After entering July, the temperature in Konoha Village rose considerably.
Kitazawa stood on the Training Ground, watching the Genius Class students train. Under the scorching sun, their faces were covered in sweat.
However, their training continued without pause despite the heat.
"Karin."
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Karin immediately jogged over to him.
"You've pretty much mastered the Sealing Barrier Jutsu. I'll teach you a new Sealing Technique," Kitazawa said directly. "It's called Four Limbs Weighting Seal."
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei," Karin said, wiping the sweat from her forehead.
"Let's talk in the shade of the trees."
Seeing her exhaustion, Kitazawa continued, "This Sealing Technique is quite difficult, so I'll explain it to you first."
He glanced around and walked toward a nearby tree.
Karin's heart warmed. She quickly followed him into the shade. "Kitazawa-sensei is truly too kind!"
Kitazawa raised his hand, tapped her on the head, and said, "I won't relax my standards just because of your praise, you know."
[Current Mission: Help Uchiha Sasuke learn Chidori.]
[Mission Reward: Lightning Release: False Darkness.]
[Host has completed the mission. Reward issued.]
The sudden appearance of the three lines of text made Kitazawa pause. Has Sasuke finally learned Chidori?
He had almost forgotten about that system mission. After all, Sasuke was currently being taught by Kakashi, and he hadn't been directly involved.
Still, the reward wasn't bad.
Lightning Release: False Darkness was a Lightning Release Ninjutsu from Kakuzu — powerful and deadly.
Kakuzu was a rare Five Element Release ninja, though his mastery came from his Secret Technique, Earth Grudge Fear, which allowed him to plunder others' hearts and gain their chakra natures.
He had five hearts, corresponding to Earth, Wind, Fire, Lightning, and Water.
Kitazawa stroked his chin.
He had now learned Kakuzu's Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work, Wind Release: Pressure Damage, and Lightning Release: False Darkness.
In the original storyline, these three Ninjutsu could combine into a composite attack — Earth Grudge Fear: Final Shot.
Kitazawa wondered if he could replicate it. After all, a composite technique of three elements would definitely surpass one of two.
But he only thought about it; he didn't plan to research it.
He was already too busy — he still had to learn Ninja Art Creation Rebirth – Strength of a Hundred Seal, Five Release Great Combo Technique, and Wood Release.
After lecturing Karin for half an hour, Kitazawa let her train freely and began his own cultivation.
But before long, he noticed Sasuke and Kakashi approaching.
"What's wrong? Do you need me for something?" Kitazawa asked, stopping his training.
Kakashi didn't answer — instead, he looked at Sasuke, the meaning clear.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Sasuke said confidently, "I want to challenge Naruto."
Kitazawa subconsciously glanced up at the sky. It was a rare, perfectly clear day.
Sasuke suddenly showing up to challenge Naruto didn't surprise him at all.
"He's learned Lightning Release: Chidori," Kakashi added.
"I see." Kitazawa nodded thoughtfully. "Perfect. You two haven't sparred in a while. Let me see how much you've both improved."
The reason they hadn't sparred lately was due to the new Monthly Exam format in the Genius Class — their competition method had shifted to completing missions instead of direct duels.
"Follow me," Kitazawa said, leading them toward the rest of the students.
"Sasuke!" Naruto noticed him first and waved excitedly.
"Why is Sasuke here?" Ino asked curiously.
"I don't know," Shikamaru muttered, looking like he might collapse. "I just want to know when we can rest."
"Everyone, take a fifteen-minute break," Kitazawa announced after a moment's thought.
The commotion from Sasuke and Naruto's fight would definitely be intense.
It would distract the others from training, so it was better to let them rest and enjoy the spar.
Shikamaru's eyes widened. He immediately dropped to the ground, panting in relief.
"An early break?" Aburame Shino adjusted his glasses. "It seems Kitazawa-sensei has something to announce."
"Could it be the groupings for the final exam?" Tenten's eyes lit up. "I hope to be on Neji's team this time!"
"I don't think so." Neji shook his head. "Kitazawa-sensei always announces the groupings two weeks in advance, and it's not time yet."
"Naruto." Sasuke walked up to him. "I want to challenge you."
"Alright! I accept!" Naruto was momentarily stunned, then grinned brightly. "It's been a long time since I've seen your youth!"
"Everyone, come over here and make some space for them," Kitazawa instructed.
Naruto's Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, combined with Wind Release, could easily cause accidental injuries.
For safety, it was best for the Genius Class students to stand near him so he could intervene if necessary.
Hinata quickly moved to Kitazawa's left, while Ino stood to his right. The other students also gathered on both sides.
"It's a pity Sakura isn't here," Ino said suddenly.
Sakura was currently at the Artificial Lake, learning Water Release under Maruboshi Kosuke.
"Perhaps it's better that she's not here," Shikamaru yawned.
"You think Sasuke will lose?" Ino teased with a smile.
"Sasuke wouldn't challenge Naruto unless his strength had improved," Shikamaru said, shaking his head. "But if Sakura were here, she'd definitely root for Sasuke."
Ino laughed. That was to prevent Sakura's jinx.
Yakumo, Kiba, Choji, and Tenten also smiled knowingly.
"I remember Sasuke has been learning Lightning Release," Neji said seriously, not joining the laughter.
His expression turned solemn. Clearly, Sasuke had made a breakthrough — and defeating him now would be difficult.
But just how much his strength had improved could only be revealed through this spar.
"Swordsmanship, Genjutsu, Fire Release, and Lightning Release." Kiba couldn't help but exclaim, "Sasuke is getting more and more monstrous now."
"You are human; don't compare yourself to non-human beings," Shikamaru said earnestly, patting him on the shoulder.
"It's not just Sasuke who's non-human," Shino said calmly.
He felt that the mutation speed of his Kikaichu couldn't keep up with the progress speed of Naruto and Sasuke.
"Spar, commence!" Kitazawa saw Sasuke and Naruto form the Seal of Confrontation, then shouted loudly.
Ino and the others immediately stopped chatting and looked toward the field.
Sasuke took out the Sword of the Thunder God. With a hum, the blade appeared, and he charged toward Naruto like a cheetah.
The Sword of the Thunder God in his hand traced complex trajectories, and for a moment, waves of sword shadows filled the air.
This was Konoha Style Swordsmanship.
Naruto was dazzled, completely unaware of where the true killing blow was hidden. But his response was simple — he raised the Samehada and blocked in front of him.
The barbs on Samehada's body fully extended. The Sword of the Thunder God struck its scales, making a crisp clashing sound.
Then, the Samehada turned its head and bit toward the sword.
Sasuke immediately retreated, chakra gathering in his throat before he spat out a huge fireball.
The Samehada unceremoniously swallowed the fireball whole. Just as it was about to continue its attack, Naruto threw it to the ground.
"Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!"Naruto formed hand signs, creating hundreds of Shadow Clones at once.
The Samehada couldn't distinguish who was who, so it stood still, waiting to be used again.
"Konoha Great Whirlwind!" As soon as two Shadow Clones appeared, they kicked toward Sasuke simultaneously.
Two-Tomoe Sharingan!
Sasuke immediately saw through their movements. Instead of retreating, he advanced, actively entering the encirclement of Naruto's Shadow Clones.
Sword of the Thunder God!
Sasuke infused Lightning Release chakra into it. In an instant, the blade glowed with dazzling lightning, spreading outward at incredible speed.
Naruto's Shadow Clones couldn't dodge in time and were all enveloped by the lightning.
"Samehada!" At the critical moment, Naruto shouted.
The Samehada immediately scurried over at his call, opened its mouth wide, and swallowed all the lightning that was about to strike Naruto.
"Dynamic Entry!"
The lightning vanished, and Naruto leaped up, stepping on the hilt of the Samehada. He landed a flying kick directly at Sasuke.
With a bang — Sasuke vanished in a puff of smoke.
"Shadow Clone?" Naruto landed on the ground and instantly understood.
The lightning had been too bright, blinding him for a moment. Combined with the fact that most of his clones had been destroyed by the dense lightning, he hadn't even noticed Sasuke using the Shadow Clone Technique.
A piercing sound rang out.
Naruto heard a thunderous roar behind him — like a thousand birds chirping simultaneously.
He instinctively turned around and saw Sasuke rushing toward him like a flash of lightning. In his right hand, a ball of lightning condensed, emitting a terrifying aura.
"Wind Release: Gale Palm!"
Naruto didn't dare to be slow and shouted loudly. But it wasn't him who used it — it was his surviving Shadow Clones.
He no longer had time to use any ninjutsu himself, only instinctively retreating at full speed.
Just then, the Samehada, loyal to its master, leaped up and smashed toward Sasuke. But Sasuke reacted swiftly. He threw his left hand, launching a shuriken at Samehada, slowing its attack.
Sasuke's right hand unhesitatingly thrust toward Naruto.
"Wind Release: Gale Palm!"
Naruto's Shadow Clones finally arrived. The strong gust swept in, causing Sasuke's body to deflect.
"Hurry and go!"
The Shadow Clone closest to Naruto crashed into Sasuke's right hand. Without any obstruction, Chidori pierced through the clone's body.
With a bang, the Shadow Clone screamed and vanished. But his sacrifice bought Naruto time to escape.
He immediately widened the distance, though the power of Chidori left him with a long-forgotten sense of dread.
"As expected of my lifelong rival!" Naruto shouted excitedly. "What a battle full of youth!"
"..." Sasuke regretted speaking to him at all but kept his face calm, maintaining his cool demeanor.
Meanwhile, everyone in the Genius Class was dumbfounded by his Lightning Release: Chidori.
"What kind of Lightning Release Ninjutsu is that?" Kiba's eyes widened. "How does it look even more ferocious than Rasengan?"
"What terrifying power! In terms of lethality, it's indeed more powerful than Rasengan!" Tenten said in awe.
Rasengan caused wounds that tore flesh, while Chidori caused piercing wounds.
Chidori looked more terrifying, but in reality, the two were similar — or perhaps Rasengan even had greater power.
Still, if one took a direct hit from either Rasengan or Chidori without defense, the result would be the same — severe injury, if not death.
"That's Kakashi-sensei's signature Lightning Release," Shikamaru recalled. "It's called Chidori, an A-Rank Ninjutsu."
"Another A-Rank Ninjutsu?" Ino asked helplessly. "We're all the same age, so why have Sasuke and Naruto already learned A-Rank Ninjutsu?"
"Good question," Shino praised.
"..."
Neji hesitated to speak.
Undoubtedly, Chidori, like Rasengan, was a Ninjutsu he couldn't directly withstand. The only way was to use Gentle Fist and Tenketsu to stop Sasuke and Naruto, preventing them from using it.
But they didn't just know Chidori and Rasengan. Naruto's Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and Wind Release, and Sasuke's swordsmanship and genjutsu, were all difficult for him to deal with.
Neji sighed inwardly. Given the current situation, his chances of defeating them head-on were very small. He could only compete for first place through practical exams like mission execution.
"Sasuke, let's continue!" Naruto shouted excitedly.
"Next time you won't be as lucky as you were just now," Sasuke snorted lightly.
"Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Naruto formed hand signs and created hundreds more Shadow Clones.
Sasuke slowly exhaled. He leaped up, throwing out a large number of shuriken with both hands. Naruto had plenty of chakra and could afford to waste it — but he couldn't.
Especially since Lightning Release: Chidori consumed a large amount of chakra, he could use it at most twice before reaching his limit.
"Wind Release: Gale Palm!"
Naruto's Shadow Clones clapped their hands, sending a strong gust of wind that blew the shuriken back instead. Sasuke's pupils contracted slightly.
He no longer hesitated. The Sword of the Thunder God in his hand once again burst forth with dazzling lightning. Along with the shuriken, he directly swung it downwards.
"Quick, dodge!" Naruto shouted, then formed hand signs.
"Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken!"
Sasuke sensed the approaching danger. The Sword of the Thunder God blocked in front of him.
The shuriken hit the blade — Sasuke's body trembled as he was flung away. Looking down, he saw a wound on the back of his hand caused by the Wind Release on the shuriken.
Sasuke flipped and forcibly landed on the ground, but before he could steady himself, Naruto grabbed the Samehada and hurled it like a hammer.
Sasuke gritted his teeth, rolled on the ground, and quickly dodged. He knew the Samehada could absorb chakra, so he didn't dare to use Ninjutsu.
"Rasengan!"
Naruto seized the opportunity and charged straight ahead. Sasuke unhesitatingly threw the Sword of the Thunder God and simultaneously formed hand signs.
The sharp sound of thunder rang out again.
After Naruto dodged the Sword of the Thunder God, only the blinding lightning remained in his eyes. Rasengan and Chidori collided.
Kitazawa immediately appeared in front of them, grabbing their right hands. Both of their bodies shook simultaneously. Naruto felt a jolt of numbness in his right hand.
Sasuke, however, had his sleeve torn away, and a spiral-shaped bloodstain appeared on his arm.
Kitazawa released his hands and retreated, having offset some of the damage to prevent severe injury.
Sasuke endured the pain, took out a kunai with his left hand, and thrust it forward.
"Konoha Whirlwind!"
Naruto, being less injured, reacted faster and directly kicked Sasuke away.
Sasuke landed hard, pain shooting through his abdomen, and his right arm was unresponsive. Before he could rise, Naruto's Shadow Clones surrounded him.
"Naruto, stop," Kitazawa said. "The victor has been decided; there's no need to continue fighting."
After speaking, he walked to Sasuke and began healing his arm. Compared to Naruto's, Sasuke's injuries were more severe — but his deepest wound was to his pride.
He had learned Chidori, full of confidence to challenge Naruto, yet still lost miserably. Even with all that, he still couldn't win? Sasuke's heart grew heavy.
"Do you think Chidori's power is inferior to Rasengan's?" Kitazawa asked, glancing at him.
Sasuke nodded silently.
"Lightning Release: Chidori's purpose is for surprise attacks," Kitazawa explained. "Rasengan's purpose is great power — it's the ultimate form of Ninjutsu without hand signs."
Rasengan imitates the Tailed Beast Ball, and Minato Namikaze created it as a highly destructive Ninjutsu. As for surprise attacks, he entrusted that to the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Don't be discouraged. I'll teach you a variant of Chidori that can help you defend against Rasengan," Kitazawa said with a smile. "I call it Chidori Current."
"Really?" Sasuke's expression changed instantly.
"Variant Ninjutsu?" Kakashi, who had just approached, narrowed his eyes.
He remembered Kitazawa once saying he wanted to modify Lightning Release: Chidori — because it wasn't suitable for a ninja without Sharingan to use.
Has it already been modified?
No wonder so many ninja said Kitazawa was the next Senju Tobirama — his creativity was astonishing.
"Kakashi, do you want to learn?" Kitazawa asked with a grin. "Teaching one is teaching; teaching two is still teaching."
[Current Mission: Teach Kakashi and Sasuke Lightning Release: Chidori Current.]
[Mission Reward: Lightning Release: Kirin.]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa thought, As expected.
The mission reward was beyond his expectations, but not bad at all.
Although Kakashi had once given him the Ninjutsu scroll for Lightning Release: Kirin, he had never learned it.
Firstly, S-Rank Ninjutsu was extremely difficult to master. Secondly, he had been busy learning other techniques.
Now, with this system mission, he could save a great deal of time. Upon closer thought, the reward was quite reasonable.
Kakashi and Sasuke had already learned Chidori, so learning Lightning Release: Chidori Current would actually be very simple.