Chapter 188: Chapter 188

“Hokage-sama.”

Kitazawa stepped forward, unrolling a scroll. “This is the proposed plan for the Genius Class.”

“You’ve worked hard, Kitazawa.”

Hiruzen accepted the scroll with a nod and began to read. The contents matched their earlier discussions, but now the plan was fleshed out with details and practical steps.

“Well written,” Hiruzen said with a satisfied smile. “No changes are necessary. We can implement this directly.”

“Thank you, Hokage-sama.” Kitazawa replied humbly. “This plan was shaped through our discussions.”

“Have you given thought to which teachers should be appointed?” Hiruzen asked, setting the scroll aside.

“The more versatile, the better,” Kitazawa suggested. “Ideally, instructors capable of teaching all seven chakra nature transformations.”

The Genius Class was designed to gather the most gifted students in the Academy—each with different chakra affinities. Kitazawa envisioned three or four jōnin who could cover Wind, Fire, Water, Earth, Lightning, Yin, and Yang Release. Anything less would squander their potential.

Hiruzen chuckled. “Why do I feel as though you’re hinting that I should teach?”

“If Hokage-sama himself were to instruct them, it would be a blessing for the students,” Kitazawa answered quickly, realizing belatedly that besides Kakashi Hatake, Hiruzen was also an all-attribute shinobi. In fact, only those two in the entire village possessed such breadth.

“I am the Hokage. I don’t have the time to teach,” Hiruzen said, though his tone softened. “Perhaps after I retire. A few Academy lectures might suit me then.”

He considered the idea. Retirement would leave him with time to spare; teaching would allow him to shape the next generation and strengthen his legacy. The students of the Genius Class were destined to become Konoha’s pillars. To be their teacher meant disciples across the entire village.

“With your level of teaching, Hokage-sama, Konoha might see more powerhouses rivaling the Sannin,” Kitazawa said with a smile.

“That’s an exaggeration,” Hiruzen replied modestly. “Even producing one would be a success.”

Kitazawa, however, knew it wasn’t an exaggeration at all. Naruto and Sasuke’s futures would eclipse even the Sannin.

“But your suggestion is hardly realistic,” Hiruzen admitted. “Besides me, the only all-attribute ninja is Kakashi… actually, Kakashi could teach.”

His reasoning was simple. Pulling Kakashi from Anbu and making him a squad leader wasn’t only about Naruto—it was about helping Kakashi recover from his past. Missions had become his only outlet, but that path dragged him closer to the emotionless soldiers of Root. Teaching might reawaken his humanity.

“If it’s Kakashi, he’s perfectly suited,” Kitazawa said, feigning surprise while secretly relieved. With Kakashi as a teacher, the burden would be lighter.

“Haru,” Hiruzen called to his attendant, “bring Kakashi here.”

Before long, Kakashi entered the Hokage’s office, glancing at Kitazawa with quiet puzzlement.

“Kakashi,” Hiruzen began, “do you remember when I mentioned you leaving Anbu to lead a squad?”

“I remember,” Kakashi replied, eyes dull as ever.

“Graduation is still three months away,” Hiruzen said with a chuckle. “Why not spend that time at the Academy? Consider it practice before you take command.”

“…An Academy teacher?” Kakashi finally understood why Kitazawa was present.

“That’s right. What do you think?”

“Yes, Hokage-sama.” Kakashi gave a curt nod.

“Good. Kitazawa will explain the details later.”

As Kakashi departed, Hiruzen sighed inwardly. Kakashi’s talent was extraordinary—graduating at five, chūnin at six, jōnin at twelve. Under normal circumstances, he would have become another Sakumo or Minato. But tragedy had left him stagnant, years without growth.

“Kitazawa,” Hiruzen said quietly, “you’re of the same generation as Kakashi. You know his situation. Help him where you can.”

“I understand,” Kitazawa answered firmly.

“With you and Kakashi, the Genius Class is nearly complete,” Hiruzen said, then paused. “Any further suggestions?”

“The class also needs theory. I believe Iruka can handle that.”

“That’s fine,” Hiruzen agreed. Iruka was exemplary and well-suited to teaching the principles of the Will of Fire.

“I also think an older, seasoned shinobi would balance things out,” Kitazawa added. “Kakashi and I are young. There are details we might overlook.”

“There are many veteran shinobi in Konoha,” Hiruzen mused. “Anyone in particular?”

“Kosuke Maruboshi-senpai.”

Hiruzen blinked, surprised. He hadn’t expected that name. Kosuke Maruboshi was technically a genin, yet his seniority was unmatched. He had served under Tobirama, Hiruzen himself, and even Minato. Strong, responsible, and steadfast in the Will of Fire—he carried both skill and wisdom.

“Kosuke has been punishing himself for a mistake of youth,” Hiruzen said thoughtfully. “Even now, he takes dangerous infiltration missions. Making him an academy teacher would be a sort of early retirement—and a chance to finally live in peace.”

“Shall I inform him?” Kitazawa offered.

“No. Kosuke isn’t just any genin. I’ll speak with him personally,” Hiruzen replied. To Hiruzen, Kosuke was like a fellow disciple, both tied to Tobirama, though Kosuke had never been a formal student.

“Understood.” Kitazawa inclined his head. With the Hokage handling it, nothing could go wrong.

“The Genius Class will launch next semester,” Hiruzen concluded. “There’s a jōnin meeting this Sunday morning. Be there.”

“Yes, Hokage-sama.”

After bowing, Kitazawa departed the Hokage building. The selection of students was clear—it would be the top thirty from the Student Council’s practical exam.

Kitazawa arrived at Anbu headquarters.

“Kitazawa-sensei.”

A calm, familiar voice made him turn.

Though hidden behind an Anbu mask, he instantly recognized him—Uchiha Itachi.

“Is Lady Tsunade assigning you another mission here in Anbu?” Itachi asked as he stepped forward.

Kitazawa shook his head. “No. I’m here to find Kakashi.”

“Kakashi-senpai is in his room packing.” There was the faintest note of regret in Itachi’s tone. “He’s leaving Anbu.”

Kakashi had been more than just a senior—he’d been Itachi’s mentor in the shadows. After joining Anbu, most of his missions had been with him.

“If you want to see him later, come to the Ninja Academy,” Kitazawa said without hiding anything. “Kakashi will be teaching my class from now on.”

“What?” For once, Itachi’s composure cracked. Retire from Anbu… to become an Academy teacher? It sounded almost absurd.

“Can you take me to him?” Kitazawa asked with a smile.

Itachi hesitated briefly. “Normally, outsiders aren’t allowed in the Anbu dorms. But… you shouldn’t have a problem. Please, follow me.”

As they walked, Kitazawa asked, “Do all Anbu live in dorms?”

“Not all.” Itachi explained evenly. “Anbu must remain on call at all times. The dorms are mainly for those on rotation, to rest between deployments.”

“I see.” Kitazawa nodded.

“Kakashi-senpai is an Anbu captain,” Itachi added. “So he has his own private room.”

They soon arrived.

“Kakashi-senpai,” Itachi called as he knocked. “Kitazawa-sensei is here to see you.”

The door slid open—not to reveal Kakashi, but another masked shinobi with dark hair.

“Yamato-senpai,” Itachi greeted respectfully.

Kitazawa studied him instinctively. Yamato… the codename of the only surviving subject from Danzo and Orochimaru’s Wood Release experiments.

“Kakashi-senpai’s inside,” Yamato said simply, before leaving.

“I’ll head out too,” Itachi added, giving Kitazawa space. “You two should talk.” And with that, he disappeared alongside Yamato.

Inside, Kakashi didn’t even look up as he asked flatly, “Am I going to be teaching First Year Class A?”

“You’ll be in the Genius Class,” Kitazawa replied, explaining what it was.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. Back in his day, no such class existed. Clearly, this was Kitazawa’s invention. No wonder the Hokage wanted him assigned there.

A thousand jutsu at his disposal, mastery of all chakra natures… Kakashi fit the bill.

But to him, it made no difference. Squad leader, Anbu, or Academy teacher—it was all the same.

“I’ll come find you next semester,” he said, sitting on his bed, indifferent as ever.

“And this month?” Kitazawa pressed.

Kakashi froze. What would he even do? Since Obito and Rin’s deaths, his life had been missions, missions, and more missions. He hadn’t had a break in years. The idea of a free month felt alien. Perhaps he’d just sit at home and read Make-Out Paradise…

“I’ve been running winter training,” Kitazawa said with a chuckle. “There’s a boy in the Genius Class with a natural talent for Lightning Release. Why not start early and teach him?”

“Who?” Kakashi asked, puzzled. “I didn’t see anyone using Lightning Release in the Student Council trials.”

“It’s Sasuke.”

Kakashi glanced up, surprised.

“He’s got both Lightning and Fire attributes,” Kitazawa explained. “But as you know, the Uchiha aren’t exactly known for Lightning Release.”

Kakashi’s visible eye narrowed with interest. Lightning Release paired with the Sharingan? That was his specialty. And Sasuke… the younger brother of Itachi, his longtime comrade.

“My standards are high,” Kakashi said after a moment. “He’ll need to pass my test first.”

“As it should be.” Kitazawa smiled. With Kakashi guiding Sasuke, the boy’s growth was assured.

“Tomorrow. Eight a.m. at the Academy training ground,” Kitazawa added.

Kakashi gave a short nod. “Alright.”

“See you tomorrow.” Kitazawa left the base.

But instead of heading straight to the Academy, he went to Tsunade’s residence.

He knocked, and the door opened to reveal Karin. “Good morning, Kitazawa-sensei.”

“Is Lady Tsunade here?” He patted her head gently.

“No. She and Shizune-nee went to the casino,” Karin replied.

“As expected,” Kitazawa said with a small smile. “Then I’ll speak with your mother.”

Karin stepped aside. “Please come in.”

Inside, Rina Uzumaki greeted him with tea. “Here, Kitazawa-sensei.”

“Thank you.” He accepted with a nod, then said, “Karin’s caught up on her studies. I plan to begin her ninjutsu training over the winter break.”

“Thank you so much.” Rina glanced at her daughter with gratitude. Ever since fleeing Kusagakure, she understood better than anyone how vital strength was.

“Karin’s an Uzumaki. Sealing techniques suit her best,” Kitazawa continued. “Mrs. Rina, do you know any yourself?”

Rina shook her head. “No. My talent wasn’t enough.”

Kitazawa wasn’t surprised. If she had, she likely wouldn’t have been trapped in Kusagakure for so long.

“Fortunately, Konoha has preserved many of the clan’s techniques. Once Lady Tsunade returns, please speak to her. For now, I’ll start Karin on chakra control.”

He took Karin to the Academy grounds. Naturally, the training began with the classics—tree climbing and water walking.

After ten minutes of explanation, Karin tried tree climbing. Her progress was quick—already reaching halfway up within minutes.

Then, before Kitazawa’s eyes, glowing text appeared:

[Current Mission: Lead your ninja squad to complete 90 D-rank missions within one month and build your reputation.]

[Mission Reward: Lightning Release: Chidori.]

[Mission complete. Reward issued.]

Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. Surprising—but reasonable. Kabuto, Izumi, and Torune were all skilled, plus Shadow Clone meant faster progress. No wonder they finished early.

He stood silently as the system infused Chidori into him. Within moments, the jutsu was his.

The only flaw was obvious: without Sharingan, its speed was too dangerous to control.

That was why Kakashi had later developed Purple Lightning as a substitute. After all, Chidori was originally born because he couldn’t master the Lightning Release version of Rasengan. Both were destructive, both close-range—but Rasengan was more stable.

“Kitazawa-sensei.”

A voice pulled him back. Kabuto, Torune, and Izumi had arrived, fresh from reporting their last mission.

“You’ve worked hard,” Kitazawa said. “No more D-rank missions for you.”

Then another set of glowing words appeared:

[Your squad has gained some recognition in Konoha, but it’s not enough.]

[New Mission: Complete a higher-ranked mission to expand your squad’s reputation.]

[Reward: Compound Ninjutsu — Lightning Water Dragon Bullet.]

[Accept?]

Kitazawa’s eyes lingered on the reward. Compound Ninjutsu…

In the original timeline, Mizukage Mei and Raikage A had unleashed the very same—combining water and lightning to create a paralyzing, devastating Water Dragon.

Its power far outstripped the basic technique.

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