The practical test had ended.

Sasuke left the Ninja Academy with a gloomy expression. In his eyes, losing to Naruto was painful, but not enough to bring despair. He believed that with just one more chance, he could overturn the result and defeat him.

However, the battle with Yakumo was different. That fight left him with a sense of hopelessness—the kind of despair where no matter how many times he challenged her, victory would never be in reach.

Unlike Sasuke, Kiba wore a broad grin as he headed home. The reason? He had won three matches today.

The first two opponents were of average skill, so there was little to mention. But in the final match, he faced Ino—and defeated her using the newly learned Shadow Clone Technique.

Since Ino had yet to master the Mind Body Switch Technique and could only control one target at a time, her options were limited.

Overcoming her gave Kiba a surge of confidence. Once he fully mastered the Hellhound Technique, he might even have a chance to compete with Sasuke and Naruto.

“I’m home!” Kiba shouted as he pushed open the door.

“You’re fifteen minutes late today.”

A female ninja with a red inverted triangle marking on her face, mirroring his own, stood before him. It was his mother, Inuzuka Tsume.

She was known for her strict methods of discipline—towards both her ninja dogs and her children. In the original story, she would even flip the dinner table if Kiba overslept. To her, those who failed to rise on time didn’t deserve breakfast.

“There was another practical test today, so I was delayed,” Kiba quickly explained.

“Did you win?” Tsume asked, her tone firm but curious. She already knew about the test from Monday and had decided not to pursue his lateness.

“All three matches won!” Kiba said excitedly. “I even learned the Shadow Clone Technique today!”

“Not bad,” Tsume said, her attitude softening slightly.

“Your teacher Kitazawa is really good,” remarked Inuzuka Hana, leaning closer. “Our teacher doesn’t even teach the Shadow Clone Technique.”

“That’s true,” Tsume mused. After a moment of thought, she said, “Ask him when he’s free to visit us.”

“Okay.”

Kiba nodded but hesitated briefly before adding, “Teacher Kitazawa taught me a secret Ninjutsu today.”

“Is it the same secret Ninjutsu you mentioned before?” Tsume asked in surprise.

When Kiba first spoke about it, he claimed that Kitazawa was developing a new secret Ninjutsu. At the time, Tsume had been skeptical. Still, unable to refuse her son’s plea, she had given him two secret techniques to study.

“Yes, that’s the one!” Kiba said with admiration. “A secret Ninjutsu that allows fusion—without a ninja dog!”

“He created it in such a short time?” Tsume found it hard to believe.

“I’ll show you.”

Kiba formed hand signs, creating a Shadow Clone. Both he and the clone used the Hellhound Technique simultaneously, merging into a two-headed dog. But within moments, the fusion dissolved.

“I just learned it today, so I’m not skilled yet,” Kiba admitted, scratching his head. “My coordination with the Shadow Clone isn’t great—right now, even walking is difficult.”

“The Shadow Clone has its own thoughts. It’s not as simple as working with a ninja dog,” Tsume reasoned, quickly understanding the flaw.

How should she view this secret Ninjutsu? It was awkward to use, yet too valuable to discard—practical, but only for rare cases. After all, nearly every Inuzuka child found a bonded ninja dog before the age of ten.

Still, Kitazawa’s talent for creating secret techniques surpassed her expectations. The Inuzuka Clan’s arts required mastery of Yang Release, meaning his chakra nature transformation was at a remarkably high level.

“It seems that the rumor is true,” Tsume thought aloud.

Ever since Tsunade had forcefully entered the Root base, rumors had spread—one claiming that Kitazawa was Tsunade’s disciple. It had never been confirmed.

But after witnessing the Hellhound Ninjutsu, Tsume was convinced. After all, medical ninjutsu was also rooted in Yang Release. It was only natural for a skilled medical ninja to develop a Yang Release-based clan technique.

“Kiba, I’ll go to the academy with you tomorrow,” Tsume decided.

“Okay,” Kiba replied, already guessing her intention. In his eyes, Kitazawa had given their clan an incredibly practical secret technique—they owed him their respect.

—

The next day dawned—Thursday.

Kitazawa opened his eyes, feeling soreness all over his body as though he had been beaten black and blue. In truth, that wasn’t far from reality.

He had spent another night training Chakra Enhanced Strength under Lady Tsunade. Now, he understood why Might Guy trained his body every single day. Mastering taijutsu demanded a physique forged through relentless effort.

After breakfast, Kitazawa made his way to the academy’s training ground.

“Teacher Kitazawa,” Karin called out, noticing him approaching. “Do you need something from me?”

“I’ve prepared five sets of practice papers for you,” Kitazawa replied with a faint smile. “Do one set each day, and I’ll check them next Thursday.”

“Okay.”

Karin, unlike Naruto, showed no resistance toward practice questions and readily agreed.

“I’ll teach you ninjutsu during the winter break,” Kitazawa said as he reached out and patted her head. “Your goal is to place in the top ten in the theoretical exam of the final test.”

“Top ten? I’ll do my best!” Karin promised earnestly.

Though difficult, she believed it couldn’t be harder than surviving in the Hidden Grass Village.

“Then continue studying,” Kitazawa said, withdrawing his hand.

“The host has completed the mission, and rewards are being issued.”

Kitazawa raised an eyebrow as three lines of glowing text appeared before his eyes. He stood perfectly still, feeling a profound change coursing through his body.

The most immediate effect was on his chakra. In a single instant, it surged—growing by nearly one-fifth of a unit.

Alongside it, his physical stamina and recovery rate had also improved.

Kitazawa clenched his fist. He now possessed 20% of the Senju Clan’s bloodline.

The anticipation of what awaited him at 100% filled him with excitement.

Of course, he knew that possessing the Senju Clan’s bloodline was not the same as having Senju Hashirama’s legendary bloodline. Kitazawa speculated that achieving 100% would place his physique somewhere on par with Tsunade’s—or perhaps even beyond.

He would only know once he reached that point.

The next mission was to ensure Naruto learned Rasengan. Once that was done, another 20% of the Senju bloodline would be his.

For a moment, Kitazawa considered testing his new strength by cutting his skin with a kunai—but quickly dismissed the idea.

A better test awaited. Tonight, he would continue his training in Chakra Enhanced Strength, and with an additional 10% Senju bloodline, his progress should become significantly easier.

Turning his gaze toward Kiba, Kitazawa took out the Summoning Storage Scroll given by Inuzuka Tsume. Upon opening it, he raised an eyebrow.

It was similar to the one given by Shibi Aburame—filled with rare secret medicines, high-quality ninja tools, and a total of three million ryo.

“I’ve earned eight million ryo just from these exchanges alone,” Kitazawa murmured, half in amazement, half in disbelief.

The problem was—how should he spend it?

Ordinary ninja tools, though costly, rarely exceeded a few thousand ryo. Only one type of weapon surpassed a million: tools forged with chakra metal.

Chakra metal, renowned for its ability to conduct chakra with exceptional speed while possessing incredible sharpness and resilience, was rare and highly prized.

It was said that Asuma Sarutobi’s twin chakra blades had cost a staggering twenty million ryo.

Kitazawa stored away the scroll and returned to practicing Water Release.

Time slipped by, and before long, the school day had ended.

As Kitazawa prepared to leave, he spotted a familiar figure at the gate.

“Teacher Kitazawa,” Shibi Aburame greeted him calmly. “We’ve located the Nokizaru Group.”

“When do you plan to depart?” Kitazawa asked, unsurprised.

When an entire clan mobilized, their strength was formidable. It was only natural they would find their target swiftly.

“Since you have classes, we’ve scheduled it for Saturday,” Shibi replied thoughtfully.

“Then I’ll trouble you, Clan Head Shibi,” Kitazawa said with a smile. “I’ll come by at nine A.M. on Saturday.”

The Exploding Insect mission held little challenge for him—especially with the Aburame Clan working alongside him. On the contrary, it offered potential gains.

If any clan member became infected by a Blast Insect, he could assist with the removal—a highly complex surgical procedure that would grant him valuable rewards.

After parting with Shibi, Kitazawa made his way to Kurenai’s home.

There, Tsunade was already waiting at the door.

“Lady Tsunade, why have you been returning so early these past two days?” Kitazawa asked curiously.

“Naturally, to teach you Chakra Enhanced Strength,” Tsunade said with a confident smile, clenching her fist. “But today, we’re changing the training method—actual combat.”

“…?” A question mark seemed to form above Kitazawa’s head.

Did she lose too much at gambling and decide to vent her frustration on me?

Of course, he didn’t dare voice the thought. That would only make her angrier—and more determined to prove her point with her fists.

“Come on,” Tsunade said, stepping forward. “We’ll only use taijutsu.”

Kitazawa inhaled sharply, steadying himself, then launched forward with blinding speed.

“Your speed isn’t bad,” Tsunade remarked, her voice calm.

Then she threw a punch. Chakra Enhanced Strength!

Their fists collided, sending waves of chakra rippling outward, the air vibrating from the impact.

Kitazawa instinctively retreated several steps, bracing himself against the force.

“Your strength has improved since yesterday,” Tsunade said, a hint of surprise in her tone.

She had been teaching Kitazawa for the past two days and had already gauged his maximum stamina and strength.

But today, his power had clearly risen by a notch.

This was nothing short of incredible. The only logical explanation was that Kitazawa had achieved yet another breakthrough.

Ninja often made progress under extreme conditions, but such rapid growth was rare.

Kitazawa steadied himself, shaking his right arm instinctively. Tsunade’s strength was staggering, leaving his entire limb feeling numb.

It was proof enough—she was truly one of the Legendary Sannin, a title not earned by chance.

“Again,” Lady Tsunade beckoned, her tone sharp and commanding.

Konoha-style Body Flicker!

Kitazawa blurred into motion, transforming into scattered leaves as he dashed to her flank.

Tsunade, unfazed, glanced left and right before suddenly pivoting—her kick whipping around with bone-crushing force.

Bang!

Kitazawa crossed both arms, absorbing the impact. Numbness surged through him, yet he endured, lashing out with his leg toward her abdomen.

But such a move was destined to fail.

Tsunade stepped back lightly, then stomped down with terrifying strength.

Crack!

The ground split open, forming a deep crater beneath her heel.

Kitazawa swiftly retracted his leg, struggling to maintain balance.

Seeing the opening, Tsunade threw her punch.

With no other choice, Kitazawa met her strike head-on. The impact sent him flying through the air.

Tsunade did not pursue. She stood calmly, waiting, testing him.

Kitazawa twisted mid-air, landing on his feet and charging forward once more.

Time slipped by. Before long, it was half past eight.

“Not bad. You lasted half an hour longer than yesterday,” Tsunade said, nodding in approval as she looked down at Kitazawa sprawled on the ground. “Continue tomorrow.”

“La… Lady Tsunade… goodbye…” Kitazawa panted, his strength drained to the point where even raising a hand felt impossible.

But deep down, he acknowledged—20% of the Senju bloodline was already showing its worth.

After a short rest, Kitazawa stood, stretching his sore muscles. Training under her was brutal, yet invaluable.

The weekend arrived once more. Only the last week of November remained.

—

Saturday, nine A.M.

Kitazawa reached the Aburame Clan compound precisely on time.

The previous day, Friday, had featured the third practical test. This time, however, he had not interfered with the results. Making it too obvious would invite suspicion—even Sasuke would notice if he was targeted in three consecutive trials.

Twice a week was just enough.

“Teacher Kitazawa.” Shibi Aburame greeted him personally.

“Clan Head Shibi,” Kitazawa replied, his gaze sweeping the area instinctively.

This time, the Aburame Clan had mobilized their finest—eight Jonin in total, including Shibi himself.

Kitazawa understood why. This operation could reshape the future of their entire clan.

“The Nokizaru Group’s hideout is in a valley within the Land of Iron,” Shibi explained as they walked. “They have twenty-seven members—five of them Jonin.”

Kitazawa nodded slightly.

For an unofficial organization, five Jonin was no small feat.

The Land of Iron—a rare neutral nation, home to the last remnants of the samurai—bordered the Land of Fire. While samurai were their title, in reality, they were warriors who wielded chakra like ninja.

Because of its neutrality, the Land of Iron had even hosted the Second Five Kage Summit in the original timeline.

By evening, the group reached their destination.

“Teacher Kitazawa, please wait here,” Shibi said. “We’ll launch a night assault to eliminate the Nokizaru Group in one strike.”

Few clans could rival the Aburame in versatility—their insects were capable of reconnaissance, stealth attacks, defense, offense, and even healing.

“Understood. Don’t worry about me,” Kitazawa replied, then added a warning. “If anyone becomes infected by an Exploding Insect, whatever you do—do not channel chakra.”

“We understand.” Shibi gestured, and the eight Jonin disappeared into the valley.

Moments later, screams echoed.

Seeing this, Kitazawa joined the fray.

His assistance came in the form of swift, precise ninjutsu—brief bursts of Fire Release and Wind Release to support the Aburame offensive.

Half an hour later, three glowing lines of text appeared before his eyes:

[Current Mission: Help the Aburame Clan obtain the Exploding Insect.

Mission Reward: Imitation (Shapeshifting) Jutsu.]

[The host has completed the mission, and rewards are being issued.]

A surge of information flowed into Kitazawa’s mind.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep