Kitazawa returned home, more accurately, to Kurenai's home.
He didn't go inside immediately. Instead, he walked around to the back of the house.
He stopped at the remote spot where Kurenai had previously practiced the Rasengan.
Kitazawa took a deep breath.
Eight Gates Released Formation , First Gate: Gate of Opening… OPEN!
His whole body trembled. In an instant, he felt his chakra boil, surging through every pathway.
At the same time, the mental restraints on his brain loosened , a sensation like waking from a long dream and seeing the world differently.
Kitazawa rolled his shoulders, stepped up to a large rock, clenched his fist, and struck.
BOOM!
The rock exploded into pieces.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. He hadn't even struck with full force, yet the boulder shattered.
Of course, it wasn't that he held back, opening the First Gate allowed him to draw out 100% of his physical ability with ease.
That was the true effect of the Gate of Opening.
Once he finished testing, Kitazawa released the Eight Gates. A wave of exhaustion washed over him. Even though the first three gates were considered the "safe zone," they still placed strain on the body , just without severe side effects.
"No wonder Guy trains like he's in a literal hell every day…"
After resting a moment, Kitazawa let out a sigh.
Without overwhelming physical conditioning, the body simply couldn't withstand the Eight Gates. Ordinary shinobi could barely open the first gate.
Kakashi Hatake, for example. He had opened the First Gate once in the original story.
Kitazawa rubbed his chin. He remembered that opening the First Gate allowed one to use the taijutsu technique Front Lotus.
If he had the chance, he should definitely learn from Might Guy himself.
"What are you doing here?"
Kurenai's voice came from behind.
Kitazawa turned around and saw her, wearing a simple red dress.
"You made too much noise," she said, glancing at the shattered rock.
"Did your class do poorly on exams?"
"No, they did great."
Kitazawa explained before she could misunderstand. "I was training taijutsu."
"You're training the moment you get home?"
Kurenai looked surprised.
"Let's not talk about that."
Kitazawa cleared his throat, stepped closer, took her hand, and asked,
"So when are you going to teach me genjutsu?"
"I can teach you anytime," Kurenai said casually as she walked. "It depends on you."
"Then let's start this afternoon."
Kurenai opened the door and bent slightly to change her shoes.
"What are you doing in the morning?" she asked.
"Special training for my students."
Kitazawa's eyes drifted to her hips as she bent down, the dress drew tight, outlining her curves.
Kurenai straightened.
"Since when does the Academy have summer classes? We never had anything like that."
"It's not the Academy."
Kitazawa shook his head. "They asked for the training themselves."
"I see."
Kurenai finished switching shoes and smiled warmly.
"You really are a dedicated instructor."
Since it wasn't official Academy instruction, he wouldn't get paid. He was basically volunteering.
Only truly responsible teachers worked that hard.
"It's not a big deal," Kitazawa replied as they stepped into the living room.
"My shadow clones can cover some things."
"Shadow Clones are convenient, but don't overdo it," Kurenai warned.
"I know."
Kitazawa nodded.
"How about we start genjutsu training the afternoon after tomorrow?"
"No problem."
Kurenai smiled. "But you'd better be ready. I'm strict."
"Yes, Teacher Kurenai."
Kurenai blinked.
"…That sounds weird. Don't call me that."
"That won't do."
Kitazawa put on a serious expression.
"You need a teacher's authority. It helps with proper instruction."
"Authority? Like this?"
Kurenai stood up, crossed her arms, and looked down at him coldly.
"Very good," Kitazawa said, clapping once.
"But… something's missing."
"What's missing?" she asked.
"Clothing."
Kitazawa's face turned serious.
"A proper instructor's outfit. Like a formal suit."
"Really?"
Kurenai actually started thinking about it.
Kitazawa nearly laughed but held it in. Convincing his girlfriend to wear a suit wasn't a crime , the worst he'd get was a scolding or a stomp. And the view would be worth it.
Besides, professional suits exist in the shinobi world. For example, the Raikage's secretary Mabui wore one daily.
Of course, teachers and secretaries had different styles.
"Tsunade-sama and Shizune should be back soon. I'll go cook," Kurenai said, glancing at the clock.
"Need help?" Kitazawa asked.
"No."
Kurenai smiled brightly.
"You've worked all day. Sit and wait."
She patted his head gently before walking into the kitchen.
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile. Shinobi women really did make excellent wives, at least most of them in the original story.
Even Sakura, after marriage, had become a model wife.
Kitazawa sat down and closed his eyes, reviewing the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique.
It resembled normal Shadow Clones in most ways, just without the former chakra limit.
After several repetitions, he formed the seal.
Multi-Shadow Clone Technique!
POOF!
Three clones appeared.
"Success on the first try?"
Kitazawa was slightly surprised, but it made sense , he already mastered the regular Shadow Clone Technique, and his chakra control was excellent.
But there was still a long road between knowing a jutsu and mastering it.
He increased the clone count. Once he passed ten, half his chakra was gone. He could summon more, but ten was plenty, and safe.
Too many clones returning memories at once could be dangerous.
No reason to push it, especially when he had plenty of time… and his system.
The door opened.
Tsunade and Shizune entered.
Kitazawa dispelled his clones immediately.
"Multi-Shadow Clones?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "What did you do to make the old man give you that technique?"
"Nothing special," Kitazawa replied. "I just teach well."
"You expect me to believe that?"
Tsunade flopped onto the sofa with a sigh.
"It's the truth. My students are… special."
Tsunade paused, then understood.
One of his students was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki.
Thinking of Kushina, Tsunade's expression softened. She had known Kushina since childhood.
"What are you all doing? Dinner's almost ready," Kurenai said, carrying a bowl of water from the kitchen.
Kitazawa walked over and gently adjusted her hair so it flowed down her back instead of falling forward, safer that way.
Kurenai shot him a warning glare. Not in front of others.
He behaved himself. Though Tsunade and Shizune had long suspected something between the two.
Tsunade found it normal. Kitazawa was strong, and handsome.
Shizune… simply felt envious.
Following Tsunade left no time for romance. The only men she met were debt-collectors.
"Lady Tsunade, any plans for this afternoon?" Kitazawa asked at the table.
"The casino," Tsunade said proudly.
"If you want to learn medical ninjutsu, Shizune will take you to the hospital."
"Lady Tsunade, we're out of money!" Shizune protested.
"…We are?" Tsunade blinked.
"Guess why," Shizune replied flatly.
Tsunade deflated instantly, slumping over the table.
Kurenai stared for a moment, stunned.
Kitazawa cleared his throat.
"Then let's finish developing the new jutsu early."
"…Fine," Tsunade muttered.
"Kurenai, bring Yakumo tomorrow afternoon."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade."
Uchiha Clan District
"Sasuke, why are you so gloomy?"
Mikoto Uchiha asked gently, wearing an apron.
"I got second place," Sasuke muttered.
Even though Kitazawa promised special training, the fact he didn't get first still irritated him.
"Second is still impressive," Mikoto said softly.
"Uchiha don't need second place," Sasuke pouted.
"And big brother was always first at the Academy."
"You are you. He is he," Mikoto said, tapping his forehead.
"Don't copy him."
"Then who do I copy?"
Mikoto sighed helplessly.
"Be yourself. Find what you excel at."
"Kitazawa-sensei said something like that too…"
Sasuke suddenly lit up.
"My best talent is definitely my Sharingan!"
Mikoto fell silent.
Of everything she said, that was what he absorbed?
It couldn't be helped , among Uchiha, the Sharingan symbolized power.
"Mom, when's Dad coming home? I have something to tell him."
"He usually returns at night," Mikoto replied.
"Why can't you tell me?"
"…Actually, I can tell you."
Sasuke thought for a moment.
"I'm training under Kitazawa-sensei this summer."
"Special training?"
Mikoto nodded.
"That's fine. Your father will agree."
"Good!" Sasuke clenched his fist.
"Next semester, I'm definitely beating Naruto!"
"…Who?" Mikoto froze.
"Uzumaki Naruto," Sasuke replied.
"He beat me this time and got first. Just got lucky."
"Uzumaki?"
Mikoto's heart tightened.
There was no doubt, he was Kushina's son.
If Minato and Kushina were still alive, the Uchiha Clan wouldn't have fallen to its current state.
"Mom? You know him?" Sasuke asked.
"…I don't know him," Mikoto said softly.
"But I knew his parents."
"Were they strong?" Sasuke asked eagerly.
"Stronger than you can imagine," Mikoto replied.
"That's weird."
Sasuke frowned.
"If his parents were that strong, how could anyone call him a monster?"
Mikoto opened her mouth, but no explanation came.
"Who were his parents?" Sasuke asked again.
"Ah, ! I left something on the stove!"
Mikoto jumped up.
"I need to check before it burns!"
"…?"
Sasuke blinked, confused.