto defended. "He keeps a clear head on big matters."
"If it concerns Tsunade-sama, there can be no slip-ups," Itachi insisted.
"All right," Mikoto relented. "We won't tell him for now."
"When he does find out, just say Tsunade-sama ordered secrecy," Itachi added. "He won't blame us."
…
Kitazawa went home.
As soon as he stepped into the living room, he noticed Kurenai at the coffee table, practicing the Four Limbs Weighting Seal. She leaned forward slightly; her curves were distractingly graceful. Kitazawa came up and hugged her from behind, immediately feeling the soft give of her hips.
"Back home and already messing with my training?" Kurenai stopped, turned, and shot him a glare.
"My apologies," Kitazawa said—and flipped her around into a kiss. Kurenai struggled for a second, then let go, her body relaxing as her arms slid up around his neck.
A heartbeat later, she felt a sharp ache in her chest—no need to look to know where Kitazawa's wandering hand was.
At length, their lips parted.
"Move that hand," Kurenai panted.
"Got carried away." Kitazawa withdrew, already missing the warmth. "I'll make dinner. Be good and don't stir up trouble."
Kurenai straightened her clothes, covering the exposed skin. "Hold up," Kitazawa said, remembering something. "You've basically finished the Four Limbs Weighting Seal—you can start on something new."
He handed her a scroll.
"What sealing jutsu is it this time?" Kurenai asked, taking it.
"Not sealing," Kitazawa said. "Two ninjutsu I created for Ino—I think they suit you too."
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei," Kurenai said with a playful blink.
"So you don't want dinner tonight?" Kitazawa rolled up his sleeves.
"Pervert!" Kurenai yelped, darting into the kitchen. Exhaling, she opened the scroll. Seeing Ninja Art: Ten Thousand Flowers Profusion and Ninja Art: Moonlight Beauty, a particularly dazzling smile lit her face.
They really did fit her—she even felt like Kitazawa had made them just for her, both being illusion-based.
She put the scroll away and started cooking. Kitazawa sat at the table to wait. He didn't wait long before Kurenai—now in an apron—brought out a dish.
"Love the apron," Kitazawa said appreciatively.
Kurenai set the plate down, leaned in to peck his lips, then smiled with bright eyes. "I'll grab bowls and chopsticks. Wait for me."
Watching her, Kitazawa felt an itch—this homely, gentle Kurenai was irresistible.
She soon reappeared from the kitchen.
"Once you learn those two ninjutsu, I'll teach you a new sealing technique," Kitazawa said, picking up his chopsticks.
"Mm." Kurenai nodded. "They're illusion-related, so I should pick them up faster than sealing."
"My Kurenai is a first-class genjutsu kunoichi," he teased.
"Eat, don't sweet-talk me." She kicked him under the table. "Why are you an hour late today?"
"Tsunade-sama had something for me to do. Took some time," he said.
"No wonder." Kurenai didn't press. "Asuma dropped by earlier, but missed you."
"What for?" Kitazawa bit into a fried shrimp.
"He said he's become an Anbu squad captain. If we run into trouble, he'll help," Kurenai said.
"Joined Anbu?" Kitazawa murmured. That didn't happen in the original timeline—his butterfly effect at work. Not that it was surprising; there was precedent.
Asuma's elder brother—Konohamaru's father—had been an Anbu commander. It's even possible Asuma joined Anbu in canon; his time before leading the new Ino–Shika–Chō isn't clearly detailed.
"He's a decent guy," Kitazawa chuckled. Anbu squad captain wasn't a small post, and as the Third Hokage's son, Asuma could indeed solve most problems for them if he wanted.
But Kitazawa disliked owing favors. Asking Itachi for help didn't create debts—that was mutually beneficial. The Uchiha needed Tsunade and him as well.
"I'll do the dishes," Kitazawa offered after they ate. Kurenai had cooked; making her wash too would be a bit much—especially since he had a small request for later.
He cleared the table and headed to the kitchen with the dishes. When he finished and returned, Kurenai was studying the scroll.
"Kurenai," he leaned in to nip her ear, voice low. "I gave you two ninjutsu—how will you thank me?"
"What are you plotting now?" She shot him a sidelong look. After so long together, she knew him far too well—let's just say he had…range.
She'd half-demurred and half-agreed to everything, and the experiences had been, well, excellent. She felt like he'd "corrupted" her; she used to be so reserved.
"Nothing big," Kitazawa said, easing her legs onto his lap. Kurenai shifted, sitting sideways on the sofa. "I haven't seen you in stockings for a while. How about tonight?"
"Mm." She actually sounded relieved—that was an easy request by comparison. "Go wait in the bedroom. I'll come once I finish this scroll."
Kitazawa didn't push. He went to the bedroom and, with time to spare, started studying Ranshinshō (Body Pathway Derangement), the technique Tsunade had given him. Lately he'd been busy with sealing, Earth Release, and Water Release, leaving no time for it.
Night deepened.
Two hours later, the door opened. Kitazawa looked up—and his eyes widened. Kurenai had put on a black, full-body stocking—sheer from her feet up to her waist—and nothing else. He stood at once, stepped forward, and lifted her. She felt weightless for a moment—then came the sound of fabric tearing.
Kurenai rolled her eyes. A perfectly good pair of stockings, ruined—she'd taken ages choosing that one. But soon she couldn't even string together a full sentence; all she could do was cling to him like an octopus so she wouldn't fall.
The moon set and the sun rose; before they knew it, it was dawn.
Kitazawa opened his eyes, glanced at the sleeping Kurenai, and got dressed. Knowing her, she'd sleep till noon to recover. He didn't wake her. It was Saturday, and he still needed to take Kurama Yakumo next door to help treat Tsunade's hemophobia.
He threw together a bowl of instant ramen in the kitchen. As he finished eating, Yakumo arrived.
"Let's go," Kitazawa said, knocking on the door next door.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Karin answered.
"Morning." He ruffled her hair. "Karin, have you learned the Finger Carving Seal?"
"I have!" Her eyes sparkled.
"Take a look at this first. I'll teach you on Tuesday." Kitazawa handed her the scroll for the Fire Sealing Method.
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!" Karin beamed.
Kitazawa and Yakumo stepped inside. As usual, Tsunade was waiting on the sofa. After a few pleasantries, treatment began: dreams first, then reality—same as before.
By noon, Yakumo's illusion could hold to ten minutes. Kitazawa felt it wouldn't be long before Tsunade could complete the emotional swap attached to Nawaki's death.
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei," Yakumo said, waving before leaving. Watching her go, Kitazawa fell into thought. Three weeks into the term—it might be time to try teaching her some taijutsu.
Kitazawa went home. Time flowed quickly as he trained. For the next two and a half days, he focused on one thing: Water Release—Great Waterfall Technique.
Tuesday.
Konoha stepped into February; temperatures ticked up, though it was still cold. Kitazawa arrived punctually at the school training field. The Advanced Class had already started—Maruboshi Kosuke always arrived earlier, and once he did, the kids got moving.
Kitazawa called Karin over and kept his promise, teaching her the Fire Sealing Method. After half an hour, seeing she'd gotten the basics, he let her practice on her own.
He moved to the track by the field. Kurama Yakumo and Rock Lee were running—Yakumo far behind. Kitazawa watched for a moment and judged her fitness barely passable.
"Yakumo, come here," he called.
"K-Kitazawa-sensei," Yakumo panted as she trotted over.
"I'll teach you a taijutsu today—the Leaf Whirlwind," Kitazawa said after thinking for a moment.
"The one Naruto and Lee always shout? Do I have to shout it too?" she asked, head cocked.
"No." Kitazawa's mouth twitched. You've been misled! What serious shinobi yells out their moves?
"Watch closely, Yakumo." Kitazawa stepped to a nearby tree and snapped a kick.
Boom!
The tree shuddered under the impact, leaves cascading down. Yakumo's eyes shone—that was the ninja she dreamed of being. Genjutsu was fine, but it didn't match her image of a traditional shinobi.
"Your turn," Kitazawa said, stepping aside.
Yakumo nodded, took a deep breath to steady her excitement, and copied his kick. The tree didn't budge. She wilted a little.
"Take it slow," Kitazawa said, ruffling her hair.
"Mm!" Yakumo perked up and kept practicing the Leaf Whirlwind.
Kitazawa watched for a bit and noticed Yakushi Kabuto walking over.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Kabuto said first. "I've learned Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere."
Kitazawa wasn't surprised. He'd taught it to him before the New Year. Kabuto was older with a solid foundation—learning it in just over a month wasn't especially fast.
Aburame Torune and Uchiha Izumi were progressing more slowly.
Izumi was learning the B-rank Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Flower Nail Crimson, but after awakening her two-tomoe Sharingan she'd gone back to the clan to study, which delayed her.
Torune was simply young; his current strength relied mostly on his "mechanic"—the nano-poison insects.
Leaving that aside, he and Aburame Shino were about the same level—both only seven. No wonder his Konoha Body Flicker wasn't coming quickly.
"In that case, I'll teach you the advanced version—Wind Release: Vacuum Great Sphere," Kitazawa said after a moment's thought.