Tuesday morning.
Kitazawa opened his eyes and saw Kurenai's sleeping face. She was sleeping soundly, and traces of fatigue were faintly visible on her face.
Last night, after their long-awaited reunion, they naturally talked through the night.
Kitazawa's gaze shifted downwards. Kurenai was clinging to him like an octopus. He could clearly feel the softness of her body and the tenderness of her skin, and with her steady breathing, he occasionally felt her elasticity.
After admiring her for a moment, Kitazawa patted her buttocks. Half-asleep, Kurenai moved her leg off his body. She turned over, lay flat on the bed, and her long legs were slightly closed.
Kitazawa smiled slightly. She was truly self-aware; Kurenai had already formed a habit.
Kitazawa got out of bed and put on his clothes. He glanced at the breathtaking scene and covered Kurenai with the quilt.
After breakfast, Kitazawa went to the Ninja Academy.
The Training Ground presented a familiar scene once more. Naruto was excitedly recounting the events their team encountered during their mission.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
The students of the Genius Class greeted him one after another when they saw him.
Kitazawa glanced around and noticed that Sasuke, Rock Lee, and Tenten were absent. It seemed they were out on a mission and hadn't returned yet.
This was normal; anything could happen during a mission. From what he knew of Sasuke, he would most likely have Kakashi take on a high-difficulty mission.
"You all continue chatting." Kitazawa waved his hand and said.
There was still half an hour until class started, so he didn't want to interrupt Naruto's excitement. Besides, Sarutobi Hiruzen was also listening nearby.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Shikamaru didn't leave. He spoke up, "I want to increase my training content."
His previous training content was learning the Shadow Imitation Technique, but he hadn't mastered it yet. Kitazawa hadn't bothered him about it.
Although Shikamaru had good talent, he wasn't as good as Naruto and Sasuke. Coupled with his laziness, one Shadow Imitation Technique was enough for him to learn.
Of course, now that he had become diligent, he could definitely make time to learn new Ninjutsu.
"Alright." Kitazawa pondered for a moment and said, "I'll teach you Konoha-Style Body Flicker Technique."
The Nara Clan's role was control and support, and this certainly couldn't change. After all, Ino–Shika–Chō was a classic combination, and he had no need to break it up.
Adding mobility in addition to control and support would be excellent — especially with Shikamaru's high intelligence.
As long as he could stall the enemy and survive, he could devise a strategy to counter them.
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei." Shikamaru immediately expressed his gratitude.
Judging from the battle that weekend, if he could learn the Konoha-Style Body Flicker Technique, he wouldn't have been captured, at the very least.
[Current Mission: Help Shikamaru learn Konoha-Style Body Flicker Technique.]
[Mission Reward: Shadow Gathering Technique.]
[Accept or Decline?]
Kitazawa's thoughts stirred, and he accepted the mission. He led Shikamaru to an empty space nearby and began teaching him the Konoha-Style Body Flicker Technique.
Nine o'clock in the morning.
Except for Sasuke, Rock Lee, and Tenten, all the students of the Genius Class were present.
Kitazawa let Shikamaru practice on his own, then gave some pointers to the students in his study group and went to train in the Five Release Great Combo Technique.
As for the Medical Ninja training class at Konoha Hospital, he no longer needed to manage it. After Nono Yakushi learned Limb Regeneration Ninjutsu, she took over the classes.
---
Wednesday.
Kakashi and Sasuke successfully returned to Konoha Village. Kitazawa and Konan found a suitable place to put the Rock Blue Moss stone.
Friday.
The Genius Class held their theoretical final exam. Shikamaru regained the first place. He had completely woken up now and no longer held back his scores.
Saturday.
Kakashi and Maruboshi Kosuke led teams out on missions again. Kitazawa and Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't need to. After all, only two teams of students hadn't completed their missions.
Of course, Kitazawa also had something to do — to prepare and compound medicine for Nagato.
A new week, Tuesday.
Kitazawa had breakfast and went to the Ninja Academy. Today was the last day of this semester, and starting tomorrow, it would be the long-awaited summer vacation.
[Current Mission: Teach Kakashi and Sasuke Lightning Release: Chidori Current.]
[Mission Reward: Lightning Release: Kirin.]
[Host has completed the mission, reward issued.]
Kitazawa let out a soft exclamation. This was an unexpected gain. Sasuke learned Chidori Current before the summer vacation.
Kitazawa estimated that Kakashi planned to give Sasuke special summer training. However, this was a good thing.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Hinata's voice rang out.
Kitazawa stopped and looked at her.
"Good morning, Kitazawa-sensei." Hinata walked up to him and greeted him, "I didn't expect to meet you here."
"This is the school gate, what's so unexpected?"
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile at her words. Hinata immediately felt a little embarrassed.
She lowered her head, then remembered something and asked, "Kitazawa-sensei, will there be special training this summer vacation?"
"You don't need special training; just learn Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms."
Kitazawa patted her head and said, "I'll come to the Ninja Academy whenever I'm free."
"Mm!"
Hinata's heart immediately leaped with joy. She understood the hidden meaning in Kitazawa's words.
Although there wouldn't be special training, she could still train at the Ninja Academy to receive his guidance.
Kitazawa and Hinata walked into the Ninja Academy.
Although today was the last day of the semester, there was no need for classes or training — only the final exam results would be announced.
"Kitazawa-senpai."
Before they even reached the classroom, Iruka came up to them. "These are the rankings for this final exam."
"Alright." Kitazawa took the report card and asked, "Have Third Hokage and the others arrived?"
"They have arrived. They are already waiting in the Hokage Office," Iruka replied.
Kitazawa nodded and walked with him towards the Hokage Office.
Hinata, meanwhile, bid them farewell and walked toward the Genius Class classroom.
As soon as she entered the room, she saw Ino waving at her. Besides her, there were also Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura, and Yakumo, among others.
"Hinata, we're discussing who got first place in the final exam."
Ino asked with a smile, "What about you? Who do you think it is?"
"Are you asking about the practical exam or the theoretical exam?" Hinata was slightly stunned and asked in return.
"Of course, it's the practical exam." Sakura snorted lightly and said, "The first place in the theoretical exam must be me!"
Ino pouted but couldn't refute her. After all, Shikamaru would control his scores.
"The practical exam, huh?" Hinata thought for a moment and said, "I think it's one of Yakumo, Sasuke, and Naruto."
She forgot that she had already scored full marks.
"Your answer is as good as no answer." Kiba couldn't help but complain.
Hinata immediately felt a little embarrassed. This was an answer everyone knew.
"You don't need to discuss it anymore; the first place can only be Sasuke-kun!"
Sakura said with great confidence. Sasuke nodded.
Although Sakura often jinxed things, he was very confident about getting first place this time. Because he had scored full marks in the practical exam.
Even if Naruto also got full marks, it wouldn't matter. After all, his theoretical scores were rather mediocre.
Nine o'clock in the morning.
Kitazawa, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Maruboshi Kosuke, Kakashi, and Iruka entered the classroom. The students of the Genius Class immediately stopped their discussions and returned to their seats, sitting obediently.
"I will first announce the rankings for the theoretical exam."
Kitazawa glanced at the report card and said with a smile, "First place, Shikamaru."
"What?" Sakura's eyes widened.
"How is it Shikamaru?" Choji looked at Shikamaru in surprise.
This didn't match his personality. Suddenly, he realized something. Throughout this week, Shikamaru had been training very seriously.
"Shikamaru, why aren't you tenth this time?" Ino asked curiously.
She, Choji, and Shikamaru had been friends since childhood. Shikamaru suddenly getting first place was very surprising to her.
"It's nothing." Shikamaru said seriously, "I think one should give their all in exams. I will work even harder in the future."
"Shikamaru!" Naruto immediately gave a thumbs-up and said, "You have truly grasped the essence of youth!"
"You're not Shikamaru. Who are you? How could I hear the word 'effort' from Shikamaru's mouth?"
Kiba asked with a shocked expression.
Shino was deep in thought. He guessed it had something to do with their last mission.
After all, during that battle, Shikamaru was captured and almost died, like walking through the gates of hell.
After experiencing such a major event as life and death, a change in personality was quite normal. All in all, it was a good thing.
"It's over!" Sakura couldn't help but ask, "Then will you always be in first place from now on?"
"Not necessarily." Shikamaru shook his head and said, "I just do my best, that's all."
"Isn't that the same thing?" Sakura scratched her hair and said, "Who can beat you then?"
"Kitazawa really has his ways."
Maruboshi Kosuke listened to their conversation and sighed. Having been a Genius Class teacher for so long, he was very clear about Shikamaru's personality.
"You know, it was I who recommended Kitazawa to Shikaku back then." Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a chuckle.
"Third Hokage-sama truly has a discerning eye." Iruka immediately praised him.
"Kitazawa has the ability."
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head, then said with a smile, "Now Shikaku won't have to worry about his son anymore."
When he was Hokage, Shikaku often mentioned Shikamaru to him, and what he talked about most was how lazy he was.
"Second place, Haruno Sakura. Third place, Hyuga Neji."
Kitazawa quieted their discussions and rattled off, "Fourth place, Hyuga Hinata. Fifth place, Uchiha Sasuke..."
Sasuke froze in place. How did he drop to fifth place?
Although his previous Monthly Exam theoretical exam rankings were already very close to Neji and Hinata, if it were normal times, it would be fine. But this was the final exam.
He had finally gotten full marks in the practical exam, so how could something so certain go wrong? Sasuke subconsciously clenched his fists.
He still had a chance!
Neji had only gotten full marks once in the practical exam, and that was when he got it with them. And Hinata had never gotten full marks.
"..." Sakura's heart tightened. Was she really going to jinx it?
No! Sasuke-kun, you can do it! Sakura couldn't help but clench her hands and pray.
"Next are the rankings for the practical exam."
After announcing the theoretical exam rankings, Kitazawa continued. The theoretical exam rankings, apart from the change in first place, were mostly similar.
Sasuke, Naruto, and the others immediately looked at Kitazawa, showing expressions of anticipation.
Compared to the theoretical exam rankings, they cared more about the practical exam rankings.
After all, if you didn't know the theory, you just didn't know it, and forced learning wouldn't lead to much improvement.
"First place." Kitazawa chuckled and said, "Sasuke, Naruto, Hinata, and Shino Aburame."
"So many first places?" Kiba looked astonished.
"And Hinata and Shino, who got first place for the first time." Ino felt envious. Their mission this time had gone very smoothly.
This also meant that she, Sakura, and Hyuga Neji couldn't possibly get full marks.
Sasuke felt his head spin. It's over! His first place was gone!
Hinata's theoretical exam ranking was higher than his, snatching his first place.
"Then the final first place must be Hinata?" Ino suddenly realized.
"Huh?" Hinata subconsciously looked up, her face filled with bewilderment.
I'm in first place? How is this possible?
"Oh, right!" Kiba clapped his hands and said, "It really is Hinata!"
"Hinata ranked fourth in the theoretical exam and first in the practical exam."
Aburame Shino adjusted his glasses and said, "Combined, she has surpassed Sasuke, Yakumo, and Naruto."
Neji couldn't help but be stunned, secretly thinking it was a pity.
He had surpassed Sasuke in the theoretical exam this time, but not in the practical exam.
If it had been the first Monthly Exam, when he got a perfect score in the practical exam, that would have been great — but there was no way to change it.
And this time, he had surpassed Hinata in the theoretical exam, but not in the practical exam. It was like a vicious cycle.
Sakura subconsciously hugged her head, not daring to face reality. She had once again jinxed Sasuke.
Hinata felt it wasn't real, as if she were dreaming. This first place was an unexpected joy for her.
Although she didn't care much about being first, Hyuga Hiashi and the others would definitely be very happy.
Hinata subconsciously looked at Kitazawa. The key to her getting first place was the perfect score in the practical exam.
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile. He really hadn't manipulated anything this time — he was also surprised that Hinata ended up getting first place.
"Quiet." Kitazawa stopped their discussion and continued to read, "Second place, Yakumo Kurama. Third place, Hyuga Neji..."
By the time the practical exam rankings were read, the Genius Class students had already roughly calculated the final rankings.
Sasuke completely shut down. He failed to challenge Naruto, and he didn't get first place — he had disgraced the Uchiha Clan.
"Final ranking, first place, Hyuga Hinata," Kitazawa announced with a smile.
"Congratulations, Hinata!" Ino immediately offered her blessings.
"I feel like I also have hope of getting first place!" Kiba said, his spirits lifted.
He had always thought that the first place in the Genius Class would be monopolized by Sasuke and Yakumo, but he didn't expect it to be otherwise.
As long as one got a perfect score in the practical exam, combined with good theoretical results, it was possible to make a comeback.
"Indeed." Yakumo nodded in agreement.
"How can it be that easy?"
Shikamaru poured cold water on the idea, saying, "Hinata was able to get first place because she already had the strength."
In the previous Monthly Exams, Hinata, although not first, was basically in the top five. This time, with a bit of luck in the final exam and a perfect score in the practical exam, she finally secured first place.
"At least the probability of getting first place is higher than before," Shino Aburame said.
"Sasuke-kun, we still have..."
Sakura stopped mid-sentence. It was better not to jinx the next time — if something went wrong again, she wouldn't be able to face Sasuke.
Sasuke saw that she hadn't finished speaking and immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
"These are the final rankings for this semester's final exam."
Kitazawa put down the report card and said, "I won't say more. Keep working hard next semester. Vacation starts now!"
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!"
Upon hearing the word "vacation," the Genius Class students immediately forgot about the rankings and became excited.
A month-long summer vacation would allow them to have fun. Of course, many students also began to think about special training during the summer vacation — such as Sasuke, Naruto, and Shikamaru, among others.
"Let's go." Sarutobi Hiruzen and Maruboshi Kosuke stood up and left the classroom.
"Hinata, aren't you leaving yet?"
Kitazawa looked at Hinata, who was still sitting in her seat, and asked with a smile.
"Um... I..." Hinata stood up, bowed suddenly, and said, "Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!"
"Thank me for what? This is all your own strength."
Kitazawa walked over, tapped her forehead, and said, "You're making it sound like I helped you cheat."
"I didn't mean that!"
Hinata quickly shook her head like a rattle drum, her blue-black short hair swinging back and forth.
"Alright, I'll walk you back." Kitazawa saw this and laughed.
Hinata lowered her head, embarrassed. The two left the Ninja Academy.
---
— The Hinata residence —
Kitazawa stopped at the entrance.
He looked into the courtyard, a subtle expression on his face.
Hyuga Hiashi was holding Hanabi, singing a lullaby. This was clearly the image of a doting father, completely contrary to his usual demeanor.
Kitazawa thought carefully and probably guessed the reason.
Now that Hinata performed excellently, she would definitely inherit the Hyuga Clan. Then, according to the rules, Hanabi would be branded with the Caged Bird Curse Seal.
Perhaps because of this, Hiashi felt guilty and wanted to compensate her.
"..." Hiashi hummed a tune, subconsciously turned his head, and saw Kitazawa and Hinata.
His old face immediately stiffened, and he felt a hint of embarrassment.
Hiashi subconsciously went into the house, handed Hyuga Hanabi to her mother, and then walked up to Kitazawa.
"Hiashi-sama." Kitazawa smiled and said, "I'm not doing anything special, just dropping Hinata off on my way."
"Thank you for your trouble. Since you're here, why not stay for dinner?" Hiashi was silent for two seconds, then extended the invitation.
"No, I still have something to do; I need to go to the Hokage Office." Kitazawa refused, then turned and left.
"Hinata, what was your rank in this final exam?" Hiashi subconsciously exhaled and asked.
"First place." Hinata retracted her gaze and replied.
"First place?" Hiashi couldn't help but show a surprised expression.
He understood the situation of the Genius Class. Although Hinata was extremely excellent, there were several other students more talented than her.
How did she suddenly get first place?
"Well done!" Hiashi reacted and showed a relieved smile...
Kitazawa did not go to see Tsunade immediately.
He arrived at the ANBU Base.
"Kitazawa-sama." Hyuga Hidetoshi, who was waiting in his office, immediately stood up to greet him.
"You worked hard, Hidetoshi." Kitazawa knew that Hidetoshi had rushed back from the Land of Waves.
"It's my duty." Hyuga Hidetoshi took out a summoning storage scroll and said, "These are the three necklaces you requested."
"Thank you." Kitazawa took the summoning storage scroll and said, "You can go and rest now."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sama." Hidetoshi bowed slightly, then turned and left.
Kitazawa opened the summoning storage scroll and took a look; the styles of the necklaces were basically identical to what he had seen in his previous life.
After all, he had extracted his own memories and then shared them with Hidetoshi and the others.
With the Byakugan's formidable ability, it was naturally possible to replicate them one-to-one.
These three necklaces were the representatives of the high-end jewelry brand that Kitazawa was preparing. Their target audience was the noble ladies of the Land of Fire.
This was Kitazawa's strategy. By having the noble ladies of the Land of Fire promote him, his high-end jewelry brand would become an instant hit.
Once the brand became popular, it would also drive sales of regular jewelry.
---
— Hokage Office —
Kitazawa, who was about to knock, found the door wasn't closed. He simply pushed the door open and walked in.
Tsunade was sleeping on the Hokage's desk, her beautiful face squashed flat.
Kitazawa subconsciously glanced out the window. Sleeping in the morning? What did she do last night?
Kitazawa walked forward, extended his hand, and placed it on her forehead. Yang Release Chakra surged out and poured into her body.
Tsunade felt comfortable, her expression becoming very peaceful. She opened her eyes and noticed Kitazawa's hand on her forehead.
"What kind of Medical Ninjutsu is this?" Tsunade asked, feigning calmness.
"It's an active application of Yang Release Chakra."
Kitazawa withdrew his hand and said with a smile, "This is a Medical Ninjutsu I've been researching recently."
"Activation?" Tsunade paused for a moment and asked, "What's its effect? Relieving fatigue?"
"Relieving fatigue is its most insignificant effect." Kitazawa retorted, "Do you know the Fourth Raikage's Lightning Release Chakra Mode?"
"You mean you're creating a Yang Release Chakra Mode?" Tsunade's eyes widened instantly.
The Lightning Release Chakra Mode, through the efforts of two Raikage, was incredibly famous in the Ninja World. In terms of power, it was not inferior to a Bloodline Limit.
After all, the Lightning Release Chakra Mode was indeed abnormal. It possessed not only speed comparable to the Flying Thunder God Technique but also terrifying offensive power capable of piercing a Tailed Beast.
"Correct." Kitazawa nodded, then changed the subject, saying, "But the Yang Release Chakra Mode will definitely be different from the Lightning Release Chakra Mode."
"Even so, the Yang Release Chakra Mode will most likely not be bad."
Tsunade immediately thought of its uses. "If Medical Ninja can learn it, it will greatly increase their survival rate."
Medical Ninjas are undoubtedly very important. But the biggest weakness of Medical Ninja is their lack of combat ability, requiring protection from teammates.
With the Yang Release Chakra Mode, they could effectively alleviate the pressure on their teammates.
"You really can become the second Second Hokage."
Tsunade couldn't help but exclaim. She already had a premonition that Kitazawa's influence on Konoha Village would grow larger and larger.
After all, the role played by a powerful, creative Ninja was not as simple as one plus one.
"Then if I succeed, what's my reward?" Kitazawa blinked and asked.
"We'll talk about it when you succeed." Tsunade averted her gaze and asked, "What do you want from me?"
"I need your help with something."
Kitazawa looked down at her, seeing a large expanse of white. Because he was standing very close, practically pressed against her, the view was perfect.
"Go sit over there." Tsunade noticed his gaze, glared at him, and said.
"Our jewelry store has been initially established." Kitazawa stood still and said seriously, "But I need the Daimyo's Wife to help me gain fame."
"Daimyo's Wife?" Tsunade paused slightly and asked, "What does this have to do with her?"
"Celebrity effect."
Kitazawa explained, "The Daimyo's Wife is the most distinguished woman in the Land of Fire. If she makes an appearance, it will cause other women to follow suit."
"I see."
Although Tsunade was hearing this for the first time, the theory was not difficult and easy to understand. She couldn't help but smile, secretly thinking that Kitazawa had so many tricks up his sleeve.
"Although I'm very familiar with the Daimyo's Wife, asking her to promote us without anything in return isn't an easy task."
Tsunade thought for a moment and said, "You'd best give her a valuable necklace."
"It seems our teacher and student minds think alike." Kitazawa said with a smile, "I was thinking the same thing."
"So our jewelry store has already finished the products?" Tsunade's eyes lit up, and she said, "Let me see."
Although she didn't care about jewelry, she was a woman after all.
Kitazawa opened the summoning storage scroll and took out the first necklace.
Tsunade's eyes immediately widened. Her first feeling was dazzle.
This was a double-layered necklace, strung together by hundreds of translucent diamonds. In the center of the double-layered necklace was a pendant made of white silver and sea jade.
One small, one large, they formed a regular visual impact. Kitazawa had replicated one of the most expensive necklaces from his previous life, reportedly worth two hundred million dollars.
"Such a magnificent necklace, you're going to give it to the Daimyo's Wife?" Tsunade came back to her senses but felt a little reluctant.
"As long as she wears it, she's promoting us." Kitazawa paused and said, "When you talk to her, you can also add some conditions."
"Definitely add them!" Tsunade clenched her fists and said, "Otherwise, I'd feel like I'm losing out too much!"
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile. He could understand Tsunade. After all, theoretically, this necklace was her property.
But Kitazawa knew very well that if you don't enter the tiger's den, how can you catch a tiger cub?
"This second necklace is the first item I plan to auction off." Kitazawa took out the second necklace.
It was a silver and gold necklace. The entire piece was made of silver, and the necklace looked like branches, with silver fruits, three in each row.
At the very bottom was a golden pendant, like amber, looking incredibly magnificent.
"It's truly beautiful." Tsunade examined it for a moment, praising it.
She had also been to the jewelry stores in Konoha Village, but the jewelry there couldn't compare to these two necklaces in terms of grandeur and preciousness.
"It's just a bit more show than substance," Tsunade added. "It's not suitable for Ninja."
"But it's perfect for those noble ladies." Kitazawa then took out a third necklace.
Tsunade let out a soft gasp.
Although this necklace was luxurious, it was considerably inferior compared to the previous two. Only the aquamarine gemstone in the center looked incredibly valuable.
"It's called Ocean's Heart." Kitazawa paused and asked, "I plan to name our jewelry store Ocean's Heart as well. What do you think?"
"That's pretty good," Tsunade thought for a moment and said. "After all, all the raw materials for our jewelry come from the ocean."
"This will be our star attraction."
Kitazawa grabbed her wrist with his left hand and, under her puzzled gaze, placed the Ocean's Heart in her hand.
"I'm to keep it?" Tsunade looked at him and asked.
"No, it's a birthday present for you," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Have you forgotten? It's your birthday today."
Tsunade was stunned.
Although she didn't know the exact price of this Ocean's Heart, it was certainly an astronomical figure.
As for her birthday, she hadn't celebrated it in a long time. After all, women are more sensitive about their age.
She just hadn't expected to receive such a valuable gift on her birthday this year.
"You should keep it." Tsunade resisted the immense temptation and shook her head.
"I've already given it to you; it wouldn't be right for me to take it back," Kitazawa shook his head and said.
In reality, he hadn't paid any price for this Ocean's Heart; it was a case of borrowing flowers to offer to Buddha.
After all, all the raw materials were obtained through mining.
"Aren't you afraid I'll sell it?" Tsunade was silent for a moment, then said, "If I run out of money at the casino, I might actually sell it."
"I believe you won't," Kitazawa put away the other two necklaces and asked, "When do you plan to go to the Capital of the Land of Fire?"
"I can go tomorrow," Tsunade looked at the necklace in her hand, paused, and said, "You're coming with me."
"Alright," Kitazawa nodded and said.
He was more adept at promotion than Tsunade. After all, he had been bombarded by the crazy marketing era of his previous life.
"It's also a good chance for you to rest for a few days," Kitazawa said with a smile. "It wouldn't look good if people saw you sleeping in the Hokage Office every day."
"Besides you, who would see?" Tsunade gave him a glare and said, "Only you sometimes don't knock."
When Sarutobi Hiruzen was Hokage, Danzo Shimura, Tsunade, and Jiraiya all entered without knocking.
But now that Tsunade was Hokage, Kitazawa was the only one in the entire Konoha who dared not knock.
After all, Jiraiya was often outside the village. And Sarutobi Hiruzen stopped coming to the Hokage Office after retirement.
"This shows how broad-minded Lady Tsunade is." Kitazawa's gaze drifted downwards as he spoke.
Tsunade immediately kicked him. She put away the Ocean's Heart and said, "Come find me at nine tomorrow morning."
As Kitazawa said, she hadn't taken a vacation in a long time.
Theoretically, a Hokage couldn't take a vacation either. This was indeed a rare opportunity for her to rest.
"Alright, Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa said without changing his expression. "Then I'll be going now. See you tonight."
He turned and left, closing the door behind him.
Tsunade stared blankly at the door, momentarily dazed.
Kitazawa's intentions were too obvious; she naturally sensed his thoughts.
Never mind, take it one step at a time. Tsunade shook her head, abandoning the idea of making a choice.
Kitazawa left the Hokage Building and headed towards the ANBU Base.
Now that the Genius Class was on summer vacation, he no longer needed to attend classes.
His plan for this summer was to practice Ninja Art Creation Rebirth – Strength of a Hundred Seal and Wood Release Ninjutsu.
As for Five Release Great Combo Technique, he had almost mastered it with the help of Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Haku, seeing him, immediately stopped training and walked up to him.
He was now attempting to learn Ice Release: Ice Rock Dome of Magnificent Nullity.
"Where's Kabuto? Why are you alone?" Kitazawa nodded and asked again.
"Kabuto-senpai is out on a mission and won't be back for two days," Haku replied.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow, realizing the issue.
Kabuto was an ANBU Ninja, and Nono Yakushi was the deputy director of Konoha Hospital; sometimes, both of them were quite busy.
Kitazawa looked at Haku, thinking to himself that perhaps he should have him transfer to the Genius Class next semester.
After all, he was only two or three years older than Naruto and the others.
Kitazawa had previously had Haku join the ANBU to complete his system task of cultivating trusted subordinates.
But since his strength temporarily didn't meet the system task's requirements, it might be better to send him to the Genius Class.
He could also attend theoretical classes to gain more knowledge.
Kitazawa thought for a moment and created a Shadow Clone.
Although he didn't know Ice Release, many Ninjutsu had commonalities, and with his strength, guiding Haku, who wasn't even a Genin, was not a problem.
Kitazawa returned to his own office.
"Kitazawa," Konan appeared before him and said, "Orochimaru is now in Otogakure (Village Hidden in the Sound)."
Kitazawa's gaze narrowed.
Had Orochimaru finally defected? Kitazawa fell into thought.
He didn't plan to go to Otogakure alone.
Although he was confident he could defeat Orochimaru, he wasn't confident he could keep him there.
After all, he was the man who was best at escaping in the Ninja World... oh no, not necessarily a man.
Kitazawa's idea was to discuss a snake-hunting operation with Tsunade, setting up a net around Otogakure to ensure his capture.
If he escaped this time, it would be even harder to catch him next time.
[As a future Hokage, you should strike hard against rogue Ninja.]
[Current Mission: Capture Orochimaru alive.]
[Mission Reward: Eight Branches Technique.]
[Do you accept?]
Kitazawa instinctively narrowed his eyes.
It wasn't surprising that Orochimaru triggered a system mission. But how to describe this system reward?
It was indeed powerful, but it required becoming inhuman.
The Eight Branches Technique was an S-rank forbidden Ninjutsu that allowed the user to transform into the legendary Eight-Headed Serpent.
In the original storyline, it was considered Orochimaru's strongest Ninjutsu, theoretically capable of fighting even a Tailed Beast.
Unfortunately, he encountered Uchiha Itachi, who was his natural counter, rendering the Eight Branches Technique useless.
It's worth noting that the Eight Branches Technique was not created by Orochimaru but came from Konoha Village's Scroll of Seals.
In other words, Kitazawa could legitimize this forbidden Ninjutsu and use it himself.
"I understand, thank you," Kitazawa said with a slight smile.
"It's nothing, this is our deal." Konan shook her head and said.
According to the Akatsuki Organization's rules, any traitor must die.
If Kitazawa could deal with Orochimaru, she would be killing with a borrowed knife, saving a lot of trouble.
Night arrived.
Since it was Tsunade's birthday today, Kitazawa and Kurenai went to her house to freeload a meal.
Besides them, there were also Sarutobi Hiruzen, Nono Yakushi, Shizune, Naruto, Karin, and her mother.
Among them, Naruto was the most bewildered. He wasn't as familiar with Tsunade now as he was in the original storyline.
Fortunately, with Sarutobi Hiruzen and Kitazawa there, he wasn't too awkward.
Kitazawa knew why he was invited. Because of his parents, Minato Namikaze and Uzumaki Kushina.
After all, Naruto's true identity had been revealed, and out of respect for his parents, he had to be invited.
As for the others, there was no need to say more. Considering Tsunade's position as Hokage, this birthday was rather quiet.
However, for her, it was already quite lively. After all, when she was wandering outside Konoha Village, it was just her and Shizune.
"It's a shame Jiraiya didn't come back." Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the table full of dishes and said with emotion.
"It's the same whether he comes back or not," Tsunade said indifferently.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed at her words.
Jiraiya's mind was completely filled with the Child of Prophecy; no wonder he and Tsunade couldn't make things work.
"Today is Lady Tsunade's birthday." Kitazawa raised his glass and said, "Our first toast is to her."
"Lady Tsunade, Happy Birthday!" Yakushi Nono, Shizune, and the others said in unison.
"Granny Tsunade, Happy Birthday!" Naruto raised his juice.
Tsunade's mouth twitched when she heard the words "Granny Tsunade."
If it were anyone else, she would have punched him flying long ago.
"Thank you, everyone." Tsunade put on a smile and said, "Drink to your heart's content today, until we can't drink anymore."
Everyone clinked glasses and then drank them dry.
The meal lasted until late at night.
Tsunade was again drunk.
Fortunately, this was her home, so there was no need to worry too much.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had also drunk quite a bit. For safety, Shizune escorted him and Naruto home.
Nono had a little to drink but wasn't drunk, so she returned to the orphanage by herself.
"Be careful, Lady Tsunade." Kitazawa supported Tsunade and led her into his room.
Karin and her mother were cleaning up the dinner table and washing dishes.
"I... I'm not drunk!" Tsunade plopped down on the bed. She looked at Kitazawa, waved her hand, and said, "Let's drink more!"
"We still have to go to the Capital of the Land of Fire tomorrow." Kitazawa grabbed her wrist, lowered it, and said.
"That... that's fine!" Tsunade flung her arm and said.
Kitazawa bent down, helped her take off her shoes, and then straightened her long legs on the bed.
As he looked up, he found Tsunade staring at him blankly.
"What are you thinking about?" Kitazawa reached out and waved his hand in front of her.
Tsunade suddenly sat up and hugged him. Her rosy lips were inches away.
Kitazawa lowered his head and kissed her. The soft touch, tinged with the scent of alcohol, made him feel a hint of intoxication.
But in less than a moment, he was pushed out of the room by Tsunade.
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile. It seemed his relationship with Tsunade had progressed another step.