Saturday.
After breakfast, Kitazawa went straight to Class 1-A's room.
Because it was a written exam, there were no extra spectators—nothing much to watch in a theory test; it's pretty dry.
"The rules are the same as the monthly exams. I won't repeat them," Kitazawa said as he handed out the papers. "Once the bell rings, you can start."
He finished distributing the tests and returned to the lectern.
In less than a minute the bell rang, and everyone picked up their pens.
Kitazawa glanced at Karin. Her expression was calm, like she had it in the bag.
He'd given her a mock test on Friday. She scored a 92. If nothing unexpected happened, that should put her in the top ten for the theory exam.
Arms folded, Kitazawa sat at the front, watching them and drifting into his own thoughts. Since he didn't have an assigned test to take, he didn't need to write anything. He started thinking about what to do over winter break.
The Student Council selection matches would end, and then it'd be winter break. It wasn't as long as summer—about a month.
First on the list: teach Karin sealing techniques. The problem was, in everyone else's eyes he wasn't someone who knew sealing. His plan was simple: lean on his patron—Tsunade. Under the pretext of teaching Karin, he could ask Tsunade for sealing techniques and, in the process, "legitimize" his own sealing skill.
Second: teach Kurenai sealing techniques.
Third: teach Sasuke Lightning Release ninjutsu. Same issue again—either sanitize the fact that he already knows Lightning Release or actually learn it.
Luckily, once the selection matches ended, he'd complete the Student Council President quest. The reward: lightning affinity and mastery-level Lightning-nature chakra transformation.
As for a teacher, obviously Hatake Kakashi. In the whole village, the most famous Lightning Release jōnin was him. If Kakashi agreed to guest-teach Class 1-A, easy. If not, he'd find another excuse.
Of course, it also depended on how Sasuke performed in the selection matches—ideally it would trigger a relevant quest.
Fourth: take Kabuto, Torune, and Izumi out on missions. He'd see what quests the system threw at him. Judging from that earlier "complete ninety D-rank missions" quest, there were definitely more like it coming.
Fifth: treat Tsunade's hemophobia. Once that was cured, he could complete another system quest—telling Uzumaki Naruto about the Nine-Tails.
Sixth: help Ino create a new jutsu.
Thinking that far, Kitazawa took out paper and pen. After a moment's thought, he decided what to create: a technique from an official game—Ninja Art: Ten Thousand Flowers Profusion.
First, flood the field with flowers to throw off the enemy's vision, then launch "ninja flowers" like shuriken for a killing strike.
But ordinary flowers might not be enough to really disrupt someone's sight. He figured he could fold genjutsu into it.
Conveniently, Kurenai had taught him something similar—Genjutsu: Flower Petal Escape, which makes the target see drifting petals while you ambush them.
Could Ino learn genjutsu? Absolutely. The Yamanaka clan's secret arts are Yin Release, and genjutsu is also Yin Release—the difference is just expression.
Many Yamanaka don't study genjutsu because they don't have the spare bandwidth. And with the classic Ino–Shika–Cho trio, they don't need it; the clan's secrets offer stronger control than most genjutsu anyway.
Honestly, hybrid techniques that combine genjutsu with tools aren't rare. In Leaf-style swordsmanship there's "Leaf-style Willow," which blends genjutsu with kenjutsu—created by the eternal genin, Maruboshi Kosuke.
He's a legendary "permanent genin" who learned Water Release from the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. In his youth, a mistake of his got a teammate killed, and he swore to remain a genin for life. In truth, his strength ranks among the better jōnin.
Time slipped by.
At eleven o'clock, the bell rang—Class 1-A's second-term theory exam was over.
"Head home early and get ready for tomorrow's practicals," Kitazawa said, standing and clapping his hands. "We'll also publish the written exam rankings."
He started collecting the papers.
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!"
Students filed out one after another. Hinata Hyuga didn't stay, either. He'd already told her in the morning to go home for lunch today.
Papers in hand, Kitazawa headed to his office. The first he graded was Karin's.
"Not bad—ninety-five." He nodded. Looked like his quest was in the bag, even though he hadn't checked the others yet.
He set down his pen, formed hand seals, and split into nine shadow clones.
"Three or four each," he instructed.
An Academy class is usually around thirty students; 1-A had twenty-nine. Counting the original, ten Kitazawas wrapped up grading in under half an hour. Scores done, rankings followed.
First place was still Sakura, with a perfect score. Second and third were unchanged too—Uchiha Sasuke and Hyuga Hinata.
What did surprise Kitazawa was Yakumo in fourth. Her progress in theory was blazing fast—probably the lingering obsession from not being able to enroll before. Now that Tsunade had treated her and she'd gotten into the Academy, she was studying with serious focus.
There was another reason: her combat growth had stalled, so she was pouring her effort into academics. Her bloodline limit's starting point was so high that it would be hard to improve it for a long while. Kitazawa could teach her genjutsu, but there wasn't much point; her two genjutsu-based bloodline abilities already outclass most people's illusions. The only thing he could really teach her was taijutsu. Once her body recovered a bit more, she could start on that—good for conditioning, and it keeps you from being helpless if your genjutsu gets broken.
His eyes dropped lower on the list and soon found Karin—seventh place.
A flicker crossed his vision and three lines appeared:
[Current Mission: Help transfer student Karin place in the top ten on this term's theory final.]
[Reward: Four Limbs Weighting Seal.]
[Mission Completed. Reward Granted.]
Right on cue, as always. After reading the Four Limbs Weighting Seal, he nodded—more practical than the Fire Sealing Method.
The Fire Sealing Method only seals flames and requires a sealing scroll. Looks useful, but in a real fight it's rarely necessary. Ordinary Fire Release? Dodging is faster than sealing. Its only real use is against special fire techniques, like Amaterasu.
He snapped back and checked Naruto and Kiba's rankings—thirteenth and eleventh. Since his last talk with Kitazawa, Kiba had put more effort into studying. But 1-A had too many monsters, and when you work harder, so does everyone else. He still missed the top ten—but beating Naruto probably already made his day.
Gatekeeping tenth was, once again, Nara Shikamaru. Kitazawa had to hand it to him—precision score control, always landing exactly at tenth.
The wild part was that he'd somehow factored Karin into his calculus this time, too. No idea how he guessed she'd crack the top ten—maybe he'd noticed Kitazawa tutoring her almost every day and put two and two together. Kid's just too smart.
Finished with the rankings, Kitazawa went back to tinkering with Ino's new technique.
By afternoon, Yamada Isamu brought over Class 2-A's theory rankings. Kitazawa skimmed them—basically unchanged from the last monthly exam.
First was Hyuga Neji, second was Tenten. As for Rock Lee, unsurprisingly dead last. Aside from prodigious taijutsu talent, he was a mess in other subjects. Still, that's fine—this world respects strength first, and academics are secondary. Plenty of people don't even have talent for taijutsu.
At sunset, Kitazawa returned to Kurenai's place. As usual, he trained Monster Strength and toughed out four hours under Tsunade's supervision. He actually had gas left in the tank—thanks to carrying 40% Senju blood. Both stamina and recovery had improved massively.
Why hold back a bit? Because he still had to face another woman later.
After his shower, he headed to Kurenai's room.
"The Student Council selection matches are tomorrow, right?" Kurenai asked from the edge of the bed, silk nightdress flowing.
"Are you going?"
Kitazawa stepped over with a smile. "I can get you a good seat."
"I'm free anyway, so I'll take a look," Kurenai nodded. She'd already learned the Fire Sealing Method and was in a lull—Kitazawa had only just obtained the Four Limbs Weighting Seal today and planned to teach her over winter break.
"Good."
His gaze fell to her graceful figure. Kurenai shot him a look; she didn't need to guess what he wanted.
She stood, turned away, leaned forward, and lay on the bed. Her back arched; her hips lifted; the silk tightened and traced a perfect curve.
Kitazawa's eyes widened; he swallowed. Like her name, (紅, Crimson/Deep Red) Kurenai ran hot. Under his influence, she'd gotten bold—sultry in all the best ways.
He stepped forward and reached out. The silk slipped to the floor, and pale skin filled his view. Kurenai's breath hitched; she bit her lip.
Before long, sweat beaded on her brow, her cheeks flushed, her head swimming as she started to babble.
…
Morning.
Kitazawa woke clear-headed. A chaotic night hadn't tired him at all. Bloodlines rule this world—just that 40% Senju lineage made him feel reborn. And this wasn't even Hashirama's special line, just the ordinary Senju blood.
He noticed a warm, heavy softness over him—Kurenai was clinging to him like he was a body pillow. One glance down showed her smooth back and the two long legs wrapped around him.
He admired the sight for a moment, then his eyes returned to her face. Damp black hair clung together, her lips a little pale, fatigue lingering in her features.
He placed a hand on her forehead. Green chakra flowed. In a haze, Kurenai felt warmth spread through her body. She raised her head and saw that telltale green glow of medical ninjutsu—understood at once.
"Thanks," she murmured as the soreness ebbed, replaced by a buoyant energy she'd never felt.
"Do we really need thanks between us?" Kitazawa ruffled her hair. "Up and at 'em—we've got to head to the Academy."
"Mm." She remembered she'd promised to watch the selection matches. She sat up; the sheet slid down with her, and for a moment it was snow peaks and red plum blossoms. Kitazawa couldn't look away. Kurenai gave him a side-eye but didn't fuss—by now their relationship was past modesty.
She got out of bed and, without a stitch on, walked to the wardrobe. After a quick scan, she took out her usual red-sleeved, white outfit.
"Still staring?" she asked as she finished dressing and found him still fixed on her.
"At you," he grinned. "Can't help it—you're too pretty. I could look forever."
Shame there wasn't time for another round, and he couldn't skip officiating the selection matches. Otherwise, Kurenai wouldn't be leaving the house today.
"Smooth talker." She couldn't help a small smile. "I'll make breakfast."
They weren't married yet, but the relationship was settled; lately she'd slipped naturally into the good-wife role.
"Thanks, Kurenai."
He dressed, washed up, and in a bit they were at the table. Since they'd slept in by half an hour, Kurenai went quick and made two bowls of chashu ramen.
Breakfast done, they headed to the Academy. The matches started at nine; they arrived just after eight. Even so, the place was packed and buzzing.
"I've never seen this many people at the Academy," Kurenai said, taking it in.
"Well, word is the Hokage's coming," Kitazawa chuckled. "That's the Hokage's star power."
"Will Tsunade-sama and Shizune come?" Kurenai searched the crowd but didn't spot them.
"I invited them. Whether they show… we'll see." He paused. "Come on, the stands are this way."
Normally there weren't spectator seats, but today's audience was large—and important—so you couldn't have them stand. Teachers had worked overtime yesterday to set up rows of chairs around the grounds. They didn't look great, but seats are seats.
"Kitazawa!" came Might Guy's exuberant shout before they even got close.
"Kakashi?" Kurenai saw Hatake Kakashi beside Guy and blinked. "You even got him to come?"
As a peer, she knew perfectly well how he'd been doing. For him to come out of the shadows to watch the matches was unexpected.
"He's here for Naruto," Kitazawa said offhandedly.
Kurenai paused, thoughtful.
"Guy. Kakashi." Kitazawa stepped up to greet them.
"Kurenai, you came too?" Guy said, a little rueful. "Shame Asuma didn't."
"As the Daimyō's Guardian, he can't leave on a whim," Kurenai said evenly. Asuma had been pursuing her, but she'd never accepted. Now that she had Kitazawa, she and Asuma were strictly friends.
"Kurenai, take the seat next to Kakashi," Kitazawa smiled. "Great view—you'll see everything clearly."
"Where are you sitting?" she asked.
"I'm on duty as a referee," he replied. "I'm Director of Academic Affairs and acting Student Council President—the overall lead today."
"Then thank you for the hard work," Kurenai said with a smile.
"Four senpais!" a voice called from a distance, drawing nearer. Kitazawa turned to see Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu hurrying over.
"You two as well?" Kurenai asked, surprised. "What about your posts?"
"It's fine—we took leave. The Hokage will arrange coverage," Izumo beamed. "We wouldn't miss something this rare."
"Yeah," Kotetsu marveled, "even the Chūnin Exams half a month ago didn't draw this many."
"Work time," Kitazawa said, seeing the hour. He left the stands.
Not long after he left, Uchiha Fugaku, Itachi, Sasuke, and Mikoto entered the Academy.
"Even livelier than I pictured," Mikoto said, then looked at Sasuke. "Nervous? With this many people?"
"Not at all." Sasuke clenched his fist. He was amped—the more people, the more praise and shock he'd get.
"Do well today. Don't disgrace the Uchiha," Fugaku said, eyes sweeping the crowd and landing on Hyuga Hiashi—Neji and Hinata would both be competing.
"I understand!" Sasuke said with total confidence. "I'm definitely becoming Student Council President!"
"Even so, know your limits," Mikoto said, ruffling his hair. "What matters most is not getting hurt."
"As a ninja, a few scrapes are nothing," Fugaku said, unimpressed.
"Student bouts should be light contact and stop when it's clear," Itachi countered, taking the opposite view.
~~~
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