The sun dipped below the horizon as Kitazawa left the Ninja Academy, casually strolling through the main street.
After just one class, he'd completely figured out the one-tomoe Sharingan. Compared to the fully evolved three-tomoe version, this beginner stage was clearly limited. Its main function was enhanced perception—great for reading opponents' movements during a fight.
But it couldn't see through bodies like the Byakugan, couldn't track chakra flow or pinpoint tenketsu.
Still, it wasn't useless.
The one-tomoe Sharingan had two benefits for Kitazawa: first, awakening it had significantly boosted his chakra. Second, it unlocked access to Sharingan-based genjutsu.
As he walked, he mulled over a question: could he level up the Sharingan without using the system?
Technically, now that he had it, he was considered a member of the Uchiha clan. Upgrading it further just required intense emotional stimulation.
That's where things got tricky. It had been a while since he felt any strong emotions—and deliberately seeking that kind of trigger wasn't good for mental health. If he accidentally drove himself insane, it'd definitely not be worth it.
Just then, he heard familiar footsteps behind him.
"Guess who?"
Two smooth, pale hands covered his eyes.
"Konoha's most beautiful kunoichi," Kitazawa said casually.
"I'll let you have that one," Kurenai said with a smile, pulling her hands away. "But you're laying it on a little thick."
"That's slander," he joked, catching her hand and pulling her in front of him.
She stumbled into his chest but quickly stepped back.
"So, what punishment do you deserve for that?" he asked with a grin.
"In public? Seriously?" Kurenai rolled her eyes and tried to pull her hand back, but he didn't let go.
"What's the problem? Where's the rule that says we can't be affectionate in public?"
He leaned in close, nipped her ear lightly, and whispered.
Kurenai's breath hitched, her cheeks turning visibly red.
"Did you go train?"
He'd noticed the faint sweat on her forehead.
"Yeah," she replied softly. "I want to learn the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique as soon as possible."
"A-rank jutsu are tough. And that one's especially tricky. No need to rush—you'll get there."
His eyes drifted to her lips.
"I'm not rushing," she said, then sighed. "I'm just bored at home."
Tsunade and Shizune were off gambling during the day, and Kitazawa had classes. Yakumo used to keep her company, but now even she was off at school.
Kurenai was suddenly the only one left home alone.
Seeing how annoyed she looked, Kitazawa leaned down and kissed her.
"What the hell?" she yelped, face bright red. "We're on the street!"
"If you're really that bored, come sit in on some classes."
Kitazawa winked. "I'm head of the academic office now. Send a little gift my way, and I'll make it happen."
"Are you seriously suggesting I bribe you?" she laughed, half in disbelief.
"I'm not joking," he said seriously. "If you're up for it, you could even teach Class 1A."
"Nah, I'm not teacher material."
She saw he wasn't joking, thought for a second, then shook her head.
"If you ever change your mind, let me know."
He leaned down again and rubbed his cheek against hers.
"Ew, gross. Saliva."
Kurenai pulled away, clearly unimpressed.
"That face is actually kinda cute," he smirked, thinking of an anime from his previous life.
"You're a total perv."
She took two steps back, faking a look of disgust.
"You've got me all wrong," he said solemnly. "Come home with me and I'll explain everything properly."
"Excuse me?"
She glared at him. "Don't forget—Shizune's still waiting for you at the hospital."
"Medical ninjutsu isn't exactly a fragile art," he sighed dramatically.
"You're unbelievable."
She giggled and leaned in to kiss him—quick, but sweet.
"Didn't we say we'd do a mission together?"
Kitazawa suddenly remembered. "Pick one. If I'm free this weekend, I'll tag along."
As a jonin, he had to complete a certain number of missions anyway. Might as well rack up some credit while keeping her company.
"That actually sounds nice."
Kurenai smiled. "Once I've mastered the Bringer-of-Darkness, let's go."
"I'm off to the hospital. Be good and wait for me at home."
He waved and changed course toward Konoha Hospital.
…
The evening came and went uneventfully. Friday arrived.
The Academy training grounds were especially lively today—Hyuga Neji had joined the class.
"Neji, show me your Gentle Fist."
Kitazawa's voice carried across the field.
Neji glanced at him, slightly surprised.
Can you even teach Gentle Fist?
Not every non-Hyuga was clueless. Take Sarutobi Hiruzen—he was known to have mastered every jutsu in the village. No Byakugan, but he could still teach Gentle Fist. Same for Tsunade. With her medical and taijutsu expertise, she had some understanding of the style.
But was Kitazawa really in the same league?
Neji didn't voice his doubts—he just got into stance and started.
Once he finished, he looked over.
"You've got sixteen mistakes in your Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms," Kitazawa said with a calm smile.
"No way."
Neji reflexively denied it.
He'd just started learning the move from Hiashi a couple days ago. If there were sixteen errors, Hiashi would've said something by now.
"Neji-nii, Kitazawa-sensei is really good!"
Hinata jumped in to defend him.
"He…"
Neji bit back the urge to say Kitazawa wasn't better than Hiashi—not something he should say out loud.
"Run through the set again—I'll point out the issues."
Kitazawa didn't seem bothered by his attitude.
Neji got into position.
"Your hands are too high."
Kitazawa adjusted his wrist by a centimeter.
Neji blinked.
He moved again, striking with both palms.
"Your chakra flow's off."
Kitazawa tapped his shoulder. "Feel that slight resistance?"
Neji's eyes widened. Wait—can he really sense chakra flow without a Byakugan?
Actually, Kitazawa could. The system had pushed his Gentle Fist proficiency to such a high level that he could analyze movement and anticipate the resulting chakra issues.
"Kitazawa-sensei is amazing!" Hinata added, noticing Neji's stunned reaction.
Kitazawa glanced at her, and Hinata quickly looked down in embarrassment.
"Keep going," he told Neji.
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei."
Neji's tone had shifted—more respectful now.
He performed the technique again from start to finish. Kitazawa calmly pointed out all sixteen mistakes.
Neji stood frozen, stunned.
There really were sixteen mistakes—and Kitazawa hadn't made them up.
[Current Mission: Earn Hyuga Neji's preliminary acknowledgment.]
[Reward: +10% Byakugan Purity.]
[Mission Completed. Reward Granted.]
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. Unexpected bonus. The 10% boost couldn't be activated yet, but he could already feel the chakra increase.
He now had 20% Byakugan purity. No visual changes, but his chakra and long-range sensing were clearly enhanced.
"Your goal for the next two days is to fix all those mistakes."
Kitazawa clapped him on the shoulder.
"Understood."
Neji took a deep breath.
He was thoroughly convinced now. No wonder Hinata had improved so fast.
What still confused him, though, was how someone without a Byakugan could be better at Gentle Fist than Hiashi himself.
"Hinata, with me."
Kitazawa led her to a nearby clearing—for two reasons: to not distract Neji and to begin her genjutsu training.
"Genjutsu messes with your five senses by disrupting your chakra flow," he began. "So if you ever feel your chakra going haywire mid-battle, you've probably been caught in one."
Hinata immediately thought of how Neji had reacted yesterday after getting hit with the Bubble Illusion.
"Basic genjutsu can be broken if you're fast enough with the hand signs to restore chakra flow," Kitazawa continued. "But genjutsu cast through dojutsu is trickier—sometimes you need teammates to snap you out."
Hinata nodded. That's what Kiba and Ino had told her too.
"In theory, Sharingan genjutsu is hard to counter—but in practice, there are ways. You have the Byakugan. If you see your opponent starting the hand signs, close the distance and stop the technique."
"But… I'm not that fast," Hinata said, troubled. Even Neji got read by the Sharingan—she probably wouldn't fare any better.
"I'll teach you a Body Flicker Technique later."
Kitazawa smiled. Sharingan illusions were annoying, but a seven-year-old Sasuke wasn't unbeatable.
"Okay!"
Hinata's eyes lit up.
"If you can't close the distance in time, don't look into his eyes. Close yours if you must," he said. "In that case, you'll have to rely on your hearing to locate him."
"Ohh… I see."
Hinata's expression turned thoughtful.
"Which means your ears need to be sharp. I'll add some extra training to help."
Kitazawa figured it was time the Hyuga stopped relying entirely on their eyes. If something ever happened to their Byakugan, they'd be helpless.
"Got it!" Hinata agreed enthusiastically.
"The flicker technique I'll teach you is called Leaf Body Flicker."
Kitazawa formed a hand seal—and instantly disappeared in a flurry of leaves.
Hinata's jaw dropped.
She'd heard of Body Flicker, but the Leaf version wasn't just fast—it helped dodge physical attacks and tools too. It was strong and versatile.
"Well?" Kitazawa reappeared with a grin.
"That was amazing! If I learn that, I'll totally beat Sasuke!"
"Didn't expect you to be the competitive type," he teased, ruffling her hair.
"I-I just don't want to disappoint you," she said shyly, avoiding eye contact.
"Alright, let's begin. I'll teach you the hand signs first."
Friday came and went. The weekend passed quietly with Kitazawa spending both days at the hospital, as usual.
By the third week of the semester, September was already halfway through. On Monday, Kitazawa held the usual planning meeting for the monthly exams.
Seven days flew by, and Monday of the fourth week arrived.
After teaching his first class, he returned to his office.
Piled on his desk were the exam papers submitted by teachers from every grade.
He formed two shadow clones, and together they spent an hour sorting and organizing the entire exam set.
Kitazawa brought the finished papers to Vice Principal Sarutobi Hisao. After getting the green light, preparations were done.
All that was left was for the exams to start on September 30—next Monday.
The only thing Kitazawa was looking forward to?
Seeing whether Hinata could finally beat Sasuke.
After all, that was the only mission he had at the moment.
Back at the training field—
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
Naruto came barreling in like a little green tornado.
"Did you finish the second phase of Rasengan training?" Kitazawa asked, eyebrow raised.
"Wha—how'd you know?! Are you reading my mind?"
"Just a guess," Kitazawa said. "You're not usually here this early unless something's up."
"You're amazing, Sensei!"
Naruto was clearly hyped. "Yeah! I finished the second stage!"
He pulled out a rubber ball and popped it with chakra right in front of him.
"Not bad."
Kitazawa nodded. Naruto had started in the third week of summer, so a month and a half wasn't a bad pace. Especially for someone his age learning an A-rank technique.
"Think I can finish Rasengan before the exams?"
Naruto looked hopeful.
"Honestly? Probably not."
Kitazawa didn't sugarcoat it.
The third stage was the hardest. At this rate, Naruto might finish just before finals—in around two months.
"Dang. I wanted to surprise Sasuke…"
Kitazawa chuckled.
Surprise? More like scare the life out of him.
"Don't worry. Your Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu is gonna be surprise enough."
He patted Naruto's shoulder. Even with his Sharingan and genjutsu, Sasuke would struggle against a swarm of Narutos.
"Alright, let's start the third phase."
Kitazawa held out his palm. "This part combines the first two stages."
Chakra surged from his hand.
"Remember what phase one was about?"
"Making water inside the balloon move chaotically!" Naruto replied instantly.
"Now do that with chakra."
Kitazawa spun it in his hand.
"And phase two?"
"Releasing chakra steadily until it bursts a rubber ball!"
"Correct. Now we compress and refine the chakra."
He spun it faster and faster until it formed a dense, howling vortex—then slammed it into the ground.
Boom!
The ground cracked. Chakra exploded outward and formed a deep crater.
"Whoa! That's insane!"
Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement, already dreaming of using it himself.
"Call your clones. Start training."
Kitazawa didn't tell him the shortcut method from the original timeline. No need to rush—if he got stuck, they'd deal with it later.
"On it!"
Naruto sprinted off.
Kitazawa made a clone to follow him—phase three was too complex to risk mistakes.
Then he turned to check on Shikamaru and Ino.
They'd moved on from chakra nature training and had started learning new clan jutsu.
Shikamaru was working on Shadow Gathering Jutsu, and Ino was trying out Mind Clone Switch Jutsu.
Both were tough techniques, and would take time. Compared to Sasuke and Naruto, their talent wasn't quite on the same level.
But they were making steady progress.
~~~
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