After lunch, Kitazawa arrived at the Hokage Building.
He was about to step inside when he paused, glanced upward, and took a few steps back.
From his position, the window of the Hokage's office was perfectly visible.
A small grin tugged at his lips.
With a light leap, Kitazawa landed gracefully on the windowsill.
He'd seen Jiraiya use this entrance countless times—today, he finally got to experience it himself.
Balancing easily, he peered into the office.
Shizune was nowhere to be seen. Tsunade, meanwhile, was sprawled across her desk, fast asleep amidst a mountain of documents.
Kitazawa couldn't help but chuckle softly.
He slipped down from the window and entered the room quietly, careful not to wake her.
Sinking into the sofa, he rubbed his temples and began sorting through his recent tasks.
There was a lot on his plate—learning Wood Release, training his students, and now teaching Nono and the others the limb-regeneration technique.
Thankfully, the ANBU side of things didn't demand much of his time.
However, projects like getting the Sword of the Thunder God, puppet-making, and tracking down Zetsu would have to wait until next week.
As he thought through his schedule, a sudden realization made his brow twitch.
He'd completely forgotten about one thing—the Genius Class Monthly Exam.
And this time, he intended to make a few… interesting adjustments.
Kitazawa glanced at Tsunade again. She probably wouldn't wake anytime soon.
He took out a scroll labeled Medical Forbidden Technique: Cellular Activation and began reading it intently.
After successfully modifying the Body Regeneration Technique, this was the next on his list.
Time passed quietly.
Eventually, Tsunade stirred, sitting up with a groggy stretch.
Her rumpled clothes straightened as she moved, regaining their shape.
Blinking away sleep, she spotted Kitazawa seated on the sofa, absorbed in a Ninjutsu scroll.
For a brief moment, Tsunade froze.
'Putting everything else aside,' she thought, 'he really is handsome—and fits my type a little too well.'
She quickly shook her head. She'd already made one mistake in her life; she couldn't afford another.
"Kitazawa, when did you get here?" she asked through a yawn.
"I'm not sure," he replied with a smile. "Maybe an hour or two."
Tsunade frowned slightly. "What's so funny?"
Kitazawa stood, walked toward her, and reached out his hand.
"You… what are you doing?" she asked, suddenly wary.
"It's all ink," he said lightly, brushing her cheek with his finger before showing her the dark stain.
Tsunade blinked, then realized—she must've fallen asleep on the documents again.
She quickly tried wiping her face, only to make it worse. Kitazawa's grin widened.
"Do you have a mirror?" she muttered, glaring at him as she gave his leg a playful kick.
"Nope," Kitazawa said, shaking his head as he studied her ink-streaked face. "You look like a little cat right now."
Tsunade's eye twitched. "Then wipe it off for me."
She turned her head slightly, exposing her cheek to him with a hint of impatience.
Kitazawa extended his hand again. Chakra gathered at his fingertips, forming a thin layer of water that gently washed away the ink.
Her skin was flawless beneath it.
"Tsunade-sensei," he said with a teasing smile, "you're even more beautiful now."
His reflection glimmered faintly in her eyes. For a second, she froze, caught off guard by his tone.
Then she snapped back to reality. "Let's practice the Yin Seal," she said abruptly, clearing her throat.
Lately, she'd found herself a bit less composed around him—and that was dangerous.
"Alright." Kitazawa nodded.
"Let's sit over there." Tsunade gestured to the sofa. "The Yin Seal's complex—we'll be at this for a while."
"The Yin Seal is classified as an S-rank Medical Ninjutsu," she began. "But it's more than just that—it's a fusion of Medical Ninjutsu and Sealing Arts."
For such high-level techniques, she didn't start with hand signs. Instead, she went over the theory and foundational principles first.
Kitazawa, of course, already knew all of this—he'd learned the technique through the system long ago.
Still, as Tsunade explained, his gaze drifted slightly… distracted by certain, gravity-defying features.
"Repeat what I just said," Tsunade interrupted sharply, narrowing her eyes.
Her voice carried a dangerous edge.
Caught red-handed.
Kitazawa straightened immediately. "Yes, ma'am!"
He then flawlessly repeated her entire explanation, even adding his own insights.
Tsunade's glare softened slightly, though she hid her amusement behind a sigh.
At least he listened—even when he didn't look like it.
Tsunade was genuinely astonished after listening to him.
He'd grasped everything she taught in such a short time? That was absurd.
Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. 'His comprehension of sealing techniques might actually surpass mine…'
"Not bad," she finally said, regaining her composure.
Ignoring his lingering gaze, Tsunade continued her explanation of the Yin Seal.
The afternoon sunlight gradually dimmed, and before either of them realized it, hours had passed.
"That's enough for today."
Tsunade rose from the sofa, stretching slightly before giving him a sidelong look. "You really are bold, aren't you?"
Kitazawa blinked innocently. "Tsunade-sensei, how about a trip to the casino?"
She knew exactly what he meant—and he knew she knew.
But then again, without boldness, where would hope come from?
Tsunade wasn't Kurenai; she'd long since locked her heart away. If not for that accidental kiss while drinking, Kitazawa would've assumed he never stood a chance.
"You're quite perceptive," Tsunade said, her expression softening the moment she heard the word casino. "And you can help me deal with Shizune."
"No problem," Kitazawa replied smoothly. "We'll just tell Shizune-senpai that we were studying the Yin Seal late into the night."
"Excellent. Let's go."
Tsunade's eyes gleamed with renewed energy as she strode out the door.
Kitazawa shut it behind them and quickly followed.
They had barely made it down the hall before she stopped abruptly.
"What's wrong?" he asked, almost bumping into her. His eyes flickered briefly—she noticed.
"All my money's with Shizune," she said flatly, turning toward him.
Kitazawa didn't hesitate. "Then I'll cover your losses."
"What do you mean losses?" Tsunade shot back, rolling her eyes. "You're just lending me a bit of capital. I'll pay you back when I win."
Kitazawa twitched his lips. 'You say that every time, don't you?'
He sighed inwardly. If this keeps up, I'll need to find a way to make more money before she gambles me into bankruptcy.
He thought briefly of his limb-regeneration jutsu. Ninjas from Konoha could have it for free—but outsiders, daimyo, nobles, merchants? They'd have to pay handsomely.
By the time they arrived at the casino, Tsunade's eyes were already sparkling.
She practically skipped to the nearest gambling table—then remembered she was broke.
Grabbing Kitazawa by the arm, she pulled him forward and held out her palm expectantly.
The meaning was obvious.
Kitazawa chuckled. "Here, three hundred thousand ryo to start."
"That's enough! Watch me win it all back!" Tsunade declared confidently.
He didn't believe a word.
Kitazawa sat beside her, watching her lose once, twice, thrice—like a well-rehearsed performance.
"Again!" Tsunade barked, face darkening.
Without a word, Kitazawa handed over another three hundred thousand.
At this point, he thought she could star in a gambling tragedy—'The Legendary Sucker: Tsunade Senju'—and it'd probably be a hit.
"Damn it!" Tsunade slammed her fist down as her last stack disappeared.
"Here," Kitazawa sighed, automatically passing her more money like a loyal, heartless ATM.
She took it without hesitation.
By the time night fell, Kitazawa's mental calculations told him she'd lost nearly two million ryo—roughly two S-rank mission rewards.
"Tsunade-sensei, shall we call it a night?" he suggested, glancing at the darkened sky. "If we go back too late, Shizune-senpai will definitely be suspicious."
Tsunade finally pushed away from the table with a reluctant groan. "Fine."
They stepped outside, the streetlamps flickering to life as the evening breeze cooled her temper.
"The money I borrowed from you—keep a record," she said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'll pay you back next time."
"No need," Kitazawa replied casually. "As long as you enjoyed yourself."
Tsunade blinked, surprised. After years of Shizune's strict management, having someone hand her money with no strings attached felt… strange.
Though, deep down, she suspected Kitazawa's generosity wasn't entirely pure.
She could've called him out—but for some reason, she didn't.
"Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa said with a grin, "since we're already out, how about an izakaya? One or two drinks?"
Her first instinct was to say yes—but she bit her lip, hesitating.
"…No. No more drinking," she said finally, shaking her head. "Let's just grab a bite at Ichiraku Ramen."
Kitazawa raised a brow. "That's really not like you."
"The Three Ninja Prohibitions—avoid alcohol. Understand?" Tsunade snapped, glaring at him.
"Come on, Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa teased. "Even if you said that, who'd believe it?"
"Hmm?"
Tsunade stopped and leaned in, her face inches from his, her eyes glinting dangerously. "What was that?"
Her proximity caught him off guard—the soft scent of her skin, the faint warmth of her breath—
"I mean, whatever Lady Tsunade says is absolutely right!" he corrected quickly.
She huffed, satisfied, before realizing how close they were. She took half a step back, cheeks faintly pink.
"If we're eating at Ichiraku, I recommend the Chashu Spare Rib Ramen," Kitazawa said, eager to change the subject.
"You eat there often?" Tsunade asked, walking ahead.
"My house is right next to Ichiraku," he replied. "I used to be a regular."
Tsunade blinked. "Oh, right. You're staying at Yuhi's place now, not your own."
Kitazawa coughed lightly. Yeah… I haven't been home or opened the shop in ages.
Not that he needed to anymore. Between being an ANBU commander, the Hokage's student, and the Ninja Academy's vice principal, money came easy now—
—if only Tsunade didn't keep finding new ways to spend it.
"Teuchi, two bowls of Chashu Spare Rib Ramen!" Kitazawa called as he stepped into Ichiraku Ramen.
"Kitazawa? It's been ages—Hokage-sama?!" Teuchi emerged from the kitchen, only to freeze mid-step when he saw Tsunade.
"Teuchi," Kitazawa said with a grin, "Hokage-sama doesn't visit often. You'd better make your best ramen today."
"Absolutely!" Teuchi said with a firm nod. "I'll make sure Hokage-sama won't be disappointed!"
He immediately hurried back into the kitchen, determination written all over his face.
"You didn't have to pressure him like that," Tsunade said casually, glancing toward the kitchen curtain.
"Pressure breeds motivation," Kitazawa replied, taking the seat beside her. "Besides, Teuchi's the kind of man who thrives on it. His dream is to make the best ramen in the entire ninja world."
Tsunade chuckled lightly. "You seem to know him well." Her gaze drifted up to the menu. "By the way, why do you only recommend the Chashu Spare Rib Ramen? Are the others not good?"
"They're all good," Kitazawa said after a pause. "It's just my favorite—and Naruto's too."
"Ah, Naruto," Tsunade said thoughtfully. "I've seen his file before. The boy's practically obsessed with Ichiraku Ramen."
"Well, Teuchi's one of the few villagers who treated him like a normal kid," Kitazawa said quietly. Then he looked at her. "Lady Tsunade, are you planning to tell Naruto about his true identity?"
Tsunade blinked, then smiled faintly. "You mean the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki… or the Fourth Hokage's son?"
"The Jinchuriki part can stay secret for now," Kitazawa said slowly. "But as for him being the Fourth's son—there's no reason to hide it any longer. He's carried enough pain already."
"Konoha really did wrong by that boy," Tsunade murmured.
Minato and Kushina had given their lives for the village, yet their son grew up in loneliness and misunderstanding. Now that she was Hokage, Tsunade couldn't let that injustice continue.
"At the next Jonin meeting," she said after a pause, "I'll make it public."
"As expected of Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa praised immediately. "You've got more courage than the Third."
Tsunade smirked. "Aren't you afraid the old man will haunt you for saying that?"
"With you around, what's there to fear?" Kitazawa replied smoothly.
Tsunade bit her lip. This guy's getting bolder by the day…
"Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa continued seriously, "I also think Naruto should learn about the Nine-Tails now—at least begin to understand it."
"Already?" Tsunade frowned. "He's still too young. Let him graduate first—maybe in a few years he can try to control that power."
"The purpose of a Jinchuriki is to master their Tailed Beast's strength to protect the village," she reasoned. "That's how it's always been."
Kitazawa shook his head lightly. "I'm not saying he should control it right away. I think he can befriend it first. With his personality, I'm sure he can form a bond with the Nine-Tails."
"Befriend…?" Tsunade's eyes sharpened. "You're talking about a Perfect Jinchuriki?"
A normal Jinchuriki forced the Tailed Beast's power into obedience.
A Perfect Jinchuriki earned its trust—and the Tailed Beast willingly lent its strength.
"Exactly," Kitazawa said firmly. "Naruto can do it."
Tsunade studied him in silence. If Naruto really could become a Perfect Jinchuriki, it would be a monumental victory for Konoha. But… what if he got hurt in the process?
After a long pause, Tsunade smiled faintly. "Alright then, I'll leave this matter to you."
Kitazawa exhaled quietly in relief. Finally, my system mission can be completed.
"If Naruto really achieves that," Tsunade added, "you'll have earned a major reward. You can ask for anything you want."
"Anything?" Kitazawa met her eyes.
Tsunade felt the heat in his gaze and turned away, saying quickly, "As long as Konoha has it."
[Mission from Hokage-sensei]
[Objective: Help Uzumaki Naruto become a Perfect Jinchuriki]
[Reward: 20% of Senju Hashirama's physique]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa's eyes widened.
Fuck!
Senju Hashirama's physique?!
That was ridiculous. Even in the original timeline, Hashirama claimed Naruto—with half the Nine-Tails' chakra—was barely comparable to him.
Twenty percent of that body meant far beyond any ordinary Senju bloodline.
A chakra pool deeper than the ocean.
No wonder the reward's so generous… the mission's probably hell-level difficulty.
Still, there was no hesitation. He'd accept.
Because one day, Kitazawa swore, he would surpass even the God of Shinobi himself.
"Chashu Spare Rib Ramen, coming right up!" Teuchi's voice broke the silence as he emerged, holding two steaming bowls.
"Thank you," Tsunade said, accepting hers.
"Hokage-sama, please enjoy! Don't hold back on feedback," Teuchi said proudly.
"I will," Tsunade replied, already picking up her chopsticks.
"Kitazawa, yours," Teuchi said, setting the second bowl before him.
"Thank you," Kitazawa inhaled deeply. "The aroma hasn't changed at all."
"Of course not!" Teuchi chuckled. "You've just been away too long."
"I'll visit more often," Kitazawa promised. He glanced at Tsunade—already slurping her noodles.
"But you're a busy man now, a Konoha hero," Teuchi said. "If you ever crave ramen, I can have Ayame deliver it."
"No need," Kitazawa said, shaking his head. "You two already work hard enough."
"You two seem close," Tsunade noted, smiling faintly.
"We've been neighbors for years," Teuchi said fondly. "Kitazawa's helped me out more times than I can count."
"Oh? Then tell me about his past," Tsunade said with interest, sipping her broth.
"Wait—hold on!" Kitazawa nearly choked. "Why are we suddenly talking about me?"
"I'm your teacher," Tsunade said teasingly. "It's natural for me to know my student's history."
"I think you just want to hear embarrassing stories," Kitazawa muttered.
"Embarrassing stories?" Tsunade's eyes gleamed. "Teuchi, do share!"
"…" Kitazawa was speechless.
Even the Fifth Hokage wasn't immune to gossip.
Teuchi laughed heartily. "Hahaha! No problem, I've got plenty to tell!"
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