The wind outside the window had stilled.
Tsunade straightened her back and tilted her head toward the ceiling. Her face was flushed crimson, eyes unfocused, pupils rolled back.
Kitazawa exhaled slowly. His hands rested on Tsunade's snow-white, full peach of a bottom, fingers sinking in.
Moments later, she bent forward, arms looping around his neck.
Kitazawa felt the warm, soft weight press down on him.
He met her gaze; she was lucid again, yet a trace of alluring charm lingered in her eyes.
"Tsunade-sensei." Kitazawa leaned in and kissed her forehead.
"Mm-hmm." Tsunade let out a soft murmur.
She didn't move, as if all strength had left her. Seeing that, Kitazawa simply held her in silence.
Tsunade's figure was mature and voluptuous, more comfortable than any pillow in the world. Holding her, Kitazawa felt a peace he had never known.
"What time is it?" After a pause, Tsunade asked languidly.
"Four in the afternoon," Kitazawa replied.
"Then it's about time. Carry me to the bath." Tsunade lifted her chin toward him. "After that, we'll go home."
"You get up first." Kitazawa gave her soft bottom a light pat.
Tsunade answered, rising to sit.
Kitazawa got off the bed and stood in front of her.
Before he could speak, she stretched out her arms.
Kitazawa's eyelid twitched involuntarily. That fair skin, no matter how many times he saw it, still struck him breathless.
Tsunade smiled faintly, watching him.
He collected himself, bent down, and lifted her.
Tsunade wrapped around him like an octopus. Her long, snow-white legs hooked over his waist.
The two of them walked into the bathroom.
Hot water cascaded, steam billowing up. Kitazawa sat opposite her, quelling the stir inside while he bathed her.
When it was done, he wiped sweat from his brow.
"Why do I feel like you fought a fierce battle just to give me a bath?" Tsunade noticed and asked with a grin.
"It's all your fault." Kitazawa rolled his eyes at her.
"Fault for what?" Tsunade straightened, leaning forward.
Kitazawa was instantly dazzled. He twitched his lips—no doubt she was doing it on purpose.
She'd always been bold, only restrained before by their relationship.
Now that they knew every inch of each other, restraint was gone.
"Fault for being too beautiful," Kitazawa answered.
"I like hearing that." Tsunade blinked, delighted, and pressed his head to her chest.
Kitazawa's breath caught. His face was smothered, cut off from fresh air.
"What time did you say it was?" Feeling the hot breath on her chest, Tsunade went soft again.
"Four," Kitazawa mumbled.
The next second, he brightened—then she shoved him back.
He stared at her, puzzled.
Tsunade's eyes were misty with allure. She stepped closer, arms circling him, settling onto his lap.
Kitazawa's pupils quaked.
Instinctively, he squeezed her full bottom spilling between his fingers.
"We—we can head back at six," Tsunade mumbled indistinctly.
"Not afraid of Shizune now?" Regaining focus, Kitazawa rested his hands on her slender white waist.
"Then I'll leave?" Tsunade frowned and started to stand.
"Wait!" He hugged her quickly. "Tsunade-sensei can play as long as she likes—nine tonight is fine!"
"Th—that won't do." Tsunade huffed. "It's your birthday after all; we have to go home for dinner."
"Mm." Feeling her soft skin, Kitazawa said, "Whatever you say."
"I just had an idea." Tsunade giggled. "The house Shizune and I live in was arranged by the Old Man as a temporary place."
"You want to move into our place?" Kitazawa blinked.
"How could that be?" Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Your house can't fit that many people."
"True." He nodded.
Kurenai's home was an ordinary two-story with only four rooms.
It would be crowded if Tsunade, Shizune, Uzumaki Rina, and Karin moved in. And there was no real reason for them to move in.
"I—I meant all of you move to the Senju compound." Tsunade voiced her real plan.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. It sounded feasible.
The only problem was Kurenai. The house Tsunade and Shizune used had been arranged by Sarutobi Hiruzen, not their own.
Leaving it would carry no regrets as there's no attachment. But Kurenai's home was hers.
"What's wrong?" Tsunade licked her rosy lips. "Afraid your Kurenai will refuse?"
Kitazawa nodded instinctively.
"Leave it to me." Tsunade chuckled. "I'm the Hokage; I'll handle it."
"Alright." He patted her thigh. "I'll wait for your good news."
"Happy to sit back and enjoy, aren't you?" Tsunade scoffed.
Kitazawa twitched his lips.
She changed faces faster than turning a page. Still, she wasn't wrong—he was literally sitting back and riding.
"Thanks." He hugged her tightly.
Tsunade blinked, then smiled, stroking his head, utterly content.
The sun set.
December days grew dark fast.
Night fell, lamps lighting the streets of Konoha Village.
"Tonight the village feels extra lively." Tsunade looked around, smiling.
"Probably because the New Year's almost here." Kitazawa gazed at her radiant beauty.
"Let's celebrate at the Senju compound this year," Tsunade said with a nostalgic look.
"Mm." He nodded.
"Good. You're obedient today." Tsunade approved.
"That's slander." Kitazawa protested. "Wasn't I obedient before?"
"Not particularly." She tilted her head.
"Then I'll be this obedient from now on—guaranteed to satisfy you." He said solemnly.
Tsunade nodded reflexively, then caught on and shot him a glare, cheeks reddening. With their Yin Seals, their strength should be equal, yet reality differed.
She simply wasn't a match for Kitazawa.
[Current Quest: Receive Tsunade's special reward.]
[Reward: Sage Mode talent.]
[Quest completed; reward issued.]
Three sudden lines froze Kitazawa. Tsunade had already given the reward?
He quickly realized what it meant. He rubbed his brow—had he known, he'd have shortened the time.
Still, this birthday was a double win. He'd won Tsunade's heart and gained talent for Sage Mode.
Once he mastered Sage Mode, he could walk the Ninja World unchallenged. Even if Ōtsutsuki Kaguya broke free, he could fight her.
But there was no chance of that. Kitazawa would never let Nagato and Uchiha Obito gather all nine Tailed Beasts.
Soon, the two reached home.
"Lady Tsunade." Shizune asked in reproach, "Why gamble so late again?"
She didn't blame Kitazawa; she knew once Tsunade got hooked, no one could stop her.
"It's Kitazawa's birthday; I played a few extra rounds in good spirits," Tsunade answered without batting an eye.
"Shizune-senpai." Kitazawa shot her a look.
"Perfect timing—come eat!" Kurenai carried a dish from the kitchen, Uzumaki Rina right behind her.
Everyone gathered around the table.
"No sake?" Tsunade glanced around.
"We drank at noon; skip it tonight," Shizune replied.
"Fine." Feeling guilty for lying, Tsunade let it drop.
After dinner, Kitazawa volunteered to wash the dishes.
"Kurenai." Tsunade rose. "Come here, I have something to tell you."
"Of course, Lady Tsunade." Kurenai followed her upstairs.
"Kurenai, have you ever thought about moving?" Tsunade asked straight to the point.
"Move?" Kurenai froze for a moment and asked in confusion, "Move to where?"
"The Senju Clan compound." Tsunade replied, "There are plenty of empty houses there."
Kurenai fell into thought.
Her first instinct was that Tsunade herself wanted to move. After all, her own home was in the Senju compound.
The reason they were being invited—aside from the empty houses—was probably because Tsunade was simply used to living with them.
Kurenai couldn't help but feel torn.
From a relationship standpoint, moving to the Senju compound would indeed be more convenient.
But this was, after all, the house her parents had left her.
"After you move, you can still come back here—there's no real difference," Tsunade said as she looked at her.
Kurenai opened her mouth, but said nothing. There was still a difference between living somewhere full-time and just visiting.
"You have to think about Kitazawa." Tsunade continued calmly. "After you marry, do you really expect Kitazawa to keep living in your house?"
"Eh?" Kurenai hadn't expected that at all.
The moment marriage crossed her mind, her cheeks flushed uncontrollably. But Tsunade did have a point.
After marriage, she should move into Kitazawa's home—not the other way around.
Besides, Kitazawa was an orphan; strictly speaking, Tsunade was his only elder. After all, a teacher held a status akin to one's parents.
In theory, if Tsunade didn't approve, she and Kitazawa couldn't even get married.
"Mm." Kurenai lowered her head and said softly, "Then we'll move."
"I'll go tell Kitazawa." Tsunade nodded and turned to leave.
Downstairs, she let out a slow breath. She had brought up marriage because she herself would probably never marry Kitazawa—and she felt guilty toward Kurenai.
Tsunade walked into the kitchen.
"Tsunade-sensei, did you need me for something?" Kitazawa glanced at her and said, "I need a few more minutes to finish washing."
"I already spoke with Kurenai; she agreed to move," Tsunade said, standing in the doorway.
"That fast?" Surprise flashed across Kitazawa's face.
It was a genuine surprise. In less than a minute, Kurenai had said yes.
Even he wasn't sure he could have made her decide that quickly.
"You still have plenty to learn." Tsunade's lips curved in a smile.
"Indeed." Kitazawa nodded solemnly. "I'll definitely learn more from you, Teacher Tsunade."
"Sweet-talker." Tsunade's grin widened. "All right, finish the dishes."
She never stepped into the kitchen. She'd eaten too much today and didn't want to provoke Kitazawa.
After washing up, Kitazawa returned to the living room.
To his surprise, Tsunade and Shizune had already gone home.
They left so quickly? He guessed it was Tsunade's idea. Looks like today's efforts hadn't been wasted.
"Kitazawa." Kurenai looked at him. "Did Lady Tsunade tell you about moving?"
"She did. I've no objection; it's mainly up to you." He paused. "I'm curious why you agreed."
"If Lady Tsunade and the others move away, the place will feel less lively." Kurenai averted her gaze.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. He stepped closer and sniffed lightly.
"Smells like a lie." He smiled half-teasingly.
"I'm telling the truth." Kurenai insisted.
"Really?" Kitazawa looked at her, grinning. "I know you pretty well, you know."
"Then tonight you guessed my thoughts wrong." Kurenai retorted stubbornly.
"Looks like I'll have to get to know you all over again tonight." Kitazawa bent down and lifted her into his arms.
"Bath first." Kurenai blinked—cheeks reddening, heart fluttering, her lovely eyes rippling.
Another sleepless night.
---
The next morning.
Kurenai still hadn't woken up.
Kitazawa left a small note. It told her to pack for the move once she woke.
As for the Ninja Academy, he would substitute for her today.
Kitazawa closed the door and left.
He glanced next door; the door was locked. Tsunade and Shizune had probably already headed to the Hokage Building.
Tsunade used to sleep in, but once she became Hokage, she had no choice but to be diligent.
Even if she wanted to laze about, Shizune would make sure she got to work on time.
Kitazawa used the Flying Thunder God Technique and appeared in a corner of the Ninja Academy's Training Ground.
Once steady, he walked onto the field.
"Teacher Kitazawa!" Naruto waved eagerly.
Kitazawa nodded and looked at Konohamaru beside him.
"Teacher Kitazawa," Naruto explained, "Konohamaru wants to train with us, so I brought him."
"Training's fine—just don't disturb the other students." Kitazawa didn't refuse.
After all, Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't far away; respect had to be shown. Besides, with Konohamaru's talent, entering the Genius Class next year was a foregone conclusion.
"Thank you, Teacher Kitazawa!" Konohamaru beamed.
"See? I told you yesterday—Teacher Kitazawa's a good guy and easy to talk to." Naruto grinned.
Why the sudden praise? Kitazawa shook his head wryly.
"Big brother Naruto's right!" Konohamaru gave a thumbs-up.
"For now, follow Iruka and learn the Three Basic E-rank Technique." Kitazawa decided.
Normally, new students started with Chakra control—but Konohamaru was different. He already had a solid foundation; before enrolling, he'd had a Special Jonin as a personal tutor.
That Special Jonin—Kitazawa knew him—was Ebisu. He'd even taken the Genius Class practical exam once and fought Sakura Haruno.
"Naruto, Sasuke, come with me," Kitazawa added.
Sasuke's face fell. He knew exactly what was coming—Naruto would beat him senseless again.
"Beat" wasn't an exaggeration. With Kurama's Chakra, Naruto completely overpowered him.
Though Sasuke managed the occasional counter, most of the time he simply took a pounding.
Forest of Death.
Sasuke's suffering training began anew.
Kitazawa left a Shadow Clone behind and formed hand seals.
Summoning Technique! A fist-sized slug appeared.
"Katsuyu-sama, please send me to Shikkotsu Forest," Kitazawa said bluntly. "Today I want to learn Sage Mode."
Katsuyu was startled.
Kitazawa hadn't visited Shikkotsu Forest in a long while. She'd thought he'd given up on Sage Mode.
"Very well, Kitazawa-sama." Katsuyu vanished.
Moments later, Kitazawa felt the familiar tug. He surrendered to it and arrived in Shikkotsu Forest.
"Sorry to trouble you, Katsuyu-sama." He looked up at the enormous true form of Katsuyu.
"No trouble at all." Katsuyu opened her mouth and spat out a pail of translucent fluid.
Kitazawa removed his shirt, smeared the fluid over himself, and sat cross-legged.
Eyes closed, he quickly sensed a unique energy. Unlike Chakra, natural energy was wilder.
Kitazawa exhaled in relief.
Without talent, a year of effort wouldn't even open the door. With talent, the threshold was crossed in under a minute.
Results were immediate.
Katsuyu's eyes widened. Had he succeeded?
She could sense fluctuations in Shikkotsu Forest's natural energy. Right now, she clearly felt some of that energy flowing toward Kitazawa.
Without doubt, he had perceived natural energy—and was drawing it into his body.
Katsuyu was astonished. After all this time, why did he only succeed today?
Still, it was a good development. Shikkotsu Forest hadn't produced a Sage Mode contractor in ages.
A day passed quickly.
Kitazawa opened his eyes and ended his training.
He stood, feeling refreshed. Though he hadn't even reached the first stage of Sage Mode, he had taken the crucial first step.
Mastering it was now only a matter of time.
"Congratulations, Kitazawa-sama," Katsuyu said gently.
"Thank you." Kitazawa replied modestly, "I was just lucky."
"Being able to train Sage Mode shows talent, not luck." Katsuyu corrected.
"Thanks for today. I'll come again tomorrow." Kitazawa smiled.
Now that he had the aptitude, he had to master Sage Mode.
But Flying Thunder God Technique: Second Step and Flying Thunder God Technique: Guiding Thunder couldn't fall behind either.
Kitazawa planned to master all three within the next six months. After all, the war in Hidden Rain Village could escalate at any moment.
"I'll take you home." Katsuyu nodded and said.
Space shifted; when Kitazawa opened his eyes again, he was back in the Forest of Death.
Not far away, Sasuke lay on the ground, barely breathing.
"That's enough training for today." Kitazawa stepped forward and said with a smile.
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei." Naruto released the Kurama Chakra and helped Sasuke to his feet.
The three of them walked toward Konoha Village.
Once they reached the main street, Kitazawa parted ways with them and headed for the Hokage Building.
Flying Thunder God Technique! Kitazawa appeared at the door to the Hokage Office.
He knocked, then walked straight in.
"Why are you lying down again?" Kitazawa looked at Tsunade stretched out on the sofa and couldn't help but chuckle.
"It's past work hours—can't I slack off?" Tsunade sat up and asked.
"Technically, there are still thirteen minutes left." Kitazawa glanced at the clock on the wall and said.
"I'm the Hokage; when I say work's over, it's over. Got a problem with that?" Tsunade crossed her shapely legs and asked.
"Not at all." Kitazawa stepped in front of her, offered his hand, and asked, "Home, then?"
"Have you two moved already?" Tsunade took his hand, lifted her rounded hips, and stood up.
"Not yet." Kitazawa hesitated. "But I asked Kurenai to pack today; we should be able to move tomorrow."
"No rush." Tsunade thought for a moment. "Let's do it during the New-Year break—on the twenty-eighth. I'll help."
"Sounds good." Kitazawa nodded. "I'll tell Kurenai tonight."
"Finally, a real vacation." Tsunade stretched languidly.
Kitazawa's eyelid twitched; he reached out and pulled her into his arms.
A restless heat stirred inside Tsunade. She had always been feminine, yet never truly a woman—until now.
With the seal broken, she felt desires she could barely control. But the time and place were all wrong.
"Come to me tonight." Tsunade leaned in, traced his ear with her tongue, and whispered.
Kitazawa stiffened, barely resisting the urge to throw caution to the wind.
"Let's go." Tsunade winked, gave him a sultry look, then sashayed out with a sway of her hips.
Kitazawa felt as if she were toying with him at will.
No way! Tonight, he'd make her pay for every tease!
Night deepened; the moon rode high.
Silence settled over Kurenai's room.
Exhausted, she had fallen into a heavy sleep.
Kitazawa slipped free and used the Flying Thunder God Technique.
In the next instant, he was in Tsunade's bedroom. The lights were off, but to him it might as well have been daylight.
He slid under the quilt; soon, a soft, bare, fully-mature body twined around him.
Another sleepless night.
Only at dawn did he leave, again using the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Eh?" Shizune opened the door, saw Tsunade in the living room, and looked as if she'd seen a ghost.
"What's with that face?" Tsunade yawned.
She hadn't slept, but the Yin Seal kept her from feeling too drained.
"Why are you up so early?" Shizune asked in surprise.
"Am I not allowed to wake up early?" Tsunade shot back.
"I suppose you are." Shizune let it drop. "I'll make breakfast."
Once she was gone, Tsunade leaned back and closed her eyes. Images of the night surfaced; unconsciously, she pressed her thighs together.
Time drifted by.
The winter holiday entered its second week; the year neared its end—only two days till New Year.
Every Ninja in Konoha except those on duty was off.
"Welcome to the Senju Clan compound!" Tsunade beamed.
Once she had dreaded coming home—only she had remained.
Now she returned voluntarily, no longer alone: Kitazawa, Shizune, and the others were with her.
"We have to celebrate properly today!" Kurenai said excitedly. "I've never lived in such a huge house!"
"From now on, this is your home." Tsunade declared generously.
"Let's talk inside." Shizune carried a box indoors.
Kitazawa followed, also cradling a box.
Today, they weren't just moving—they were making the place a real home.
The house had stood empty for years and needed a thorough cleaning. By the time they finished, night had fallen.
"This is one of the biggest residences in the Senju compound," Tsunade clapped. "Rooms upstairs and down—pick whichever you like."
"Lady Tsunade, you choose first," Kurenai said hastily.
"You're guests—guests pick first." Tsunade shook her head. "Enough formality.
"Then I'll take the one upstairs on the right." Kurenai pointed.
"I'll take the room next to it," Kitazawa said.
He knew the choice was meaningless, but since Tsunade insisted, he obliged.
"We'll stay downstairs." Uzumaki Rina decided.
The kitchen was downstairs—convenient for cooking.
"I'll stay down as well," Shizune added after a moment.
"Then I'll take upstairs," Tsunade said evenly.
"Rooms chosen—let's start dinner." Shizune stood.
"I'll help!" Kurenai offered at once.
"Count me in." Rina hurried after them.
That left Tsunade, Kitazawa, and Karin.
"So, Tsunade-sensei, any plans for the break?" Kitazawa idly flicked the TV remote.
"Nothing special." Tsunade lounged on the sofa. "Sleep and the Casino."
"Simple as that?" Kitazawa laughed.
"What's funny?" Tsunade shot him a look. "You'll stick to my schedule—come with me."
Kitazawa blinked. Had Karin not been there, he would have asked if that included the sleeping part.
"Got it, Tsunade-sensei."
Training could wait; the New-Year holiday was meant for fun.
Early next morning, after breakfast, Tsunade dragged him to the Casino.
Shizune fumed but could only sigh. In truth, Tsunade didn't gamble the whole day; the remaining hours she spent sparring with Kitazawa.
She had grown addicted to battle—the thrill rivalled gambling.
The wild New-Year holiday passed in a blur.
---
January arrived.
The Genius Class reopened.
No new students enrolled this term; March would bring the real admissions season.
Forest of Death.
Kitazawa flicked a Flying Thunder God kunai into the air. While it spun mid-flight, he blinked beside it and punched.
With a boom, a tree snapped and toppled.
The kunai lodged in another trunk. He teleported again, plucking it free.
A grin spread across his face. Flying Thunder God Technique: Second Step—mastered!
Next up: Flying Thunder God Technique:Guiding Thunder.
He pocketed the kunai and turned to watch Sasuke and Naruto's bout.
Outnumbered, Sasuke teetered on the edge; a final kick sent him flying.
Sasuke clenched his fists, face twisted with frustration. Defeat after defeat had bred a storm of anger and resentment.
He had once considered quitting, but the repeated beatings had forged a stubborn resolve.
He would not rest until he beat Naruto—just once!
Kitazawa's brow rose.
He sensed the Yin Release Chakra in Sasuke had grown again. At this rate, awakening the Mangekyo Sharingan was no longer a dream.
"Time's up—head home." Kitazawa dismissed his Shadow Clone and said.
Sasuke rose without a word and trudged toward the Uchiha compound.
"Sasuke." A familiar voice called.
"Big brother!" Sasuke's face lit up.
"Why the long face?" Uchiha Itachi ruffled his hair.
"Training." The smile vanished; Sasuke mumbled.
"What kind?" Itachi asked, curious.
He had been busy watching Orochimaru and, trusting Kitazawa, had stayed away for a while.
"Combat training with Naruto," Sasuke replied. "Teacher Kitazawa says this can awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan."
Itachi couldn't help showing a puzzled expression. Awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan? But isn't this method a bit… wrong?
Itachi knew many ways to unlock the Mangekyo Sharingan, and almost all required experiencing something extremely tragic.
Unlocking it during training was unheard of. If it were this easy, the Uchiha Clan would be overflowing with Mangekyo Sharingan.
"Brother, do you know why?" Sasuke asked curiously.
"Lord Kitazawa must have a reason for arranging this training." Itachi paused and said, "Activate your Three-Tomoe Sharingan."
"Huh?" Sasuke didn't react at first.
"You've trained for so long; there should be some effect." Although Itachi doubted the training's usefulness, he believed Kitazawa wouldn't act rashly.
"Really?" Sasuke's eyes lit up, and he quickly activated the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.
"This is—?" Itachi immediately sensed that his ocular power—Sasuke's Yin Release Chakra—had increased by roughly a fifth.
"Did I get stronger?" Sasuke scratched his head and asked. He was beaten up by Naruto every day and hadn't felt any improvement.
"You've become much stronger." Itachi suppressed his surprise and said, "At this rate, you might awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan in a year or two."
"What?" Sasuke exclaimed in delight. "This training actually works?"
"Why so surprised?" Itachi chuckled. "Didn't you trust Teacher Kitazawa?"
"I do trust him," Sasuke said sheepishly, "but this training method makes me doubt."
"Now you don't have to doubt anymore—keep at it." Itachi ruffled his hair and said.
"Mm!" Sasuke declared excitedly. "Once I awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan, I'll be first in the Genius Class!"
Uchiha Itachi started to speak, but stopped.
The Genius Class still had a Nine-Tails Jinchuriki; claiming first place wouldn't be easy. But he didn't want to dampen Sasuke's confidence and stayed silent.
---
March arrived.
Konoha Village entered spring; temperatures warmed.
Today, the Ninja Academy was unusually lively—it was the annual opening ceremony.
"Hahaha!" Konohamaru stood at the gate, hands on hips, shouting, "I'm finally enrolled! My path to Hokage starts today!"
"Great, you've grasped the way of youth!" Naruto said excitedly. "Youth means becoming Hokage!"
"Big bro Naruto's right!" A pony-tailed little girl chimed in.
With a bright, lively smile—Kazamatsuri Moegi.
"Big bro Naruto, how do we join the Genius Class?" Ise Udon asked impatiently.
"You have to pass a test." Naruto scratched his head. "I remember there's a practical exam."
"A practical right after enrolling?" Ise Udon looked surprised.
"It's the Genius Class, after all!" Naruto patted his shoulder. "I'm sure you'll pass!"
"Konohamaru should be fine," Moegi said worriedly, "but Udon and I might not make it."
Neither she nor Udon came from a Ninja clan and had no private tutor.
"Don't worry!" Naruto smiled. "There are two other ways into the Genius Class!"
"What are they?" Moegi and Udon asked together.
"First, perform outstandingly in another class," Naruto held up two fingers, "and second, get picked by Teacher Kitazawa—his eye for talent is sharp!"
"Naruto, chatting with freshmen before school even starts? Classic you." Shikamaru's voice came from nearby.
"Shikamaru-senpai!" Konohamaru greeted him at once.
Moegi and Udon followed suit.
"What about me?" Ino flicked her blond bangs.
"Ino-senpai!" The three chorused.
"Good!" Ino beamed. "I've got you covered from now on!"
"She's no good!" Sakura cut in.
"Losers shouldn't talk!" Ino shot her a glare.
"I was only one rank behind!" Sakura retorted. "Next time I'll beat you!"
"Keep saying that and you'll never win." Ino gloated.
Sakura's chest hurt from anger. Damn—she wasn't jinxing herself!
"Such passionate youth!" A green blur appeared—Rock Lee.
"Morning, everyone." Tenten stepped up, smiling.
With her were Hyuga Neji, Hyuga Hinata, and Hyuga Hanabi.
"Looks like plenty of new students will join the Genius Class this year," Ino said, glancing at Hanabi.
"They still have to pass the practical first," Shikamaru reminded.
"Is Teacher Kitazawa running this year's practical?" Tenten asked curiously.
"No idea," Shikamaru shrugged. "Let's head to the Training Ground and see."
"Let's go!" Naruto waved.
"Genius Class, here I come!" Konohamaru shouted.
Ino and the others exchanged looks—this kid was hopeless.
They arrived at their usual Training Ground. A long queue had already formed. All were freshmen waiting for the practical test.
The Genius Class's fame was simply too great.
Every Ninja knew its importance and wanted their child inside. So each March, most new students took the test.
"Iruka-sensei's in charge," Shikamaru spotted Iruka sparring with students in the center.
"Teacher Kitazawa's here too!" Naruto pointed to Kitazawa at the edge.
"Let's go over." Tenten nodded.
Hinata stepped forward first, pulling Hanabi along.
"Teacher Kitazawa!" Hanabi called cheerfully.
"Long time no see, Hanabi," Kitazawa said, patting her head.
Hinata stared at him. He patted her head as well.
After some small talk, Hanabi, Konohamaru, and the others joined the queue.
"Wonder if they'll pass," Ino said, watching the fights.
"Konohamaru and Hanabi should be fine," Shikamaru guessed.
Tenten and the others agreed.
Time passed, and soon it was Konohamaru's turn. He showed decent taijutsu and Transformation Technique.
Kitazawa half expected a Sexy Technique, but thankfully it didn't happen.
Looks like Naruto hadn't taught him that. With Naruto obsessed with taijutsu these days…
"Pass," Iruka announced.
"Big bro Naruto, we're classmates now!" Konohamaru ran to Naruto in delight.
Next was Hanabi. Though she couldn't use Transformation, her basic Gentle Fist was solid, and she passed.
Moegi and Udon performed on average and failed.
But Kitazawa planned to exercise his privilege and let them in.
Originally, he'd considered only Konohamaru and Moegi, but on second thought, Udon qualified too—after all, he would become a Jonin in the future.