"Here's six hundred thousand ryo."
Kakashi handed Kitazawa a bankbook.
"Thanks."
Kitazawa accepted it, then paused as something occurred to him.
"Wait—shouldn't a portion go to the village? I thought we were supposed to split the mission reward."
Normally, half the pay goes to the village. The rest is shared among the team.
"Anbu missions don't follow that rule."
Kakashi shook his head.
"Ah, no wonder people are lining up to join Anbu."
Kitazawa blinked, half-joking, half-genuinely surprised.
"With your skills, all you'd have to do is ask the Hokage. You'd be accepted right away."
Kakashi paused.
"I can recommend you if you want."
"Nah, I'm good."
Kitazawa chuckled.
"I like being a teacher at the Academy more."
"Seriously? Why?"
Kakashi looked genuinely puzzled.
With Kitazawa's strength, staying in a classroom felt like a total waste.
"No real reason." Kitazawa shrugged, then added with a smirk, "If I had to give one… guess you could say it's a passion project. Same way you're obsessed with Icha Icha Paradise."
"I have no idea what you're talking about! Don't make stuff up!"
Kakashi's expression stiffened in panic.
"What's there to be embarrassed about?"
Kitazawa waved it off.
"If I run into Jiraiya sometime, I'll bug him for the next chapter for you."
"You know Jiraiya-sama?"
Kakashi's eyes lit up just a little.
"Nope."
Kitazawa responded completely deadpan.
"But I know Tsunade-sama."
"..."
Kakashi's mouth twitched.
Yeah, I know Tsunade too… and if she ever finds out what's in those books, she's going to kill Jiraiya.
"Well, since you're waiting on Tsunade-sama, I'll head out. Let's do another mission sometime."
Kakashi stood and left the Anbu office.
"Wow, that was a clean exit."
Kitazawa shook his head.
Kakashi—still pre-Team 7—was emotionally shut off. The fact that they'd even had a proper conversation was a small miracle.
He closed his eyes.
Earlier that day, under the guidance of Anbu agent Haru, he had successfully memorized the Bringer-of-Darkness. Like the Rasengan, it couldn't be taken out as a scroll—only learned on the spot.
"Not even close to the one my system gave me."
Kitazawa stood and walked to the window.
I wonder how Class 1-A is doing.
He'd only been gone five days, but he actually missed those kids.
Just then, the door opened. Tsunade walked in with a scowl on her face.
"What, someone in Konoha actually managed to piss off Tsunade-sama?"
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.
"Who else? Danzo."
She flopped down on the couch and huffed.
"But he's even more frustrated than I am, so I guess that's a win."
"No point letting someone like Danzo ruin your mood."
Kitazawa smiled.
"You're not wrong."
Tsunade gave him a look and smiled faintly.
"You're surprisingly hard to replace, y'know."
"I guess that poor Anbu had a tough time?"
Kitazawa paused, then realized what she meant.
"What Anbu?"
Tsunade crossed her arms.
"I taught your class myself for two days."
"Thanks, Tsunade-sama."
Kitazawa immediately offered.
"Let me treat you to a drink next time."
"You better!"
Her eyes lit up.
"And I want the most expensive sake in the village!"
"Deal."
Kitazawa laughed.
This mission had paid well—he wasn't worried about a single night's tab.
"Anyway, go back to class. Your students tried to ambush me this morning looking for you."
"…Huh?"
Kitazawa was stunned.
Kids these days were gutsy.
"I'll admit, you're a good teacher."
Tsunade said with a grin.
"Your students genuinely surprised me."
Naruto learning Rasengan.
Sakura studying medical ninjutsu.
Hinata mastering Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.
If they were already graduates, maybe not so shocking—but they were only six or seven.
"They're clearly talented."
Kitazawa nodded.
"Anyone in particular catch your eye?"
"They're your students, not mine. I'm not interested."
Tsunade stood.
"Teaching's too much trouble for me anyway."
Kitazawa wasn't surprised at all.
Tsunade had changed a bit—but not as much as she would later, after Naruto's relentless talk-no-jutsu therapy arc.
"I'm out."
She waved and left.
…
Back at the Academy…
The moment Kitazawa got back, he went straight to the training grounds.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
Hinata spotted him and ran over with a bright smile.
Shikamaru and Ino stopped their training.
Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura, and Kiba were elsewhere.
"Hinata."
Kitazawa reached out and patted her head.
Definitely the real deal.
Hinata smiled wide. She was thrilled.
"Wait a sec."
Ino eyed him suspiciously.
"Are you really Sensei?"
"If I'm not, then what, was Tsunade-sama pretending to be me?"
He flicked her forehead.
"So who came up with the brilliant idea to ambush Tsunade?"
His gaze shifted to Shikamaru.
"Not me!"
Shikamaru waved his hands.
That familiar aura, that subtle menace in his eyes—yeah, this was definitely Kitazawa.
"It was Naruto's idea," Ino admitted.
"But we all agreed, so we went with it."
"Figures."
Kitazawa nodded.
That definitely sounded like something Naruto would do.
"So Naruto was the first to realize something was off?"
Kitazawa raised a brow. That kid usually wasn't the most observant.
"Nope."
Ino shook her head.
"Hinata was."
Kitazawa looked at her in surprise.
"Um… he didn't bring me breakfast," Hinata murmured, blushing.
Kitazawa couldn't help but laugh.
That's what gave it away?
"Alright, enough chitchat. Back to training."
He clapped his hands.
…
Meanwhile — Konoha Hospital
After leaving the Hokage building, Tsunade didn't head for the casino like usual.
Instead, she walked straight into the Konoha Hospital.
"Tsunade-sama."
Yakushi Nonō immediately stood and bowed in greeting.
"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
Tsunade glanced at Kabuto, who stood beside her.
"Not at all."
Nonō smiled gently.
"You're actually just in time—we were talking about Kabuto's future."
"Perfect."
Tsunade smiled back.
"I'm here to tell you both—no more Root. You're officially cleared to stay at the hospital full-time. No more second-guessing. Just focus on healing."
Both of them were incredibly skilled in medical ninjutsu.
Kabuto especially—barely fifteen and already capable of using Chakra Scalpel with proficiency.
Tsunade had seen it all in the Root files.
"Tsunade-sama…"
Kabuto hesitated, then looked her in the eye.
"I don't want to only be a medical ninja."
He wasn't questioning her kindness. He just… knew how Danzo operated.
If Danzo got another chance, he wouldn't hesitate to eliminate them.
Medical ninjas were valuable, sure—but without combat skills, they were sitting ducks.
"I see."
Tsunade paused to think.
"In that case, I'll have the old man assign you a proper squad leader to train under."
Someone like Kabuto wouldn't just be welcomed—he'd be fought over.
Skilled medical ninja were rare and always in demand.
"Actually… I'd like to train under Kitazawa-sensei."
Kabuto finally said it.
He'd seen Kitazawa take on two elite Iwa jonin.
And after everything Nonō had just told him, it only solidified his decision.
"Kitazawa?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
Definitely not what she expected.
"You'll have to ask him yourself—I can't make that call."
Then she smiled.
"But honestly, you'd be in good hands."
"Understood."
Kabuto nodded.
After a few more words, Tsunade smiled, stretched, and finally gave in to temptation.
"Alright, now I really am off to the casino."
…
"Dean, should we go find Kitazawa-sensei now?"
Kabuto asked as Tsunade disappeared out the door.
"Not yet."
Nonō shook her head.
"He's probably still teaching. But he always drops by the hospital after school to keep up his medical training. We'll wait."
…
Evening — Hospital Office
Time passed, and the sun dipped low.
Kitazawa's return to school hadn't caused much of a stir.
Most students just felt something was a little "off" about him earlier that week—thanks to Tsunade's impersonation—but didn't think too hard about it.
Only Naruto and Hinata had noticed the change—and acted on it.
Now, after school, Kitazawa made his way to the hospital.
He pushed open the office door—and was surprised to see someone waiting inside.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Kabuto stood up, gave a slight bow, and smiled politely.
"Thank you for saving both me and the director."
"No need to thank me."
Kitazawa took a good look at him.
Kabuto's temperament… really was a lot like Nonō's. Quiet. Calm. Likeable.
Now that he thought about it, the Kabuto from the original timeline did come off as harmless during the Chūnin Exams—fooled everyone, including Naruto and his team.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Kabuto took a deep breath.
"I have a small, selfish request."
"What is it?"
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.
"I'd like you to teach me ninjutsu."
Kabuto's tone was steady—completely serious.
"…?"
Kitazawa froze.
What the hell?
The future mastermind-villain just asked to become my student?
This is wild.
And yet… not that surprising either. He had saved Kabuto's life.
The real question now was… should he take him in?
Kitazawa waited a few seconds to see if the system would trigger a new quest.
Nothing.
He sighed, a little disappointed.
Then again, he was technically only six years old.
Still a student himself. Maybe the system didn't think he was ready to take on students.
"I'm just an Academy teacher right now. I'm not planning on becoming a team captain anytime soon."
Kitazawa thought for a moment.
"But if you want to learn ninjutsu, I'm willing to teach you."
"That's more than enough."
Kabuto looked visibly relieved.
"What do you want to learn first?"
Kitazawa asked.
"I'm guessing not medical ninjutsu."
His own medical skills were solid—but still not on Nonō's level.
"Wind Release and Water Release," Kabuto answered.
"They're my natural chakra affinities."
Kitazawa's eyebrow rose.
Interesting.
In the original timeline, Kabuto used a lot of water-style techniques—Great Waterfall, Water Dragon Bullet, stuff like that.
Never saw him use wind, though. And most of his signature abilities came from Orochimaru's snake-based forbidden techniques.
But without Orochimaru entering his life this time, that path might never happen.
If that's the case… Kabuto's potential in research might go wasted.
Kitazawa frowned slightly, but there was nothing he could do about it just yet.
"Alright. Let's start with Wind Release."
He made a decision.
"Meet me tomorrow morning at 8 a.m., Academy training ground."
[Your reputation as a genius is spreading.
Yakushi Kabuto has come to you to learn.]
[Mission: Help Kabuto master three basic Wind Release jutsu.]
[Reward: Earth Chakra Affinity]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa blinked.
So not taking in a student, but just teaching someone could trigger a quest?
Weird.
Earth, huh?
That'd make five out of seven for him—only Lightning and one other left.
Not bad.
Plus, with Kabuto's insane chakra control, three basic jutsu wouldn't take long.
Kitazawa started to see a pattern:
Some quests were about his progression. Others were triggered by interacting with major canon characters—even if they weren't his students.
Just then, Nonō appeared at the door.
"Just wrapped up surgery."
"Dean," Kabuto said quickly, "Sensei already agreed to teach me."
"Then make sure you listen to everything he says."
Nonō gave Kitazawa a warm but firm look.
"And if you ever need anything—just come to me."
She'd spent most of her life under Danzo's control.
Now, for the first time, she was free.
Tsunade and Kitazawa had made that possible—freed her, and secured funding for the orphanage so she could work without worry.
"That's kind of you, Nonō-senpai."
Kitazawa smiled.
He didn't reject the favor.
A favor from a top-tier medical ninja like her was worth a lot.
But most importantly… she was Kabuto's guardian.
Her support meant Kabuto likely wouldn't betray him in the future.
…
Night — Leaving the Hospital
After another long night practicing Chakra Scalpel, Kitazawa and Shizune left the hospital together.
As soon as the door opened, he saw someone standing there.
Kurenai Yuhi.
Poised. Calm. Waiting.
Shizune glanced at them both, swallowed her curiosity, and silently walked into the living room.
"When did you get back?"
Kurenai stood straight, arms crossed, leaning against the doorframe.
Her tone was composed—but Kitazawa could hear the faint trace of complaint.
"This morning."
He stepped forward, wrapped his arm around her waist.
"Sorry."
Kurenai blinked—clearly wasn't expecting that.
"Next time, let me know before you run off on a mission."
She lifted a leg and gave him a soft stomp on the foot.
"It was last-minute. Didn't have time."
Kitazawa twirled her silky hair through his fingers.
"Next time, let's go on a mission together."
"You better."
She glared at him for a beat, then suddenly grabbed his wrist.
"Tsunade-sama and Shizune are inside. Keep your hands to yourself."
"So… it's fine if they're not around?"
Kitazawa laughed, still holding her close.
"D‑depends on how you behave."
Kurenai's face turned red. She pushed him away and ran inside.
Kitazawa blinked for a moment.
Did she just… say yes?
He closed the door and followed her in.
When Kitazawa stepped into the living room, the first thing he saw was the scene on the couch:
Tsunade, Kurenai, and Shizune, seated side by side, chatting casually.
His eyes instinctively drifted downward—
Bare feet, crossed legs, each of them relaxed in their own way.
"Wow," Kitazawa muttered internally. Each one of them really has their own charm...
He quickly looked away and cleared his throat.
"You three keep talking—I'm heading upstairs to work on jutsu."
Tsunade gave a small wave as he turned, already halfway up the stairs.
She was busy tinkering with a new technique involving emotional transference, something way beyond his level, and frankly, not something he wanted to waste time on.
But just before he reached the top—
"Hey, what A-rank jutsu did you exchange for today?"
Tsunade called out casually.
"Bringer-of-Darkness."
He didn't even turn back.
There was a beat of silence.
Tsunade slowly looked up, visibly surprised.
"First Rasengan, now this... kid's got good taste."
Kurenai, on the other hand, furrowed her brows.
"Wait—he just learned that today? Then how did he use it before?"
She didn't say it out loud, but it stirred a quiet curiosity in her.
Kitazawa had… secrets.
And apparently, a lot of them.
But she wasn't worried.
They had time—and she'd figure them out eventually.
"What? Tsunade-sama," Kitazawa called down with a grin, "don't tell me you want to make another bet with me?"
"Nope."
Tsunade answered instantly.
Kitazawa sighed dramatically, half-laughing.
Then without another word, he disappeared upstairs—heading for the roof to study his new jutsu:
Wind Release: Vacuum Shuriken.
…
The Next Morning — Thursday
As always, Naruto showed up bright and early at Konoha's village gate.
"Morning, Naruto!"
Might Guy struck his signature pose, teeth sparkling in the sunlight.
"For the glory of youth!"
"For youth!"
Naruto echoed back with a fist pump, standing proudly next to Rock Lee.
A few feet away, the two gate guards exchanged a weary glance.
Great. Another sunrise sermon from the Youth Cult.
"Too bad Sasuke isn't here."
Guy sighed with genuine emotion.
"Even an Uchiha once wore the green jumpsuit. That was proof—proof that he believed in youth!"
"He'll be back!"
Naruto said brightly.
"Once he finishes training, I'll drag him here myself!"
He still remembered the Big Eater Contest—Sasuke in a green jumpsuit, laughing like a lunatic. That joy? That was real.
"Excellent!"
Guy's voice boomed.
"Then we run—let's ignite our souls with youth!"
…
Academy Training Ground
After a full hour of sprinting laps around the village, Naruto finally arrived at the training field.
Dripping with sweat, he stretched his shoulders—
Only to find someone already there.
And he didn't recognize him.
"Yo."
The boy walked over, extending a hand.
"I'm Yakushi Kabuto."
Naruto blinked.
A stranger?
But more importantly—
This guy was smiling at him. Friendly. Open.
No disgust. No weird looks.
No whispers about "the Nine-Tails brat."
Just… a normal greeting.
"I know who you are," Kabuto added, smile still warm.
"You're Uzumaki Naruto. You're pretty amazing—you've got solid taijutsu, you know Shadow Clone Jutsu, and I heard you placed first in the combat exam."
Naruto's jaw dropped a little.
Wait… what?
His eyes lit up instantly.
This guy is awesome. I'm definitely making him my friend.
~~~
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