"Your idea is indeed a good one."
Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered for a few seconds before speaking. "Though difficult, it has broad prospects."
The path of a psychological medical ninja was one no one had ever walked.
The greatest challenge was the lack of related psychological ninjutsu—Kurama Yakumo would have to create such techniques herself.
To build a complete system from nothing was not something an ordinary shinobi could achieve.
But if it succeeded, even setting aside the problems of the Uchiha, curing Tsunade's hemophobia alone would be worth it.
"Go ahead and do it. If you encounter problems, I'll find a way to help," Hiruzen said firmly.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Kitazawa responded quickly.
With Hiruzen's approval, his rank hadn't changed, but his standing had certainly risen.
It also meant a measure of protection—no risk of being snatched off the street by Root operatives.
"Psychological medical ninjutsu involves quite a bit of Yin Release," Hiruzen added after some thought. "I'll have Haru take you to the archives. From now on, you may enter freely and read the Yin Release texts."
Kitazawa's eyes lit up.
So this is what a pleasant surprise feels like.
"Don't mention this to anyone. The fewer who know, the better," Hiruzen warned.
His main concern was Shimura Danzō and Root interfering.
If they learned of Yakumo's uniqueness, they'd certainly try to meddle.
And with Kitazawa's close relationship to Naruto, it could easily turn into one of those "I'm on fire, you regret it—boom!" situations.
"Yes."
Kitazawa nodded.
Haru, an Anbu shinobi wearing a frog mask, escorted him to the archives.
Anbu—the Special Assassination and Tactical Squad—were elite shinobi under the Hokage, carrying out every sort of mission.
Inside, Kitazawa browsed the shelves and nodded inwardly.
As expected, there were many genjutsu recorded here.
Now he had a plausible source for any genjutsu the system rewarded him with—no risk of raising suspicion.
The only regret was that only standard genjutsu were available.
Special techniques, like the "Bringer-of-Darkness" jutsu created by Tobirama Senju, were absent.
Reasonable enough. That jutsu deprived enemies of sight, a perfect counter to the Uchiha—it wasn't something just anyone could study.
Kitazawa spent two full days in the archives.
Because of the system, and his own lack of talent in genjutsu, he didn't bother learning techniques himself.
Instead, he focused on Yin Release theory and considered how best to train Yakumo.
—
A new week began.
Kitazawa arrived at the Academy.
"Kitazawa-senpai!"
Iruka Umino's voice called out.
Kitazawa stopped and looked at him.
"Kitazawa-senpai," Iruka said, hurrying over. "Kurama Clan Leader Unkai is waiting in your office."
"Rather early, isn't he?"
Kitazawa smiled. "Got it. Thanks for letting me know."
"You…"
Iruka hesitated.
Though the Kurama clan had declined, they were still a known shinobi family.
And Kurama Unkai was a jōnin—definitely a big deal compared to Academy instructors.
That someone like him would seek out Kitazawa by name made Iruka extremely curious.
"It's a secret."
Kitazawa grinned mysteriously.
Iruka immediately started filling in the blanks with his imagination.
Kitazawa left him there and went to his office.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
Yakumo leapt up the moment she saw him, greeting him cheerfully.
"Good morning, Yakumo."
Kitazawa returned the smile.
"Kitazawa, Yakumo's in your care. If there's any problem, come to me."
Unkai spoke seriously. "The Kurama still hold some influence in Konoha."
"Understood."
Kitazawa nodded.
Once Unkai departed, Yakumo relaxed visibly, her curiosity and energy bubbling over.
But soon her attention was caught by Kitazawa's desk.
She tiptoed closer to peek.
"I'm writing your training plan," Kitazawa explained when he saw her earnest little face.
"Physical training?"
Yakumo glanced at the paper, eyes wide in surprise.
After his speech on Saturday, she had assumed he would abandon the body and focus only on the mind.
"The body is your foundation," Kitazawa said. "Even the strongest spirit needs physical support."
Unless one reached the level of the Sage of Six Paths, a body was indispensable.
And in the ninja world, bloodline dictated the ceiling.
Yakumo's wasn't high enough.
"Mm."
She nodded, not opposed.
In fact, she had often trained back at the estate—but always to the point of breakdown.
Kitazawa's plan was far more balanced, focused on gradual progress.
At that moment, a knock came at the door.
"I'll get it."
Yakumo skipped over and opened it.
Standing outside was a delicate little girl with pale white eyes.
"Wh-who are you?" Hinata Hyūga asked nervously, seeing the unfamiliar Yakumo.
"I'm Kurama Yakumo," she introduced herself. "A transfer into Class 1-A."
Hinata tilted her head, puzzled.
A transfer student after just one week of school?
"Hinata."
Kitazawa stood and slipped her a note. "I'll take Yakumo to look around the school first."
Before Hinata could react, they were already gone.
She blinked, then unfolded the note. It contained two lines:
First: Relax here and eat breakfast.
Warmth spread through Hinata's heart.
Kitazawa had left with Yakumo to spare her embarrassment—and to protect her secret of eating at school.
But something felt off.
Without Kitazawa, eating alone felt strangely empty.
Second: After breakfast, skip class. Come back this afternoon.
Hinata's heart nearly stopped.
Skip class? On her own?
No way… Kitazawa-sensei, I can't!
She froze, her little face twisted in conflict.
The bell rang.
Kitazawa entered the classroom with Yakumo.
Noticing Hinata's empty seat, he nodded in satisfaction.
The purpose of skipping class was to train her courage.
Of course, truancy was hardly ideal, but he had already thought of new methods to build Hinata's bravery.
"This is Kurama Yakumo," Kitazawa introduced. "Your new classmate."
"The Kurama clan? The genjutsu specialists?"
Ino Yamanaka leaned forward, intrigued.
"As long as she doesn't steal Sasuke-kun," Sakura Haruno thought warily.
Yakumo's looks weren't bad either.
Shikamaru Nara rubbed his chin.
He remembered his father mentioning Yakumo's weak health.
Could this too be connected to Kitazawa-sensei?
But soon enough, Shikamaru abandoned the thought. Thinking was too troublesome.