"Your idea is indeed a good one."
Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered for a few seconds before speaking.
"It's difficult, but the future potential is enormous."
The path of a psychological medical ninja was one no one had ever walked before.
The hardest part lay in the absence of any existing psychological ninjutsu—Kurama Yakumo would have to create them herself.
Building an entirely new system from nothing was far beyond what an ordinary ninja could accomplish.
But if it succeeded…
Even setting aside the Uchiha clan's issues, curing Tsunade's hemophobia alone would already make it worthwhile.
"Go ahead and do it,"
Hiruzen said in a deep voice.
"If you encounter problems, I'll handle them."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa responded immediately.
With Hiruzen's approval, even though he hadn't received a promotion, his standing had risen invisibly.
More importantly, his personal safety was now somewhat guaranteed—at least he wouldn't get knocked out and dragged away by Root in the middle of the street.
"Psychological medical ninjutsu involves a great deal of Yin Release theory."
Hiruzen thought for a moment, then continued,
"I'll have Sei take you to the archives. From now on, you may freely enter and consult materials related to Yin Release."
Kitazawa's eyes lit up instantly.
Now this was what surprise meant.
"This matter is not to be mentioned to anyone."
Hiruzen added seriously.
"The fewer people who know, the better."
His main concern was Shimura Danzō and Root.
If they learned of Yakumo's uniqueness, they would certainly try to interfere.
And given Kitazawa's close relationship with Naruto, it could easily turn into yet another
'I trusted you, you regretted it, boom' situation.
"Yes."
Kitazawa nodded.
Sei was an ANBU operative, wearing a frog-shaped mask.
ANBU—short for Anbu Black Ops—were elite ninjas directly under the Hokage, handling all kinds of dirty and dangerous work.
Under Sei's guidance, Kitazawa entered the archives.
After a quick review, his expectations were confirmed.
Many of the books detailed various genjutsu.
From now on, any genjutsu rewarded by the system would have a legitimate "source," avoiding unnecessary suspicion.
The only pity was that these were all standard genjutsu.
Special techniques—like Tobirama Senju's Bringer-of-Darkness Technique—were nowhere to be found.
But that made sense.
A jutsu capable of depriving enemies of sight and perfectly countering the Uchiha clan wasn't something just anyone could access.
Kitazawa spent two full days in the archives.
With the system and his poor aptitude for genjutsu, he didn't attempt to learn any techniques.
Instead, he focused on Yin Release theory and refining Yakumo's training plan.
A new week began.
Kitazawa arrived at the Ninja Academy.
"Senior Kitazawa!"
The voice of Umino Iruka rang out.
Kitazawa stopped and turned toward him.
"Senior Kitazawa,"
Iruka hurried over.
"The head of the Kurama clan, Kurama Sōun, is waiting for you in your office."
"Quite early."
Kitazawa smiled lightly.
"I understand. Thanks for letting me know."
"You…"
Iruka hesitated, clearly wanting to ask something.
Though the Kurama clan had declined, they were still a well-known ninja family.
And Kurama Sōun was a jōnin—an important figure to academy instructors.
That such a person would come specifically to see Kitazawa naturally stirred curiosity.
"It's a secret."
Kitazawa turned into a riddle-speaker, smiling as he said it.
Iruka immediately began overthinking everything.
After parting ways, Kitazawa headed to his office.
"Teacher Kitazawa!"
The moment Yakumo saw him, she stood up eagerly, greeting him with a bright smile.
"Good morning, Yakumo."
Kitazawa returned the greeting warmly.
"Kitazawa,"
Kurama Sōun said seriously,
"I'll be leaving Yakumo in your care. If there's any problem, come to me."
"Our Kurama clan still has some influence in Konoha."
"Understood."
Kitazawa nodded.
Once Kurama Sōun left, Yakumo visibly relaxed.
She looked around curiously, her movements lively and full of energy.
But her attention was quickly drawn back to Kitazawa.
She leaned forward, standing on her toes to peek at the desk.
"I'm writing your training plan."
Kitazawa turned and saw her earnest little face.
"Physical training?"
Yakumo glanced at it, surprised.
After what Kitazawa had said on Saturday, she thought she'd abandon physical conditioning and focus entirely on mental strength.
"The body is the foundation."
Kitazawa explained.
"No matter how strong the mind is, it still needs a body to support it."
Reaching the level of the Sage of Six Paths was one thing.
But in the shinobi world, bloodline dictated limits—and Yakumo didn't have that kind of margin.
"Mhm."
Yakumo nodded.
She didn't reject physical training.
In fact, back at Satomi Hill Estate, she had trained often—only to overdo it and collapse.
Kitazawa's plan, however, was far more reasonable: light intensity, steady progression.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"I'll get it."
Yakumo trotted over and opened the door.
Outside stood a small, delicate girl with pale eyes—refined and gentle.
"Y–you are…?"
Hinata Hyūga asked softly upon seeing the unfamiliar girl.
"I'm Kurama Yakumo."
Yakumo introduced herself.
"I'm a transfer student in Class 1-A."
Hinata tilted her head slightly, confusion written on her face.
A transfer student already?
School had only started a week ago.
"Hinata."
Kitazawa stood up and slipped a small note into her hand.
"I'm taking Yakumo to familiarize her with the academy."
Before Hinata could react, the two had already left the office.
She stood there, stunned, and slowly unfolded the note.
There were two sentences.
First:
Eat breakfast here without worrying.
Warmth instantly filled Hinata's chest.
Kitazawa had taken Yakumo away to avoid embarrassing her—and to protect her secret of being a big eater.
Still, something felt… off.
Without him there, eating alone felt strangely empty.
Second:
After breakfast, skip class. Come back in the afternoon.
Hinata's heart leapt into her throat.
Skip class… by myself?
No… Teacher Kitazawa, I can't do that…
She froze, her small face twisted with conflict.
The class bell rang.
Kitazawa led Yakumo into the classroom.
He glanced at Hinata's empty seat—and felt satisfied.
Letting her skip class was meant to build courage.
Of course, skipping class was a crooked method.
He already had a better, more proper way in mind to help Hinata grow braver.
"This is Kurama Yakumo."
Kitazawa introduced her.
"She's your new classmate."
"The Kurama clan that specializes in genjutsu?"
Ino Yamanaka studied Yakumo curiously.
"As long as she doesn't compete with me for Sasuke-kun."
Sakura Haruno grew alert.
Yakumo's looks were nothing to scoff at.
Shikamaru Nara rubbed his chin.
He vaguely remembered his father mentioning that Yakumo had poor health.
Was this also connected to Teacher Kitazawa?
But that thought didn't last long.
Shikamaru quickly gave up thinking altogether and returned to slacking off.
Advance Chapters available on Patreon
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