Hokage Office
"Kitazawa, your three students have given me a great surprise," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a wide smile.
Kitazawa immediately understood. That old man must have turned into a Peeping Tom again, watching Kabuto and their battle with his crystal ball.
He glanced at the crystal ball on the table. Once Tsunade becomes Hokage, he must acquire that crystal ball. After all, leaving it to Sarutobi Hiruzen was too dangerous.
"I remember you said earlier that you were only acting as a temporary squad leader?" Sarutobi Hiruzen tapped his pipe and asked.
"Mm." Kitazawa nodded in response.
"Your three students' talents and strengths are among the best of their generation, and their teamwork is also excellent," Sarutobi Hiruzen slowly said. "I think your Ninja squad can be kept."
Kitazawa couldn't help but be stunned. He was surprised but also felt it was reasonable. After all, the potential of this Ninja squad was immense.
Although splitting them up wouldn't have much impact, when geniuses gather, there's a chemical reaction. Especially in team battles, they were invincible, and the three of them had a complementary feel.
Kabuto, with his intelligent and flexible mind, provided plans and strategies for the Ninja squad. At the same time, he was also a Medical Ninja and a Wind Release Ninja, serving as both healer and fire support.
Uchiha Izumi possessed the Sharingan, capable of both combat and control. Aburame Torune could scout and fight. Moreover, his nano-sized venomous insects increased their Ninja squad's upper limit, giving them the ability to challenge opponents above their level.
This configuration was comprehensive and powerful. In Sarutobi Hiruzen's opinion, once they matured, they could undertake many high-difficulty missions. For Konoha Village, this was undoubtedly a good thing.
"My idea is for you to be their team leader," Sarutobi Hiruzen paused and said. "If you are unwilling, then it will be Kakashi."
Kabuto, Aburame Torune, and Uchiha Izumi were, after all, too young. To realize their potential, they needed an excellent squad leader. Kitazawa was undoubtedly the first choice.
Not only because of his good strength, but also because he discovered and formed this Ninja squad. Without him, Sarutobi Hiruzen would not have known that Root still had Kabuto and Aburame Torune, two hidden gems. And Uchiha Izumi was the same.
Although her previous Ninja squad was good, her performance was far from what it is now. The only explanation was that after losing two burdensome teammates, she could finally unleash her full strength without restraint.
Kitazawa fell into contemplation upon hearing this. His initial plan was simple: to help Kabuto and complete a system mission along the way. Once Kabuto became a Chunin, he could wash his hands of it. After all, Chunin could form their own teams for missions.
But Sarutobi Hiruzen's desire to keep this Ninja squad made him somewhat conflicted. He was different from ordinary Jonin squad leaders; he had a fixed job, which was teaching at the Ninja Academy.
How to put it? He could certainly lead, but he didn't have much time to accompany them on missions, at most on Saturdays and Sundays.
Just then, four lines of text appeared before Kitazawa's eyes.
[Your performance in the Chunin Exams has earned the Hokage's appreciation; he has specially permitted you to become a squad leader.]
[Current Mission: Lead your Ninja squad to complete 90 D-rank missions within one month and make a name for yourselves.]
[Mission Reward: Lightning Release: Chidori.]
[Do you accept?]
You really are a wise… a wise system.
After seeing the first line of text, Kitazawa couldn't help but want to complain. I ask you, what exactly did I perform? From beginning to end, it was Kabuto, Aburame Torune, and Uchiha Izumi performing; he was just a spectator. Yet, in the system's eyes, he became the MVP?
But upon seeing the mission reward, Kitazawa could only say that his voice had been too loud earlier, and he apologized.
Lightning Release: Chidori—one of the most famous Lightning Release Ninjutsu in the original work.
Firstly, because it was created by Kakashi.
Secondly, because it was a frequently used Lightning Release Ninjutsu by Sasuke, one of the male protagonists.
If Naruto used one Rasengan until the end, then Sasuke used one Chidori until the end. He also developed a series of Lightning Release Ninjutsu based on Chidori, such as Chidori Current, Chidori Sharp Spear, and Six Paths Chidori, and so on.
"Since Hokage-sama has said so, then I will agree," Kitazawa came back to his senses and said.
He now had a good amount of Chakra, and it would definitely increase in the future. If he really couldn't manage, he could send a Shadow Clone to teach while he took Kabuto and the others on missions.
Moreover, when the three members of the Ninja squad reached Jonin, the squad could be disbanded. After all, four Jonin together would be a waste. Kitazawa felt that with the talent of Kabuto and the others, they would probably become Jonin in a few years.
"Thank you for your hard work, Kitazawa." Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled contentedly.
With the matter settled, Kitazawa did not waste time, gave a greeting, and left. He returned to the Anbu base, where Kabuto, Aburame Torune, and Uchiha Izumi were still present.
After the Chunin Exams ended, they did not immediately become Chunin; they still needed to go through the procedures. When Kitazawa arrived, they had just completed their registration.
"Kitazawa-sensei." The three of them saw him and quickly walked over.
"I just went to see Hokage-sama," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Hokage-sama praised you all greatly."
But the three of them showed no reaction. Kabuto and Aburame Torune came from Root, and Uchiha Izumi was a Uchiha; they were not as idolizing of the Hokage as their peers.
"Besides that, there's one more thing," Kitazawa continued. "Our Ninja squad will continue to exist, with me as the squad leader."
As his words fell, the three of them finally reacted.
Kabuto was stunned for a moment, then smiled.
His initial goal was similar to Kitazawa's—becoming a Chunin without worrying about forming a permanent team.
But Aburame Torune and Uchiha Izumi had greatly pleased him.
Now that the squad could remain together, he felt genuinely happy.
Uchiha Izumi was also delighted, but her happiness was different.
She felt that she had fulfilled Uchiha Mikoto's instructions and would now be able to help the Uchiha Clan—or rather, Uchiha Itachi—share the burden in the future.
Aburame Torune, however, was more straightforward.
Kitazawa had saved him and possessed great strength, so he naturally qualified to be their squad leader.
If it had been someone else, Torune would have withdrawn from the team and waited for Shino Aburame to graduate before forming a squad with him.
"You've been fighting all morning and must be tired. Go back and rest, and come find me at the Ninja Academy tomorrow," Kitazawa said after a brief pause.
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei," the three of them responded in unison.
After speaking, they all went their separate ways.
---
Uchiha Clan Compound
"I wonder if Izumi and the others passed the Chunin Exams," Uchiha Mikoto said with a hint of worry, taking a small sip of water.
"With their strength, there's definitely no problem," Uchiha Itachi replied calmly.
"Mm," Mikoto nodded before adding, "I hope their ninja squad doesn't disband so quickly."
Kitazawa had a close relationship with Tsunade.
Uchiha Izumi becoming Kitazawa's student would naturally create another layer of connection between the Uchiha Clan and Tsunade.
But the problem was that this ninja squad had only been formed temporarily.
Uchiha Itachi glanced at his mother. He understood her thoughts. In fact, he shared the same hope.
This was not only good for Izumi but also beneficial for the Uchiha Clan. However, if things didn't work out, it wouldn't be a major issue.
After all, there was still Sasuke.
"I'm home!" The sound of the door opening was followed by Uchiha Izumi's cheerful voice.
"Izumi, how was it?" Uchiha Itachi asked proactively.
"I'm already a Chunin now!" Izumi said with a bright smile.
"Congratulations," Itachi replied in his usual calm yet gentle tone.
"And our ninja squad is now permanent!" Izumi added excitedly.
"That's wonderful!" Mikoto exclaimed with visible relief.
Itachi felt an immense weight lifted from his shoulders.
Now, with Izumi and Sasuke both establishing a connection to Tsunade through Kitazawa, the Uchiha Clan's situation would undoubtedly improve once Tsunade became the Fifth Hokage.
Even with Danzo and Root's suppression, things would no longer be so dire. For a brief moment, Itachi envisioned a brighter future.
This was truly an unprecedented situation for the Uchiha Clan.
---
Friday
Kitazawa finished breakfast and arrived at the Ninja Academy, where Kabuto, Aburame Torune, and Uchiha Izumi were already waiting.
Others like Sasuke, Hyuga Neji, and Nara Shikamaru were also present.
"Sasuke," Kitazawa called, summoning a Shadow Clone. "You train with him."
He planned to schedule the battle between Sasuke and Naruto for next Monday. According to his plan, that day would mark the final practical combat test.
After all, the Student Council selection exam was not far away.
Of course, there was another reason. Naruto's Rasengan training was nearing completion.
If Kitazawa didn't schedule the match soon, Sasuke would lose his last chance to face him.
"Yes, Teacher Kitazawa," Sasuke replied with a cold expression.
If there hadn't been others around, he would have let out a bitter smile. The special training had been grueling, but not without benefits.
Over the past few days, Kitazawa had practically dissected Naruto's abilities in detail.
Sasuke now felt confident that he could win the next match—because he had completely understood his rival's strength.
"You all, follow me," Kitazawa instructed, leading them toward the mission hall.
"Are we going straight to missions?" Kabuto asked, slightly surprised. He had assumed Kitazawa-sensei would have them undergo additional training first.
"Your strength is already sufficient," Kitazawa explained. "But since you're a newly formed team, you still need to build coordination. Missions are the best way to achieve that."
"Indeed," Kabuto agreed, adjusting his glasses. "I think we can handle B-rank or even A-rank missions."
It wasn't arrogance—he genuinely believed their squad was strong enough to face Jonin-level challenges.
"Twenty-seven D-rank missions, please," Kitazawa said to the staff member behind the counter.
His system mission required ninety D-rank missions to be completed within a month. That meant at least three every day, so he might as well take a week's worth at once.
"Huh?" Kabuto's eyes widened in surprise.
Uchiha Izumi was equally shocked.
D-rank missions were the lowest level—mostly chores like finding cats or weeding gardens. In her mind, even C-rank would have been more appropriate, let alone B-rank or A-rank.
"Sorry, according to the rules, you can only take one mission at a time," the staff member said, slightly taken aback.
Kitazawa frowned.
His plan had been for Kabuto, Torune, and Izumi to each take one mission per day. But if all three had to work together on just one mission, it would waste valuable time.
"Please wait a moment," Kitazawa said calmly, not pressing the staff further.
Instead, he went upstairs and knocked on Sarutobi Hiruzen's door. This is what you call a waste—if you don't use the power you have.
"Ah, Kitazawa." Sarutobi Hiruzen asked after seeing him, "What can I do for you?"
"It's like this." Kitazawa explained the problem he had encountered.
"Why does your team want to do D-rank missions?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, puzzled, after listening.
"Because Kabuto and Torune, they came from Root, they didn't go to school, and they don't understand what the Will of Fire is," Kitazawa said seriously. "I hope they can gain the villagers' recognition and integrate into Konoha Village through these D-rank missions."
Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but be taken aback.
This reason was truly unexpected. But… brilliant!
"That's an excellent method," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with emotion.
The more he looked at Kitazawa now, the more he found him to his liking. This was simply the best ambassador for the Will of Fire! Not only did he teach the students about the Will of Fire, but he also considered Kabuto and Aburame Torune, who were not Ninja Academy students, very thoughtfully.
"You can take on more missions within your capabilities." Sarutobi Hiruzen paused, then said, "I'll write you an authorization."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Indeed, to deal with Sarutobi Hiruzen, one had to use the Will of Fire. This was what you call fighting magic with magic.
"Hello, this is Hokage-sama's authorization."
Kitazawa returned to the mission hall and handed the Hokage's authorization to the staff member.
"Huh?" The staff member was utterly astonished.
In less than three minutes, you got the Hokage's authorization? What is your relationship with Hokage-sama?
"Since Hokage-sama has agreed, it is indeed possible to take on multiple missions." The staff member glanced at the Hokage's authorization and quickly said.
"Thank you." Kitazawa nodded and said.
"The names and strengths of your Ninja team members." The staff member picked up a pen and said, "I need to register them first before I can give you missions."
"I understand," Kitazawa answered his question honestly.
"You are Kitazawa?" The staff member asked with a surprised expression.
"You know me?" Kitazawa was a little surprised.
"You saved many people at Konoha Hospital; your reputation has spread." The staff member respectfully handed him a pile of mission scrolls.
"Thank you." Kitazawa hadn't expected that he already had a certain reputation in Konoha Village.
"Teacher Kitazawa." After leaving the Hokage Building, Kabuto couldn't help but ask, "Why are we taking so many D-rank missions?"
"To train the Shadow Clone Technique." Kitazawa pondered for a moment, then casually made up an excuse and said.
"You mean for us to use Shadow Clones to do missions?" Kabuto was stunned, then his face showed understanding, and he said, "As expected of Teacher Kitazawa, to think of such a training method."
"…" Kitazawa's mouth twitched.
Are you overthinking it?
But Kabuto was right; that was indeed his intention.
"Torune and Izumi, I will teach you the Shadow Clone Technique."
Kitazawa glanced at Kabuto and said, "Kabuto, since you've already learned the Shadow Clone Technique, I'll teach you the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu."
Although the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu was a forbidden Jutsu, he was indeed qualified to teach it now.
The reason was that he was already an official team leader. Whatever Ninjutsu a team leader taught their students was in line with Konoha Village's rules.
And Kabuto also had good judgment. Even forbidden Jutsu would not be misused.
"Yes, Teacher Kitazawa." Kabuto immediately replied.
"You three divide these missions among yourselves."
Kitazawa handed them the mission scrolls and said, "I have only one requirement: they must be completed within a week."
Kabuto's glasses gleamed, and he nodded thoughtfully. A week was a bit tight, but for them, it wasn't too difficult.
"You all give me the missions first." Kabuto explained, "I can plan the shortest mission routes based on the mission content, which will save you time."
Kitazawa felt relieved upon hearing this. With Kabuto around, he could be a completely hands-off character.
"After you complete your missions each day, if you have time, come to the Ninja Academy."
Kitazawa patted Kabuto's shoulder and said, "You are the oldest, so when I'm not around, you'll be in charge."
"Yes, Teacher Kitazawa."
Kabuto agreed without hesitation. In his opinion, these were minor matters. When he was a spy, the missions he undertook were all incredibly dangerous, where a slight misstep meant death.
Time flew by, and it was Monday.
As Kitazawa expected, his Ninja team had no problem learning Ninjutsu while completing missions. At least for this month, he wouldn't have to worry about looking after them. His main energy was still focused on the Student Council selection practical combat.
But before that, today was the sparring match between Sasuke and Naruto.
"I have an announcement."
Kitazawa stood on the Training Ground and said, "The Student Council selection practical combat has been set for December 15th. In other words, there are only eight days left."
"Eight days?"
Inuzuka Kiba clenched his fists, feeling a sense of urgency. He had to fully master Hellhound within eight days; only then could he shine in the Student Council selection practical combat. Moreover, as far as he knew, Kitazawa had invited his parents to attend.
"Eight days is enough! I'll definitely be first then!" Naruto was thinking about his Rasengan.
"It won't be that easy? You'll taste defeat today." Sasuke's tone was calm, yet there was an indescribable composure and certainty.
Sakura and the others exchanged glances, feeling surprised. Because they felt Sasuke was exceptionally confident today, even a bit arrogant. This was a world apart from how he was before.
"To help everyone better prepare for the Student Council selection practical combat, the practical combat tests will be temporarily canceled, and today will be the last one."
Kitazawa slowly said, "During these eight days, I will provide targeted strengthening based on your individual situations."