The wind outside the window finally died down.
Tsunade straightened up and leaned her head back toward the ceiling. A warm flush colored her face; her gaze was unfocused, as if her mind hadn't fully returned to the room yet.
Kitazawa let out a slow breath and held her gently until she steadied. After a moment, Tsunade leaned in and looped her arms around his neck, resting her weight against him.
"Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa murmured, lowering his head to press a soft kiss to her forehead.
"Mmh…" Tsunade gave a quiet sound, still languid, as though all her strength had been drained.
Seeing that, Kitazawa simply held her and didn't move. Her presence was warm and comforting, and in his arms he felt a rare, deep sense of peace.
"What time is it?" Tsunade asked after a while, voice lazy.
"Four in the afternoon," Kitazawa replied.
"Then it's about time," Tsunade said, lifting her chin at him. "Carry me to the bath. After we're done, we'll go home."
"Get up first," Kitazawa said, giving her a light pat as a reminder.
Tsunade hummed in response and sat up. Kitazawa got off the bed and stood in front of her. Before he could say anything, she opened her arms, clearly expecting him to do the rest.
Kitazawa's eyelid twitched. No matter how many times he looked, she still had that overwhelming kind of beauty that made it hard to keep calm.
Tsunade's lips curled as she watched him. Kitazawa snapped out of it, bent down, and lifted her into his arms.
She clung to him like an octopus, wrapping herself around him as they headed for the bathroom.
Hot water cascaded down, and steam rose immediately.
Kitazawa sat across from her, forced himself to calm down, and helped her wash. When they were finished, he couldn't help wiping the sweat off his forehead.
"Why do I feel like helping me bathe is as exhausting as fighting a whole battle?" Tsunade teased, smiling when she noticed his motion.
"That's on you," Kitazawa said, shooting her a look.
"On me?" Tsunade leaned forward on purpose, clearly enjoying how he reacted.
Kitazawa tugged at the corner of his mouth. No question—she was doing it deliberately. She'd always been bold, but she used to hold back because of the relationship. Now that everything had changed between them, she didn't feel the need to restrain herself anymore.
"Because you're too beautiful," Kitazawa answered.
Tsunade paused—then beamed. "Now that's what I like to hear."
She pulled him close in a smug, satisfied hug. Kitazawa froze for a second, caught off guard.
"What time did you say it was?" Tsunade asked again, her voice turning even softer.
"Four," Kitazawa answered, muffled.
A second later, he was released. Kitazawa looked at her, confused.
Tsunade's eyes were half-lidded, all allure. She stepped closer, wrapped her arms around him again, and settled onto his lap as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Kitazawa's pupils shook.
"I… we can go back at six," Tsunade said vaguely.
"Aren't you afraid of Shizune anymore?" Kitazawa asked, hands settling at her waist.
"Then I'll go?" Tsunade frowned and started to rise.
"Wait!" Kitazawa immediately held her back. "Tsunade-sensei can take as long as she wants. Even nine is fine!"
"T-That won't do," Tsunade said, letting out a short huff. "It's your birthday. We're still eating dinner at home."
"Mm," Kitazawa said, voice low. "Whatever you say."
Tsunade laughed, shoulders shaking. "I suddenly had an idea. The place Shizune and the others live—Old Man arranged it temporarily back then."
"You want to move into our place?" Kitazawa asked, startled.
"As if." Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Can your house even fit that many people?"
"Fair point," Kitazawa admitted with a nod.
Kurenai's home was just an ordinary two-story house, maybe four bedrooms at most. If Tsunade, Shizune, Uzumaki Rina, and Karin all moved in, it would be cramped—and there wouldn't even be a good excuse for it.
"What I mean is… you all move to the Senju clan compound," Tsunade said, finally voicing her real thought. "There are plenty of empty houses there."
Kitazawa raised his brows.
It did sound doable. The only real issue was Kurenai.
Tsunade and Shizune's current residence was something Sarutobi Hiruzen arranged—it wasn't truly "their" home. Leaving it wouldn't be hard.
But Kurenai's situation was different. That house was hers.
"What?" Tsunade licked her lips, watching him. "Worried your Kurenai won't agree?"
Kitazawa nodded unconsciously.
"Relax. I'll talk to her," Tsunade said with a light chuckle.
"You have a way?" Kitazawa asked, curious.
"I'm the Hokage," Tsunade said. A faint blush rose to her cheeks, and she held herself taut as if forcing confidence. "Leave it to me."
"Alright." Kitazawa patted her thigh. "I'll wait for the good news."
"You really know how to sit back and reap the rewards," Tsunade snorted.
Kitazawa twitched his mouth.
Your mood changes faster than flipping a page.
Still—she wasn't wrong. He was benefitting without having to do the hard part of the conversation.
"Thanks," Kitazawa said quietly, hugging her tighter.
Tsunade blinked, then smiled. She patted his head with a tenderness that looked almost content—almost relieved.
The sun sank lower.
December nights always came quickly. Once the sun dipped, lamps lit up along Konoha's streets.
"Konoha feels unusually lively tonight," Tsunade said, glancing around with a smile.
"Probably because New Year's is close," Kitazawa replied, looking at her bright, pretty face.
"This year, let's spend New Year's at the Senju compound," Tsunade said, nostalgia surfacing on her face.
"Okay," Kitazawa agreed.
"Good. You're being very obedient today," Tsunade said, pleased.
"That's slander," Kitazawa shot back. "Was I not obedient before?"
"Not particularly," Tsunade said, tilting her head.
"Then from now on, I'll be obedient like today," Kitazawa said seriously. "I'll make sure you're satisfied."
Tsunade nodded automatically—then realized what he meant. She glared at him, but her cheeks reddened.
By logic, they both had the Strength of a Hundred Seal, so their stamina and strength should've been comparable. But reality didn't match what she'd imagined.
She wasn't his match.
[Current Mission: Accept Tsunade's special reward.]
[Mission Reward: Sage Mode talent.]
[Mission Completed. Reward Granted.]
The three lines of text appearing out of nowhere made Kitazawa freeze.
Tsunade had already given the "special reward"?
Kitazawa immediately understood what it meant. He rubbed his brow, half amused and half regretful—if he'd known the reward was this, he would've pushed harder and finished faster.
But either way, this birthday was a win-win for him: Tsunade had finally opened her heart, and he'd gained the talent to train Sage Mode.
Once he mastered Sage Mode, he could walk through the shinobi world like he owned it. Even if Ōtsutsuki Kaguya ever broke free, he'd be able to fight her.
But she wasn't getting out anymore.
Kitazawa had no intention of letting Nagato and Uchiha Obito gather all nine tailed beasts.
They soon arrived home.
"Tsunade-sama," Shizune asked, clearly unhappy, "why did you gamble so late again?"
She didn't blame Kitazawa. She knew that once Tsunade got into it, nobody could stop her.
"Today's Kitazawa's birthday," Tsunade said with a straight face. "I was happy, so I played a few more rounds."
Kitazawa shot Shizune a look.
Perfect timing—Kurenai came out of the kitchen carrying a dish, with Uzumaki Rina behind her.
"Just in time. Come eat!" Kurenai said.
Everyone gathered around the table.
"Why is there no alcohol?" Tsunade asked after scanning the spread.
"We drank at noon," Shizune replied. "No more tonight."
"Fine," Tsunade said, feeling a little guilty about lying, and didn't press.
After dinner, Kitazawa volunteered to wash the dishes.
"Kurenai," Tsunade said as she stood. "Come upstairs. I need to talk to you."
"Yes, Tsunade-sama," Kurenai replied, following her.
Upstairs, Tsunade went straight to the point. "Kurenai, have you ever thought about moving?"
"Moving?" Kurenai blinked, confused. "Moving where?"
"To the Senju clan compound," Tsunade said. "There are lots of empty houses there."
Kurenai fell silent, thinking.
Her first instinct was that Tsunade wanted to move—after all, Tsunade's own home was there. And maybe, after living together for so long, she'd simply gotten used to having everyone around.
From a social standpoint, moving there really would be better.
But… this was the house her parents had left her.
"You can still come back here anytime," Tsunade said, watching her. "It's not really different."
Kurenai hesitated. There was a difference between "living somewhere" and "visiting sometimes."
"You should also think about Kitazawa," Tsunade said evenly. "After you two get married, are you really going to keep him living in your house?"
"Eh?" Kurenai hadn't expected that.
The moment marriage entered the conversation, warmth crept up her cheeks.
But Tsunade's point was hard to refute. After marriage, Kurenai should be living with Kitazawa, not having Kitazawa live in her family home.
And Kitazawa was an orphan. Strictly speaking, the only "elder" he truly had was Tsunade—because a teacher held a place close to a parent.
If Tsunade refused, the marriage might not even be possible.
"…Okay," Kurenai said softly, lowering her head. "Then we'll move."
"I'll tell Kitazawa," Tsunade said, nodding, and left.
Downstairs, Tsunade exhaled slowly.
She'd brought up marriage because, deep down, she knew she probably couldn't marry Kitazawa—and she also felt guilty toward Kurenai.
Tsunade went to the kitchen.
"Tsunade-sensei, what is it?" Kitazawa glanced at her. "I need a few more minutes to finish the dishes."
"I already talked to Kurenai. She agreed to move," Tsunade said from the doorway.
"So fast?" Kitazawa looked genuinely shocked.
In less than a minute, Kurenai had agreed. If it were him, he wasn't even sure he could've convinced her that quickly.
"You still have a lot to learn," Tsunade said, smiling.
"True," Kitazawa nodded solemnly. "I'll learn more from you, Tsunade-sensei."
"Smooth talker," Tsunade laughed. "Alright, keep washing."
From start to finish, she never stepped into the kitchen—she'd eaten too much today, and she had no intention of "tempting trouble" with Kitazawa.
After the dishes were done, Kitazawa returned to the living room and found that Tsunade and Shizune and the others had already gone back.
"Left that fast?" he muttered.
He guessed it was Tsunade's idea.
Looks like today's effort wasn't wasted.
Kurenai looked at him. "Did Tsunade-sama tell you about the move?"
"She did. I'm fine with it—what matters is how you feel," Kitazawa said, then paused. "But I'm curious why you agreed."
"If Tsunade-sama and the others move out, the house won't feel as lively," Kurenai said, avoiding his gaze.
Kitazawa raised a brow. He stepped closer and gave a small sniff, playful.
"That smells like a lie," he said with a half-smile.
"I'm telling the truth," Kurenai insisted immediately.
"Is that so?" Kitazawa looked at her, smiling. "Because I know you pretty well."
"Then you guessed wrong today," Kurenai said stubbornly.
"Then I guess I'll have to get to know you again tonight," Kitazawa said, bending down and scooping her up.
"Bath first," Kurenai blurted, freezing—then her cheeks flushed as her eyes softened with a watery shimmer.
It was another sleepless night.
The next morning, Kurenai still hadn't woken up.
Kitazawa thought for a moment, then left a small note: when she woke up, she should start packing for the move. As for the ninja school—he'd cover her classes today.
He closed the door and left.
Next door, the door was locked. Tsunade and Shizune had probably already gone to the Hokage Tower.
Tsunade used to sleep in, but after becoming Hokage, she had to be diligent—because even if she wanted to be lazy, Shizune would drag her up and make sure she got to work on time.
With Flying Thunder God, Kitazawa instantly appeared in a corner by the ninja school's training field. Once steady, he walked out onto the grounds.
"Kitzawa-sensei!" Naruto waved the moment he saw him.
Kitazawa nodded and looked toward the boy beside Naruto—Konohamaru Sarutobi.
"Kitzawa-sensei," Naruto quickly explained, "Konohamaru said he wanted to train with us, so I brought him here."
"Training is fine," Kitazawa said. "Just don't interfere with the other students."
He didn't refuse. Sarutobi Hiruzen was nearby, after all—if nothing else, respect the "Buddha" if you won't respect the "monk."
Besides, with Konohamaru's talent, joining the Advanced Class next year was basically a sure thing.
"Thank you, Kitzawa-sensei!" Konohamaru said excitedly.
"See? I told you yesterday," Naruto grinned. "Kitzawa-sensei is a good person—easy to talk to!"
A "good person card," out of nowhere?
Kitazawa couldn't help shaking his head.
"Naruto-nii is right!" Konohamaru said, giving a thumbs-up.
"Then start by learning the Three Basic Techniques with Iruka," Kitazawa said after thinking a moment.
Normally, brand-new students would start with chakra control basics. But Konohamaru wasn't normal—before enrolling, he'd already had a special jōnin as a private tutor.
Kitazawa knew him too: Ebisu.
"Naruto, Sasuke—come with me," Kitazawa added.
Sasuke immediately pulled a long face.
He already knew what was coming: another beating from Naruto.
Calling it a beating wasn't even exaggeration. Once Naruto borrowed Kurama's chakra, he completely suppressed Sasuke. Sasuke could occasionally strike back, but most of the time he was getting pummeled.
Forest of Death.
Sasuke's suffering session began again.
After leaving behind a shadow clone, Kitazawa formed hand seals.
Summoning Jutsu!
A palm-sized slug appeared.
"Katsuyu-sama, please send me to Shikkotsu Forest," Kitazawa said bluntly. "I want to learn Sage Mode today."
Katsuyu looked surprised.
Kitazawa hadn't visited Shikkotsu Forest in a long time. She'd assumed he'd given up on Sage Mode.
"Alright, Kitazawa-sama," Katsuyu said, then vanished.
Not long after, Kitazawa felt a familiar tug. He stopped resisting, and in the next instant he arrived in Shikkotsu Forest.
"Sorry to trouble you, Katsuyu-sama," Kitazawa said, looking at the massive true body of Katsuyu.
"No trouble," Katsuyu replied gently, opening her mouth and spitting out a bucket of translucent liquid.
Kitazawa removed his shirt, spread the liquid over himself, then sat cross-legged.
Closing his eyes, he quickly sensed a special energy.
Different from chakra—natural energy was wilder, more aggressive.
Kitazawa finally relaxed.
Without talent, even a year of training might not get you through the door. With talent, he stepped in within a minute.
Immediate results.
Katsuyu's eyes widened.
Did he succeed?
She could sense changes in Shikkotsu Forest's natural energy, and she clearly felt some of it flowing toward Kitazawa.
No doubt—he had sensed natural energy and was trying to draw it into his body.
Katsuyu was astonished.
He'd failed for so long—why did it suddenly work today?
But it was ultimately good news.
Shikkotsu Forest hadn't seen a Sage Mode contractor in ages.
A day passed quickly.
Kitazawa opened his eyes and ended his training.
He stood, feeling refreshed and clear-headed.
Even though he couldn't reach the first stage of Sage Mode yet, he'd entered the path. Mastery was now only a matter of time.
"Congratulations, Kitazawa-sama," Katsuyu said warmly.
"Thank you," Kitazawa said modestly. "I just got lucky."
"If you can train Sage Mode, it's talent—not luck," Katsuyu corrected.
"Thanks for today. I'll come again tomorrow," Kitazawa said with a smile.
Now that he had the Sage Mode talent, he had to prioritize mastering it. But Flying Thunder God: Second Step and Flying Thunder God: Guided Thunder couldn't lag behind either.
His plan was to learn all three as much as possible within the next half year.
Because the war on Rain Village's side could escalate at any time.
"I'll send you back," Katsuyu said, nodding.
Space shifted. When Kitazawa opened his eyes again, he was back in Forest of Death.
Not far away, Sasuke lay on the ground, barely hanging on.
"That's enough for today," Kitazawa said, walking over with a smile.
"Yes, Kitzawa-sensei," Naruto replied, canceling Kurama's chakra and helping Sasuke up.
The three headed back toward Konoha.
On the main street, Kitazawa parted ways with them and went to the Hokage Tower.
Flying Thunder God!
He appeared at the Hokage office door, knocked, and walked in.
"You're lying down again?" Kitazawa laughed, seeing Tsunade sprawled on the couch.
"It's after work—am I not allowed to slack?" Tsunade sat up.
"Strictly speaking, you still have thirteen minutes," Kitazawa said, glancing at the clock.
"I'm the Hokage. If I say it's after work, it's after work. Any objections?" Tsunade asked, crossing her legs.
"None," Kitazawa said, stepping up and offering his hand. "Then… home?"
Tsunade took his hand and stood. "Have you moved yet?"
"Not yet," Kitazawa said. "But I told Kurenai to pack today. We should be able to move tomorrow."
"No rush," Tsunade said after thinking. "Move during the New Year holiday—on the 28th. I can help then."
"Works for me," Kitazawa nodded. "I'll tell Kurenai tonight."
"Finally, a holiday," Tsunade sighed, stretching.
Kitazawa's eyelid twitched, and he reached out to pull her into a brief hug.
Tsunade felt heat rise in her chest.
Before, she'd carried herself like a woman, but she hadn't truly crossed that line. Now that the seal had been "opened," she felt like something inside her was harder to control.
But the time and place weren't right.
"Come see me tonight," Tsunade whispered near his ear, her breath warm.
Kitazawa's whole body stiffened.
"Let's go," Tsunade said, blinking and tossing him a flirtatious look. She slipped free and walked out with a deliberate sway.
Kitazawa felt like she was playing him like a fiddle.
No.
Tonight he'd get payback.
Night deepened, the moon hanging high.
Kurenai's room went quiet—she was asleep, exhausted.
Kitazawa released his hold and used Flying Thunder God.
In the next instant, he was in Tsunade's room.
The lights were off, but to him it was no different from daytime.
He slipped under the covers, and a soft, mature body curled against him immediately.
Another sleepless night.
Only at dawn did Kitazawa leave using Flying Thunder God.
"Huh?!" Shizune opened the door, saw Tsunade in the living room, and looked like she'd seen a ghost.
"What's that face?" Tsunade yawned.
She hadn't slept at all last night, but with the Strength of a Hundred Seal she could regulate herself enough not to feel too exhausted.
"Why are you up so early?" Shizune asked, stunned.
"Am I not allowed to wake up early?" Tsunade shot back.
"Well… I guess," Shizune said, dropping it. "I'll go make breakfast."
After Shizune left, Tsunade leaned back and closed her eyes.
But memories of last night surfaced again, and she reflexively pressed her legs together.
Time flowed on.
Winter break reached its second week. The year came to its end—only two days left until New Year.
Aside from the shinobi on duty, everyone else in Konoha was on holiday.
"Welcome to the Senju clan compound!" Tsunade said brightly, smiling wide.
She used to fear coming home—because there was no one left here but her. But today, returning by choice, she wasn't alone anymore. She had Kitazawa, Shizune, and the others.
"We have to celebrate properly today!" Kurenai said excitedly. "I've never lived in such a big house in my life!"
"From now on, this is your home," Tsunade said generously.
"Let's go inside and talk," Shizune said, carrying a box into the house.
Kitazawa followed behind, also carrying a box.
Today wasn't just moving day—they had to re-decorate and clean. The house hadn't been lived in for a long time; a lot needed tidying.
By the time everything was done, it was already night.
"This place is one of the biggest houses in the Senju compound," Tsunade said, clapping her hands. "There are rooms upstairs and downstairs. Pick one each."
"Tsunade-sama, you choose first," Kurenai said quickly.
"You're the guests—you choose," Tsunade shook her head. "Alright, don't be polite."
"Then I'll take the room upstairs on the right," Kurenai said, pointing.
"I'll take the one next to it," Kitazawa added right away.
Even if his choice didn't really matter, since Tsunade told them to pick, he picked.
"We'll stay downstairs," Uzumaki Rina said after thinking. The kitchen was downstairs—convenient for cooking.
"I'll stay downstairs too," Shizune said.
"Then I'll stay upstairs," Tsunade said calmly.
"Now that rooms are decided, let's cook," Shizune said, standing.
"I'll help!" Kurenai immediately offered.
"Me too," Rina hurried to join.
That left only Tsunade, Kitazawa, and Karin in the living room.
"Tsunade-sensei, what are your plans for the holiday?" Kitazawa asked, idly picking up the TV remote.
"No plans," Tsunade said, leaning into the couch. "Sleep and go to the casino."
"That's… simple," Kitazawa laughed.
"What are you laughing at?" Tsunade glared. "You're following my plan too. You're coming with me."
Kitazawa blinked.
If Karin weren't here, he absolutely would've asked: including the sleeping part?
"Yes, Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa said obediently.
He needed to train, sure—but these few days could wait. Besides, New Year was the kind of day you were supposed to enjoy.
Early the next morning, after breakfast, Tsunade dragged Kitazawa to the casino.
Shizune was angry, but there was nothing she could do.
In truth, Tsunade didn't spend the whole day gambling—she spent the other half sparring with Kitazawa.
She'd become addicted to fighting. The exhilaration didn't lose to gambling at all.
The chaotic New Year holiday finally passed.
Time moved into January.
The Advanced Class started school again.
This semester, there weren't any new students yet—March was the real enrollment season.
Forest of Death.
Kitazawa casually threw a Flying Thunder God kunai.
While it was still midair, he flashed to its side and punched forward.
Boom!
A tree in front of him snapped in half and fell backward.
The kunai embedded itself in another tree.
Kitazawa flashed again, grabbed it, and smiled.
Flying Thunder God: Second Step—mastered!
Next was Flying Thunder God: Guided Thunder.
Kitazawa put the kunai away and looked toward Sasuke and Naruto's fight.
Under the pressure, Sasuke was barely holding on—until he was kicked away, tumbling.
Sasuke clenched his fists, face full of frustration.
Failure after failure piled up inside him—anger, resentment. He'd even thought about giving up before.
But after being beaten down so many times, he'd developed stubborn resilience.
If he didn't defeat Naruto even once, he'd never rest in peace!
Kitazawa raised his brows.
He could sense Sasuke's Yin Release strength had increased again.
At this pace, awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan wasn't a dream.
"Time's about right. Go home," Kitazawa said, releasing his shadow clone.
Sasuke got up and returned to the Uchiha compound, expressionless.
"Sasuke."
A familiar voice called out.
"Nii-san!" Sasuke's face changed instantly.
"Why do you look so unhappy?" Itachi asked, rubbing his head.
"Training," Sasuke muttered.
"What training?" Itachi asked curiously.
He'd been busy monitoring Orochimaru, and since he trusted Kitazawa, he hadn't checked in for a while.
"Combat training against Naruto," Sasuke said. "Kitzawa-sensei says it can awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"…?" Itachi frowned, confused.
Mangekyō Sharingan?
Itachi knew many ways to awaken it, and almost all of them involved tragedy.
Awakening it through training sounded unheard of.
If it were that easy, wouldn't the Uchiha be full of Mangekyō users?
"Nii-san, do you know why?" Sasuke asked.
"Since Kitazawa-sama arranged it, he must have his reasons," Itachi said after a pause. "Open your three-tomoe Sharingan."
"Huh?" Sasuke didn't react right away.
"You've trained for so long. There should be some effect," Itachi said.
Even if Itachi didn't fully believe it, he trusted Kitazawa wouldn't do something senseless.
"Really?" Sasuke's eyes lit up, and he activated his three-tomoe Sharingan.
"This is…?" Itachi immediately sensed Sasuke's ocular power—or rather, his Yin Release—had increased by roughly one fifth compared to before.
"Did I get stronger?" Sasuke scratched his head.
He got beaten up by Naruto every day; he didn't feel like he'd improved at all.
"You've become much stronger," Itachi said, forcing down his surprise. "At this speed, you might awaken Mangekyō in one or two years."
"What?!" Sasuke looked thrilled. "This training really works?"
"What?" Itachi smiled. "Did you not believe your Kitzawa-sensei?"
"I believed him," Sasuke said awkwardly. "But the method made me doubt."
"Then you don't need to doubt anymore. Keep going," Itachi said, patting his head.
"Yeah!" Sasuke said excitedly. "Once I awaken Mangekyō, I'll definitely become number one in the Advanced Class!"
"…," Itachi hesitated.
Your Advanced Class also has the Nine-Tails jinchūriki. Being number one… is hard to promise.
But he didn't want to crush Sasuke's confidence, so he stayed silent.
Time reached March.
Konoha entered spring; the weather warmed.
Today the ninja school was extra lively—annual enrollment season had arrived again.
"Hahaha!" Konohamaru stood at the school gate, hands on hips, shouting, "I finally enrolled! The path to Hokage starts today!"
"Very good—you've already grasped the way of youth!" Naruto declared excitedly. "Youth means becoming Hokage!"
"Naruto-nii is right!" a little girl with a high ponytail chimed in cheerfully—it was Moegi Kazamatsuri.
"Naruto-nii, how do we join the Advanced Class?" Udon Ise asked impatiently.
"You have to pass a test," Naruto said, scratching his head. "I think there's a combat test."
"A combat test right after enrolling?" Udon looked shocked.
"Well, it's the Advanced Class—where geniuses gather!" Naruto said, slapping his shoulder. "I believe you can pass!"
"Konohamaru should be fine," Moegi said worriedly. "But Udon and I… I'm not sure."
Neither she nor Udon came from ninja families; they didn't have private tutors.
"Don't worry!" Naruto grinned. "There are two ways to join the Advanced Class!"
"What?" Moegi and Udon asked at the same time.
"First way: be outstanding in another class," Naruto said, holding up two fingers. "Second way: get chosen by Kitzawa-sensei—his eye is sharp!"
"Naruto, chatting with the freshmen before school even starts?" Shikamaru's voice came from nearby. "That's very you."
"Shikamaru-senpai!" Konohamaru greeted immediately.
Moegi and Udon followed and greeted too.
"And me?" Ino asked, flicking her blonde bangs.
"Ino-senpai!" the three of them answered together.
"Good!" Ino beamed. "From now on, I've got your backs!"
"She's no good," Sakura suddenly cut in.
"Loser, don't talk," Ino snapped back.
"I only lost by one place!" Sakura retorted. "Next time I'll beat you!"
"If you say that, you definitely won't beat me," Ino said smugly.
"…?" Sakura was so angry her chest hurt.
Damn it—she's not jinxing herself on purpose!
"What hot-blooded youth!" a green blur appeared—it was Rock Lee.
"Good morning, everyone," Tenten greeted as she walked up, smiling.
With her came Neji Hyuga, Hinata Hyuga, and Hanabi Hyuga.
"Looks like there'll be plenty of freshmen joining the Advanced Class this year," Ino said, glancing at Hanabi.
"Whether they can join depends on whether they pass the combat test," Shikamaru reminded.
"Is Kitzawa-sensei in charge of the test this year?" Tenten asked curiously.
"Don't know," Shikamaru said after a pause. "Let's go to the field and see."
"Let's go!" Naruto said, sweeping his arm.
"Advanced Class, here I come!" Konohamaru shouted excitedly.
Ino and the others exchanged looks, silently thinking: this kid is a lost cause.
They arrived at the field where they usually trained.
A long line had already formed—freshmen lining up for the combat test.
No surprise. The Advanced Class had an enormous reputation.
To put it bluntly, every shinobi understood what the Advanced Class meant, and every parent wanted their child in it.
So every March, most freshmen would come try.
"It's Iruka-sensei running it," Shikamaru said, spotting Iruka fighting freshmen in the center.
"Kitzawa-sensei is here too!" Naruto pointed toward Kitazawa at the edge of the field.
"Let's go over," Tenten said, nodding.
Hinata stepped forward first, holding Hanabi's hand.
"Kitzawa-sensei!" Hanabi called, smiling brightly.
"Long time no see, Hanabi," Kitazawa said, reaching out and patting her head.
Hinata immediately stared at him.
Kitazawa promptly patted her head too.
After the greetings, Hanabi and Konohamaru and the others ran to join the line.
"I wonder if they'll pass," Ino said, watching the fights.
"Konohamaru and Hanabi should be fine," Shikamaru guessed.
Tenten and the others nodded.
Time passed, and soon it was Konohamaru's turn.
He showed decent taijutsu and a passable Transformation Jutsu.
Kitazawa had expected him to use Sexy Jutsu, but thankfully he didn't. Looks like Naruto hadn't taught him that—these days, Naruto's brain was full of taijutsu.
"Pass," Iruka announced.
"Naruto-nii, we're classmates now!" Konohamaru cheered, running to Naruto.
Next was Hanabi.
She couldn't use Transformation Jutsu yet, but her basic Gentle Fist was solid, and she passed as well.
Moegi and Udon performed only so-so and didn't pass.
But Kitazawa planned to use his authority and let them join anyway.
At first he'd only considered Konohamaru and Moegi, but thinking carefully, Udon fit too.
After all, in the future, he could become a jōnin.
~~~
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