Everyone else had already left—except Fugaku.
"Fugaku, is there something else you need?" Tsunade noticed him lingering and asked directly.
"Can this jutsu for limb regeneration work on the Sharingan?" Fugaku asked without preamble.
"The Sharingan?"
Tsunade paused, immediately understanding what he meant. Her gaze instinctively shifted toward Kitazawa.
Even as the foremost medical ninja in the world, Tsunade had yet to achieve full limb regeneration—so she couldn't give Fugaku an answer.
"No," Kitazawa said evenly. "Right now, the regeneration technique only works on ordinary organs."
"It can't for now," Fugaku pressed, "but does that mean it might be possible in the future?"
"I can try to improve it," Kitazawa replied after a brief thought. "But whether it'll succeed… I can't say."
"That would be troublesome," Fugaku said with a faint smile. "If it succeeds, the Uchiha Clan would owe you a great favor."
"I'll do my best," Kitazawa replied with a calm smile.
"Hokage-sama, I'll take my leave then."
Having gotten his answer, Fugaku turned and left.
Tsunade watched him go before asking curiously, "Can it really regenerate a Bloodline Limit organ?"
"It's… difficult," Kitazawa admitted. "But I'll give it a try when I can."
He already had too much on his plate, so refining the technique would have to wait.
"It's already remarkable that it works on most ninja," Tsunade said, nodding in approval.
Bloodline Limit ninja were rare in Konoha—the technique's success on ordinary people was already a huge achievement.
"When will the training class begin?" Kitazawa asked, glancing toward Nono and the others, who were performing a final check-up on Kosuke.
"That depends on your schedule," Tsunade replied with a slight smile. "You're not going to blame me for suddenly assigning you as an instructor, are you?"
"Teaching students is my specialty," Kitazawa said with a playful blink. "A few more won't hurt. But if Lady Tsunade really feels bad about it, you can always compensate me."
"Oh? And what kind of compensation are you asking for?" she asked, one brow arching.
"Let me think…" Kitazawa said, his gaze unconsciously falling to her lips.
That last kiss—flavored more by sake than Tsunade herself—still lingered in his mind.
"What are you looking at?"
Tsunade's heart skipped a beat, her beautiful face immediately hardening with murderous intent.
"Nothing," Kitazawa said quickly, his expression straightening. "I just can't think of anything right now. I'll let you know later."
Tsunade snorted. "Then I'll offer my own compensation—I'll teach you the Yin Seal."
She had promised him that back during the Konoha–Mist battlefield. Now that she was Hokage and things had settled, she finally had time to make good on her word.
When Kitazawa heard the words "Yin Seal," his mind immediately went to his system mission.
Technically, he and Tsunade were already in a teacher–student relationship… so why hadn't that mission triggered yet?
"Lady Tsunade," he said after a brief pause, "can I call you 'sensei' now?"
"Call me whatever you want," she said after two seconds of silence.
"Tsunade-sensei," he said with a grin. "When do we start learning the Yin Seal?"
"Come find me this afternoon if you're free," she replied thoughtfully. "I'll try to finish my paperwork in the morning."
"Alright." Kitazawa nodded—then suddenly added, "Tsunade-sensei, how about I teach you limb regeneration in return?"
"Hmm."
Tsunade agreed easily—the technique was far too useful to refuse. She'd rather learn it than be caught unprepared when she needed it.
"I'll head back to my office then," she said, walking toward the stairs. "Don't forget to come find me this afternoon."
Kitazawa watched her leave before turning toward the operating table. "Nono-senpai," he asked, "how's Kosuke-san's condition?"
"Excellent," Nono said with a smile. "We didn't find any issues during the examination."
"Kosuke-san, try walking a few steps," Kitazawa said.
Kosuke took a deep breath, set his feet on the ground, and stood.
He straightened slowly—and a bright smile spread across his face.
After so many years, he was standing on his own two feet again.
He took a few tentative steps. At first, his movements were unsteady, but soon, he found his rhythm—his expression glowing with excitement.
"It looks like the surgery was a success," Kitazawa said, nodding in satisfaction. "But just to be safe, Kosuke-san, please come to the hospital for checkups several times this month."
"Of course. I'll come regularly," Kosuke replied, bowing deeply. "Kitazawa… thank you."
"It's my job," Kitazawa said, quickly helping him up.
"You deserve all the thanks," Kosuke replied with a heartfelt smile. "Then I'll be going for now. I won't disturb you further—see you in a few days."
"Nono-senpai."
After Kosuke left, Kitazawa turned to her. "What do you think about organizing the medical training class for limb regeneration?"
"Having everyone train together isn't realistic," Nono said gently. "The hospital still needs Medical Jōnin on duty. But… we can rotate them in shifts."
"That's a solid plan." Kitazawa nodded approvingly. "Then let's split them into two groups—alternate their sessions. The location will be the Ninja Academy."
"The Ninja Academy?" Nono blinked in surprise.
"It's quieter there," Kitazawa said with a faint smile. "Besides, I already have to teach at the Academy. Easier for me to juggle both."
"Understood." Nono nodded. "I'll bring the first group of Medical Jōnin to meet you at the Academy tomorrow."
"Good."
Kitazawa clapped his hands lightly. "Today's surgery was a complete success. Thank you all for assisting. You may dismiss for now."
"Lord Kitazawa, goodbye!"
The medical-nin bowed and departed in small groups.
"Sakura, stay at the hospital to help out," Kitazawa instructed. Then his gaze shifted. "Kabuto, you're coming with me—back to the Anbu."
The two left Konoha Hospital together.
[Current Mission: Before graduation, find a squad leader whose ability and status surpass Kakashi Hatake.]
[Mission Reward: Depends on the chosen squad leader.]
[Mission completed. Reward issuing...]
[Teacher identified: Tsunade. Reward granted—Yin Seal.]
While walking, Kitazawa suddenly halted mid-step.
Finally.
This was, without a doubt, the mission that had taken him the longest to complete.
A torrent of information surged through his mind as his body began to change subtly.
The Yin Seal—a jutsu designed to store and regulate chakra.
Training it required two stages.
First, creating a chakra reservoir at the forehead.
Second, continuously compressing and channeling chakra into it until the diamond-shaped mark appeared—signaling mastery.
Thanks to his Senju bloodline and abundant chakra reserves—well beyond a Kage-level shinobi—Kitazawa didn't need years of accumulation.
With the system's help, he mastered the Yin Seal instantly.
Its functions were extraordinary.
First, it could store virtually limitless chakra—provided one had the discipline to keep refining it.
Second, it allowed full-body chakra regulation, unlocking powerful effects: enhanced strength, improved physical functions, slowed aging—even the potential for eternal youth.
However, the Yin Seal alone wasn't Tsunade's true trump card.
That title belonged to the Ninja Art: Creation Rebirth—Strength of a Hundred Seal, an evolved technique that automatically healed all damage while active.
To what extent?
Simply put—while it lasted, it was as close to immortality as any jutsu could get.
Combined with his own Seal-less Healing, Kitazawa's regeneration now rivaled even the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.
"Kitazawa-sensei?"
Kabuto's voice broke his thoughts as he noticed him standing still.
"Keep walking," Kitazawa said casually, tugging down his Konoha headband to cover the newly formed diamond mark.
Even so, the faint glow of chakra beneath his skin made it hard to hide.
He'd need to add another sealing layer later—no one could know he had already mastered the Yin Seal.
If word spread that he'd learned it the same day Tsunade offered to teach him, that would raise too many questions.
Better to pretend to be learning it first.
He could "officially" master it later.
Kitazawa and Kabuto soon arrived at the Anbu base—separate from the Hokage Building, consisting of two adjoining structures and a wide training field.
"Lord Kitazawa."
A masked kunoichi approached and bowed. "I'm Antelope, Anbu captain."
Kitazawa nodded slightly. He remembered her—Antelope was not only an Anbu captain but also served as Tsunade's personal bodyguard.
"Since it's your first time here, I'll show you to your office," she said, gesturing ahead. "This way, please."
"Thank you."
He followed her upstairs until they reached a quiet office space.
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to call," she said politely before leaving.
Kitazawa took a slow look around the room. "Kabuto, are you settling into Anbu life?"
"It's quite good," Kabuto replied.
The Anbu, directly under the Hokage's command, maintained strict rules and high expectations—but coming from the Root, Kabuto adapted almost effortlessly.
Torune was similar.
Only Izumi still seemed a little uncomfortable with the Anbu's relentless pace.
"That's good," Kitazawa said, picking up a stack of documents from his desk.
It was a report on the recent Anbu recruitment drive. Seven rounds of testing had already been completed, and the strength assessment results were impressive—over fifty candidates had passed.
That made the selection difficult.
He studied the list for a while, deep in thought.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Kabuto spoke up suddenly. "Asuma-senpai mentioned that one of the current missions requires a four-person team. We're still missing one member."
"I see…" Kitazawa considered for a moment. "Alright. I'll find someone suitable to lead you."
The first person who came to mind was Itachi.
Kitazawa's current team already included Izumi.
Having Itachi lead them made perfect sense—both for team synergy and Izumi's growth.
Her strength had plateaued lately, and another few missions might just trigger her evolution.
Still, relying on Itachi indefinitely wasn't practical—he had his own responsibilities.
Perhaps he needed to… recruit someone new.
For instance, Haku, the Ice Release prodigy.
Since Zabuza hadn't yet defected from the Hidden Mist, Haku was probably still wandering somewhere, unclaimed.
With proper training, Haku could easily reach Jōnin level—and his loyalty was unquestionable.
"Go and call Itachi," Kitazawa finally said.
With that decision made, he no longer hesitated.
He picked up a pen and circled eight names on the recruitment list.
There were twelve available Anbu slots.
Three were already filled—Kabuto, Torune, and Izumi—while one position he deliberately left open.
That left eight to select.
His method was simple: one from each major clan—Uchiha, Hyuga, Sarutobi, Ino–Shika–Chō, Aburame, and Inuzuka—ensuring a balanced and fair distribution.
All except for the Shimura Clan.
They were one of Konoha's oldest clans, but after everything involving Danzō…
Kitazawa's expression hardened slightly.
Not holding them accountable was already him being merciful.
"Kitazawa-sama."
Itachi stepped inside.
"Itachi, there's something I need your help with."
Kitazawa briefly explained the situation with Kabuto and the others, asking if Itachi could take them on missions whenever he had time.
"No problem."
Itachi agreed without hesitation.
"Thank you, Itachi."
Kitazawa nodded gratefully. "I'll have you lead them for now. Once I find new teammates, you can step back."
"It's a small matter."
Itachi's calm expression wavered slightly, revealing hesitation.
"Something bothering you?" Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.
"There is."
After a brief pause, Itachi said, "My father approached me two days ago. He wants the Uchiha Clan to return to their original compound."
Kitazawa immediately understood.
The Uchiha wanted to move back to the heart of Konoha—back to power.
It wasn't surprising. Remaining on the village outskirts forever would mean they'd never produce a Hokage.
It was a difficult matter… and yet, not impossible.
Tsunade had just become Hokage, and the political landscape was shifting. If someone from the Uchiha could gain a position within the Hokage's Secretariat or the Hokage Guard, their return home would only be a matter of time.
"As a future Hokage, balance the various powers of Konoha."
"Current mission: Help the Uchiha Clan reclaim their original compound and earn their friendship."
"Mission reward: Izanagi."
"Do you accept?"
Kitazawa's eyes widened in disbelief.
Izanagi?
He had seen that technique before—in his battle with Danzo.
An invincible jutsu that blurred life and death itself. As long as one possessed enough Sharingan, Izanagi could rewrite reality and resurrect the user.
He didn't like transplanting eyes unless absolutely necessary, but in a life-or-death moment? A little vanity wasn't worth dying for.
Izanagi was the ultimate life-saving technique.
"The relocation of the Uchiha Clan was ordered by the Third Hokage during a Jonin council meeting," Kitazawa said after a moment's thought. "So, for them to move back, it must also pass through another Jonin meeting."
Itachi frowned. "It'll be hard to get that many Jonin to support us."
"That's true," Kitazawa admitted, though a hint of a smile touched his lips. He already had an idea—but there was no reason to reveal it yet.
After all, if the solution came too easily, he'd never earn the Uchiha's true gratitude.
"This isn't something that can be rushed," Kitazawa continued. "Even though my sensei is Hokage, she can't act unilaterally. But I'll find a way."
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sama."
Itachi's eyes widened slightly, genuine gratitude flashing across his face. He hadn't expected Kitazawa to actually offer help—especially with something this politically thorny.
As Kitazawa said, even if Tsunade approved, other clans and Jonin would not. The Uchiha had simply made too many enemies in the past.
"It's nothing," Kitazawa replied with a faint smile. "You've helped me plenty of times. It's my turn to return the favor."
For a brief moment, Itachi was taken aback. Kitazawa… really is an honest man.
Hidden Rain Village, Land of Rain
Even though it was nearly June, the weather hadn't changed—eternal gray skies and unending drizzle.
Konan glanced at the Deva Path standing atop the high tower before stepping into the rain herself.
She used her chakra to repel the raindrops as she walked toward a small house not far away.
"Kakuzu, how have things been lately?"
Pushing open the door, she found a masked man lounging on the sofa, flipping through an old, worn book.
"Not bad," Kakuzu replied lazily. "I've completed three more bounties—twenty million ryo in total."
"Any changes in the shinobi world?" Konan asked, nodding slightly.
"Konoha's got a new Hokage," Kakuzu said after a pause. "Tsunade—the Fifth Hokage."
That kind of news traveled fast through the underground.
Tsunade, huh…
Konan's gaze dimmed. She couldn't help but think of her old teacher, Jiraiya.
But after Yahiko's death, they were destined to stand on opposite sides.
Just then, the ground rippled—and Zetsu emerged from below.
"Zetsu," Konan said, regaining her composure. "Any new intel?"
"Tsunade's student, Kitazawa, has developed a medical ninjutsu capable of regenerating limbs."
"…What did you say?"
Konan's eyes sharpened instantly.
"Are you sure?"
Kakuzu looked up too. "A regeneration technique? You expect us to believe that?"
"It's true," Zetsu said. "Kitazawa publicly demonstrated it—he performed surgery to help a ninja named Maruboshi Kosuke regrow his left leg."
Konan's hands clenched unconsciously before she released them again.
She stood still, deep in thought.
Limb regeneration… could that help Nagato?
She remembered the explosion that crippled his legs, the day they fell into Hanzo's trap.
And Yahiko's death… the despair that drove Nagato to summon the Gedo Mazo, draining his life force and leaving his body frail and broken.
Now, his legs were useless, his frame thin and wasted.
Konan's eyes hardened with resolve.
Perhaps… it was time she made a trip to Konoha.
After all—she'd met Kitazawa once before.
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