Time flowed on.
The third round of fights went one after another, but the very first match—Uzumaki Naruto versus Uchiha Sasuke—had left too deep an impression on everyone. That made the battles that followed feel a little "flat" by comparison.
Even so, they were genuinely exciting. In Kitazawa's eyes, the overall level wasn't any worse than the individual bouts in the third stage of the original joint Chūnin Exams.
And for fighters like Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Kurama Yakumo, and Hyūga Hinata, their exchanges were already reaching a standard that could be called jōnin-tier.
"The practical exam ends here," Kitazawa announced with a smile. "Rest for fifteen minutes. After that, I'll announce the rankings for this final exam."
"Damn it!" Kiba Inuzuka raked a hand through his hair. "Why does it still feel so hard even with Akamaru?"
"Akamaru's still young," Tenten comforted him. "And it's not because of Akamaru—it's because everyone's improving."
"Especially Naruto," Ino Yamanaka complained. "Next time, just hand him first place directly."
"Youth means constantly challenging the strong!" Rock Lee declared, his teeth flashing. "How can we retreat just because it's difficult?"
"Sometimes I honestly envy your mental state," Shikamaru Nara said, glancing at him.
Naruto and Lee usually had completely different vibes, but that refusal-to-give-up attitude really was admirable.
"What? You want to join the Way of Youth?" Lee's eyes lit up with excitement.
"No, no, no!" Shikamaru waved his hands in panic. "That's not what I meant!"
"Is that so…" Lee looked genuinely disappointed.
"Do you think we'll take the Chūnin Exam as soon as we graduate?" Sakura Haruno suddenly asked, curiosity sparked.
"Just the Chūnin Exam?" Kiba raised an eyebrow. "I feel like quite a few of us could go straight for the jōnin assessment."
"We can split up—go ahead and take the jōnin assessment," Ino said with her hands on her hips. "I'll take the Chūnin Exam, and maybe I'll even get first place."
Shikamaru's expression turned subtle.
The Advanced Class couldn't take first place here, but they could take first place in the Chūnin Exam?
What was that—reversing the heavens?
"I'm not in a rush to graduate," Naruto scratched his head. "I actually like being in class with everyone."
"I don't want to be stuck taking classes for the rest of my life," Tayuya said with a look of pure resistance.
Whether it was theory or practical lessons, she couldn't get first in anything. If that was what "class" meant, she'd rather not.
"Honestly, graduating or not doesn't change much," Shino Aburame adjusted his glasses. "After graduation, you still do missions and you're still learning."
"If we don't graduate, how are the kids supposed to enroll?" Kiba said, patting Naruto on the shoulder.
"I wonder if we'll get new students in the Advanced Class next year," Shion said excitedly.
The Advanced Class didn't really separate "new" from "old," but since she'd transferred in, she was clearly the "new kid." If more newcomers joined, she could finally be an senpai.
"There should be at least one," Neji Hyūga said after thinking. "Hanabi."
"Oh, right!" Ino laughed. "Hinata's little sister—she'll be about old enough to enroll next year!"
"I have a bad feeling our rankings are going to change again," Tenten groaned, slapping her forehead.
"Hinata, what's your sister's talent like?" Kiba asked, intrigued.
"She's still too young. It's hard to tell," Hinata said after a moment's thought, shaking her head.
Hanabi had started learning some basic Gentle Fist fundamentals, but she hadn't shown anything especially outstanding yet.
"I know another new student!" Naruto said proudly. "My little bro—Konohamaru!"
"Who's Konohamaru?" Kiba asked, puzzled.
"The Third Grandpa's grandson—Sarutobi Konohamaru!" Naruto gave a thumbs-up. "I already promised him: once he enrolls, I'll teach him the Way of Youth!"
"Then we're doomed," Kiba blurted out.
Everyone else wore the same headache-inducing expression.
Naruto plus Lee was already terrifying. Add Sarutobi Konohamaru, and the Advanced Class would have to be renamed the Youth Class.
The fifteen-minute break ended quickly.
"Before I announce the rankings, there's something I want to announce first," Kitazawa said, walking up to the students with the score sheet in hand.
Naruto, Kiba, and the others immediately stopped chatting and looked at him with curiosity.
"Up to now, whether it was missions outside the village or team battles, we selected the top eighteen," Kitazawa said. "From now on, it'll be twenty-one—seven teams. And next semester, a new teacher will be joining."
"Sounds like competition's going to get even fiercer," Kiba said, unconsciously clenching his fist.
He needed to hurry up and master true synergy with Akamaru.
"The extra three are definitely Chino, Shion, and Hotaru," Ino said happily.
Chino, Shion, and Hotaru all smiled. Going out on missions was obviously better for training, and it meant their strength would grow faster.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Naruto raised his hand. "Who's the new teacher? Is he strong?"
"His name is Yamato," Kitazawa said after a brief pause. "You don't know him, but he's an elite Anbu shinobi. Very strong."
Everyone's eyes immediately brightened with anticipation.
They all knew what Anbu meant—directly under the Hokage. Anyone who could join wouldn't be weak.
After all, their current teacher, Hatake Kakashi, had once been an Anbu captain.
"Now I'll announce the practical exam rankings," Kitazawa said, tapping the score sheet. "First place: Uzumaki Naruto. Second: Kurama Yakumo. Third: Uchiha Sasuke."
No debate at all for the top three—especially Naruto in first place.
In this practical exam, his performance had been downright shocking. That terrifying chakra reserve… across all of Konoha, it was hard to find a second person who could match him.
"Fourth: Hyūga Hinata. Fifth: Hyūga Neji. Sixth: Aburame Shino. Seventh: Kaguya Kimimaro," Kitazawa read in one breath. "Eighth: Rock Lee. Ninth: Tenten. Tenth: Haku."
The top seven didn't change much.
But starting from eighth, it looked very different from earlier practical rankings.
Lee climbed to eighth thanks to the Leaf Dragon God technique.
Tenten surged to ninth because of the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique.
Haku relied on Ice Release: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals to barely secure tenth.
"This is youth!" Lee clenched both fists, tears streaming like a waterfall.
Eighth place wasn't easy for him.
He'd once taken fifth before, but that had been in a team battle—he'd felt like he got carried.
Today's final exam was individual combat. Getting eighth meant he earned it with his own strength.
Haku didn't say anything, but he was quietly thrilled.
It was his first time breaking into the top ten.
"Even with Akamaru, I still can't make top ten—what are you people, monsters?" Kiba couldn't help complaining.
"Woof woof!" Akamaru barked in agreement.
"Get used to it," Shikamaru sighed.
He'd finally changed his attitude and decided to work hard, but reality proved that working hard and not working hard didn't seem that different.
The only difference was that his theory-exam ranking jumped quite a bit.
"Eleventh: Inuzuka Kiba. Twelfth: Chino. Thirteenth: Yamanaka Ino. Fourteenth: Haruno Sakura," Kitazawa continued. "Fifteenth: Nara Shikamaru. Sixteenth: Tayuya. Seventeenth: Jūgo. Eighteenth: Akimichi Chōji."
The biggest change in the top eighteen was Chino joining them.
After all, she had the Ketsuryūgan—an ocular power comparable to the Sharingan.
"Nineteenth: Karin. Twentieth: Shion. Twenty-first: Hotaru."
After Kitazawa read out the last three, Shion and Hotaru both let out a breath of relief. They'd been worried they might not even make the top twenty-one.
"All rankings have been announced," Kitazawa said with a smile, raising his voice. "That's the end of this semester. See you next term!"
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!" the Advanced Class shouted in unison.
"Another semester over," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with emotion.
"Yeah," Maruboshi Kosuke nodded. "They're not far from graduation now."
"If you count it out, Neji, Tenten, and Lee will be in their final year next year," Kurenai Yūhi said after thinking.
"They'll probably wait and graduate together with Sasuke and the others," Master Chen guessed.
"We can ask what they want when the time comes," Kitazawa said, walking over after the students left.
"If they do graduate, they'll need an elite jōnin assigned to them," Hiruzen said with a chuckle. "Otherwise, their talent would be wasted."
"Guy," Kakashi said abruptly. "I think he's a good fit."
"Lee's been training with Guy all along anyway. We really shouldn't split them up," Kosuke agreed.
"We'll talk about next year when next year comes," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Everyone worked hard today. See you tomorrow."
Starting tomorrow would be winter break.
But winter break for the Advanced Class barely counted as a break—many students would still come to train and attend lessons.
After Hiruzen and the others left, Kitazawa and Kurenai went home as well.
With nothing much in the afternoon, Kitazawa trained Flying Thunder God: Second Stage at home.
That night, he and Kurenai sparred until past midnight.
The next morning.
Kurenai, exhausted, was still sleeping in. Kitazawa didn't wake her. He got dressed, left her breakfast, then used Flying Thunder God to head to the Ninja Academy.
"Kitazawa-sensei." The moment Sasuke saw him, he hurried over.
He wanted to defeat Naruto so badly he'd barely slept—his mind was full of Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Awakening the Mangekyō will be tough," Kitazawa said, already guessing Sasuke's thoughts, but still giving him a warning.
"I'm not afraid of hardship," Sasuke said, unwavering.
"Good." Kitazawa nodded, then looked at Naruto. "Naruto."
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto leaned in eagerly. "Are we continuing tailed-beast transformation training today?"
"Mm." Kitazawa acknowledged it without explaining further. "Come with me."
Sasuke followed.
As for Naruto, Kitazawa didn't mind him tagging along—training together was normal.
The three soon arrived at the Forest of Death.
"Kitazawa-sensei, what's my training today?" Sasuke asked, unable to hold back.
Naruto also looked curious.
"Simple," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Your training is to fight Naruto."
"Huh?" Naruto's curiosity turned into shock.
"Fight Naruto?" Sasuke asked, completely confused. "What does that have to do with awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan?"
"You don't trust me?" Kitazawa shot back.
"I trust you, but…" Sasuke hesitated, not sure how to phrase it.
"Then training starts now." Kitazawa patted his shoulder.
"Kitazawa-sensei, what about my tailed-beast training?" Naruto scratched his head.
Fighting Sasuke sounded great, but he hadn't forgotten what he'd been training for.
"Fighting Sasuke is your tailed-beast training," Kitazawa said.
"I get it!" Naruto froze for a second, then lit up with excitement.
I do not get it! Sasuke's mouth twitched. He was completely lost.
"Come on, Sasuke!" Naruto ran to an open clearing and shouted.
Sasuke glanced at Kitazawa, then drew the Sword of the Thunder God.
A violent aura shot upward.
Dark red chakra began to seep from Naruto's body.
"…?" Sasuke stiffened.
This is training?
Why does it feel like I'm about to get beaten up—unilaterally?
"Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto yelled, splitting into two thousand clones.
Sasuke instinctively tightened his grip on the Sword of the Thunder God.
And just like that, an utterly unequal battle began.
Kitazawa watched Sasuke get overwhelmed and couldn't help smiling.
The method sounded ridiculous, but for Sasuke, it really was the right medicine.
With the bond of Asura and Indra's reincarnation tying them together, if nothing unexpected happened, Sasuke would awaken the Mangekyō sooner or later.
The only question was what abilities his Mangekyō would manifest.
In the original story, Sasuke's Mangekyō techniques were Amaterasu and Blaze Release: Kagutsuchi.
Amaterasu needed no explanation—black flames that wouldn't go out.
Kagutsuchi built on that, allowing him to shape and control those flames—essentially an upgraded Amaterasu.
Together, they were the peak of offensive ocular jutsu.
Sasuke awakened them because of his revenge—because he wanted the strongest attack.
And since Itachi's ocular power also included Amaterasu, part of Sasuke may have wanted to surpass him, leading to Kagutsuchi.
But now, the night of the massacre hadn't happened. Sasuke didn't need revenge.
The one person he saw as his lifelong rival was Naruto.
So the two Mangekyō techniques he awakened would almost certainly be connected to Naruto.
In other words, it probably wouldn't be Amaterasu and Kagutsuchi this time.
Even Kitazawa didn't know what it would be.
They'd only find out once Sasuke awakened it.
After watching for a while, Kitazawa created a shadow clone.
Its job was to treat Sasuke's injuries, remove fatigue, and replenish his chakra.
Then Kitazawa left the Forest of Death and used Flying Thunder God to appear at the entrance of the Anbu base.
"Kitazawa-sama." Anbu spotted him and hurried up to greet him.
"Perfect timing. Go find Yamato and tell him to come to my office," Kitazawa instructed with a nod.
"Yes, Kitazawa-sama." Anbu bowed slightly and left.
Kitazawa looked away and headed upstairs.
He pushed open the door and entered his office.
"Kitazawa." Konan stood and walked toward him.
Kitazawa casually pulled her into his arms, greeting her with an intimate, playful warmth that made her breath hitch for a moment.
"Good morning, Konan," he said, smiling, then let her go.
Without his warmth, Konan felt an odd flicker of emptiness—but her expression stayed composed as she followed him to the desk.
"Yamato will be coming in a bit," Kitazawa said, sitting down.
"Mm." Konan put on her Anbu mask and stood behind him.
A knock sounded.
"Come in," Kitazawa said.
"Kitazawa-sama." Yamato entered wearing an Anbu mask.
"Do you know about the Advanced Class?" Kitazawa asked after a moment.
"Yes," Yamato replied. "Kakashi-senpai went there as an instructor."
"Do you want to go?" Kitazawa asked with a light chuckle.
Yamato paused, then said, "If you order me to go, I'll go."
Whether in Root or Anbu, the first rule was obedience.
"Good." Kitazawa nodded. "Handle your transfer today, then go to the Ninja Academy and find Kakashi. He'll arrange the rest."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sama." Yamato answered without hesitation, bowed, and left.
Kitazawa wasn't worried about him. Even if he came from Root, he wasn't rotten at heart—his actions in the original story proved that much.
When the door closed, Kitazawa reached back and rested his hand on Konan's leg in a familiar, intimate gesture.
Konan froze slightly, then stepped closer, narrowing the distance between them.
Kitazawa's touch was gentle and unhurried, and Konan settled onto his lap naturally, looking at him.
"I'm going to train later," Kitazawa said, blinking. "Anything else you need?"
"No," Konan said reflexively.
"Mm." Kitazawa's gaze drifted to her lips.
Konan caught the look. After a brief hesitation, she leaned in—quietly consenting—and he kissed her.
She closed her eyes, letting out a soft breath, then finally pulled back, leaning into him to catch her breath.
"I'm heading out," Kitazawa said, patting her back lightly. "If you need anything, come find me in the Forest of Death."
"Mm." Konan straightened herself, still a little unsteady, but outwardly calm.
Kitazawa watched her cool expression and thought—maybe next time, they could take one more step forward.
He stood up and left the Anbu base.
Back in the Forest of Death, Sasuke and Naruto's fight continued, but Sasuke was already drained to the bone, like he might collapse any second.
Kitazawa took one look, then went to the side to train Flying Thunder God.
The first week of winter break passed in a flash.
December 20, Saturday.
Kitazawa stood on the training field watching the Advanced Class practice. He rubbed his chin, thinking.
Tomorrow was his birthday.
With his status now, even if he didn't invite anyone, plenty of guests would show up anyway. In that case, he might as well host it properly.
He decided on tomorrow at noon.
As for the evening, there was no need to make it a big affair—he could just have a simple meal with Tsunade, Shizune, and the others next door.
But figuring out who to invite was a headache.
There were a lot of people he couldn't ignore: the Advanced Class students, friends and family, and the heads of the major clans.
Still, if he was going big, he might as well invite everyone.
Once he thought of it that way, it didn't feel so troublesome.
As for who would deliver the invitations—leave it to Anbu.
Strictly speaking, Anbu shouldn't handle personal errands, but as long as Tsunade didn't care, it wasn't a problem.
Would Tsunade care? Of course not.
She still owed Kitazawa a "special reward."
Tomorrow, he'd finally get the answer—and he might even complete a system quest with an unknown reward along the way.
Kitazawa returned to himself and began today's teaching.
It was already winter break, and some students' training programs were due for an update.
First was Tayuya.
She'd previously learned Illusion Technique and Demonic Illusion: False Surroundings Technique.
Kitazawa planned to teach her a B-rank genjutsu: Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death.
Second was Hotaru.
She only knew Water Release: Wild Water Wave and Water Release: Water Formation Wall.
Kitazawa planned to teach her Tobirama Senju's classic: Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique.
Then there was Shikamaru.
After learning Shadow Clone Substitute, plus Leaf Body Flicker and Shadow Wall, he already had solid survival tools.
And he wasn't lacking control—Nara clan techniques were all about restraint.
After thinking it through, Kitazawa decided Shikamaru's biggest gap was a strong offensive technique. In the end, he chose the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique.
Strictly speaking, it was a non-elemental jutsu.
In theory, Shikamaru could learn it.
Whether he could actually master it, Kitazawa wasn't fully sure—but it was worth trying.
After Tenten learned it, her strength skyrocketed.
If Shikamaru learned it too, he wouldn't be behind her.
Last was Ino.
Not long ago, she completed her previous training and mastered Mind Body Switch.
After long consideration, Kitazawa decided to teach her a powerful technique: Bringer-of-Darkness.
Teaching an A-rank genjutsu at their current age was pushing it, but her fundamentals were solid now—she could give it a shot.
There were more students due for adjustments, but Kitazawa didn't need to personally worry about everyone.
For example, Lee.
He hadn't come to the academy lately—he'd been training with Might Guy.
Guy intended to start teaching him the Eight Gates, since Lee had already turned ten.
In the original story, Lee entered the joint Chūnin Exams at thirteen, and by then he could open the Fifth Gate.
Of course, some students didn't need their training changed at all.
Neji and Hinata, for instance—after mastering the Phantom Arc Arrow, they would continue on to the World-Ending Arrow.
Time drifted by in the rhythm of teaching.
The sun set.
The Advanced Class finished training and gathered together.
Sakura's eyes drifted, almost unconsciously, to Sasuke.
He radiated a keep-out aura.
Sasuke had always been cool, but before, most of it felt like posturing.
Now it didn't.
His change started last week—right after he began Kitazawa's new training.
Sakura really wanted to ask what kind of training he was doing, but one look at Sasuke's expression made her swallow the question.
And it wasn't just her—Shikamaru and the others had noticed too.
But they trusted Kitazawa. He wouldn't harm Sasuke. So no one pressed.
"Tomorrow's Sunday. You all get one day off," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Tomorrow at noon, I'm treating everyone to a meal."
"Yes!" Naruto cheered. "I want Ichiraku ramen!"
"Naruto," Shikamaru reminded immediately, "did you forget what day tomorrow is?"
Naruto froze, then remembered—it was Kitazawa's birthday.
He scratched his head, embarrassed.
If it was a birthday, Ichiraku ramen wasn't exactly the right vibe.
And with this many people, Ichiraku wouldn't even have enough seats.
"Be on time tomorrow," Kitazawa said, clapping his hands. "See you at noon."
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!" The students waved and headed off.
"Third Hokage, if you're free, I hope you'll honor us as well," Kitazawa said, inviting Hiruzen and the others.
"It's your birthday—of course we'll come," Hiruzen said with a chuckle. "Mind if I bring family?"
"Not at all," Kitazawa said, shaking his head.
"Then I'll bring Asuma and Konohamaru," Hiruzen said after a pause. "Konohamaru will enroll next year. It'll be good for him to meet the Advanced Class students early."
"With Naruto around, he'll fit in fast," Kitazawa said.
He still remembered Konohamaru well—he had plenty of screen time in the original story, and he really was talented.
Just the fact that he learned the Rasengan from Naruto said it all.
Naruto's teaching ability was basically nonexistent.
Konohamaru learned it purely on talent.
Later, he even learned Big Ball Rasengan and sealing techniques.
Kitazawa also thought of Konohamaru's two friends: Udon Ise and Moegi Kazamatsuri.
Udon didn't need much discussion—he'd become a fairly decent jōnin.
Moegi was different. She awakened Wood Release.
Her Wood Release wasn't particularly powerful—nowhere near Hashirama's, not even better than Yamato's.
In the original story, she didn't awaken it through transplanted Hashirama cells; it seemed natural.
Most likely she had a bit of Senju blood, but not much—so the Wood Release lacked force.
Still, Wood Release was Wood Release. Joining the Advanced Class wouldn't be a problem.
As for Udon, it would be hard for him to enter the Advanced Class in his very first semester.
"Then we'll be going. See you tomorrow," Hiruzen said, and they all left.
"Red, you head home first. I'm going to the Anbu base," Kitazawa explained. "I'll have them deliver invitations for tomorrow's guests."
"Mm." Kurenai nodded. "I'll go home and cook. I'll wait for you."
Kitazawa watched her go.
If only he'd mastered Flying Thunder God Guiding Thunder, he could have brought her straight home.
The basic Flying Thunder God could only move himself.
But it wouldn't take too long—one or two months at most.
Kitazawa used Flying Thunder God to arrive at the Anbu base.
He quickly found Haru and had her lead a team to invite the major clans and the shinobi he was close with.
After giving instructions, he used Flying Thunder God again to appear outside the Hokage's office.
He didn't teleport inside directly.
Tsunade was the Hokage—if she was discussing business with someone, barging in would be rude.
Kitazawa raised a hand and knocked.
After being allowed in, he entered.
"Why are you here?" Tsunade asked, putting down the documents she was holding.
"Do you remember what day tomorrow is?" Kitazawa walked up to her, his gaze naturally dropping for a moment—then he caught himself and smiled.
"Of course I remember," Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Do you think I'd forget something like that?"
Kitazawa chuckled and told her his plan for tomorrow.
"Then what about the afternoon?" Tsunade asked after listening, pausing for two seconds.
"I don't have anything planned," Kitazawa said, surprised.
"Then you're spending the afternoon with me," Tsunade said evenly. "I don't feel like working."
"Back to the casino again?" Kitazawa teased.
"Senju compound," Tsunade said, shaking her head.
"Why are we going there?" Kitazawa asked, genuinely surprised.
"Stop asking so many questions. If I tell you to go, you go," Tsunade huffed.
"Yes, Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa said immediately. "Wherever you tell me."
"That's more like it." Tsunade's lips curved faintly. "Anything else? If not, stop interrupting me."
"There is one thing," Kitazawa said, leaning down and kissing her.
Tsunade glared at him, but didn't push him away.
"Alright. I'm leaving. See you tomorrow," Kitazawa said with a smile—and vanished.
"Flying Thunder God really is convenient," Tsunade muttered, touching the corner of her mouth as she processed what just happened.
The next day arrived.
Konoha's largest izakaya.
Starting at nine in the morning, it became lively as people kept arriving.
"Whoa—so many people!" Naruto gasped, scanning the room.
"Kitazawa really does have strong connections in Konoha," Asuma Sarutobi said with a grin.
"When it's my birthday, I want this kind of scene too!" Konohamaru declared, chest puffed out.
"Then you'll need to work hard," Hiruzen said, patting his head.
"Naruto-nii can definitely do it!" Konohamaru boasted proudly.
"Naruto, over here!" Kiba's voice called from not far away.
"Konohamaru, go with Naruto and meet the Advanced Class students," Hiruzen said, glancing at Kiba.
"Okay!" Konohamaru nodded.
He followed Naruto over.
Besides Kiba, the other Advanced Class students were seated at these few tables too.
"Hi, everyone!" Konohamaru said cheerfully, completely at ease. "I'm Sarutobi Konohamaru! My dream is the same as Naruto-nii's—to become Hokage!"
"Definitely a new kid. Big dreams," Tenten laughed.
"What does that have to do with being new?" Konohamaru asked, confused.
"Only new kids haven't been beaten up by the Advanced Class yet," Tenten replied.
"Once you take the Advanced Class practical exam, you'll understand becoming Hokage is really hard," Kiba sighed.
"I'm not afraid of difficulty!" Konohamaru gave a thumbs-up. "Naruto-nii said youth is about overcoming difficulties!"
"We're finished," Ino said, seeing that familiar gesture and shaking her head.
Time passed in idle chatter.
Noon.
Kitazawa and Tsunade entered the izakaya—officially beginning the birthday banquet.
They walked to a central table where Konoha's upper ranks were seated: Hiruzen, Uchiha Fugaku, Hyūga Hiashi, and more.
"Hokage-sama," everyone greeted, rising.
"No need to be formal," Tsunade waved a hand. "Today is Kitazawa's birthday. I'm a guest like the rest of you."
Then she looked at Kitazawa.
"I won't make a long speech," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Thanks for coming. Eat well, drink well—have fun."
"You're like Tsunade—neither of you likes talking much," Hiruzen laughed.
"Hmph. You think everyone's like you, rambling every time," Tsunade shot back.
"Let's not get into that," Hiruzen said, changing the subject and raising his cup. "A toast to Kitazawa. Happy birthday."
"Thank you, everyone," Kitazawa said, clinking cups and drinking it down.
The meal lasted nearly two hours.
"Tsunade-sensei, are you okay?" Kitazawa asked, looking at her flushed cheeks.
"I… I'm fine," Tsunade said, wobbling her head slightly. "You… you're coming with me this afternoon to the Sen— to the casino!"
She caught sight of Kurenai and Shizune nearby and quickly corrected herself.
Kitazawa paused.
What was that supposed to mean?
"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune protested. "You've had this much and you still want to go to the casino?"
"This amount is nothing," Tsunade said, then added, "And I have the Strength of a Hundred Seal."
As she spoke, the redness faded from her face, and she looked clearer almost instantly.
"Shizune-senpai," Kitazawa cleared his throat. "It's my birthday. Let Tsunade-sensei take the day off."
"Since it's for you, I'll let it go this time," Shizune said after thinking, then warned, "Don't stay out gambling too late."
"Definitely," Kitazawa said with a smile. "We're having dinner together later too."
"Just focus on spending time with Tsunade-sama—leave dinner to me and Shizune!" Kurenai said with determination. "We'll make sure you're satisfied."
"Thank you," Kitazawa said with a nod.
"Alright, we're heading back," Shizune said, then left the izakaya with Kurenai, Uzumaki Rina, and the others.
"Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa asked with a smile, "yesterday you said we were going to the Senju compound. Why did you say casino just now?"
"We are going to the Senju compound," Tsunade said, standing. "That was just a slip of the tongue."
"A slip?" Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.
"Come on," Tsunade said, offering no further explanation as she walked out.
Kitazawa suppressed his curiosity and followed.
Before long, they arrived at the Senju compound.
"I'll open it," Kitazawa said, stepping forward and taking out a key.
Because he often came back to study Wood Release techniques, Tsunade had given him one.
"Tsunade-sensei, after you," Kitazawa said, opening the door with a smile.
"Do you clean this place regularly?" Tsunade asked as she walked in and saw how tidy it was.
"When I come to pick up Wood Release scrolls, I clean a bit while I'm here," Kitazawa replied.
"Can the hot water in the bath be used?" Tsunade stretched. "I smell like alcohol. I want to shower."
"It works," Kitazawa said.
"Good." Tsunade nodded and headed for the bathing area.
Kitazawa shook his head.
He still didn't understand why Tsunade suddenly wanted to come here.
He sat on the couch and waited.
After some time, the door opened.
Kitazawa turned without thinking—and froze.
Tsunade came out wrapped in a towel, her hair still damp, her expression soft, her eyes carrying a quiet, unreadable warmth.
"What are you staring at?" she asked.
"Obviously at Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa said, recovering and smiling.
"And what are you thinking?" she asked again, voice steady.
Kitazawa hesitated.
Tsunade stepped closer, her cheeks faintly pink—whether from lingering wine or something else, he couldn't tell.
"You're hesitating," she said.
Kitazawa's heartbeat picked up. Suddenly, he understood what she was doing—what she was offering.
Tsunade made her intentions clear without forcing anything, giving him the chance to choose.
Kitazawa met her gaze, and in that moment, his answer was obvious.
They moved closer, and their affection turned into something deeper—quiet, mutual, and fully consensual, with the rest of the afternoon slipping away behind closed doors.
Later, when they finally caught their breath, Tsunade shot him a look that was half-challenging, half-amused.
"You look pretty pleased with yourself," she said.
Kitazawa smiled, refusing to back down.
In the end, it was a perfectly matched contest—neither of them willing to yield easily.
~~~
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