After leaving the Ninja Academy, Kitazawa made his way toward Kurenai Yuhi's home.
On the road he reflected on his current missions.
He still had quite a few unfinished tasks.
Some were extremely difficult—such as becoming Tsunade's student or having Mizuki thrown in prison.
The most pressing one was next week's monthly test: getting Uzumaki Naruto into the top ten.
Other goals—helping Hyūga Hinata awaken the Byakugan, letting Uchiha Sasuke master a second Fire‑Style technique, and so on—were only a matter of time.
"Stop right there!"
A familiar voice rang out.
Kitazawa snapped back to reality and looked ahead.
Tsunade was striding toward him in high‑heeled sandals, looking annoyed.
Behind her, Shizune clutched the pet pig Tonton and frantically signaled to him with her eyes.
"Got any money on you?"
Tsunade held out her hand.
"None."
Seeing her fair palm, Kitazawa guessed she had just come from a gambling den and lost everything.
"Whatever you've got, hand it over—I'm sure I can win it back."
Tsunade ground out the words.
"Tsunade-sama, don't forget why we're here."
Kitazawa shook his head.
"Killjoy."
Tsunade scowled but could only give in.
"The sooner we create a new jutsu, the sooner we'll have funding."
Kitazawa smiled. "Anything I give you is pocket change anyway—hardly enough for any real fun."
"You're not wrong."
Tsunade flicked her hair, mood easing. "All right, let's head back."
She took the lead toward Kurenai's house.
"Nicely done," Shizune whispered as she drew level with Kitazawa. "That was impressive."
"Don't think I can't hear you!" Tsunade barked, glaring over her shoulder.
"I didn't say a word!" Shizune protested, legs snapping straight in a show of innocence.
"Me neither," Kitazawa echoed with a mild smile.
Tsunade suddenly realized Kitazawa was a little like Shizune—always stepping in at the crucial moment to spoil her fun. Where did this guy get such nerve? Shizune had grown up with her; she understood her. But Kitazawa? Most ninja were meek in Tsunade's presence—never like this.
Suppressing her curiosity, Tsunade walked into the living room.
Kurenai Yuhi and Kurama Yakumo were already waiting.
"Yakumo, have you taken your medicine?"
Tsunade flopped onto the sofa, crossed her legs without a care, and let her pale feet dangle in the air.
"I just did. Thank you for your concern, Tsunade-sama," Yakumo answered gratefully. She had thought her body would never move normally again, but Tsunade's arrival had given her hope.
"Good," Tsunade said. "Then let's get down to business."
They worked on the new jutsu late into the night.
"Let's pick it up tomorrow," Tsunade said at last. Checking the time, she left for the adjoining house with Shizune.
"Kurenai, hungry?" Kitazawa noticed a takoyaki stand nearby. They had just escorted Yakumo home.
"Just takoyaki is boring," Kurenai said, licking her lips. "How about a drink?"
"Forget it. If you get drunk, it'll be nothing but trouble," Kitazawa declined. "Besides, we have to see Tsunade-sama tomorrow—we shouldn't be late."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kurenai nudged him with her elbow. "I don't go on drunken rampages."
"Can't be sure," Kitazawa muttered, recalling her last bout of tipsiness.
"Explain yourself!" Kurenai seized his hand, ruby eyes fixed on him. She was shorter, yet Kitazawa somehow felt pressured—like facing Tsunade, though Kurenai was more the cool‑big‑sister type whereas Tsunade radiated mature charm.
"What are you staring at?" Kurenai noticed his gaze.
"A beautiful woman," Kitazawa answered openly, letting his eyes travel downward. From this close he could see her smooth neck and the curve of the black mesh underlayer.
"Quit fantasizing!" Kurenai's cheeks flushed.
"Sorry," Kitazawa blinked innocently.
"Totally insincere. Hmph, I want takoyaki." She released his hand and stomped on his foot.
"Next time, at least take your shoes off first," Kitazawa said solemnly.
"Pervert?" Kurenai paused, disdainful.
"I just don't like pain," he coughed. "I'll go buy it now."
Kurenai glanced down. She was wearing high‑heeled sandals, her toes pale with a hint of pink—bone like jade, skin like snow, slender toes pristine and evenly spaced.
"Ridiculous," she murmured, lips curling.
Soon Kitazawa returned with two boxes of takoyaki—octopus balls, a popular snack.
"Thanks," Kurenai said, spearing one with a wooden pick. Just as she brought it to her lips, she paused.
"What now? You want me to feed you?" she asked, meeting Kitazawa's eyes.
"If you insist, I can't refuse," he answered solemnly.
Kurenai arched a brow, stretched out her hand—then pulled back halfway. "Not giving you any." She bit into the takoyaki with a playful smile.
Wicked woman, Kitazawa thought, chuckling.
Chatting as they walked, they soon reached Kurenai's house.
"See you tomorrow," Kitazawa said, stopping.
"Thanks for the takoyaki. Next time it's my treat." Standing in the doorway, Kurenai suddenly thought of something. "If I take off my shoes, do you still want me to step on you?"
"…?" Kitazawa kept a straight face. "I'm not that kind of guy."
"Miss the chance and there won't be another." Kurenai waved and shut the door.
Kitazawa's mouth twitched; he turned and left.
Two days passed quickly.
With Tsunade's help, development of the new jutsu was now on track. Kitazawa estimated that within half a month at most, their third psychological‑medical technique would be complete.
A new week began.
The second monthly exam would be held that weekend.
Kitazawa planned extra practice for Uzumaki Naruto this week—more drills to keep the mission from failing.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
At the academy gate, Uchiha Sasuke stopped him.
"What is it, Sasuke?" Kitazawa asked.
"Kitazawa-sensei, this is a thank‑you gift for teaching me ninjutsu." Sasuke produced a scroll.
"My first present from you, huh?" Kitazawa smiled and unrolled it—then his eyes narrowed.
It was a ninjutsu scroll listing four Fire‑Style techniques:
Fire Style: Dragon Fire Jutsu
Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Flower Nail Crimson
Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation
Fire Style: Great Dragon Fire Jutsu
For the first time Kitazawa truly felt the Uchiha clan's pride and bold generosity. He had taught Sasuke two Fire‑Style jutsu, and Sasuke repaid him with four.
Of course, the Uchiha never lacked techniques—the Sharingan could copy them, and even Kakashi Hatake was said to know a thousand.
"Who told you to give me this?" Kitazawa asked, curious. Sasuke was too young to think of such courtesy himself; someone must have instructed him.
"My brother," Sasuke replied.
~~~
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