“Kitazawa, from now on, you’ll take over as homeroom teacher of Class A in the second year, assisted by Terai and Yamada Itsuma,” Hiruzen instructed. “You’ll be responsible for planning and teaching the key classes.”

Yamada had originally been co-teaching second-year Class A alongside Mizuki. In most cases, a class had two to three instructors.

“Understood,” Kitazawa nodded as he came back to his senses.

“Terai is from Root, so he must not be assigned to any core curriculum—especially the Will of Fire lessons,” Hiruzen added after a thoughtful pause. “I don’t want my Will of Fire replaced by Danzo’s Will of the Root.”

“I understand,” Kitazawa replied, then added firmly, “I’ll personally teach the Will of Fire.”

“Good. If it’s you teaching, I don’t have to worry.” Hiruzen smiled approvingly.

“Hokage-sama, I’ll take my leave now.” Seeing that everything was settled, Kitazawa bowed slightly and exited the office.

Standing just outside the Hokage building, he exhaled deeply. “That old fox really knows how to dump problems on others…”

Kitazawa had already disliked Shimura Danzo from his past life, and now that he had firsthand experience with the man’s schemes, he loathed him even more.

Fortunately, he wasn’t without protection. Beyond Hiruzen, there was also Tsunade. With both of them around, his safety in Konoha was still secure.

Kitazawa stroked his chin thoughtfully. Could he use Tsunade to deal with Danzo?

He didn’t consider going to Hiruzen—because in the end, Danzo was his behind-the-scenes enforcer. As long as Danzo didn’t outright betray the village, Hiruzen would never punish him.

Only someone like Tsunade could truly stand against him.

Kitazawa’s first instinct was to expose the Wood Release human experimentation, but he lacked the credentials or access to prove it. He had no legitimate source to explain how he knew such things.

His thoughts drifted to Yamato, the only known survivor of those experiments.

Perhaps starting with Yamato would open a path. Still, this was not something that could be rushed. If he failed, he might end up dead. The stakes were far too high.

For now, Danzo had no direct contact with him, and the priority was strengthening himself. Kitazawa focused his thoughts, and the earlier mission interface reappeared.

As a teacher, he couldn’t just barge into the second-year classroom and shout, “Neji, let’s fight!” Luckily, now that he’d been assigned as a homeroom teacher, he could arrange for a match during a practical training class.

The reward intrigued him most: a 10% increase in Byakugan purity.

In the Naruto universe, the Byakugan had two distinct sources.

One came from the Hyuga clan, like Hyuga Hiashi. The other was from the Otsutsuki clan, such as Kaguya Otsutsuki. While both looked identical, the power difference was vast.

Kitazawa currently possessed the Hyuga version. But this reward hinted that his Byakugan could evolve, purifying until it reached Otsutsuki-level Byakugan.

—

Back at Kurenai’s house, Kitazawa pushed open the door.

“You’re back? What did the old man want from you?” Tsunade, lounging on the sofa, looked up and gave him a casual glance.

“The Hokage asked me to take over as homeroom teacher for second-year Class A,” Kitazawa replied. He hesitated for a second, then added, “And… to monitor the new teacher, Terai.”

“Monitor him? Why?” Tsunade raised an eyebrow, confused. In her mind, most academy teachers were Chunin-level. Not the sort of people worth watching.

“He’s a Root ninja.” Kitazawa added quietly, “I suspect they might be targeting Yakumo.”

“He dares?!” Tsunade slammed the armrest and stood up, her eyes blazing. “With me here, there’s no way he can touch Yakumo!”

Her fury wasn’t surprising. Not only did she despise Danzo, but Yakumo was her patient—someone she had taken under her personal care.

Kitazawa felt reassured. With Tsunade’s protection, both he and Yakumo were safe—for now.

“If the Root makes any moves, let me know immediately,” Tsunade huffed. “Konoha isn’t Danzo’s personal playground.”

“You’re amazing, Lady Tsunade,” Kitazawa grinned in admiration.

“You’ve got guts,” Tsunade narrowed her eyes with a faint smirk. “Most shinobi would tremble just hearing Danzo’s name.”

“That’s because I’ve got you backing me,” Kitazawa replied, not joking at all.

“You really know how to flatter.” Tsunade chuckled. She casually put her legs on the coffee table, her smooth white feet stretching lazily.

“Go do your work. I’m busy with new ninjutsu development.”

“Yes, Lady Tsunade.” Kitazawa nodded and went upstairs to his room.

Danzo and Root were still distant concerns. For now, he needed to finish studying the medical books. If he could become Tsunade’s disciple, his safety and future would both be secured.

—

The next day.

It was the start of the final week of June.

Iruka stretched lazily. He had spent the last two days coming up with thirty test questions—each one a product of much thought and effort.

“I wonder how many of these will actually be selected,” he muttered, organizing the papers.

After breakfast, Iruka made his way to Mizuki’s house.

“Mizuki? You home?” Iruka knocked on the door and called out.

The door opened—but it wasn’t Mizuki. A gentle-looking young woman with short hair greeted him.

“Good morning, Iruka.”

“Tsubaki?” Iruka greeted her with a nod. “Mizuki’s not back yet?”

Tsubaki—Mizuki’s fiancée and also a Chunin—shook her head, visibly worried.

“No. He left Saturday morning and hasn’t returned since.”

“Well, missions sometimes take ten days or more. It’s not too unusual.” Iruka offered a smile, trying to reassure her.

“That’s a relief.” Tsubaki let out a breath. “Please let me know if you hear anything.”

“I will.” Iruka waved as he turned and headed toward the Ninja Academy.

As he walked, a wistful expression crossed his face.

“When will I get a gentle and beautiful girlfriend like Mizuki?” With that thought, he arrived at the Academy.

—

Just as he stepped into the first-year teachers’ office, he heard hushed voices.

“Mizuki-senpai actually did something like that?”

“He must have lost his mind. How could he envy someone like Kitazawa-senpai?”

“Yeah, Kitazawa-senpai always treated everyone kindly.”

Iruka paused, surprised. He recognized the voices—fellow first-year teachers, though not from Class A.

“What are you all talking about?” Iruka stepped forward, frowning. “What happened between Mizuki and Kitazawa-senpai?”

“Didn’t you see the new notice?” One of the older instructors handed him a sheet. “Everything’s written here.”

Iruka took the notice. As he scanned it, his eyes widened. There were two key announcements:

Mizuki had attacked Kitazawa out of jealousy and was killed in retaliation.

Kitazawa had been appointed acting homeroom teacher of second-year Class A.

“This… How is this possible?” Iruka’s hands trembled as he held the paper. He had known Mizuki and Kitazawa didn’t get along, but trying to kill your fellow villager and companion?

“You never really know someone’s heart,” the older teacher sighed. “I heard you were close with Mizuki. At least now you know the truth.”

“I…” Iruka opened his mouth but had no words.

The notice bore Hiruzen Sarutobi’s official seal. A Hokage wouldn’t publish false accusations. It had to be true. Mizuki was dead—and he had betrayed Konoha’s trust.

“…How am I supposed to tell Tsubaki?” Iruka suddenly felt a weight unlike any he had carried before.

—

At the same time, Kitazawa arrived at the second-year division’s large office. The moment he stepped inside, he sensed a strange aura in the air.

With a glance, he immediately identified Terai. It couldn’t be helped—Root members all carried the same chilling presence. It wasn’t human. Lifeless. Hollow.

This was a result of Root’s notorious brainwashing.

Every ninja who joined Root was mentally conditioned by Shimura Danzo, stripped of emotion and identity. No concept of clan. No allegiance to Konoha.

Only one command remained—absolute loyalty to Danzo.

Because of Terai’s presence, the entire office felt unnaturally cold. He was like a block of ice, silently pulling the room’s temperature down.

It was obvious—this was not someone to provoke.

“Kitazawa-senpai!” Yamada lit up like he’d just seen a savior and rushed over.

“Let’s hold a quick meeting in my office,” Kitazawa said calmly. “It used to be Mizuki’s.”

Since he was now the homeroom teacher for two classes, he was assigned two offices.

“Right away!” Yamada dashed off, looking as though he’d just been pardoned from a death sentence.

“Terai, nice to meet you,” Kitazawa stepped forward. “I’m Kitazawa.”

“Hello.” Terai’s voice was flat, utterly devoid of warmth.

“Come with me. We’re holding a meeting,” Kitazawa said, already turning to leave.

Terai followed wordlessly.

Mizuki’s former office.

Yamada was already waiting inside.

“Today’s meeting is simple. I’ve reassigned the course schedule,” Kitazawa said as he sat down and handed out two printed timetables.

Yamada glanced at his and was stunned.

He had the most classes, on par with what Mizuki had previously handled. Kitazawa only kept two: the Will of Fire and a practical ninjutsu course, mainly focusing on the Three Basic Techniques.

As for Terai, he too was assigned two classes: flower arrangement and astronomy.

Yamada nearly laughed aloud.

Terai looked so intimidating, yet he was assigned the gentlest and most poetic classes? He couldn’t help but suspect Kitazawa was messing with him on purpose.

Yamada glanced at Terai instinctively. But the Root ninja’s face remained unreadable, as if the schedule meant nothing to him.

Was this guy even human? Yamada had never met a ninja quite so… empty.

“What do you think? Any changes needed?” Kitazawa asked casually.

“Nope,” Yamada replied quickly.

Even though he now had more classes, he didn’t mind. After all, the recent notice stated that Kitazawa was only temporarily filling Mizuki’s position.

Once Kitazawa stepped down, the most likely candidate to take over was him. So more classes now could mean a promotion and an increase in salary.

“No issues,” Terai replied simply.

“Perfect,” Kitazawa said, standing up. “Classes will follow this schedule starting today. If you need anything, come find me in my other office—downstairs.”

“Got it.” Yamada nodded. He knew Kitazawa meant his first-year Class A office.

It was clear that Kitazawa’s main focus was still with his original class.

Once Kitazawa left, the mood in the room shifted dramatically.

“I’m Yamada Itsuma, nice to—” Yamada started to introduce himself.

But Terai turned and walked out mid-sentence.

Yamada froze, face stiff. What’s with this guy? Does he have zero manners?!

—

Back in his office, Kitazawa had just settled in when Hinata walked over.

“Teacher Kitazawa,” she asked softly, eyes filled with concern. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Kitazawa blinked, realizing she had probably heard about Mizuki’s attack.

After all, with Hiruzen’s notice issued, the news would have spread throughout the Academy in no time.

“I… I could ask my father to assign someone to protect you,” Hinata said after a hesitant pause.

Kitazawa flicked her forehead gently. “Not necessary—not yet, at least.”

She had no idea how serious her offer was. As the Hyuga clan’s heir, Hinata could request protection.

But Kitazawa? He was just a commoner teacher. No such privilege.

“But—” Hinata started to object.

One sharp glance from Kitazawa made her stop, lips pressed in a pout.

“Alright, it’s breakfast time,” he said, patting her head.

“Mm!” Hinata brightened instantly.

After breakfast, they walked to the first-year Class A classroom.

“Teacher Kitazawa, are you really okay?”

“That scumbag Mizuki dared to attack you? Unforgivable!”

“Teacher Kitazawa, just say the word and we’ll go teach those second-years a lesson!”

As soon as Kitazawa stepped into class, the room buzzed with concern—and fury.

“What nonsense,” Kitazawa waved it off. “Mizuki is Mizuki. Class A of the second year is not responsible for his actions. Don’t lump them together.”

He truly feared these kids might stir up trouble for the second-year students. If Hiruzen caught wind of that, a lecture was inevitable.

“I’m now the head teacher of the second-year Class A, too. We’re one big family now.”

The students fell silent.

“Alright. Let’s begin today’s lesson.”

After the first class, Kitazawa made his way to the second-year Class A classroom.

“Did you hear the news?”

“About Mizuki-sensei?”

“He really lost it. Why would he target Kitazawa-sensei?”

“Might be a blessing in disguise—we’re getting Kitazawa-sensei now.”

“You mean the one from Class A of the first year?”

“I heard he’s amazing!”

“He led a first-year class to defeat us, remember?”

Neji frowned slightly as he listened to the buzzing chatter. He had no real opinion about Kitazawa. But learning he was Hinata’s teacher left a strange taste in his mouth.

“He was a rival last week, and now he’s our homeroom teacher.” Tenten rested her chin in her palm. “Life’s full of surprises.”

“I hear Naruto talks about him all the time. People say he’s the best teacher in the whole Academy.” Rock Lee asked hopefully, “Do you think we’ll have combined classes with the first-years?”

He was desperate to join the training Naruto often boasted about.

“It’s possible,” Tenten replied, then glanced toward Neji.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep