The sun set in the west.

Kitazawa brought his Flying Thunder God Technique training to a halt. He slowly exhaled, feeling the fatigue seep into his body.

Training the Flying Thunder God Technique was just as difficult as he had anticipated, and it was impossible to see results in a short period of time.

After adjusting his condition with the Yin Seal, his body returned to normal. He went back inside, changed his shoes, and walked into the living room.

Kurenai lay face down on the sofa with her eyes closed, her graceful curves clearly outlined, especially her pert, upturned hips.

“You look exhausted.” Kitazawa walked over and gently stroked her head.

“I’ve been practicing Yin Release: Rasengan all day,” Kurenai replied weakly.

She didn’t possess as much chakra as Kitazawa, and Yin Release: Rasengan was an A-rank ninjutsu, making it extremely taxing for her.

“Move over and make some space for me.” Kitazawa patted her buttocks as he spoke.

“I don’t want to move,” Kurenai replied lazily.

“Then don’t move. I’ll move you.” Kitazawa bent down, one hand sinking into her breast while the other wrapped around her thigh.

Kurenai couldn’t help but let out a soft moan.

“I’ll give you a massage.” Kitazawa withdrew his hands, sat on the edge of the sofa, and spoke calmly.

“Mhm.” Feeling his hands knead her shoulders, Kurenai immediately stretched her arms forward and said, “My arms are the most tired.”

“It’s not ideal to massage your arms while you’re lying face down.” Kitazawa thought for a moment. “I’ll massage your back first. Then you can turn over.”

“Mhm,” Kurenai responded softly.

“How’s your progress with Yin Release: Rasengan?” Kitazawa asked casually.

“Very smooth.” The corners of Kurenai’s lips lifted slightly as a smile appeared. “I should master it within this month.”

Kitazawa nodded, unsurprised. She had already learned the Rasengan before—she only needed to incorporate the Yin Release chakra successfully.

Moreover, as an outstanding genjutsu ninja, she was already highly proficient with Yin Release.

A moment later, Kitazawa’s hands moved down to her waist. He pressed twice, then stopped.

“I think massaging through clothes significantly reduces the effect,” he said seriously.

“Why do you always try to take advantage of me the moment you get back?” Kurenai complained, but still lifted her clothes, revealing her fair, smooth waist.

Kitazawa looked at her slender waist and placed both hands on it, one on each side.

Kurenai bit her lip. The warmth of his palms made her heart race, and memories of past moments flooded her mind. She unconsciously straightened her legs and curled her toes.

“Is the pressure alright?” Kitazawa asked while kneading.

“Mhm.” Kurenai regained her composure and changed the subject. “Why did your mission take so long this time?”

“There was a small accident,” Kitazawa replied. After a brief pause, he added, “How about we make a bet?”

“A bet?” Kurenai looked curious. “Does it have something to do with this mission?”

“I met a ninja I shouldn’t have been able to meet,” Kitazawa said. “The bet is whether you can guess who it was.”

“A ninja you shouldn’t have been able to meet?” Kurenai pondered briefly, then pouted. “That’s not enough information. I definitely won’t guess it, so I’m not betting.”

“I’ll give you three clear hints.” Kitazawa’s thumb traced along her smooth back.

“What are we betting?” Kurenai’s interest was piqued.

“One request,” Kitazawa said after a moment’s thought. “The winner gets to make one request.”

“Deal.” Kurenai immediately perked up.

“First hint,” Kitazawa said. “You know him, and you’ve met him before.”

His right hand rested naturally on her soft buttocks. After all, it was a full-body massage—no area was to be neglected.

Kurenai fell into deep thought.

She knew and had met many people, but narrowing it down to someone she and Kitazawa shouldn’t have been able to meet reduced the scope considerably.

Still, two hints weren’t enough.

“Second hint,” she urged after failing to think of anyone.

“Second hint: Konoha’s higher-ups.” Kitazawa stood and began massaging her buttocks and thighs.

A tingling sensation spread through her, nearly breaking her concentration. She steadied herself as a name surfaced in her mind.

“Is it… Hokage-sama?” she asked quickly.

“No.” Kitazawa shook his head.

Tsunade actually fit all three hints, so it was natural for Kurenai to think of her.

“Not Hokage-sama?” Kurenai turned her head to look at him. “Are you deliberately denying it?”

“Don’t question me. I’m always fair.” Kitazawa gave her hip a firm squeeze. “Turn over. I’ll massage your arms.”

Kurenai subconsciously tensed, her cheeks faintly flushed. She shot him a glare, then turned over and extended her arms.

“Third hint,” Kitazawa said as he gently flicked her wrist. Her arm trembled, the vibration rippling through her clothes.

He glanced briefly before beginning to knead her arm.

“You have two guesses left,” he reminded her. “Think carefully.”

“It’s one of the Hokage advisors,” Kurenai said, blinking. There were three advisors, so she deliberately avoided specifying which one.

“No.” Kitazawa saw through her tactic but didn’t comment further.

“None of them?” Kurenai froze, confusion written all over her face.

There were very few male higher-ups in Konoha to begin with. If it wasn’t Homura Mitokado or Nara Shikaku, then who else could it be?

“I know!” Kurenai’s eyes lit up. “It’s Third Hokage!”

“No.” Kitazawa smiled as he replied.

“Then who is it?” Kurenai asked impatiently.

“The Fourth Hokage,” Kitazawa answered.

“…?” Kurenai was instantly filled with question marks.

“It’s like this.” Kitazawa recounted the events of his mission while continuing to massage her arm.

“You’re not lying to me?” Kurenai listened in a daze.

“You can ask Kakashi and the others.” Kitazawa gave the same answer as before.

“That’s truly unimaginable.” Kurenai sighed. “Compared to your mission, the missions we carried out were quite ordinary.”

For this Monthly Exam, Kitazawa had started the practical assessment early. Not only he and Kakashi, but Sarutobi Hiruzen and Kurenai had also led their respective teams on missions.

“A bet is a bet.” Kitazawa took out a pair of black stockings and said, “I’ll help you put them on.”

“That’s your request?” Kurenai rolled her eyes, feeling utterly speechless. She sat up, lifted her legs, and arched her insteps.

Kitazawa held the opening of the black stockings, slowly pulling them up from her toes, releasing his hands only when they reached her thighs.

The elastic snapped lightly against her thigh with a crisp sound. Since she was at home, she wasn’t wearing bandages around her thighs.

A moment later, the black stockings were properly in place.

Kurenai lay back down on the sofa, placing her stocking-clad feet on Kitazawa’s lap.

“Are the others’ missions finished?” Kitazawa asked casually while kneading her feet through the stockings.

“They’re all done. You and Kakashi were the latest.” Kurenai closed her eyes, a relaxed expression settling over her face.

As the top expert in the Ninja World and a medical ninja, Kitazawa’s massage technique was flawless. The pressure was just right—thorough, soothing, and deeply relaxing.

“Then we can hold the theoretical exam tomorrow.” Kitazawa thought briefly. “Let’s wrap up this Monthly Exam early.”

Kurenai didn’t reply. She had already drifted into a half-conscious state.

Seeing this, Kitazawa said nothing more.

Time passed slowly.

After finishing her legs, Kitazawa stood up and helped her sit halfway upright, letting her lean against him.

Suddenly, Kurenai felt a sharp sensation in her breast. She looked down and realized that Kitazawa’s hand had somehow slipped beneath her clothes.

Her face flushed instantly, and her breathing quickened.

“Is this really a massage?” She asked angrily.

Kitazawa replied with a straight face, “Why wouldn’t it be?”

Kurenai was rendered speechless.

“I don’t see you refusing.” Kitazawa leaned down and whispered against her ear.

Her body trembled, her fair skin flushing faintly pink. She bit her lip, forcing herself to remain silent.

Kitazawa watched her reaction with satisfaction, the pressure between his fingers steadily increasing.

After an unknown amount of time, Kurenai finally couldn’t endure it anymore. She stood up abruptly, escaping his embrace.

She didn’t go far. Turning around, she glared at Kitazawa fiercely.

Before he could say anything, she walked back and sat directly on his lap, pressing down with her full weight.

Kitazawa’s expression changed instantly, and he couldn’t help but gasp.

Kurenai had clearly incorporated her chakra-enhanced strength technique in retaliation. The force was so great that even he couldn’t withstand it for long.

Kitazawa’s mouth twitched. If this had happened before he obtained the system, his legs might have been broken.

Fortunately, he was no longer the same as before and managed to endure the sudden assault.

Now that he had recovered, it was his turn.

Kitazawa narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint flashing within them. He placed both hands on Kurenai’s waist.

“Wait… wait!” Kurenai’s heart skipped as she tried to stop him—but it was already too late.

Her consciousness quickly dissolved, her words turning into incoherent murmurs.

Night deepened.

Kurenai lay completely limp in Kitazawa’s arms. Her face was flushed, beads of sweat dotted her forehead, and her lips were parted as she gasped softly for breath.

Though her eyes were open, they had long since lost focus, her gaze unfixed and hazy.

“Let’s go take a bath.” Kitazawa picked her up and carried her toward the bathroom.

Steam filled the air as hot water flowed.

Kurenai felt as though she had come back to life. Leaning against the bathtub, she complained weakly, “I should have known better than to let you massage me.”

She felt more exhausted afterward than before.

“But I saw you clearly enjoying it.” Kitazawa smiled as he washed her arm.

Kurenai kicked at him in irritation, though she lacked the strength to put any real force behind it.

Kitazawa didn’t mind.

Soon, Kurenai was thoroughly cleaned, inside and out.

Kitazawa lifted her once more and carried her toward the bedroom. Since they had already exhausted themselves, he didn’t push things further during the bath.

Kurenai also had no energy left to protest.

Her face rested against his chest as her gaze drifted upward. At her most helpless moment earlier, she had even fleetingly considered asking for outside help.

Kurenai closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep.

Kitazawa waved his hand, turning off the light, and the two settled beneath the covers together.

—

The night passed quietly.

The next morning, Kurenai still hadn’t woken up.

Under normal circumstances, Kitazawa would have let her sleep in to recover. But now, Kurenai was already a teacher in the Genius Class.

He placed his hand on her forehead, a gentle light-green chakra flowing out.

Kurenai immediately relaxed. The fatigue on her face faded, and she soon opened her eyes.

“Thank you.” She sat up, stretched, and felt refreshed.

“I’ll make breakfast.” Kitazawa changed his clothes, washed up, and headed into the kitchen.

Kurenai followed after getting dressed and washing up. As soon as she entered the kitchen, a rich aroma filled the air.

“It’s pork rib ramen.” Kurenai sniffed.

“That’s right. Come here—I’ll give you a reward.” Kitazawa said casually.

“What kind of reward?” Kurenai asked curiously as she walked closer.

Kitazawa turned his head and kissed her soft, glossy lips.

“How is that a reward?” Kurenai raised her hand and lightly slapped his waist.

“Then how about this?” Kitazawa placed a bowl of pork rib ramen in front of her.

Kurenai immediately swallowed, her stomach growling. After all, she had expended far too much energy the day before.

“Let’s go to the living room.”

Kurenai took the pork rib ramen and, together with Kitazawa, returned to the living room. They sat facing each other at the dining table and began eating breakfast.

“I feel alive again!” After finishing her pork rib ramen, Kurenai rubbed her stomach and spoke with heartfelt emotion.

“Is it really that exaggerated?” Kitazawa couldn’t help but smile as he asked.

“Have you already forgotten what you did?” Kurenai shot him a displeased glare.

Kitazawa blinked. He genuinely had no way to refute that.

“You wash the dishes.” Kurenai crossed her arms and said.

Normally, she was the one who handled the dishes, but yesterday’s reunion had been truly exhausting. Even now, she felt too lazy to move.

Kitazawa nodded and walked toward the kitchen.

After washing the dishes, the two headed to the Ninja Academy.

Although it wasn’t even nine o’clock yet, many students from the Genius Class were already training.

“Iruka,” Kitazawa called out.

“Kitazawa-senpai.” Iruka immediately walked over.

During this period, besides teaching theory classes, he had also been tutoring Yakumo.

“Are the theoretical exam papers ready?” Kitazawa asked.

“They’ve been ready for quite a while. The exam can be held at any time.” Iruka replied promptly.

“Then let’s do it today.” Kitazawa nodded.

“So soon?” Iruka was momentarily stunned.

“Whether it’s sooner or later makes little difference,” Kitazawa replied calmly.

“I’ll notify everyone once all the students have arrived.” Hearing this, Iruka didn’t say anything further.

“Forget the morning—let’s hold the exam in the afternoon.” Kitazawa thought for a moment and added.

Some of the Genius Class students had already begun training.

Moreover, Maruboshi Kosuke and Chen had already arrived—sending them back now would mean they had come for nothing.

As for the theoretical exam, there was no real difference between holding it in the morning or the afternoon.

Most importantly, as Vice Principal of the Ninja Academy, Kitazawa had the authority to adjust the exam schedule.

“Understood.” Iruka naturally raised no objections.

At nine o’clock in the morning, all students of the Genius Class were present.

Iruka announced that the theoretical exam would be held in the afternoon.

Although the decision was sudden, the students showed little reaction. After all, the exam was bound to take place either today or tomorrow.

“Begin training!” Iruka shouted loudly.

The students dispersed to find their respective instructors.

“Kitazawa-sensei.” Yakumo immediately approached him.

“Has your Bloodline Limit progressed?” Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.

“Yes.” Yakumo smiled brightly. “I successfully used my new ability once yesterday.”

“Congratulations.” Kitazawa paused, then asked, “Is it the five-sense control you mentioned before?”

“I call it Genjutsu: Absolute Five-Sense,” Yakumo explained. “Once the target is caught, I can manipulate all five senses, making them unaware they’ve been placed under a genjutsu.”

In the original story, Yakumo’s genjutsu bloodline possessed three abilities: Terrifying Illusion, Genjutsu Creation, and Genjutsu: Absolute Five-Sense.

Kitazawa believed Genjutsu: Absolute Five-Sense was by far the most terrifying.

Normally, genjutsu damage was limited to the mind.

A classic example was Kakashi being struck by Uchiha Itachi’s Tsukuyomi and remaining hospitalized for a long time—yet the damage was purely mental.

Genjutsu: Absolute Five-Sense was different. It inflicted damage on both mind and body simultaneously, making it an enhanced form of Tsukuyomi.

Its most abnormal aspect was this: once all five senses were dominated, the victim could no longer distinguish illusion from reality—often until death.

Yakumo had now mastered all three abilities.

In Kitazawa’s eyes, she was already equivalent to a Uchiha who had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.

However, her upper limit likely lay here. Further improvement would be difficult, let alone reaching the level of the Rinnegan.

Even so, her current strength firmly placed her among the top tier of ninja in the Ninja World. And that was terrifying.

After all, Yakumo was still a Ninja Academy student.

“Spend some time familiarizing yourself with these abilities first. After that, I’ll teach you other ninjutsu.” Kitazawa said after some thought.

In terms of genjutsu, Yakumo had already reached her ceiling. He could only supplement her growth with other ninjutsu—but what to teach her next remained undecided.

“Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei.” Yakumo nodded before leaving.

Afterward, Kitazawa observed the training of the other students.

He had promised Naruto and Sasuke that he would teach them Yang Release: Rasengan and Yin Release: Rasengan, but not yet.

They were still practicing Konoha Dragon God and Hatake Swordsmanship.

Only after fully mastering those would he introduce the Yin and Yang Rasengan. Judging by their current progress, they should complete that within two months.

Kitazawa’s gaze shifted to Ino.

Her current focus was the Konoha-Style Body Flicker Technique. After so much time, she had nearly mastered it.

He stroked his chin thoughtfully. He was considering what new ninjutsu to teach her next.

Suddenly, the Mind Body Transmission Technique came to mind.

While it didn’t directly boost combat power, its utility was undeniable—especially in critical moments.

After graduation, Ino would undoubtedly form the next generation of Ino–Shika–Chō, and this technique suited her perfectly.

After all, it was a signature technique of the Yamanaka Clan.

Kitazawa’s thoughts stirred. He suddenly conceived a new idea for the practical exam format.

Team battles.

Previously, assessments consisted mainly of one-on-one spars or individual missions judged by performance. Full squad battles were rare.

Yet, during the Chunin Exams, team combat was fundamental.

The second stage—where teams fought over the Heaven and Earth Scrolls—was essentially a large-scale squad battle.

Perhaps… it was time to introduce something similar.

“Ino.” Kitazawa suppressed the thought in his mind and called out.

“Kitazawa-sensei!” Ino quickly ran over.

“Do you know the Mind Body Transmission Technique?” Kitazawa looked at her and asked.

“That is a Secret Technique of our Yamanaka Clan.” Ino immediately replied.

“You will learn this Secret Technique next.” Kitazawa paused before continuing, “After this monthly exam ends, you can study it at home for a period of time.”

“Huh?” Ino hesitated for two seconds before saying, “I want ninjutsu that I can use in actual combat.”

“What? Are you still thinking about defeating Sakura?” Kitazawa smiled as he asked.

“Of course!” Ino clenched her fists. “I absolutely cannot lose to her!”

“Then you should definitely learn this Secret Technique.” Kitazawa hinted, “It will become extremely useful during the upcoming final exam.”

“Really?” Ino’s eyes instantly lit up, and she couldn’t help but ask.

“Have I ever lied to you?” Kitazawa tapped her forehead lightly.

“No!” Ino immediately broke into a smile. “I’ll start learning it when I get home after school!”

“Go train.” Kitazawa patted her head.

“Mhm!” Ino happily skipped away.

As soon as Kitazawa turned his head, he met Hinata’s eyes.

Her heart fluttered. She quickly averted her gaze and continued drawing her bow, focusing on practicing Multiple Arrows.

Kitazawa let out a light chuckle and shifted his gaze toward Haku.

Haku had already mastered three Ice Release ninjutsu. Learning additional Ice Release techniques would require personal creation.

However, Kitazawa was short on time at the moment. After some consideration, he decided to teach Haku Water Release instead.

In the original story, Haku’s Water Release ability had been quite impressive.

He had used Water Release Secret Techniques such as Water Release: Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death and Water Release: Flight of the Obliterating Water—techniques no one else had ever displayed.

In terms of Water Release talent, Haku surpassed Sakura.

Furthermore, although Ice Release was powerful, one could not rely on a single elemental release to become a Jonin. Learning Water Release was essential.

[Current Mission: Teach Haku five Water Release Ninjutsu.]

[Mission Reward: Master-level Water Release Chakra Nature Transformation.]

[Do you accept?]

Five Water Release techniques? It was a bit mtoo any, but compared to the mission reward, it was entirely acceptable.

After all, it was Master-level Water Release Chakra Nature Transformation. Kitazawa felt that teaching even ten Water Release ninjutsu would be worth it.

At present, he only possessed three Master-level Chakra Nature Transformations: Lightning Release, Yin Release, and Yang Release.

“Haku,” Kitazawa called him over.

“Kitazawa-sensei.” Haku greeted him politely.

“For your age, mastering three Ice Release ninjutsu is already enough. Learning more would take an extremely long time.”

Kitazawa spoke calmly. “Therefore, you will learn Water Release next.”

“Can I really learn Water Release?” Haku asked, lacking confidence.

“You definitely can.” Kitazawa smiled. “We’ll begin with Water Release Chakra Nature Transformation training.”

“Understood.” Haku nodded.

“Let’s go to the Artificial Lake.” Kitazawa led him there.

“Haku has Water Release talent?”

Kosuke noticed their activity and approached with curiosity. He usually taught Sakura Water Release ninjutsu near the Artificial Lake.

“Kosuke-senpai, you came at the perfect time.”

Kitazawa had an idea and said, “Haku will be training at the Artificial Lake for a while. I’ll have to trouble you to look after him.”

“No problem.” Kosuke agreed without hesitation.

He wasn’t as busy as Kitazawa, who was constantly learning new ninjutsu every day. At present, he was solely devoted to teaching the Genius Class.

Taking on Haku as an additional student placed no pressure on him at all.

Moreover, if Haku truly possessed Water Release talent, he could inherit his Water Release techniques—just like Sakura.

After all, a ninja normally had three official students.

“Thank you for your trouble, Kosuke-senpai.”

After settling Haku’s training, Kitazawa found a secluded spot to practice the Flying Thunder God Technique.

—

Time gradually moved into the afternoon.

The students of the Genius Class soon began their first theoretical exam of the semester.

Just like before, Kitazawa had Iruka proctor and grade the exams, making himself a completely hands-off boss.

Firstly, Iruka was already more than capable. Secondly, he truly had no time.

Aside from learning the Flying Thunder God Technique, he also needed to study Wood Style: Cutting Technique.

In fact, it wasn’t just Wood Release—he also needed to learn Shikotsumyaku and Ice Release.

He had already learned three Shikotsumyaku techniques, which were sufficient for the time being.

Ice Release was not a high priority for him, so he only studied it occasionally.

The sun gradually set, and dusk arrived before he realized it.

Kitazawa stopped training and stretched his body. Only then did he realize something—why hadn’t Iruka come to find him yet?

Just then, footsteps sounded.

“Kitazawa.” Konan walked up to him.

“When did you return?” Kitazawa asked in surprise. “Didn’t I give you a month off?”

“I returned today.” Konan explained, “The Akatsuki Organization has been short on members recently, so I didn’t stay long.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she realized she shouldn’t have said that.

Although the Akatsuki Organization being short on members wasn’t exactly top secret, it was still internal information.

“I see.” Kitazawa nodded.

His first reaction upon hearing this was that he had caused it himself. Because of him, Kisame Hoshigaki and Uchiha Itachi had never joined the Akatsuki Organization.

“Weren’t you recruiting? Why did you return to Konoha so soon?” Kitazawa noticed the inconsistency, stepped closer, and asked with a smile.

“The one-month break you mentioned was only an estimate.” Konan shifted her gaze as she explained, “So I came back early to check in.”

“Doing a month of missions is an estimate, but giving you a month off isn’t.” Kitazawa reached out and gently lifted her chin with a finger.

“I misunderstood,” Konan replied. However, the slight wavering in her eyes still revealed her true thoughts.

“What do you need me for?” Kitazawa withdrew his hand and asked.

“The Genius Class’s theoretical exam ranking list.” Konan took out a scroll as she spoke.

“Why is it with you?” Kitazawa took the scroll and asked with some confusion.

“I saw that you were training, so I intercepted it for you,” Konan explained calmly.

“How thoughtful.” Kitazawa was stunned for a moment before he couldn’t help praising her.

Konan’s expression remained unchanged after hearing that.

Of course, Kitazawa couldn’t actually see her expression, since she was wearing an Anbu mask.

Kitazawa opened the scroll and began reading. Overall, the results were more or less the same as before.

When combined with mission performance, the final first place once again went to Uchiha Sasuke.

In the past, he would occasionally lose out in the practical exam to Naruto and Yakumo.

Now that the evaluation was mission-based, his shortcomings were greatly reduced because he could almost always obtain full marks on high-difficulty missions.

Other students could also earn full marks, but in the theoretical exam rankings, Sasuke was often only third.

Shikamaru and Sakura, who ranked above him in theory, were slightly inferior to him in mission performance, so Sasuke frequently secured first place in the final rankings.

Strictly speaking, for the profession of ninja, theoretical exam scores shouldn’t account for half of the evaluation.

However, since this system had been in place for so long, Kitazawa didn’t change it.

After all, knowledge was still extremely important.

That said, he planned to add team battles to the practical portion of the final exam. When that happened, the Genius Class rankings would definitely change.

“How do you plan to recruit people next?” Kitazawa asked after putting away the scroll.

“I’ve already sent other Akatsuki Organization members to scout for suitable targets,” Konan replied. “I just need to stay in Konoha Village and wait for notification.”

Since she had already inadvertently revealed that the Akatsuki Organization was short on members, she didn’t bother hiding it now.

Of course, she also didn’t go into detail.

Kitazawa immediately guessed who the members she was referring to were—without a doubt, White Zetsu.

It had to be said that White Zetsu were truly bizarre creatures, possessing all kinds of peculiar abilities and functions.

Kitazawa stroked his chin thoughtfully.

If he considered it carefully, there really weren’t many ninja in the current ninja world who were qualified to join the Akatsuki Organization.

Although the Five Great Villages had plenty of powerful individuals, none of them would ever join Akatsuki.

The organization was well aware of this as well, which was why their recruitment targets were almost always rogue ninja.

Kitazawa thought for a while but couldn’t come up with any suitable candidates.

Soon, another question crossed his mind—should he plant an undercover agent inside the Akatsuki Organization?

After a brief moment of consideration, he decided it wasn’t necessary. He already knew the internal situation of the Akatsuki Organization very well.

Besides, joining Akatsuki was extremely dangerous.

For example, members like Kakuzu would even hunt down their own teammates to exchange their heads for bounties.

Kitazawa stopped thinking about it. After all, he wasn’t a member of the Akatsuki Organization himself.

He put away the scroll and said, “It’s time to get out of work. You should go back and rest.”

Konan nodded and disappeared from the spot.

Kitazawa withdrew his gaze and turned to head home.

—

The next day, at nine in the morning.

Since the practical exam had already been completed, the conclusion of this theoretical exam was simply the announcement of the rankings.

Moreover, there were no holidays after this Monthly Exam.

However, during the next Monthly Exam, Kitazawa planned to give them two extra days off.

Because classes would continue after the rankings were announced, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Kakashi, Kurenai, and the other teachers were all present.

“I will now announce the rankings, starting with the theoretical exam.” Kitazawa picked up the score sheet and began reading.

In less than ten minutes, the theoretical exam rankings, practical exam rankings, and final overall rankings were all announced.

“It’s Sasuke-kun’s first place again!” Sakura said with an adoring expression. “First place will definitely always belong to Sasuke-kun in the future!”

Sasuke, who had been feeling quite pleased, immediately changed his expression upon hearing that.

Was the jinx from this Monthly Exam not enough? Did she have to jinx every future Monthly Exam as well?

“Sakura, you shouldn’t speak too soon,” Ino said with a smile.

“With Sasuke-kun’s strength—” Sakura stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizing something.

Was she jinxing him again? She immediately covered her mouth and said nothing more.

“Future final exams will introduce new formats for the practical portion, but the regular Monthly Exams will remain unchanged.”

Kitazawa announced.

Sasuke, Ino, and the others subconsciously looked toward Sakura.

“This has nothing to do with me!” Sakura quickly shook her head.

How could she have known that Kitazawa would suddenly change the format of the practical exam?

“Teacher Kitazawa, what’s the new format?” Kiba asked impatiently.

He desperately wanted to improve his ranking, but whether it was practical combat or missions, he simply couldn’t compare to Sasuke and the others.

Coupled with his mediocre theoretical exam scores, he basically never had a chance at first place.

Kimimaro and Tayuya also turned their gazes toward Kitazawa.

“Team battles.” Kitazawa replied calmly, “You will spar in the form of ninja squads.”

“Huh?” Kiba couldn’t help showing a shocked expression.

Sakura and the others were also surprised.

However, a few people felt that team battles would not be conducive to their own performance—Uchiha Sasuke among them.

He believed that his two teammates would only hold him back.

Ino’s heart suddenly stirred. She thought of the Mind Body Transmission Technique that Kitazawa had just taught her to learn.

Without a doubt, it would play a huge role in team battles. Teacher Kitazawa is really too kind!

Ino couldn’t help but break into a radiant smile.

“Teacher Kitazawa, how will team battles be graded?” Kiba asked again.

“First, there’s the team score—everyone on the winning team earns points. Second, the most outstanding member of the team will receive an additional captain’s score.”

Kitazawa explained.

“That’s great!” Kiba’s eyes immediately lit up.

The strong would gain extra points, while the weaker ones would at least secure a minimum score.

“Will the losing side still get points?” Ino raised her hand and asked.

“Yes.” Kitazawa nodded. “The scoring standard is the same, but the losing team’s score will be much lower.”

In essence, it wasn’t very different from the previous one-on-one practical sparring exams. The only change was shifting from one-on-one to three-on-three.

“Teacher Kitazawa, will team formation be free to choose?” Sakura asked expectantly. “Then I want to be on Sasuke-kun’s team!”

“What are you thinking?” Ino shook her head. “There’s no way it’ll be free team formation.”

“The students participating in the team battles will still be the top eighteen students from the Genius Class practical exam. In other words, there will be six teams.”

Kitazawa spoke unhurriedly. “The top six will serve as temporary captains and choose their teammates in order.”

Considering the theoretical exam rankings of Naruto and the others, he deliberately did not use the top six of the final rankings as captains.

If Sasuke and Naruto ended up on the same team, who could possibly stop them?

“What?!” The Genius Class immediately became restless.

Sasuke subconsciously clenched his fists. He was ranked first, which meant he had the highest priority when choosing teammates.

Aside from the other five captains, he could select anyone else. Undoubtedly, he would have the greatest advantage.

“Damn it!” Kiba scratched his head. “Does that mean I can only wait to be chosen?”

“Sasuke-kun, you have to choose me!” Sakura immediately turned toward Uchiha Sasuke, her eyes filled with anticipation.

“We’ll see when the time comes.” Sasuke did consider choosing Sakura.

A medical ninja combined with a Water Release user would still be quite useful. But there was no need to decide so early.

“Lee!” Naruto immediately gave a thumbs-up. “The Youth Team is officially formed starting today!”

“Naruto!” Rock Lee exclaimed excitedly. “That’s wonderful! Our Youth Team will definitely be invincible!”

Kiba and the others’ expressions changed drastically upon hearing this.

The top six could choose teammates, and Naruto was certainly among the top six in the practical exam.

If he chose Rock Lee, then who would be the unlucky one left? Undoubtedly, it would be one of them.

“Neji, you have to save me then!” Tenten hurriedly said after realizing this.

The only way was to join another team and avoid being picked by Uzumaki Naruto.

“I’ll do my best,” Neji replied with a subtle expression.

Although he could choose Tenten, Naruto ranked higher than him and would choose first. If Naruto picked Tenten first, there was nothing he could do.

“Just thinking about it is terrifying,” Tayuya said with clear resistance. “I definitely don’t want to join the Youth Team.”

“Oh, give me a break.” Shikamaru couldn’t help but shake his head.

Kimimaro, on the other hand, suddenly felt very fortunate. At the very least, he was certain to be in the top six, meaning he wouldn’t lose the right to choose.

Hinata had already begun thinking about who she should select. How should she put it?

Because of her personality, her relationships with her Genius Class classmates were all fairly good.

However, she didn’t have any particularly close friendships like the one between Sakura and Ino.

For a moment, she found it difficult to decide.

“As for the rules, I’ll add one final point.” Kitazawa clapped his hands. “For the sake of fairness, in the next practical exam, you may not choose teammates you’ve selected before.”

He was truly worried that a Youth Team would appear in every final exam, which would definitely give him a headache.

“Kitazawa.” Sarutobi Hiruzen asked with a chuckle, “Do we teachers need to do anything?”

“Each team will have a teacher assigned as an instructor.” Kitazawa thought for a moment before answering.

“To instruct tactics?” Kosuke asked thoughtfully.

“Not just tactics.” Kitazawa explained, “In the future, team battles will all take place in special and complex terrains, no longer limited to the Training Grounds.”

At those words, many people felt invigorated.

Shino Aburame, for example. As a member of the Aburame Clan, he favored complex terrain the most.

A flat Training Ground couldn’t fully bring out the advantages of the kikaichū.

Sarutobi Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. Isn’t this basically the Chunin Exams?

He suddenly began to look forward to the real Chunin Exams.

When the time came, he would definitely suggest to Tsunade that they hold a joint Chunin Exams, inviting all the ninja villages.

Just imagining Naruto and the others beating down the geniuses from other villages was enough to make him excited.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep