March 11th.
Kitazawa and Kurenai arrived at the Ninja Academy after breakfast.
These two days were the Genius Class's second Monthly Exam of the semester; the theoretical exam had already been completed yesterday.
Due to Uchiha Sasuke's absence, the top three spots were still Shikamaru, Sakura, and Neji.
After Kitazawa and Kurenai arrived at the Training Ground, they found Hiruzen Sarutobi, Kakashi, and others to discuss the grouping for this practical exam.
Considering that he needed to take four students out for a mission, the number of people in this group had to be one more than last time, making it the top nineteen students.
While they were discussing, the students of the Genius Class gradually arrived at the Training Ground to gather.
"Sasuke-kun, why isn't he back yet?" Sakura looked left and right, then sighed and asked.
"Haven't you seen him before? Didn't we go to the Uchiha Clan's compound together last week?" Ino nudged her and asked.
"Is seeing him once the same as seeing him every time?" Sakura retorted.
"It's the Three-Tomoe Sharingan after all; it's normal for it to take a bit longer." Shikamaru yawned and said.
"Isn't the main point today about the grouping?" Kiba clenched his fists and said, "Sasuke isn't here, so it'll be even easier for us to get first place!"
"Then you'll have to get past Neji first," Tenten said with a smile.
"Anything can happen on a mission." Kiba's confidence remained undiminished. "What if Neji doesn't encounter any enemies on this mission?"
"Everyone has that possibility." Shino Aburame adjusted his glasses and said.
"Indeed." Tenten nodded and said, "What if it's not Neji who doesn't encounter enemies, but Kiba?"
"My luck has always been good!" Kiba immediately said.
"Hmph, first place might be mine!" Tayuya couldn't help but interject.
"The final ranking will include the theoretical exam scores." Ino blinked, reminding her.
"I..." Tayuya's face instantly stiffened. After studying for so long, her grades still hadn't changed much.
Kimimaro and Haku, however, had made rapid progress and could already enter the top fifteen of the Genius Class.
Tayuya had to admit a fact: she had no talent whatsoever for theoretical studies.
"Kitazawa-sensei is coming; I hope I'm not grouped with Ino this time." Sakura noticed Kitazawa and said.
"I don't want to be in a group with you either!" Ino said, with her hands on her hips.
"I hope my teammate is Naruto!" Rock Lee showed an excited smile and said, "Teaming up with Naruto before, that was truly a mission full of youth!"
Sakura subconsciously pressed her forehead. For her, that mission was simply terrifying.
Hinata clutched the corner of her clothes, her slender fingers gently rubbing. She wondered if Kitazawa would be her squad leader this time.
"Now, I will announce the groupings for this practical exam." Kitazawa walked in front of them and said, "Squad One, I will be leading."
Hinata immediately became nervous. She stared intently at Kitazawa, hoping to hear her name.
Ino also showed an expectant expression.
"The members are Yakumo, Neji, Hinata, and Tenten." After Kitazawa finished speaking, everyone in the Genius Class showed surprised expressions.
"Kitazawa-sensei, why does this squad have four people?" Naruto raised his hand and asked curiously.
"This mission is a bit troublesome, so there are four people," Kitazawa explained.
"Doesn't that mean Yakumo and Neji will easily get a perfect score?" Kiba scratched his head upon hearing this, saying with a pained expression, "My first place is gone again!"
"What a pity." Ino felt regret.
She hadn't been able to become a member of Kitazawa's squad this time either.
In contrast to her was Hinata, whose lips couldn't help but curve slightly upwards, her heart leaping with joy, feeling happy.
As for whether the mission was difficult, she didn't care.
"Yakumo and Hinata?" Neji frowned slightly, thinking it was tricky.
Yakumo was stronger than him, and Hinata was not weaker than him.
Although theoretically, the more difficult the mission, the easier it was to get a perfect score, it wasn't necessarily him who would get it.
Because his teammates were all good, even Tenten might steal his thunder. During missions, she could summon Shiromari, the chameleon summon.
"Squad Two, led by Lord Third." Kitazawa continued.
Soon, the six squads were assigned.
Some were happy, some were sad, but it was ultimately just a practical exam. If they weren't satisfied this time, there would be another chance.
After the grouping ended, the practical exam officially began.
However, the top nineteen students did not need to participate; they each went to find their respective squad leaders.
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Tenten greeted him with a beaming smile.
This time, she and Neji were teammates, so she was naturally very happy.
Hinata stepped forward a few paces and stood to Kitazawa's left.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Yakumo and Neji said in unison.
"Our mission this time is to the Takumi Village(Land of Artisan); the journey is long, so I'm giving you an hour to prepare."
Kitazawa looked at them and said, "In an hour, we'll gather at the Konoha Village main gate."
The Takumi Village is to the left of the Land of Wind. In the original story, with normal Ninja speed, it would take three days to reach the Land of Wind.
Going to the Takumi Village and back would probably take a week, making it the longest mission the Genius Class students had ever undertaken.
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei." Yakumo and the others answered in unison.
After they left, Kitazawa went to the ANBU Base. This mission to Takumi Village, in addition to his four students, also involved two Anbu squads.
However, the two Anbu squads had already been in Takumi Village for a long time, monitoring the Four Celestial Symbols Men.
Kitazawa pushed open the door and entered his office. Konan was sitting on the sofa as usual.
Kitazawa walked over and naturally rested his head on her lap.
Konan put down the book in her hand. She said nothing, but reached out and gently massaged his temples on both sides of his head.
"Has Itachi departed?" Kitazawa's gaze passed over the obstruction, looking at Konan, and asked.
"He left Konoha Village two hours ago after receiving the Anbu notification," Konan replied in a cool tone.
Kitazawa's purpose in bringing Itachi was naturally to ultimately control Takumi Village.
But he had to take four students on a mission, so he let Itachi go ahead to meet up with the Anbu squad in Takumi Village.
"Is the medicine for that Akatsuki Organization member of yours about to run out?" Kitazawa estimated the time and asked.
"Mhm." Konan nodded and said, "It should last about another week."
"After this mission, bring him to the Land of Fire." Kitazawa thought of Nagato's system mission.
He wondered what the effect of the improved Living Corpse Reincarnation Technique(Reanimation Jutsu) would be.
"Do I need to go with you on this mission?" Konan lowered her head and looked at him. With her movement, the outline of her clothes became more distinct.
"Our mission this time is Takumi Village." Kitazawa thought for a moment and said, "On the way back, we'll pass through the Land of Wind; you can return to the Akatsuki Organization from the Land of Wind."
Konan understood immediately. This meant he wanted her to go with him.
"Call me in half an hour." Kitazawa reminded her, then closed his eyes.
Konan said nothing more, just silently massaged him. A moment later, her hands moved down, massaging his neck and shoulders.
Time slowly passed.
Konan glanced at the clock on the wall and softly called out, "It's time, Kitazawa."
Kitazawa sat up and stretched. Actually, he hadn't been sleeping, but rather cultivating his Yang Release Chakra Mode.
Kitazawa stood up and looked at Konan. He met her cool gaze, and after two seconds, he reached out and pinched her cheek.
A hint of confusion flashed in Konan's eyes.
"Let's go, we'll depart now." Kitazawa suppressed his thoughts and said.
Konan's personality always gave him the illusion that he could bully her at any time.
"Mhm." Konan followed him out.
After leaving the ANBU Base, she vanished from the spot, turning to covertly track him.
Kitazawa arrived at the Konoha Village main gate fifteen minutes early. But someone was even earlier than him, and that was Hinata.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Hinata saw him and hurried forward.
"Why are you alone?" Kitazawa patted her head and asked.
"I didn't have much to prepare, so I came early." Hinata lowered her head and said softly.
"Then let's go register first." Kitazawa looked at the two new Konoha Gate Guards who were secretly observing them.
"Lord Kitazawa!" The two new Konoha Gate Guards noticed his gaze and immediately stood at attention to greet him.
"Not bad, very spirited." Kitazawa smiled and said, "You guys help me register."
"Yes, Lord Kitazawa!" The two new Konoha Gate Guards said with excited expressions.
Kitazawa now enjoyed a reputation as high as that of Konoha's Sannin back then, and he was worshipped by many. They were two of his admirers.
Moreover, when they had previously handed over their duties, Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane had praised Kitazawa to them.
They said it was Kitazawa's keen eye that led to their promotion, freeing them from guarding the Konoha Village gate.
After the registration was complete, Yakumo, Neji, and Tenten also arrived early.
The group headed towards Takumi Village. At dusk, they arrived at the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire.
"We'll rest here tonight." Kitazawa looked around and found a large open space.
Normally, when spending the night in the wild, one wouldn't choose such an open area.
According to what was taught at the Ninja Academy, the more secluded the overnight spot, the better, to avoid being discovered by enemies.
"We'll set up the tents." Tenten volunteered.
"No need for tents." Kitazawa shook his head and said.
"Eh?" Tenten and the others showed confused expressions. No tents? Were they going to sleep on the ground?
Kitazawa smiled and formed hand signs.
Wood Release: Four Pillar House!
In an instant, a very complex wooden house appeared before them.
"Wow!" Tenten couldn't help but widen her eyes.
"There's a Ninjutsu like this?" Yakumo and Neji felt their horizons broadened.
"So amazing!" Hinata looked at Kitazawa, her eyes filled with admiration.
"Is this... a Summoning Technique?" Konan, hidden in the shadows, didn't immediately think of Wood Release.
The reason was that Senju Hashirama's Wood Release legend was too deeply ingrained, or rather, it had already formed a stereotype.
How could the invincible Wood Release be used to build houses? This simply didn't fit the setting of Wood Release, which swept across the Ninja World.
Moreover, Kitazawa was not a Ninja from the Senju Clan.
As for the Summoning Technique, it was quite reasonable. After all, in the Ninja World, anything could be summoned.
Just like the Summoning: Triple Rashomon that Kitazawa had obtained earlier.
"Everyone, come in." Kitazawa pushed open the door and entered the living room.
Hinata was the first to follow him. She looked around, a surprised expression on her face. Because the interior of the house was even more perfect than she had imagined.
There were tables and chairs, a coffee table, and even a kitchen; the only thing missing was appliances.
"Kitazawa-sensei, can we learn this Ninjutsu?" Tenten asked with an envious look.
Yakumo and Neji also looked at Kitazawa. If they could learn this Ninjutsu, future missions would become much more convenient and comfortable.
"You can't learn it for now." Kitazawa shook his head and said.
Tenten showed a regretful expression upon hearing this.
"Take a look around, then choose your rooms. I'll go cook." Kitazawa waved his hand and walked into the kitchen.
But though it was called a kitchen, there was actually nothing in it. After all, Wood Release: Four Pillar House could only create wooden furniture.
If it could create pots, bowls, and pans, that would be very unscientific and very un-Ninja-like.
Kitazawa opened his summoning storage scroll, took out the prepared cooking utensils, and began to cook.
Meanwhile, in the living room, his four students began a discussion.
"There are exactly five rooms." Tenten asked with a look of surprise, "Can this Ninjutsu also control the number of rooms?"
"I think so." Yakumo sighed and said, "As expected of Kitazawa-sensei, he can do anything."
"Mm." Neji nodded and added, "We each get one room."
"Which room do you want to choose?" Tenten looked at Neji and asked.
"Any is fine," Neji said indifferently.
"I... I'll choose last." Hinata suddenly thought of something and quickly said.
"I'll take the room on the far right." Yakumo thought for a moment and said.
"In that case, let's go in order." Tenten smiled and said, "Neji and I will choose two rooms next to yours."
"I have no objections." Neji agreed.
"Me neither." Hinata glanced at the rooms upstairs and nodded emphatically.
If they went in order, she would get the fourth room.
After more than half an hour of busy cooking, Kitazawa finally finished dinner. He was about to carry it out when he suddenly stopped and called out, "Konan."
Konan immediately appeared before him.
"This is your dinner." Kitazawa took out a bento box and filled it with food for her.
"Thank you." Konan was startled for a moment, then took the bento box.
Kitazawa carried the food to the living room. His four students were already sitting obediently around the dining table.
"Time to eat." Kitazawa walked over, sat next to Hinata, and said.
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei." Tenten and the others said in unison.
After dinner, night fell.
But the weather today was good, with plenty of moonlight. Although it was still a bit dim, it was enough for Ninja.
"While there's still time, continue your training." Kitazawa stood at the doorway, watching them, and said.
Neji and Hinata were practicing Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.
After nearly two years of study, they had almost mastered it. They should be able to perform the full Sixty-Four Palms after a bit more practice.
As for Yakumo and Tenten, one was researching her Genjutsu Bloodline Limit, and the other was practicing the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique.
Kitazawa's gaze fell on Hinata and Neji. He was thinking about what to teach them after they mastered Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.
Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven was good, but at their age, it would be too difficult to learn.
Kitazawa suddenly let out a soft exclamation. Why did he have to teach Gentle Fist?
Once they obtained the yin release bow, they should learn archery.
The archery they currently knew was a very basic form, fine for ordinary Ninja, but ineffective against stronger opponents.
The best approach would be to create some bow-based Ninjutsu for them.
Thinking about it, there wasn't really any 'bow-style Ninjutsu' in the Ninja World.
If he could truly create a series of bow Ninjutsu or Secret Techniques, he could establish a new Ninja clan, much like the Ino–Shika–Chō.
[Current Mission: Create the first bow-style Secret Ninjutsu.]
[Mission Reward: Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists.]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa looked at the three lines of text before him, thinking there was an unexpected bonus.
Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists, from the Hyuga Clan, was a Taijutsu within the Gentle Fist system.
Its effect was to condense a large amount of Chakra in both hands, forming lion heads, and then launch a fierce attack.
Kitazawa fell into thought. What should the first bow-style Secret Technique be like?
The bow was already set; to increase its power, he had to approach it from the arrow's perspective.
Kitazawa's heart suddenly stirred. He thought of a Spiral Arrow.
After the arrow flew out, it would spiral at high speed in the air, which could increase its speed and lethality.
And it also had an advanced version: the Explosive Spiral Arrow. When the arrow approached its target, it would explode.
This would compensate for any lack of precision. As the saying goes, if precision isn't enough, explosive power makes up for it.
Thus, he now had two bow-style Secret Techniques.
"Alright, it's getting late. Today's training ends here." Seeing that it was about time, Kitazawa spoke, "Go back to your rooms and get some sleep early. We have to travel tomorrow."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei." Tenten and the others immediately stopped their training and headed to their rooms.
Kitazawa casually closed the door. He glanced at the rooms Hinata and the others had chosen, then went to the last one.
The room's furnishings were simple, with only a wooden bed. But for being in the wild, that was already considered excellent conditions.
Kitazawa made his bed and suddenly thought of Konan.
He paused slightly, realizing he had forgotten to create an extra room when using Wood Release: Four Pillar House earlier.
But now it was impossible to tear it down and start over.
"Konan," Kitazawa called out.
Konan appeared before him.
"Did you bring a sleeping bag?" Kitazawa said seriously, "We can squeeze in."
"I'll stand guard." Konan hesitated for a moment and said.