"What is this…?"
Naruto blinked at the red chakra swirling before him, its light flickering like a restless flame.
"This," Kitazawa said calmly, "is the Nine-Tails' chakra."
He paused, then added, "Even though it's sealed inside you, it can still hear our conversation."
"Eh?" Naruto scratched his cheek, glancing nervously at the chakra. "Uh—sorry! I didn't mean to say you couldn't beat the First Hokage!"
The red chakra pulsed sharply, its movements suddenly growing erratic, almost as if it were agitated.
"Why's it acting up again?" Naruto mumbled, eyes darting to Kitazawa.
Kitazawa chuckled quietly, though his eyes glinted with interest. The Nine-Tails had clearly taken offense—not surprising, considering its pride.
He noticed the chakra slowly retract, fading back into Naruto's body. That reaction confirmed his suspicion.
'So, even sealed, it can push through that much chakra if provoked…' he thought. 'Looks like the gap Minato left in the seal still allows it to respond emotionally.'
"What happened?" Naruto asked blankly. "Did it accept my apology or something?"
Kitazawa smiled faintly. "Not exactly. Come, I'll take you to meet it."
Before Naruto could ask what he meant, Kitazawa placed a hand on his forehead.
Naruto's surroundings blurred—the world twisted, colors draining away until everything went dark.
When he opened his eyes again, he stood in a vast, shadowy space. The sound of dripping water echoed faintly through the emptiness.
And before him loomed a massive iron gate, sealed by a strip of paper with the kanji for seal fluttering at its center.
A deep, rumbling voice shattered the silence.
"Human!"
The air surged violently. The pressure alone made Naruto's knees buckle. Red chakra lashed out like storm winds, colliding with the bars of the cage in a thunderous crash.
Then—a face emerged from the darkness.
A colossal fox head, eyes burning like twin suns, fangs bared in rage. Behind it, nine tails swayed like monstrous serpents.
Naruto took an involuntary step back, awe and fear written plainly on his face.
'So this is the Nine-Tails…' he thought. 'No wonder it took the First Hokage to stop it.'
The beast snarled, hot breath washing over him. "Human, I'll kill you!"
"Eh? Why do you wanna kill me?" Naruto stammered.
"If I kill you," the Nine-Tails growled, voice rumbling like thunder, "I'll finally be free!"
"Free, huh…" Naruto clenched his fists. "Sorry, but I can't die yet! I still have to become the strongest Hokage!"
The Nine-Tails blinked, then let out a derisive snort. "Strongest Hokage? You? Don't make me laugh. You'll never surpass Senju Hashirama."
Naruto frowned. "Why not?"
"Because no one can! I've seen his power with my own eyes. No one in this world—human or beast—can surpass him!"
Naruto's eyes burned with determination. "Maybe not now… but someday I will!"
"Ignorant fool," the fox sneered.
Naruto tilted his head, suddenly smirking. "You sound kinda scared of the First Hokage."
"Nonsense!" The Nine-Tails roared, its chakra flaring violently. "I'm the strongest of all Tailed Beasts! Why would I fear that man?!"
The sealing chamber trembled, wind howling like a storm. Naruto staggered, shielding his eyes from the surge of chakra.
'Is this seal really safe…?' he thought nervously.
But the cage held firm.
When the storm subsided, silence fell once more. The boy and the beast stared at each other through the bars—neither speaking, neither yielding.
Then, without warning, Naruto's vision went black again.
When it cleared, he found himself back at the training ground.
Kitazawa was standing nearby, arms folded. "Well? How was it?"
Naruto scratched his head. "It's… kinda hard to talk to, honestly."
Kitazawa smiled knowingly. "That's normal. You'll have time. Talk to it when you can—it can't hurt you, and it might just listen someday."
A faint voice echoed in Kitazawa's mind:
[Mission Complete: Inform Uzumaki Naruto of the Nine-Tails' existence.]
[Reward: Half a tail worth of chakra added to total capacity.]
He felt the rise in his chakra reserves—now he would be the tailless tailed beast.
"Mm!" Naruto nodded firmly.
He'd spent his whole life alone, but now… there was something—someone—inside him he could talk to.
Even if that someone had nine tails and a bad temper.
"Let's go. We're heading to the training ground."
Kitazawa led the way, with Naruto following close behind.
The Genius Class had already finished their regular training, but none of them had left. Kitazawa had told them earlier to wait for him—and when Kitazawa said "wait," no one dared to slip away.
Besides the students, Kakashi and Kosuke were also present, standing at ease as they watched the group gather.
"This semester's first monthly exam will be held next Thursday and Friday," Kitazawa announced.
Kiba groaned dramatically. "Already? Man, I haven't even finished learning Fang Over Fang yet!"
Sasuke frowned slightly, thoughtful but silent. His Chidori training was nearing completion, yet his progress since the last exam felt minimal.
He glanced at Naruto, who now carried the massive Samehada on his back—a reminder that his rival had grown far stronger since their last match.
Sasuke exhaled quietly. 'Forget it. I'll bide my time until my Chidori is complete.'
Kitazawa's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "This time, I'm adding something new—a special practical combat exam."
The students immediately exchanged puzzled looks. Even Kakashi and Kosuke raised an eyebrow—this was the first they'd heard of it. Kitazawa hadn't told anyone his plans.
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Kiba raised his hand. "What do you mean by that? Are we gonna fight each other or something?"
Kitazawa shook his head. "Not quite. This time, you'll be doing real missions. Kakashi, Kosuke-senpai, and I will each lead teams so you can experience a true ninja's life in advance."
A collective gasp swept through the group.
Even Kakashi's visible eye widened slightly. Missions? For students? That was new.
If Hiruzen were still Hokage, the idea would've been impossible. But now that Tsunade was in charge—and Kitazawa held both Anbu Commander and Academy Vice Principal titles—the rules had become a little more flexible.
Kosuke chuckled warmly. "Heh. Looks like I'm not retiring just yet. I've been wanting to test out this new leg anyway."
Kakashi, ever the soldier, gave a simple nod. Orders were orders—and with Kitazawa as both his superior and his ally, he saw no reason to object.
"I love this idea!" Naruto pumped his fist, eyes sparkling. "I've wanted to go on a mission forever! And if I can do it without graduating—" He grinned. "That's even better!"
"Burning with youth!" Lee declared, fire practically blazing from his eyes. "Kitazawa-sensei, please assign me to a mission where I can prove the power of hard work!"
Shikamaru sighed heavily, already regretting his life choices. "Troublesome… missions mean camping, bugs, and no naps."
"Guess I'll need to pack extra chips," Choji added cheerfully, unfazed.
"I think it sounds exciting!" Ino said brightly, flipping her hair. "Especially if Kitazawa-sensei is leading our team."
Hinata nodded shyly in agreement, her hands clasped in front of her.
Sasuke's expression shifted—the glint of competition lighting in his eyes. A mission, huh? That meant real strategy, real combat conditions. Maybe, just maybe, he could finally close the gap between him and Naruto.
Neji's gaze sharpened as well. For the Hyuga, missions favored their Byakugan. In field work, we'll have the advantage. Perhaps even enough to surpass Uzumaki and Uchiha.
"How will the teams be formed?" Sakura suddenly asked, her eyes bright with hope. "Can I be with Sasuke-kun?"
Sasuke opened his mouth to decline… then paused. Wait.
Sakura was a budding medical ninja—a valuable teammate. He changed his mind instantly. "...We'll see."
Kitazawa chuckled quietly at their reactions. "The team formation follows a few new rules, so listen carefully."
He raised a hand and began outlining the structure:
"First, only eighteen students will participate in this special exam. Each squad will have one leader and three students—six teams total. I'll lead two, Kakashi two, and Kosuke-senpai two."
"Second, all missions will be D-rank or C-rank only. No B-rank or above." His gaze swept over them seriously. "Even if your combat ability is near Chunin-level, your mental resilience isn't there yet. Real battle is different—and killing missions can leave scars you don't recover from easily."
A faint chill settled over the class.
"To prevent accidents," Kitazawa continued, "Anbu operatives will be shadowing your teams in secret. This way, even if something unexpected happens, we'll keep you safe."
That reassurance lightened the mood instantly.
"Third," he said, glancing at Sakura, "there are two methods for forming teams: random draw, or squad leader selection."
Sakura perked up again, clearly rooting for the second option.
"Fourth," Kitazawa went on, "the scoring system. You'll be graded on your performance—teamwork, decision-making, and adaptability. Exceptional achievements, like detecting an ambush or saving an ally, will earn bonus points."
"Finally, rankings will be determined based on total scores."
He folded his arms. "That's all. Any questions?"
The class buzzed with energy—half excitement, half nerves.
For many of them, this would be their first step into the real world of ninja life.
And under Kitazawa's watchful eye, that first step was sure to leave a mark.
"What's the standard for choosing those eighteen students?"
Shikamaru raised his hand lazily, eyes darting around as he spoke.
"Is it based on overall academic performance?"
Even as he asked, he was already calculating how to keep himself out of that list.
"No."
Kitazawa shook his head. "The three of us teachers will decide, based on your usual training performance."
"..."
Shikamaru froze.
How was he supposed to avoid that?
During every training session, either Kitazawa or one of his shadow clones was watching. There was no room to slack off—even his laziness had no escape route now. His face fell instantly, looking like a frostbitten eggplant.
Seeing his expression, Kitazawa couldn't help but chuckle.
That kid always looked for shortcuts. But in the real Ninja world, there was no room for idlers.
In the original timeline, Shikamaru only grew up after Asuma's death. But since that tragedy might never happen now, Kitazawa would have to push him forward himself.
[Mission Triggered: Achieve first place in the new practical exam.]
[Reward: Proficient Fire Release Chakra Nature Transformation.]
[Accept Mission?]
As expected, the system reacted.
Kitazawa's eyes lit up. Not bad—Fire Release was the only Chakra Nature Transformation he hadn't yet mastered to a proficient level among the basic five. Lightning was his only one at the master level so far.
"If there are no further questions, class dismissed."
Kitazawa scanned the crowd one last time.
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!"
Naruto and the others called out energetically, heading for the school gate.
"Kosuke-senpai, Kakashi," Kitazawa turned to the two teachers, "I didn't tell you about this plan in advance. I hope you don't mind."
Kosuke smiled warmly. "Not at all. Sounds just like my style."
Kakashi gave a small nod, his usual calm tone unchanged. "Getting out on a few D and C-rank missions will be a nice change of pace."
Kitazawa nodded. "Good. After Thursday's theory exam, we'll officially start the new practical test."
The students not selected would continue regular training under Iruka's supervision.
Both Kosuke and Kakashi agreed without complaint.
"See you tomorrow," Kitazawa said before leaving the Academy.
On his way to Kurenai's house, Kitazawa suddenly frowned.
Someone was following him.
What surprised him most was that the pursuer didn't even bother to hide their presence—it was an open, deliberate tail.
He turned into a quiet alley. "Come out."
If it were an enemy, at least a secluded place meant no civilians would get caught in the crossfire. But he doubted it was an enemy—very few in the world would dare attack him inside Konoha.
A familiar voice answered, cool and steady.
"Kitazawa."
From the shadows stepped a woman—expression calm, beauty sharp as paper.
"Konan."
Kitazawa blinked, genuinely surprised.
He hadn't expected her here of all places.
This time, she wasn't wearing Akatsuki's signature black cloak with red clouds, but the standard vest of a Hidden Rain shinobi.
So that's how she got in.
She must've used an official identity to enter Konoha—Hidden Rain shinobi were occasionally allowed to visit other villages during peacetime. Of course, most were closely monitored by the Military Police or Anbu.
For Konan to bypass that surveillance and appear before him alone… she must've gone to great lengths.
"Is there something you need from me?" Kitazawa asked lightly.
He thought of Aoi and the Sword of the Thunder God—both connected to the Hidden Rain. If Konan wanted something, there might be room for negotiation.
As for whether she truly cared about the Rain Village ninja? That was… questionable.
After all, in the original story, even loyal subordinates like Ajisai were sacrificed for Nagato's ambitions.
"I heard you developed a medical ninjutsu that can regenerate limbs," Konan said, her tone calm and precise.
Even though she cared deeply about it, she kept her emotions buried. She knew showing too much eagerness would only weaken her position.
"Indeed, I have," Kitazawa said, eyes narrowing slightly.
He immediately thought of Nagato.
There was only one person Konan would cross nations to help—someone whose legs had been crippled long ago by Hanzo's explosive tags.
"One of our Akatsuki members has… leg issues," Konan continued evenly. "We'd like to hire you to treat him. The Akatsuki can pay a sufficient amount."
"What exactly is wrong with his legs?" Kitazawa asked. "I'll need to understand the condition before I can determine if it's even possible to treat."
Konan gave a careful explanation, framing Nagato's condition as the aftereffect of a forbidden jutsu rather than the Gedo Mazo's drain.
Kitazawa's face grew serious. "That's… difficult. It's not just a matter of physical damage—his life force itself is nearly depleted."
"You don't need to concern yourself with the life force," Konan said quietly.
Even she didn't believe anyone could undo the toll of the Gedo Mazo.
"I can ignore the rest," Kitazawa replied, "but the principle of limb regeneration consumes life force to rebuild tissue. Without enough vitality, the body won't withstand the process."
"So… it can't be done?"
A flicker of disappointment flashed in her eyes, though her voice remained steady.
"Not necessarily."
Kitazawa's lips curved slightly.
"How can it be done?"
Konan's composure cracked, a hint of urgency showing through.
"For an ordinary patient, it's straightforward," Kitazawa said, his tone turning grave. "But for someone like him… it's several times more complicated. I'd have to examine him personally before deciding on any treatment plan."
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