May 1st, Thursday.
Kitazawa and Kurenai arrived at the Ninja Academy.
Yesterday, the rankings for the Genius Class's mid-term exams were announced, with Sasuke taking first place.
For him, who had been unilaterally beaten by Naruto, it was a rare piece of good news.
Kitazawa sometimes worried that Sasuke wouldn't be able to complete his combat training. But in reality, the situation was much better than he had imagined.
The more Sasuke was beaten, the more fighting spirit he had. One could only say he truly lived up to his title as the Uchiha's Pressure King.
Kitazawa was now worried that he wouldn't be able to awaken his Mangekyo Sharingan for a long time.
However, he decided to trust the bond between him and Naruto for now.
Since it wasn't time for class yet, Kitazawa and Kurenai walked over and chatted with Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others.
Among the seven practical training teachers, only Kakashi and Yamato were not very talkative, standing to the side and listening to their conversation.
"Kitazawa." Sarutobi Hiruzen casually asked, "Will the Final Exams this semester still be Team Battles?"
He asked this because Kitazawa had changed the Final Exams once before.
"Unless something unexpected happens, it will be a Team Battle." Kitazawa thought for a moment and said.
Unless a new system mission was triggered, there was no need to change it.
"Team Battles are actually quite good." Maruboshi Kosuke paused and said, "It's just that Naruto and his team are too strong, leading to an imbalance among the Ninja squads."
"That is indeed a problem." Sarutobi Hiruzen agreed.
"Should we have Naruto and his team not participate?" Chen asked hesitantly, "But wouldn't that be unfair to them?"
"I have an idea: let the two opposing teams impose restrictions on each other," Kitazawa said after a moment of thought.
"What do you mean?" Chen was stunned, not quite understanding.
"For example, Naruto's squad and Sasuke's squad." Kitazawa said with a smile, "Sasuke can propose to prohibit Naruto's squad from using Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, and conversely, Naruto can also propose a restriction."
"Good idea!" Kurenai's eyes lit up, and she praised him.
"That's indeed good." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and said.
"A very clever approach." Maruboshi Kosuke echoed.
Mutual restrictions might seem fair, but in reality, they are not.
For example, if Naruto is prohibited from using Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, his strength would be greatly reduced.
However, if Sasuke is prohibited from using Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, it would have virtually no impact on him.
"In addition, we can set a range." Kitazawa continued.
"You mean the range of the restriction conditions?" Kurenai asked thoughtfully.
"Yes." Kitazawa replied, "I'm worried that some students might propose absurd conditions, like not being allowed to use Chakra."
"You're always so thoughtful." Sarutobi Hiruzen praised.
"The seven of us can first write down a list of restriction conditions for the top twenty-one students." Kitazawa suggested, "Then we can discuss them at a later time and finalize them."
"Alright." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and said.
Maruboshi Kosuke and the others had no objections.
"But one restriction condition might not be enough for Naruto and his team." Kurenai suddenly said.
"Each team has three students, and each team can choose to restrict three conditions." Kitazawa smiled and said, "But one person can only be restricted by a maximum of two conditions."
"Will this greatly weaken certain squads?" Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered for a moment and asked.
"Yes." Kitazawa changed the topic and said, "This is also the significance of us setting a range for the restriction conditions."
"In terms of teaching, no one can really compare to you." Sarutobi Hiruzen was stunned for a moment, then sighed emotionally.
"It was just a flash of inspiration." Kitazawa humbly said.
He was actually referring to the rules of esports in his previous life.
---
Nine AM.
Kitazawa left a Shadow Clone and prepared to go to Shikkotsu Forest to cultivate Sage Mode.
He suddenly thought of Konan, so he headed to the ANBU Base.
"When did you get back?" Kitazawa pushed open the door and saw Konan sitting on the sofa.
Before going on the mission to the Hidden Star Village, he had given Konan a week off.
But because he had to leave Flying Thunder God Marks in various countries and then go to the Land of Demons, he was delayed by an extra week.
"I came back last week." Konan replied, "I saw you hadn't returned, so I waited for you in your office."
"You've worked hard. Next time, you don't have to wait for me. Mission times are uncertain; I'll find you when I get back." Kitazawa walked up to her, hugged her, and kissed her forehead.
"I don't have anything to do." Konan looked up, her beautiful eyes fixed on him.
Kitazawa reached out and stroked her head.
Konan, after all, was not a Konoha Village Ninja, and there wasn't much for her to do in Konoha Village.
Only after bringing the Akatsuki Organization under his control could he arrange work for her. Whether as the Hokage's secretary or the Anbu leader, both would suit her well.
"How is your Akatsuki Organization doing?" Kitazawa's right hand moved down to her cheek.
"Everything is as usual," Konan replied.
After she finished speaking, her red lips parted slightly, and she bit Kitazawa's index finger.
A bold idea immediately popped into Kitazawa's mind. But would Konan agree?
After a moment of hesitation, he decided to give it a try. Because he always felt that with her personality, she would be willing to try anything.
Kitazawa lowered his head and whispered two sentences into her ear.
Konan was stunned. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks, and under Kitazawa's expectant gaze, she nodded.
"Konan." Kitazawa suppressed the anticipation in his heart and said with a normal expression, "I need to write something."
"Mhm," Konan responded.
Kitazawa walked to his desk. After sitting in the office chair, he took out paper and a pen.
He was going to write down the restriction conditions for the Genius Class students that he had discussed with Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others that morning.
Suddenly, the pen in his hand slipped and fell under the desk.
Kitazawa didn't bend down to pick it up.
Seeing this, Konan walked over, squatted, and crawled under the desk. She picked up the pen and looked up at Kitazawa.
"Thank you." Kitazawa stroked her head.
Konan didn't speak. She simply lowered her head.
Kitazawa's body stiffened for a moment, then quickly relaxed. His gaze fell on the blank scroll. After taking a deep breath, he took out a new pen.
Kitazawa thought for a moment and wrote down three names.
Uzumaki Naruto.
Uchiha Sasuke.
Kurama Yakumo.
Although the Genius Class was filled with prodigies, these three were undoubtedly a cut above the rest. And indeed, that was the case.
In previous Team Battles, first place had often come from one of their three squads.
Kitazawa's body trembled slightly, and he frowned. A strange thought inexplicably surfaced in his mind: Konan's mouth was indeed warm.
Kitazawa shook his head and began writing the restriction conditions related to Uzumaki Naruto.
Time slowly passed.
Two hours later, Konan puffed out her cheeks.
"You… how are you doing?" Kitazawa stopped writing and looked at her.
Konan shook her head. She picked up the glass of water on the table, her throat moving as she gulped down the entire glass in one go.
Kitazawa was slightly surprised by the sight. She hadn't wasted a single drop—drinking it all cleanly.
"You've worked hard. Take the afternoon off." Kitazawa slowly exhaled.
Konan's expression remained indifferent as she silently stood up and left the office.
The door closed.
Kitazawa watched her back and quietly thought that bringing the Akatsuki Organization under his control should be placed on the agenda soon.
After all, Konan had made such a great sacrifice.
Kitazawa rubbed his forehead, feeling a faint dizziness. He had been writing for too long.
But soon, he returned to normal, entering the calm state of a sage.
By the afternoon, Kitazawa had finished writing all the restriction conditions. He put down his pen and went to Shikkotsu Forest to cultivate Sage Mode.
A week later.
Kitazawa and Sarutobi Hiruzen gathered to discuss the restriction conditions.
Many of the conditions written by the seven teachers overlapped. Aside from eliminating duplicates, they also had to decide which ones were worth keeping.
For example, restricting Hinata from using the Moon-Chasing Bow or the Byakugan was unacceptable.
That would drastically weaken her and defeat the purpose of training.
However, restricting Hinata from using Explosive Arrows was reasonable.
[Current Mission: Teach Haku five Water Release Ninjutsu.]
[Mission Reward: Master-level Water Release Chakra Nature Transformation.]
[Host has completed the mission, reward issued.]
After the discussion, Kitazawa received an unexpected surprise from Haku. Another system mission had been completed.
The reward was Master-level Water Release Chakra Nature Transformation.
Although it didn't directly increase his combat power, it brought a comprehensive improvement to all Water Release techniques.
At present, Kitazawa already possesses Master-level transformations in Water Release, Lightning Release, Yin Release, and Yang Release.
What remained were Wind Release, Earth Release, and Fire Release.
Once all seven were gathered… He wondered if he could create Truth-Seeking Orbs—or something similar.
Kitazawa glanced at the time and headed for the Ninja Academy's Training Ground.
Since Haku had completed the mission, it meant he had already mastered Water Release: Water Severing Slash.
It was time to teach him something new.
Originally, Kitazawa planned to continue with Tobirama Senju's Water Release techniques, such as Water Release: Water Severing Wave.
But he suddenly changed his mind.
In the original story, Haku possessed a classic Water Release technique—Water Release: Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death.
It transformed water into countless senbon, attacking in nearly a full 360-degree range.
And it required only a single hand sign.
Combined with Ice Release: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals, its lethality was terrifying.
However, since Haku had come to Konoha, he no longer had the chance to learn it. And Kitazawa himself didn't know the technique either.
But now, with Master-level Water Release Chakra Nature Transformation, that no longer mattered. If he didn't know it, he would create it.
In short, Kitazawa planned to teach Haku Water Release: Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death.
Creating the technique wasn't difficult. He already knew its effects—he simply needed to reverse-engineer it.
The prerequisite was clear: Master-level Water Release Chakra Nature Transformation and Chakra Form Transformation.
"Teacher Kitazawa." Haku hurried over when he saw him. "I've learned Water Release: Water Severing Slash."
"Good." Kitazawa nodded. "Then today, I'll teach you a new Water Release technique—Water Release: Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death. But before that, I'll teach you One-Hand Sign."
One-Hand Sign wasn't something every ninja could master. In the original story, Haku was among the rare few who could use it.
Its advantages were obvious.
First—perfect for surprise attacks. Second, it allowed multitasking. One hand could form seals while the other threw ninja tools.
But there were drawbacks as well. The speed of One-Hand Sign was never as fast as two-handed seals.
After finishing Haku's lesson, Kitazawa returned to Shikkotsu Forest.
His Sage Mode cultivation had reached a critical stage—maintaining the balance between chakra and natural energy, then fusing them together.
Once successful, Sage Mode would essentially be complete.
---
Time continued to pass.
Konoha entered July.
The temperature rose, and summer vacation drew near.
ANBU Base — Office.
Kitazawa reached out and gently stroked Konan's cheek. Her cheeks were sunken, and her eyes looked pale.
After a long while, she stood up and silently left.
Kitazawa leaned back in his chair, staring blankly at the familiar ceiling. After regaining his senses, he opened the window to let the air circulate.
The Flying Thunder God Technique activated—and Kitazawa vanished from his spot.
When he reappeared, he was already standing in the Forest of Death.
Sage Mode!
Kitazawa clapped his hands together, and black eye shadow appeared around his eyes.
Feeling the immense power surging within him, he couldn't help but smile in satisfaction.
Today was the Genius Class's final exam for this semester. However, it was a theoretical exam, so he had gone to Shikkotsu Forest early in the morning to cultivate Sage Mode.
After a morning of training, he finally completely mastered Sage Mode.
Kitazawa returned to Konoha Village, intending to find a place to test Sage Mode, but he encountered Konan, who was thirsty, which delayed him.
Under Sage Mode, Senjutsu Chakra can be used to drive Ninjutsu—this is known as Senjutsu.
From the original work, Senjutsu can be divided into two types.
One is strengthening existing Ninjutsu with Senjutsu Chakra. For example, the super-classic Sage Art: Rasengan.
The other is entirely new Ninjutsu—or rather, new Senjutsu. For example, Kabuto's Sage Art: Inorganic Reanimation and Sage Art: White Rage Technique.
These are also unique Senjutsu of Ryūchi Cave.
In addition, there are unique Senjutsu of Mount Myōboku, such as Sage Art: Frog Kata and the like.
Kitazawa currently only knew the first type of Senjutsu.
No—strictly speaking, he didn't even know the first type of Senjutsu. But now, he could try it.
Kitazawa extended his hand. Senjutsu Chakra surged out, rotating irregularly in his palm.
Kitazawa felt a little relieved. If Rasengan is A-rank difficulty, then Sage Art: Rasengan can probably be called S-rank difficulty.
However, for him, A-rank and S-rank were about the same.
After all, he possessed master-level Chakra shape transformation and Chakra control.
Soon, a constantly rotating Rasengan appeared in his palm. There wasn't much change in its color or form.
Kitazawa aimed at the tree in front of him and smashed it directly.
With a boom! The spot where the tree was hit immediately turned into powder. The next second, the tree also split into two sections.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. The power of Sage Art: Rasengan was at least three times greater than that of a normal Rasengan.
If he increased the input of Senjutsu Chakra, it could be even more terrifying.
Kitazawa immediately thought of Wind Release: Rasenshuriken.
Using it in Sage Mode would negate its side effects and also turn it into a long-range Ninjutsu that could be thrown.
Of course, it wasn't just Wind Release: Rasenshuriken. Many Ninjutsu could be enhanced in Sage Mode.
For example, Jiraiya's Sage Art: Goemon (Bath of Boiling Oil), a composite Senjutsu mixed with toad oil, Wind Release, and Fire Release.
Kitazawa stroked his chin. There were many Senjutsu to learn, but he planned to start with the Sage Art: Rasengan series.
Besides that, he also planned to learn Sage Art: Myōjinmon (Gate of the Great God).
In the original story, it came from Senju Hashirama and was also considered a unique Senjutsu of Shikkotsu Forest.
Its effect was to summon red torii gates to seal the target. When used by Senju Hashirama, it could even suppress the Ten-Tails.
Kitazawa snapped out of his thoughts and began to familiarize himself with the various Rasengan techniques in Sage Mode.
The sun was setting. Seeing that it was almost time, Kitazawa stopped training.
Flying Thunder God Technique! He returned to the ANBU Base.
"Konan." Kitazawa pushed open the door and asked, "Has Iruka been here yet?"
Konan took out a scroll and handed it to him.
Kitazawa opened the scroll and began to read.
These were the results and rankings of the Genius Class's theoretical exam today.
Overall, there wasn't much change; first and second place were still Shikamaru and Sakura.
Kitazawa's gaze moved down and finally found Hanabi.
Although she was a new student, she worked very hard, and her ranking had improved again, entering the top thirty.
Kitazawa felt that she would enter the top ten next year.
Once Naruto and Sasuke graduated, she would probably take first place in the future. At that time, he should give her the Demon Slaying Bow.
"There's another scroll," Konan said after he finished reading. "It's from Antelope."
"Antelope?" Kitazawa's gaze sharpened as he immediately took the scroll.
He opened it and thought, Sure enough.
This was intelligence about the Iwagakure Four-Tails Jinchuriki—Roshi.
Antelope and the others had discovered Roshi in the Land of Birds, but because Roshi was powerful, their tracking had not been smooth, and they were shaken off several times.
However, it could be confirmed that he was currently in the Land of Birds.
Kitazawa closed the scroll and fell into thought.
For him, knowing Roshi's approximate location was enough.
With the Byakugan and the Flying Thunder God Technique, he could completely sweep through the Land of Birds three times within half an hour.
However, tomorrow was the Genius Class's Team Battle. So no matter what, he had to wait until after the Team Battle.
After all, there was no need to rush Roshi's matter. Even if Roshi ran away, he could be found again later.
As a Jinchuriki, Roshi was very confident in his strength and wouldn't just hide. This could be seen from Antelope and the others repeatedly finding his location.
If he really hid, with his strength, Antelope and the others would not be able to find him again.
"You've worked hard. You can go home now." Kitazawa stretched out his hand, pinched Konan's face, and then turned to leave.
He arrived at the Hokage Office and entered after receiving permission.
"Why are you coming to see me at this time?" Tsunade looked at him and said, "If you were a few minutes later, I would have already gone home."
"There's unexpected intelligence." Kitazawa leaned against the Hokage's desk and placed his hand on Tsunade's chest.
"What intelligence?" Tsunade rolled her eyes at him, but didn't stop him.
Kitazawa suddenly thought of a phrase—huddling together for warmth. It fit the current situation perfectly.
"The ANBU discovered the location of the Iwagakure Four-Tails Jinchuriki, Roshi." Kitazawa felt the warmth of her skin as he replied.
"Four-Tails Jinchuriki Roshi?" Tsunade's face immediately showed surprise, and she couldn't help asking, "What kind of luck do you have?"
First the Six-Tails Jinchuriki, and now the Four-Tails Jinchuriki.
There were only nine Jinchuriki in the entire Ninja World, yet Kitazawa kept encountering them so easily. This probability was simply outrageous.
"After all, I have a goddess of luck." Kitazawa bent down, leaned close to her, and kissed her soft lips.
Tsunade subconsciously stood up and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Kitazawa's right hand felt the warmth and steady beating of her heart.
"What do you plan to do?" Tsunade took a breath and sat back down in the Hokage's chair.
"The same as with Utakata." Kitazawa said casually, "Capture him and make a deal with Iwagakure."
"Iwagakure is different from the Hidden Mist; it won't be that easy to take advantage of them." Tsunade frowned slightly.
"But Roshi is a Jinchuriki." Kitazawa smiled as he stroked her smooth, jade-like skin.
"That's true." Tsunade snorted lightly. "Iwagakure can either make a deal or start a war. Konoha Village won't be afraid."
Iwagakure and Konoha Village had similar overall strength, but Konoha held the advantage in the number of powerful individuals.
Tsunade didn't think Iwagakure would dare start a war. After all, the cost of war was far greater than that of a single transaction.
And Kumogakure was also watching eagerly.
It was important to remember that the Third Raikage—the father of the Fourth Raikage, A—had died at the hands of Iwagakure.
"There's also good news." Kitazawa smiled. "I've learned Sage Mode."
"Then we have even less to fear from Iwagakure!" Tsunade was stunned for a moment, then broke into a radiant smile.
Ōnoki's Dust Release was powerful, but after Kitazawa learned Sage Mode, his strength would surely surpass Ōnoki's.
Aside from Ōnoki, Iwagakure had very few true powerhouses—at most, adding Kitsuchi and the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, Han.
"When do you plan to go find Roshi?" Tsunade thought for a moment. "I'll go with you then."
"After the Genius Class's final exam." Kitazawa withdrew his hand from her warm clothes. "That's the day after tomorrow."
"Alright then." Tsunade nodded, then smiled. "Let's go home."
---
The time came to the next day.
Nine AM.
The Genius Class students and teachers had all arrived.
"This final exam's practical test will take the form of Team Battles." Kitazawa paused. "But a new rule has been added."
After speaking, he looked at Iruka.
"Pass these down—everyone take one."
Iruka immediately picked up a thick stack of papers and distributed them to the students in the first row.
Sasuke quickly received one. He glanced at it and immediately showed a puzzled expression.
It was a table. The table's name was Genius Class Students' Restrictions.
The first column listed student names, followed by three restriction conditions. And the very first row was Naruto.
His three restrictions were: no Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, no Tailed Beast chakra, and no Konoha Dragon God.
Sasuke's eyes lit up as he read. If Naruto couldn't use these three, Sasuke felt he could definitely defeat him.
The second row was Kurama Yakumo.
Her three restrictions were: no Genjutsu: Five Senses, Terrifying Illusion, and Genjutsu Creation.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. If Yakumo lost these three Genjutsu, she would basically become an ordinary Ninja.
The third row was himself.
His three restrictions were: no Hatake Swordsmanship, no Sharingan-type Genjutsu, and no Lightning Release: Double Chidori.
Sasuke frowned when he saw this. If he couldn't use these three, his strength would drop by at least one-third.
After Sasuke finished reading, he noticed that every student had three restriction conditions listed.
"Teacher Kitazawa!" Kiba, impatient as ever, raised his hand at once. "Do these three restrictions apply during the Team Battle?"
"That's the new rule I'm about to explain." Kitazawa said, "The opposing sides can choose to restrict three conditions for their opponents, with each person being restricted to a maximum of two."
The Genius Class students immediately stirred. Such a rule was unheard of.
But many also saw hope in defeating Naruto—Sasuke, Hyuga Neji, and Kimimaro, among them.
Once Naruto was restricted by two conditions, his strength would be greatly reduced. Defeating him would finally become possible.
Unlike before, when he could crush three opponents with sheer power alone.
"We will now draw lots." After Kitazawa finished speaking, he took out a Lottery Box.
The Genius Class immediately quieted down and focused on him, as for team assignments and map viewing, which had already been completed yesterday by Iruka.
"First round, first match: Kimimaro's Squad versus Yakumo's Squad."
Kitazawa glanced at the slip of paper. "You have five minutes to discuss. After that, the captain will state the restriction conditions."
After Shion and Chino joined, the Genius Class was fixed at seven teams.
Kimimaro had ranked seventh in the last midterm exam, so he became the temporary captain.
His teammates were Jugo and Tayuya—almost a half-reunion of the Sound Four.
Yakumo ranked third. She chose Ino and Haku as her teammates.
"This is troublesome… It's Yakumo." Tayuya said with a headache.
"As long as we restrict her Terrifying Illusion and Genjutsu: Five Senses, we might not lose."
Jugo analyzed calmly.
"But we'll also be restricted," Kimimaro said in a solemn tone.
"Even so, we still have the advantage." Jugo nodded. "Both you and I are Taijutsu Ninja. Even if we lose Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, we still have fighting power."
"Besides Terrifying Illusion and Genjutsu: Five Senses, who else should we restrict?" Tayuya felt much more relaxed listening to their discussion.
"Haku's Ice Release: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals," Kimimaro answered without hesitation.
At the same time, the three members of Yakumo's squad were also deep in discussion.
"How about banning Kimimaro's Dance of the Clematis: Flower and the Cursed Seal of Earth: Stage Two?" Ino thought for a moment and asked.
Among the Genius Class, both Kimimaro and Jugo possessed the Curse Seal of Earth. But the restrictions given were all aimed at the Cursed Seal of Earth: Stage Two.
As for the Cursed Seal of Earth: State One, its enhancement was limited, so it could still be used.
Moreover, if the use of the Cursed Seal of Earth were completely forbidden, it would count as a major weakening for Kimimaro and Jugo.
Dance of the Clematis: Flower was a technique Kimimaro had only mastered recently.
In terms of power, it was second only to Dance of the Seedling Fern, which could only be used by sacrificing one's life.
"That works." Yakumo agreed without much deliberation.
In the Kimimaro Squad, Kimimaro was undoubtedly the most troublesome opponent.
In fact, it was the same for every squad—the captain was always the strongest, and the two main restrictions were usually aimed at the captain.
Yakumo could already guess what her own two restrictions would be. They would undoubtedly be Terrifying Illusion and Genjutsu: Five Senses.
"What about the other one, then?" Ino asked again. "What are your thoughts?"
"Jugo's Cursed Seal of Earth: Stage Two, or Tayuya's Demonic Flute: Illusionary Warriors Manipulating Melody," Haku answered after a brief moment of thought.
Tayuya's three restrictions did not prohibit her from using the Summoning Technique.
After all, if the Three Angry Demons couldn't be summoned, her strength would be halved, which wouldn't be fair.
Tenten was different. Among Tenten's three restrictions was the prohibition of using the Chameleon Summon, Shiromari.
In other words, if the opponent didn't choose that restriction, she could still use the Chameleon Summon, Shiromari.
Kitazawa had initially prevented her from using it because Shiromari was too powerful and affected the balance.
But now, many students in the Genius Class possessed Jonin-level strength, so there was no longer any need for such limitations.
"Choose Jugo's Cursed Seal of Earth: Stage Two." Yakumo said after a moment of contemplation.
After both teams finished their discussions, they reported the chosen restrictions to Kitazawa.
"If any restricted conditions are used accidentally, points will be deducted," Kitazawa said after listening.
Yakumo, Kimimaro, and the others nodded in acknowledgment.
"You may enter the arena now. The battle begins in fifteen minutes." Kitazawa reminded them.
The two squads entered the Forest of Death from different directions.
Their instructors, Kurenai and Chen, followed them inside as well.
Left side of the Forest of Death.
"We have two Taijutsu Ninja—close combat is where we can maximize our advantage." Jugo stopped walking and spoke.
"The Yakumo Squad doesn't have a Sensor Ninja." Tayuya waved her fist. "We'll rush straight over and surround them!"
"But we don't have a Sensor Ninja either." Kimimaro reminded her calmly.
"I can contact small animals for help," Jugo said immediately.
"I almost forgot you had that ability!" Tayuya sounded excited. "Then we'll definitely win this Team Battle!"
If this were a previous Team Battle and they encountered Yakumo, she wouldn't have been so confident.
But this time, with three added restrictions, she wasn't too afraid of Yakumo— especially since she herself wasn't restricted.
"Alright, then." Kimimaro nodded. "Tayuya, you harass them from the front. Jugo and I will circle around for a sneak attack."
Right side of the Forest of Death.
"Our strategy is simple," Yakumo said in a low voice. "I'll first use Genjutsu: Creation to block Kimimaro and Jugo. You two deal with Tayuya, then come back to help me."
"Understood." Ino and Haku nodded.
Fifteen minutes later, the battle began.
The Yakumo Squad stayed where they were. With the help of small animals, the Kimimaro Squad quickly closed in on their position.
Suddenly, the sound of a flute echoed through the forest.
With a loud boom—
The Three Angry Demons were summoned. They immediately charged toward the Yakumo's Squad.
"They're coming!" Ino didn't speak aloud, but her voice traveled straight into the minds of Yakumo and Haku.
This was Ninja Art: Mind Transmission Technique.
The reason they weren't speaking was simple—they were all wearing earplugs, using physical means to counter Tayuya's Sound Genjutsu.
Tayuya knew this as well, so she didn't use Sound Genjutsu.
"I don't see Kimimaro and Jugo," Ino added mentally.
"Leave them to me." Yakumo formed a hand sign.
It was obvious that Kimimaro and Jugo were lying in wait, searching for the perfect moment to launch a sneak attack.
And their most likely target was her.
"Be careful." Ino nodded and moved toward Tayuya together with Haku.
Moments after they left, Yakumo heard the rush of wind behind her.
She instinctively turned her head and saw Kimimaro and Jugo charging out together.
Both of them had activated the Cursed Seal of Earth: State One, their speed surging as they rushed toward her.
Yakumo calmly tossed out a painting scroll.
In an instant, lightning burst from the painting, spreading rapidly and forming a Sea of Lightning in front of her.
"Kimimaro, jump over me!" Jugo suddenly accelerated.
Violent: Leaf Adamantine Strength Whirlwind!
His right leg was wrapped in green Chakra as he kicked toward the Sea of Lightning.
Shikotsumyaku: Dance of the Willow!
Kimimaro stepped on Jugo's back without hesitation and leapt high into the air. Chakra exploded around him.
In the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of Yakumo. A sharp section of bone burst from his palm and thrust forward.
Konoha-Style Body Flicker Technique!
Yakumo's figure scattered into leaves and vanished from where she stood.
"What?"
Kimimaro's pupils shrank when his attack missed. He hadn't known that Yakumo had mastered the Konoha-Style Body Flicker Technique.
He instinctively scanned his surroundings, searching for her next move.
"Kimimaro, watch your feet!" Jugo's expression changed drastically as he shouted the warning.
Kimimaro immediately looked down. He saw the ground tremble, and countless senbon condensed from the earth burst upward.
This was a scroll Yakumo had buried underground in advance.
Kimimaro tried to block at once, but the senbon were too small—his bones only managed to deflect most of them.
The remaining few pierced through, leaving scattered bloodstains across his body. Kimimaro was forced straight to the ground.
At that moment, a scorching aura surged. A massive fireball shot out from Yakumo.
Jugo instantly moved to shield Kimimaro.
Violent: Leaf Adamantine Strength Whirlwind!
He kicked the fireball apart, shattering it into sparks.
"Kimimaro, are you alright?" Jugo asked, panting slightly.
"I… I'm fine." Kimimaro forced himself upright, enduring the pain.
"Let's finish this quickly!" Jugo glanced at the bloodstains on him and spoke without hesitation.
Kimimaro nodded and immediately drew a Bone Sword.
Chakra erupted beneath Jugo's feet as he charged straight toward Kurama Yakumo.
Yakumo tore open another scroll. A surge of water appeared, forming a solid wall in front of her.
Jugo didn't dodge, relying on the defense of the Cursed Seal of Earth: State One to crash into it head-on.
With a loud crash, a deep dent formed in the water wall, yet it did not break.
Kimimaro repeated the same tactic, stepping on Jugo and leaping high into the air.
Sly Mind Affect Technique!
The moment Yakumo and Kimimaro's eyes met, she activated her Genjutsu. This Genjutsu came from Kurenai's teachings.
She rarely used it, as she possessed an even more terrifying Genjutsu, Terrifying Illusion.
But since Terrifying Illusion was currently restricted, she resorted to the Sly Mind Affect Technique.
The Sly Mind Affect Technique was only a C-rank Genjutsu and easy to dispel. Yet even dispelling it required time.
Yakumo immediately opened another scroll. Lightning descended from the sky.
Kimimaro, caught in the Genjutsu, plummeted downward. Below him stood the water wall.
The lightning pierced through the water, its speed multiplied, and in an instant, Kimimaro was electrocuted until he lost consciousness.
Jugo was affected as well. He had been preparing to smash through the water wall, but the lightning struck, electrifying the entire barrier.
Yakumo finally let out a breath of relief.
With both Kimimaro and Jugo defeated by her, the remaining Tayuya posed little threat.
Yakumo did not intervene further—after waiting briefly, Ino and Haku finished off Tayuya.
"The winner is the Yakumo Squad," Kitazawa announced without delay.
"When did Yakumo learn the Konoha-Style Body Flicker Technique?" Kiba asked in astonishment.
"This is troublesome now. With the Konoha-Style Body Flicker Technique, it'll be even harder to get close to Yakumo." Shikamaru shook his head.
"It's a good thing this Team Battle used the new rules," Tenten said, still feeling lingering fear.
Neji nodded in agreement. If there were no new rules, who could possibly stop the Konoha-Style Body Flicker Technique combined with Terrifying Illusion?
Sasuke felt a strong sense of urgency rise in his heart. Naruto was improving. Yakumo was improving too.
If he didn't awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan soon, the gap between them would only keep widening.
"Round One, Match Two: Neji Squad versus Hinata Squad," Kitazawa said after drawing lots. "You have five minutes for discussion."
Five minutes passed in the blink of an eye.
Both squads chose two restrictions, specifically targeting the opposing captain.
Both Hinata and Neji were barred from using Explosive Arrow and Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.
In the end, the Hinata Squad emerged victorious.
"Since there are seven teams, one team will receive a bye." Kitazawa stood before the Lottery Box. "The last team not drawn gets the bye."
After speaking, he took out two small slips of paper.
"Round One, Match Three: Naruto Squad versus Shino Squad." Kitazawa paused, then added, "The Sasuke Squad receives the bye."
"We're done for!" Kiba said bitterly. "Why did we have to run into the Naruto Squad?"
He was Shino Aburame's teammate.
"It's the same either way," Shino replied calmly. "If it wasn't the Naruto Squad, it would've been the Sasuke Squad."
"…" Kiba was left speechless. It really was the same—both were terrifying opponents.
Still, in his view, there was at least a sliver of hope against Sasuke's Squad.
Against the Naruto Squad, however, victory felt nearly impossible. Even with the added restrictions in this Team Battle, the odds were grim.
"Youth must never give up so easily!" Rock Lee raised his thumb and declared, "Leave Naruto to me!"
Though his spirit burned brightly, he still couldn't defeat Naruto in the end.
"Everyone, take a fifteen-minute break." After announcing the Naruto Squad as the winner, Kitazawa continued, "Next comes the second round."
The Naruto Squad, Hinata Squad, Yakumo Squad, and Sasuke Squad all advanced to Round Two.
This meant that neither the second nor the third round would require a bye.
It was different from previous Team Battles, where the second and third rounds often had a team sitting out.