Kitazawa and Kurenai headed home after helping tidy up. They were guests, sure—but not ordinary ones. After spending so much time together, they were already close with Tsunade, Shizune, and the others. Cleaning up when Tsunade got drunk had basically become routine for the two of them.
"How many gifts did you get today?" Kurenai asked as she slipped off her shoes.
"Quite a few," Kitazawa said, eyes drifting to her perfectly shaped hips. "If you're curious, we can open them together."
"I was just making conversation," Kurenai laughed, stepping barefoot onto the carpet. "They're your gifts, after all."
"Since when is there a 'yours' and 'mine' between us?" Kitazawa buried his face against her soft, fragrant chest. "So… what's my birthday present from you?"
"If you hold me like this, how am I supposed to give you a birthday present?" A shiver ran through Kurenai as his warm breath brushed her sternum, sending a pleasant tingle through her.
"Fair point." Kitazawa let her go and looked up at her face.
"I'm going to shower first," Kurenai said, pivoting toward the bathroom.
Kitazawa blinked, puzzled, but could only wait. He stretched out on the sofa. In Konoha, the New Year holiday usually starts on December 28—one week away. After the New Year he planned to make a trip to Hozuki Castle. By the time he returned, it would basically be the new term.
He rubbed his chin. Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke were must-haves. Opening the Box of Ultimate Bliss required a massive amount of chakra, so it'd be best to bring Uzumaki Naruto as well—in fact, in the original story the box was opened with his chakra. But it couldn't just be Naruto providing chakra. Kitazawa intended to bring the entire Anbu along. First, to help open the box; second, to seize control of Kusagakure and Hozuki Castle from the shadows.
As someone who's crossed over and been reborn, there was no way he'd limit himself to just Konoha. Even if he didn't unify the shinobi world, he'd at least become the one pulling the strings behind the scenes. Starting with the Hidden Grass was a fine choice: partly to avenge Karin and her mother, partly because the Land of Grass—and especially its vast prairies—had real value. Still, he and Konoha weren't yet invincible, so a quiet takeover was the smarter play.
Strictly speaking, the first village under their control was already Otogakure.
After a moment, Kurenai appeared—and Kitazawa instinctively widened his eyes.
She walked toward him wearing nothing but white garter stockings. She hooked a finger under the band and let it snap—pop—against her thigh, the soft flesh quivering before the elastic pressed in again.
"Well? Do I look good?" A faint blush colored Kurenai's cheeks, a shimmer in her eyes.
Kitazawa nodded without thinking.
She stopped in front of him and sank into a crouch, the stockings pulled taut as her legs bent; the garters lay snug against her pale, full thighs. Leaning forward slightly, she rested her chin on Kitazawa's leg and looked up.
Kitazawa reached out and stroked her hair. Neither of them said anything—one didn't want to, the other didn't need to.
Suffice it to say, Kitazawa was very satisfied with his birthday present.
The next morning, Kitazawa woke refreshed. He'd only fallen asleep in the middle of the night, but with his current physique, a sleepless night hardly mattered. With the Yin Seal regulating him, as long as he didn't run out of chakra he could, in theory, remain in peak condition indefinitely.
He looked down. Kurenai was curled against him, eyes closed, sleeping soundly. He could feel her breathing and heartbeat—there was nothing between them now, no distance at all. Suppressing the stir of desire, he carefully slipped out of bed. She was exhausted; he wouldn't wake her.
After breakfast, he headed to the Hokage's building—only to find Tsunade hadn't arrived yet. Shizune was the only one in the office. After greeting her, he went next door to the Hokage's secretariat. Uchiha Itachi, unlike Tsunade, was never late—he was always right on time.
"Kitazawa-sama," Itachi said, standing at once.
"Itachi," Kitazawa smiled. "What do you think we should do about the Box of Ultimate Bliss?"
"The box is said to be a tool of the Sage of Six Paths—something that can unify the shinobi world," Itachi mused. "True or not, such a dangerous artifact shouldn't be in Kusagakure's hands."
That didn't surprise Kitazawa. Itachi's top priority was Konoha—then Sasuke. The box already threatened the village. Grass's goal in opening it was to revive their village and defeat the Five Great Nations.
In other words, Konoha was squarely in their sights. As for Mūi's real motive—opening the box to save his son Muku—Kusagakure didn't know that. And there was old bad blood: back when they saved Karin and her mother, Tsunade and Kitazawa had made a huge scene in Grass; the shinobi there still held a grudge.
"I plan to head to Hozuki Castle after the New Year," Kitazawa said. "I want you and Sasuke to come."
"Sasuke?" Itachi blinked. "Why bring him?"
Sasuke was strong for his level, but he was still a student, not yet a full shinobi.
"The Box of Ultimate Bliss can 'grant any wish'—do you believe that?" Kitazawa asked.
"No," Itachi said calmly. "If it were true, the Sage wouldn't have died."
"It's not literally true, but it has a similar effect," Kitazawa chuckled.
"It can really grant wishes?" Itachi was surprised.
"There's a price," Kitazawa said. "When a wish is granted, a Yin Release monster called Satori emerges from the box."
"So bringing Sasuke is… to let him make a wish?" Itachi suddenly understood.
"I think he can use the chance to awaken the three-tomoe Sharingan," Kitazawa said. "We just have to take down Satori afterward."
"Will Sasuke be in danger?" Itachi asked, worried despite himself.
"I don't know—but it's worth trying," Kitazawa said. "With our strength, are we really afraid of one Box of Ultimate Bliss?"
That reassurance settled Itachi. Not to mention Kitazawa—Itachi figured he could handle it himself, especially since Satori used Yin Release. When it came to Yin Release, who could outdo the Mangekyō and Susanoo?
If Sasuke really awakened, it would be historic for the Uchiha—three tomoe before he was even eight. Itachi couldn't imagine how dazzling his brother's future might be. Maybe he'd even become the Hokage two generations from now. As for the next generation Hokage—that would obviously be Kitazawa. Unless Kitazawa didn't want it, nobody could take the seat from him.
"I'll wait for your word," Itachi said.
Kitazawa returned to the Hokage's office. This time Tsunade had arrived.
"Tsunade-sensei," he said with a grin. "You're half an hour late."
"I'm the Hokage. So what if I'm late?" Tsunade shot him a look.
"Does being Hokage mean you get to be unreasonable?" Kitazawa countered.
"It does, actually," Tsunade replied. "The Hokage's authority is unlimited."
"So only the thick-skinned get to be Hokage," Kitazawa sighed.
"That you got right," Tsunade said, approving. "Thick skin—or call it seasoned cunning—is how you make sure Konoha doesn't get the short end of the stick."
"As expected of you, Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa gave a thumbs-up.
"The reason I think you'll make a good Hokage," Tsunade added with a smile, "is because you're shameless enough."
"…Is that a compliment or an insult?" Kitazawa muttered.
"Anyway, I've got something to report." He got back on topic and explained the situation with the Box of Ultimate Bliss—two key points: first, the prisoners Konoha kept at Hozuki Castle were being used to open the box; second, once Grass opened it, they were very likely to target Konoha.
"Know your place, Grass!" Tsunade slammed the desk, furious. She already loathed Kusagakure over what happened to Karin and her mother; learning they planned to move against Konoha only stoked her anger.
Kitazawa's gaze slipped toward the necklace swaying at her chest.
"What are you staring at?" Tsunade stomped on his foot.
"After the New Year I'll take a team to Hozuki Castle and bring the Box back," Kitazawa said, blinking innocently. "What do you think?"
"Do it," Tsunade snorted. "And make sure to teach Grass a lesson while you're at it."
"Got it, Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa smiled. "But getting angry ages you—Grass isn't worth it."
"Anything else?" Tsunade asked, sitting back down.
"One thing," Kitazawa said, standing close, enjoying the view from above of pale crescent curves. "Aren't you giving me a birthday present?"
"I forgot after drinking last night. Here." Tsunade handed over a gift she'd prepared.
"An omamori?" Kitazawa blinked. "You believe in this stuff?"
An omamori is like a sachet charm, meant to bring safety or luck—usually picked up at a shrine after offering prayers.
"Granny Mito gave it to me. There's a sealing technique inside," Tsunade said. "I don't leave Konoha much these days. It'll be more useful to you."
"That's too valuable. I can't take it," Kitazawa said after a moment. The sealing wasn't the point; it was a keepsake from Uzumaki Mito. Besides, he already had the First Hokage's necklace.
"Since I'm giving it to you, just keep it," Tsunade said, catching his wrist and placing the charm in his palm.
"Thanks," Kitazawa said. "I'll hold onto it for now."
A knock sounded at the door.
"Stand over there," Tsunade said quickly, withdrawing her hand. Kitazawa had come around to stand close by her desk—if anyone saw, it might raise eyebrows. He arched a brow and moved back to the front of the desk.
Shizune stepped in, paused at the sight of Kitazawa, then continued as if it were normal. "Tsunade-sama, the Curse Mark Unit's office is finished. Anko and Genma can move in."
"Let them know," Tsunade nodded.
Shizune left.
"The unit's officially established," Kitazawa said. "Want me to have Anbu notify the village's shinobi?"
"Notify, but only some," Tsunade decided after a beat. "Like Anbu, the Curse Mark Unit should stay as mysterious as possible."
"Ninja warfare is information warfare," Kitazawa agreed. "The less people know about them, the more effective they'll be on the battlefield."
"Exactly." Tsunade smiled. "You really are shameless."
"I'll take that as praise," Kitazawa said dryly. "I also suggest making Orochimaru-sama the unit's figurehead."
"They do need a heavyweight," Tsunade said, immediately seeing the logic. "Then you go inform—"
Whether it was Mitarashi Anko or Shiranui Genma, they were only tokubetsu jōnin. Put in charge alone, they lacked both renown and top-end strength—even if their Curse Mark transformations could reach jōnin level.
"Mm." Kitazawa nodded—then stepped forward again.
"What are you doing?" Tsunade asked on reflex.
"You said I'd get a reward once the Curse Mark Unit was up," Kitazawa said with a bright smile. "So… what's my reward?"
"W-what do you want?" Tsunade's heart skipped.
"This trip to Hozuki Castle is dangerous," Kitazawa said solemnly. "I think I need a kiss for luck."
"…," Tsunade bit her lip. Of course. She hesitated two seconds, then rose. Only then did she realize how much taller Kitazawa was. Even on tiptoe, a forehead kiss was awkward—unless… a different spot.
Her gaze fell to his lips. A faint blush colored her fair cheeks, and at last she leaned in.
Kitazawa's arm slipped around her waist as something soft collided with his chest. When they parted, Tsunade stepped back, her lips glossy, even more inviting. He could make out the fine lines on them.
"G-go inform Anbu. Now," Tsunade said, turning away.
"I'm off, then. See you," Kitazawa replied, leaving the office.
Tsunade stared at the closed door, dazed. She shouldn't have done that—yet somehow hadn't been able to help herself. Did it start with that dream when he treated her hematophobia?
Snow began to fall over Konoha. Kitazawa walked through it and, after a moment's thought, headed to the Ninja Academy. Despite the snow, Naruto, Shikamaru, and the others were still training.
"Everyone, over here," Kitazawa called.
"New training, Sensei?" Naruto was first to sprint over.
"No," Kitazawa shook his head.
"Sensei," Hinata ran up as well, bow in hand, her fingers reddened from the cold. Shikamaru, Ino, and Neji gathered too.
"New Year's is nearly here, and it's freezing. Take the next few days off and rest at home," Kitazawa said, ruffling Hinata's hair.
"I'm not tired!" Naruto blurted.
"It's not about being tired," Kitazawa said kindly. "Training plus rest is how you get the best results."
"If you're free, come hang with the Ino–Shika–Cho trio," Shikamaru offered.
"Shikamaru loves shogi. You can play with him," Ino chimed in.
"A shogi match filled with youth—let's go!" Naruto's eyes lit up.
"I'm in too!" Rock Lee, unmoved by board games a moment ago, could not resist the call of youth.
"…," Shikamaru tugged at the corner of his mouth. What did I do to deserve this? Ino and Chōji couldn't help laughing.
"Dismissed," Kitazawa clapped.
"Come on, Naruto. My place," Shikamaru said, resigned but keeping his word.
"See you later, Sensei!" Ino waved, leaving with Shikamaru and Chōji.
"Sensei, we're heading out too. See you," Haku called, departing for the Konoha Orphanage with Jūgo, Kimimaro, and Tayuya.
Only Hinata remained. Neji, Tenten, and Lee had tactfully gone on ahead.
"How's your archery coming?" Kitazawa asked.
"I can shoot as fast as I throw kunai or shuriken now," Hinata said after a moment's thought.
"The Byakugan really is something—and you've worked hard," Kitazawa smiled. "After the New Year, I'll give you a bow as a birthday present."
Among the Konoha Twelve, Hinata's birthday is the latest—December 27.
"Thank you, Sensei!" Hinata beamed.
"I'll walk you home," Kitazawa said, brushing the snow from her hair as chakra flowed from his hand to form an invisible canopy above them.
~~~
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