Saturday morning.

Kitazawa vaguely sensed light and shadows flickering before his eyes.

He subconsciously opened them. What greeted him was Kurenai’s sleeping face. Residual sweat still clung to her forehead, and her tangled hair was proof of her hard work last night.

Kitazawa blinked, then focused on the three lines of text that suddenly appeared:

[Current Mission: Help Ino research a C-rank offensive Ninjutsu.

Mission Reward: Four-Corner Sealing Barrier.]

[Host has completed the mission. Reward issued.]

Kitazawa paused in surprise. Had Ino already mastered Ninja Art: Hundred Flower Chaos?

Training so early in the morning? He subconsciously looked up at the clock on the wall, realization dawning on his face — it was already nine o’clock.

Kitazawa reached out and gently moved Kurenai’s leg, which was draped over him. At that moment, a flood of information poured into his mind.

The Four-Corner Sealing Barrier was essentially a sealing technique, but it required four people to cast it simultaneously. Of course, if one had enough chakra, it could also be used by a single person employing the main body plus three shadow clones.

After receiving the system’s information, Kitazawa realized that the technique had even more functions than he had anticipated. It possessed three distinct effects:

Search – used to locate targets.

Bind – used to restrain targets.

Seal – used to lock targets away.

In the original work, Shizune, Sakura , Ino, and Hinata once employed it to try sealing the Three-Tails, Isobu. This alone demonstrated the power of the Four-Corner Sealing Array.

Of course, as powerful as it was, no target would simply wait to be sealed. Though it had drawbacks, it was undeniably practical.

Kitazawa came back to his senses and gently stroked Kurenai’s hair. Since Ino had already learned Ninja Art: Hundred Flower Chaos, it was time to teach her the next Ninjutsu.

He recalled techniques from the official game. With a thought, he mused that Ninja Art: Moonlight Beauty would be a good choice.

Like Hundred Flower Chaos, Moonlight Beauty was a combination of Genjutsu and Taijutsu. Its effect was to first use Genjutsu to create countless petals that distracted and confused the enemy, allowing the caster to descend from above for a surprise attack.

Kitazawa’s gaze drifted down to Kurenai’s fair skin, rising and falling with her breathing. He suddenly realized these two Ninjutsu were also quite suitable for Kurenai.

After all, it was a special application of Genjutsu. Being an excellent Genjutsu user herself, she would learn quickly.

Kitazawa decided that once he created Ninja Art: Moonlight Beauty, he would give both techniques to Kurenai at the same time. As he thought this, his right hand slid down her hair, finally resting on her chest.

“What are you doing?” Kurenai groaned and woke up.

“It’s nine o’clock. Yakumo will be here soon. You don’t want her to see you in such a disheveled state, do you?” Kitazawa asked with a smile, feeling the warmth beneath his hand.

“Pervert!” Kurenai rolled her eyes. “Can’t you wake me up normally?”

She sat up, slipping free of Kitazawa’s grasp.

“Who made you so beautiful?” he said with a grin, admiring her snow-white skin.

“Smooth-talker!” Kurenai glared at him and got out of bed. But as soon as she stood, her legs felt sore and numb, and she sat back down, face flushing slightly.

As a ninja, her physique was already impressive, but compared to Kitazawa, she was still far behind.

The lingering fatigue from last night made her pause a few seconds before finally standing, changing clothes, and heading to the kitchen.

Today was Saturday. Yakumo would soon come over to accompany Kitazawa next door to treat Lady Tsunade. Kurenai dared not waste any more time.

Kitazawa sat up and stretched. After changing his clothes, he went to the bathroom to wash up. Since Kurenai was already making breakfast, he didn’t disturb her. Once done, he headed to the living room.

He sat on the sofa, lost in thought. This afternoon, he planned to depart for the Kubisaki Castle ruins. But who should he take?

Tenten was a definite choice. Once the contract scroll was obtained, it needed to be signed immediately. Otherwise, as in the original work, the chameleon summon named Shiromari would become a masterless summoning beast and vanish without a trace.

In the original story, Naruto, Hinata, and Kiba went. Now, Naruto was too young, and his identity too sensitive, so he probably couldn’t go. Iruka and Kiba, however, could.

Kitazawa pondered, then decided to replace Kiba with Ino. He could use the next two days to research Ninja Art: Moonlight Beauty.

A knock sounded at the door.

Kitazawa knew without guessing that it was Yakumo. He walked over and opened it for her.

“Come in and sit.” He patted her head and said, “After Kurenai and I finish breakfast, we’ll go find Lady Tsunade.”

Yakumo looked a little confused — it was past nine o’clock and they hadn’t eaten breakfast yet? But she didn’t ask further and sat on the sofa to wait.

When Kurenai saw her, she felt a bit embarrassed and silently resolved that next time she absolutely couldn’t stay up so late.

After breakfast, Kitazawa and Yakumo went next door. Tsunade was already waiting. Seeing them, she immediately said, “Let’s begin.”

Kitazawa looked at Yakumo. They had just discussed their plan: today’s treatment would alternate. First, let Tsunade have a sweet dream, then let her face Nawaki’s death, to see how long she could withstand the illusion this time.

When Tsunade no longer resisted the illusion, her hemophobia treatment could finally enter the next stage.

Kitazawa stepped forward and sat beside Tsunade. Without waiting for her to speak, he took her hand. Tsunade glanced at him, said nothing, and looked at Yakumo.

The treatment officially began.

Because it was a sweet dream, Tsunade remained calm throughout. It wasn’t until Nawaki became Hokage that the illusion reset.

Before Tsunade’s eyes, the deceased Nawaki reappeared. Within the illusion, Yakumo quickly used the Emotion Displacement Technique.

Time passed, minute by minute. Seven minutes later, the illusion shattered. Tsunade suddenly opened her eyes, gasping for air, her chest heaving.

Kitazawa subconsciously glanced at her, then quickly averted his gaze. He gently massaged Tsunade’s hand and asked, “Are you alright?”

This time had lasted two minutes longer than before; undoubtedly, their strategy was working.

“I—I’m fine.” Tsunade leaned against Kitazawa.

Kitazawa immediately felt the soft, heavy pressure. “Let’s do it again.”

After several minutes, Tsunade finally recovered. Yakumo immediately unleashed Terrifying Illusion. The process was the same as before, but this time the illusion’s duration didn’t extend; it was still seven minutes.

“That’s enough for today’s treatment,” Kitazawa said softly, looking at Tsunade in his arms. Seeing this, Yakumo discreetly left.

“Thank you.”

After a few more minutes of silence, Tsunade sat up straight. She subconsciously tried to pull her hand back, but it wouldn’t move.

“My apologies.” Kitazawa met her gaze and quickly released her hand.

“You—” Tsunade stopped mid-sentence. She had originally wanted to tell Kitazawa not to overthink things, but she realized she couldn’t fully do so herself.

“You worked hard this morning. If you’re free this afternoon, we can go to the casino together.” Tsunade quickly returned to normal, her voice lazy.

“I have to go out this afternoon.” Kitazawa paused, then said, “I’ll accompany you to the casino in a couple of days.”

“Hmm.” Tsunade was momentarily stunned, then casually said, “If you need my help, just say so.”

“Do you have a pass to leave the village?” Kitazawa asked after a moment of thought.

Under normal circumstances, one needed the Hokage’s pass to leave the village. His trip to the Land of Fire was not a mission, so he hadn’t obtained the relevant pass.

Kitazawa’s plan had been to simply take on a random mission to get out of the village. But with Tsunade’s words, an idea sparked. Because Tsunade certainly wouldn’t need to report to the Hokage.

“I remember the Old Man gave me one a long time ago,” Tsunade said, standing up. “I haven’t used a pass in a long time. I’ll go look for it.”

After she became one of Konoha’s Sannin, she had relied on her reputation to freely enter and exit the village.

Not too long after, Tsunade reappeared. She directly tossed the pass to Kitazawa and said, “You don’t need to return it to me; you can use it.”

“Thank you, Lady Tsunade.” Kitazawa’s eyes lit up as he put it away.

With this pass to leave the village, he wouldn’t have to go to Hiruzen Sarutobi for everything. And in the future, when some shady matters were involved, he could also use the pass to get out.

After the treatment ended, Shizune and Rina Uzumaki both came into the living room. Karin was in her room studying Sealing Techniques and didn’t join them.

“Let’s have dinner here tonight.” Tsunade glanced at Shizune and said, “Go call Kurenai over.”

“Okay.” Shizune nodded.

“Then I’ll go make dinner,” Rina Uzumaki said softly.

After she was rescued and brought back to Konoha Village, she had been recuperating from years of severe depletion.

Aside from resting, she voluntarily took on the household chores at Tsunade’s house. This often left Shizune with nothing to do, and Rina Uzumaki had proven herself the best cook.

After lunch, Kitazawa arrived at the Hyuga Clan compound. As expected of a great ninja clan, they didn’t relax even on weekends.

As soon as he reached the entrance, he saw Neji and Hinata sparring in the courtyard. Not far away, Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hanabi were watching the match. The former had a serious expression, while the latter was excited — a stark contrast.

Kitazawa watched for a while, and the result was much as he expected.

Hinata narrowly won by two extra strikes with her Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms, but it was a hard-fought victory.

Kitazawa estimated that if they sparred a hundred times, Hinata would win sixty and lose forty, putting them on par.

Strictly speaking, Neji’s talent in Gentle Fist surpassed Hinata’s. After all, he was a genius who could secretly learn both Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms and Rotation.

If Hinata hadn’t received special training from Kitazawa, she would probably have been considered rather ordinary, just like in the original story.

“Kitazawa-sensei?” Neji noticed Kitazawa at the entrance.

“Kitazawa-sensei!” Hinata, who had just been so composed, quickly jogged out.

Hiashi frowned at the sight. Such recklessness — it completely undermined the Hyuga Clan’s rules. However, considering Kitazawa’s identity, he didn’t say anything.

After all, Tsunade was currently at the peak of her power in Konoha Village. Especially after her return, she had repeatedly struck at Danzo and Root, making her prestige even greater than before.

“Good afternoon.” Kitazawa patted Hinata’s head and greeted her.

“Kitazawa-sensei.” Neji walked over unhurriedly.

“Hmm.” Kitazawa nodded, then looked at Hyuga Hiashi and said, “Clan Head Hiashi, I’d like to take Hinata out for a two-day mission.”

“A mission?” Hiashi’s gaze sharpened. “She’s too young; it’s not time for her to go on missions.”

“I want to go!” Hinata said with a determined expression.

Hiashi was instantly speechless. In front of outsiders, couldn’t she give him a little face?

“What kind of mission is it?” Hiashi met Hinata’s gaze. Sensing that she wouldn’t compromise, he asked again.

Kitazawa immediately explained the whole situation.

“You are indeed a good teacher.” Hiashi was silent for two seconds, then spoke.

From Kitazawa’s attitude toward Neji and Hinata, it was clear he genuinely had his students’ best interests at heart.

“I’ll have Tokuma follow you secretly,” Hiashi said after a moment of thought.

“Thank you, Father.” Hinata immediately smiled at his words.

“Then we’ll be leaving now, Hiashi Clan Head.”

Kitazawa took Hinata to find their next teammate. Inoichi Yamanaka was very agreeable; he didn’t even ask about the mission and agreed right away.

As for Tenten, there was even less to say — the summoning beast was being sought specifically for her.

The four of them arrived at the gates of Konoha Village. With Tsunade’s order, they smoothly left the village.

“Kitazawa-sensei.” Tenten eagerly asked, “What kind of summoning beast is it?”

“It’s called the Shiromari, a chameleon summon,” Kitazawa replied.

“Ah? A chameleon, is it a Lizard?” Tenten’s face showed a troubled expression.

“I feel like lizards aren’t cute enough,” Ino voiced Tenten’s thoughts. Hinata also nodded in agreement.

“If it’s not pretty enough, its strength makes up for it. That’s called ‘strength beauty,'” Kitazawa cleared his throat and told them the story of the Shiromari.

“That powerful?” Tenten’s eyes lit up.

She no longer cared that it was a lizard. After all, with such a large size and super abilities, it was already a strong summoning beast.

“It guarded for fifty years?” Ino exclaimed. “This summoning beast is truly loyal.”

“Indeed.” Tenten nodded. “That alone is enough.”

The relationship between ninja and summoning beasts is not one of master and servant. It’s not uncommon for summoning beasts to flee in battle; some even turn on their ninja.

For example, the snakes of Ryuchi Cave — in the original story, Orochimaru had to offer them sacrifices, such as living people, to command them. Running away when they couldn’t win was even more commonplace.

“Alright, to reach our destination early, we need to pick up the pace.” Kitazawa reminded them, then sped up. Hinata and the other two quickly followed.

The four traveled west and left the Land of Fire in the evening, entering the Land of Rivers.

“We’ll rest here for the night and set off again tomorrow,” Kitazawa said, looking around.

He remembered that in the original story, Naruto’s team encountered a ghost in Kubisaki Castle. Going there at night would scare these three young girls. Besides, they were indeed very tired after traveling all afternoon.

“As taught in class, I’ll assign the tasks.” Kitazawa smiled. “Hinata will set up the tents, Tenten will set traps, and Ino will find food.”

“Yes, Kitazawa-sensei.”

The three immediately sprang into action. Kitazawa watched and gave instructions.

Night fell. Hinata had set up two tents. Tenten used explosive tags and ninja tools to set four traps around them. Ino had caught a deer.

After dinner, Kitazawa sent the three of them to their tents to sleep. Meanwhile, he stood guard and pondered Ninja Art: Moonlight Beauty.

The three young girls were on their first mission and were very excited, whispering many secrets before finally falling into a deep sleep.

After Kitazawa had formed a general idea for Ninja Art: Moonlight Beauty, he set a few more traps nearby before going to sleep in the other tent. The night passed without incident.

After breakfast, the four set off again. In less than an hour, they arrived at their destination — the old site of the Land of Neck.

“Let’s go in.” Kitazawa looked at the eerie Kubisaki Castle and said, “Be careful.”

He knew that the Kubisaki Castle before them was actually the chameleon summon transformed.

“Okay!” Hinata and the other two looked around very cautiously.

Upon entering Kubisaki Castle, the original buildings suddenly changed. Numerous fleshy tendrils surged from all directions like a tide, attacking them.

“Watch out!” Tenten immediately took out a scroll. She opened it, and a series of ninja tools flew out. The tools struck the fleshy tendrils, followed by a dull roar.

“What’s going on?” Ino’s eyes widened.

“We’re inside the chameleon summon,” Kitazawa said unhurriedly. “Don’t panic. Its contract scroll is in one of the rooms inside; we just need to find it.”

“Here it comes again!” Tenten warned.

“I’ll try the Mind Body Switch Technique,” Ino raised her hands. An invisible mental wave surged out.

It hit! Ino was delighted, but then her vision went black, and she was kicked out without any resistance.

This was the limitation of the Mind Body Switch Technique. When encountering those with strong wills or terrifying individuals, it was impossible to control their bodies.

“Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!” Hinata’s face was taut as she continuously struck. The surging fleshy tendrils recoiled from the attacks.

“Keep resisting and follow me.”

Kitazawa did not intervene, allowing them to fight Shiromari. After all, this was a good training opportunity. The three of them used all their abilities, barely holding off the Shiromari’s assault.

Kitazawa, meanwhile, was looking for the ghost — the Shiromari’s master, Kubisaki Koza.

Seeing that Hinata was focused on fighting, he directly activated his Byakugan. In an instant, his vision was filled with chakra. However, the ghost’s chakra was different from the Kubisaki’s summon beast’s; it belonged to Yin Release.

“Are you Kubisaki Koza?” Kitazawa quickly found the ghost.

He didn’t waste words and proceeded with a speed run according to the original story’s strategy.

He only said one sentence to Kubisaki Koza: “Shiromari has guarded you for fifty years; it’s time to let it be free.”

—

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep