Chapter 217: Chapter 217

Closing the roll book with a snap, Kitazawa’s voice carried across the training ground. “Students ranked twentieth and below, step forward.”

Ten students shuffled toward him, their faces a mixture of nerves and dread. They knew exactly what came next.

The challenge round.

They would have to face students from other classes, and if they lost, their place in the Genius Class was gone.

“Don’t look so grim,” Kitazawa said with an easy smile. “You might not realize it, but every one of you has grown a lot this past month. You’ll be able to handle what’s coming.”

The students traded uneasy glances but, bolstered by his words, their shoulders eased ever so slightly.

“Iruka,” Kitazawa called, handing over the roll book, “go to the other classes and bring back their challengers.”

“Got it,” Iruka replied before heading off.

Since the Academy’s monthly exams all happened on the same day, the other classes had just about wrapped up as well.

“Rest for now,” Kitazawa instructed. “We’ll begin once everyone arrives.”

The Genius Class students settled on the training ground, including those exempt from this round—Sasuke, Neji, and a handful of others. They would have to stay until the challenges were finished.

At that moment, Hiruzen approached.

“Kitazawa, I’ll take my leave. Stop by the office later.”

The rankings—the only part he cared for—were already revealed. To him, what followed was just weaklings pecking at one another. Besides, like Kitazawa, he knew outsiders stood little chance against the Genius Class.

“Understood, Hokage-sama,” Kitazawa replied respectfully.

Time ticked by until students from other classes trickled in. Iruka soon returned, leading the last group.

“Kitazawa-senpai,” he said, “all challengers are here—fifteen in total.”

“Mm. You handle the hosting,” Kitazawa instructed, before jogging over to join the seated Genius Class students.

“Kitazawa-sensei!”

Naruto practically waved his arm off to get his attention.

“Over here!” Kiba shouted, tail-wagging energy in his voice.

“Kitazawa-sensei, this way!” Ino called, hand raised high. Beside her, Hinata’s pale eyes lit up with quiet anticipation.

“It doesn’t matter where I sit,” Kitazawa muttered, but after a pause, he slipped down between Ino and Hinata.

From the front, Iruka’s voice rang out: “The rules are simple. Each Genius Class student can be challenged up to three times but not consecutively…”

Ino tugged on Kitazawa’s sleeve.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Sakura’s been picking up Water Release really fast, hasn’t she?” Ino whispered.

Kitazawa considered, then nodded. “Faster than most. Among her peers, she’s outstanding.”

Sakura—destined to become a medical prodigy second only to Tsunade. With her natural water affinity, Water Release was practically child’s play.

Ino frowned. “So… can I still beat her next time?”

“Already doubting yourself?” Kitazawa teased.

She shot him a cheeky look. “I’m not doubting me. I just believe in you, Kitazawa-sensei.”

He chuckled, flicking her forehead. “If you wanted a new jutsu, you should’ve just said so.”

“Knew I couldn’t fool you,” Ino admitted, rubbing her forehead but grinning.

[Mission Triggered: Help Ino Yamanaka defeat Sakura Haruno in the next monthly exam.]

[Reward: Mind Transfer Clone Technique]

[Accept?]

A predictable mission. The upgraded version of the Mind Body Switch wasn’t much use to him, but rewards were rewards. Besides, his own creations were far more practical, and could even benefit someone like Kurenai.

“Next week, I’ll teach you something new,” he promised, meeting Ino’s eager gaze.

“Really? Yay! Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!” She beamed.

Meanwhile, the first match wrapped up almost instantly with the Genius Class taking victory. The student looked dazed—his fight had been absurdly easy compared to struggling against his own classmates. The realization hit him: it wasn’t that he was weak, it was that his peers were simply monsters.

One after another, the results repeated. By the end, all fifteen challengers had failed.

“That’s it. Everyone head home. See you next week,” Kitazawa announced, dismissing the class with a smile.

Sasuke left first, smirk tugging at his lips. Finally, he’d claimed the top spot—something he couldn’t wait to show his father and brother.

“Naruto.”

Kitazawa’s voice stopped the blond mid-step.

“You lost to Neji and Sasuke today. Do you know why?”

“Because I’m not strong enough!” Naruto declared without hesitation. “I just need to train harder and I’ll beat them!”

Kitazawa shook his head lightly. “Your strength is close to theirs. What you lack is adaptability. You can’t just stick to one move.”

“Adaptability?” Naruto scratched his head.

“Exactly. For instance, against Sasuke, why did you only think of using Rasengan in the final exchange?”

“What else could I use?”

“Ninja tools,” Kitazawa answered. “Facing three Sasukes armed with kenjutsu and Fire Release, charging in close was the worst option.”

Naruto’s eyes widened. “Oh! Right!”

If he’d used long-range weapons to scatter them, the clones couldn’t have stayed grouped. Once separated, Sasuke would’ve been vulnerable.

“Kitazawa-sensei, you’re a genius!” Naruto shouted, giving a thumbs-up.

[Mission Triggered: Help Naruto defeat Sasuke and Neji in the next monthly exam.]

[Reward: +20% Chakra Limit]

[Accept?]

Kitazawa’s lips twitched. A golden mission. Compared to Ino’s, this reward was priceless.

“We’ll go over the details next week,” he said, patting Naruto’s shoulder.

“Got it! See you, Sensei!” Naruto grinned before running off.

Soon, only Hinata remained.

“Hinata,” Kitazawa asked warmly, “what do you want for lunch?”

“Anything is fine,” she answered softly.

“How about sukiyaki?” He ruffled her hair gently.

Her eyes brightened. “Mm!”

“Then it’s settled. We’ll find a place first, and after I stop by the Hokage’s Office, we’ll eat together.”

It would’ve been improper to visit Hiruzen after eating.

Even though Kitazawa’s standing in the village had risen sharply, etiquette was still important when facing the Hokage. Unless, of course, Tsunade were Hokage—then he could afford to be a little more unrestrained.

“Alright,” Hinata nodded softly.

The two stopped by the nearest sukiyaki restaurant, ordered their meal, and then Kitazawa headed toward the Hokage Building.

A knock echoed.

“Come in,” Hiruzen called casually.

“Hokage-sama,” Kitazawa greeted, stepping inside.

“Ah, Kitazawa.” Hiruzen set his documents aside and said straight to the point, “The Genius Class performed exceptionally well this month.”

“It’s thanks to everyone’s efforts,” Kitazawa replied. “Especially Kakashi and Kosuke-san. Their help was invaluable.”

“Still as humble as ever,” Hiruzen chuckled. “But your contribution is undeniable. The three jutsu you created are all excellent—easily B-rank.”

Kitazawa nodded. “I’ll submit all four to the village later.”

“Four?” Hiruzen blinked, caught off guard.

“Yes. There’s also a technique I developed—Quadruple Fang Over Fang.” Kitazawa briefly explained how it came about.

After a thoughtful pause, Hiruzen smiled generously. “Very well. In that case, you may exchange them for four B-rank jutsu of your choice.”

Kitazawa’s eyes brightened. That was essentially four free techniques.

“Furthermore,” Hiruzen continued, “any jutsu you create in the future can also be exchanged. A-rank and S-rank ones will carry additional rewards.”

Kitazawa couldn’t help but smile inwardly. Of course the Hokage wanted to encourage innovation—new jutsu strengthened the entire village, especially for its vast number of genin and chunin.

[Mission Triggered: Create or modify a new Ninjutsu.]

[Reward: Based on rank, purpose, and impact.]

Kitazawa’s pulse quickened. A rare mission—variable rewards. Just like the time he’d found summoning animals for Tenten.

His first thought was Lightning Release: Kirin. An S-rank without a doubt, but he wasn’t sure if it could be reused for this mission. Then came Wind Release: Rasenshuriken—incredibly powerful, but crippled the user’s body and was eventually forbidden. It fit the requirements, but its drawbacks might limit the reward.

For now, he decided not to rush. Crafting S-rank techniques wasn’t something to take lightly.

“I understand, Hokage-sama,” Kitazawa answered firmly. “I’ll do my best.”

“Good. I look forward to seeing your work, just as my own teacher once did,” Hiruzen said warmly.

Afterward, Kitazawa followed Haru, into the jutsu archives.

“These are the scrolls,” Haru said, handing him parchment. “Please record your techniques—hand seals, notes, precautions.”

Kitazawa carefully wrote out Hell Hound, Hundred Petal Storm, Moonlight Beauty, and Quadruple Fang Over Fang.

When finished, Haru catalogued them—placing the two genjutsu in their category and the Inuzuka-based techniques under Secret Arts.

“Now, choose four B-rank techniques,” he instructed.

Kitazawa scanned the shelves before finally selecting two Earth Release and two Water Release jutsu. Lightning Release tempted him, but he chose to save those options for later.

—Earth Release: Falling Clay—dropping massive clumps of earth from above to entrap opponents.

—Earth Release: Earth Flow River—turning the ground into a rushing mudslide to sweep enemies away.

—Water Release: Heavenly Weeping—spitting senbon-like water needles, perfect for surprise attacks.

—Water Release: Water Bullet—rapid-fire water projectiles, similar to Vacuum Bullet.

Both water jutsu were originally crafted by Tobirama Senju himself.

With this haul, Kitazawa realized his training schedule had just become even more packed. Three Water Release, five Earth Release, plus Leaf Style Kenjutsu—he’d be swamped. But in the shinobi world, being busy with power only meant one thing: progress.

Later, after lunch with Hinata and seeing her home, Kitazawa made his way to Kurenai’s house.

It was Friday, and with the exam over, he had the luxury of three and a half days off.

From afar, he spotted Kurenai amidst a swirl of pink petals—training with Hundred Petal Storm. Graceful and fluid, her movements were as much a dance as they were genjutsu.

He watched quietly, impressed. She’d nearly mastered it already.

When the petals settled, Kurenai lowered her hands.

“Had lunch yet?” Kitazawa asked as he approached, pulling her into his arms.

“I’m sweaty—dirty,” she murmured, half struggling but unable to slip free.

“Not dirty. You smell good,” he teased, breathing against her neck.

“Pervert,” Kurenai muttered, rolling her eyes. “Since you’re back, make lunch.”

“Already ate. You just finished training—shower first. I’ll cook.”

She smiled faintly and tugged him toward the house.

“How about wearing a qipao today?” Kitazawa asked with a grin.

Kurenai pouted. “Just don’t tear it.”

“That’s slander,” Kitazawa replied solemnly. “I’ve only torn your stockings.”

She arched a brow, smirking. “And you don’t want to tear them?”

“Not at all,” he coughed. “But… if it’s your request, I’ll comply.”

“Hypocrite.” She kicked him lightly before sashaying toward the bathroom, hips swaying deliberately.

——————

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