Chapter 270: Playing the Uchiha

“Before we clock out, I’ll teach you the medical ninjutsu for limb regeneration.”

Kitazawa wasn’t in any rush to visit the Uchiha Clan. Whether he went early or late didn’t really matter. What did matter was that if Tsunade mastered limb regeneration, the progress on his system mission would jump forward significantly.

“Teach me.”

Tsunade nodded and set down the documents in her hand.

Kitazawa began explaining the principles and techniques behind the jutsu.

As expected, Tsunade was the ideal student—sharp, quick to understand, and able to draw connections effortlessly. Her progress was astonishing.

An hour slipped by before they realized it was already late afternoon.

“This feeling of learning something new… it’s been too long,” Tsunade said, stretching her arms. “Let’s stop here for today.”

“Then I’ll head over to the Uchiha.”

Kitazawa smiled, eyes glancing over her graceful figure. “Want me to help you deal with Shizune-senpai?”

“You have a way?” Tsunade immediately perked up, curiosity flashing in her eyes.

“The same as before,” Kitazawa replied casually. “You leave work with me, and we tell her we’re studying the Yin Seal.”

“But…” Tsunade’s golden eyes shifted playfully. “I don’t have any money.”

“I’ll lend you some.”

Kitazawa couldn’t help but grin at her expression.

“As expected of my good student.” Tsunade nodded approvingly.

“But it’s still my money,” Kitazawa added slowly. “Your luck hasn’t been too great lately—want me to boost it a little?”

“…?”

Tsunade froze. The line sounded way too familiar.

In an instant, she remembered what had happened that night after they drank together. She had meant to give him a “lucky kiss”… but the “kiss” had landed somewhere else entirely.

As she recalled that embarrassing moment, she noticed Kitazawa walking toward her.

“Stop right there!” Tsunade snapped, her face flushing slightly. “I don’t need it!”

“Alright, alright.” Kitazawa stopped and handed her a passbook. “There’s two million ryō in there.”

Tsunade blinked in surprise. He was actually backing off this easily?

“See you tomorrow,” Kitazawa said with a casual wave before turning to leave.

Tsunade stood there for a while, money in hand, her expression complicated.

Kitazawa arrived at the Uchiha Clan compound.

There’s a saying—sometimes, retreating isn’t surrender. It’s strategy. After a few more times like this, Tsunade wouldn’t feel right about taking his money without giving something in return.

“Kitazawa-sensei?”

A hesitant voice came from behind him.

“Sasuke. Just finished school?”

“Mhm.” Sasuke nodded, curiosity glinting in his eyes. “Sensei, why are you here?”

“You came at the perfect time,” Kitazawa said with a faint smile. “I’m here to see your father.”

“I’ll take you to him.”

Sasuke’s mood visibly lifted as he led Kitazawa home.

“Father!” Sasuke called out before even stepping through the door.

“Sa—Kitazawa-sama?”

Itachi appeared, surprise flickering across his usually calm face.

“Brother? You’re home early today?” Sasuke asked in delight.

“Nothing much today.” Itachi turned to Sasuke. “Go bring the tea from Father’s room.”

“Is Father not back yet?”

“He should be soon.”

Once Sasuke left, Itachi motioned politely. “Please, Kitazawa-sama, have a seat.”

Given Kitazawa’s current standing, his visit clearly wasn’t just casual—it had to concern something important.

“I’ll wait for Fugaku-san to return before speaking,” Kitazawa said before Itachi could ask.

“I’ll send a Shadow Clone to fetch him,” Itachi responded immediately, forming the hand signs.

“Brother!” Sasuke returned with a tray. “Here’s the tea.”

“Thank you. Kitazawa-sama, please wait just a moment.”

Itachi took the tray, returned shortly after, and handed a steaming cup to Kitazawa.

“Appreciate it.”

Sasuke, sitting beside Itachi, looked at Kitazawa eagerly. “Sensei, has the team list for next week’s practical exam been announced?”

“Who do you want to team up with?” Kitazawa asked with a knowing smile.

Itachi stayed silent, listening quietly. He already knew all about the new exam format from Sasuke—and he had mixed feelings about it.

If it were anyone else, he’d have objected. He understood too well the trauma that came from being exposed to battle too young. He’d seen blood when he was only four. That memory still haunted him.

But Kitazawa had planned this test carefully. There was no danger of the same mistake repeating.

“If I could choose, I’d go with Sakura and Shino,” Sasuke said thoughtfully. “Sakura’s a medical ninja, and Shino’s a sensor. They’d both be helpful.”

In front of his brother, Sasuke dropped his usual cool façade. He was just a boy speaking honestly.

“If you need a sensory type, why not Neji or Hinata?” Kitazawa asked lightly.

“…” Sasuke hesitated.

Kitazawa smirked inwardly. He knew exactly what Sasuke was thinking.

Sasuke didn’t want teammates who might steal his points—like Neji, Hinata, Naruto, or Yakumo. Sakura wouldn’t challenge his lead, and Shino, though competent, wasn’t strong enough to outshine him.

Clever choice.

Kitazawa thought Sasuke’s selection was sound—practical, even optimal. Perhaps he could take first place this time.

But the mission Kitazawa had prepared wouldn’t be easy. It wasn’t a D-rank or even a C-rank—it was a B-rank.

His plan was to send Sasuke and Naruto together, just like in the original tale… to face Aoi Rokusho.

The sound of the door sliding open echoed through the room.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Kitazawa.”

Fugaku strode in briskly, a trace of apology in his usually stern tone.

“Not at all,” Kitazawa replied with a polite smile. “I just arrived myself. Please, take a seat. There’s something important I’d like to discuss.”

“Sasuke.”

Mikoto’s gentle but firm voice cut in. “Come here.”

“I…”

Sasuke opened his mouth—he still wanted to ask Kitazawa about the team arrangements—but one sharp glare from his father shut him up immediately. He scurried out of the room.

“Fugaku-san,” Kitazawa began after a brief pause, “what do you think is the main reason behind the Uchiha Clan’s poor reputation?”

Fugaku frowned slightly. “The Nine-Tails’ rampage,” he answered after a moment.

It wasn’t the question he’d expected. Normally, anyone asking such a thing would be thrown out on the spot. But Kitazawa wasn’t just anyone.

“That’s part of it,” Kitazawa said mildly, shaking his head. “But I believe the real problem lies with the Konoha Police Force.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Fugaku’s expression hardened. His first instinct was suspicion—did Tsunade intend to strip their authority? The Military Police Force was the Uchiha’s last stronghold of power in Konoha. Losing it would mean being completely erased from the village’s political core.

“Your clan enforces justice too rigidly,” Kitazawa explained calmly. “That’s why the villagers fear you instead of trusting you.”

“I don’t follow,” Fugaku said, brows knitting. “How can being just make people dislike us?”

Itachi, silent until now, raised his eyes slightly, listening intently.

He had wondered the same thing for years—why even ordinary villagers seemed to avoid the Uchiha. He could understand the animosity from other ninja, perhaps rooted in pride and arrogance. But the common folk? That had always puzzled him.

“For minor disputes,” Kitazawa continued, “you should resolve them quietly instead of turning every case into an official incident. Villagers aren’t ninja—you can’t throw someone in a cell over a fistfight.”

“Then what do you suggest we do?” Fugaku asked, a trace of impatience in his voice.

“Mediate. Make both sides reconcile, pretend it never happened. Maybe even send a medical ninja to treat them afterward.” Kitazawa paused. “That’s how you build goodwill.”

Both Fugaku and Itachi froze.

For the first time, they grasped what the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, might have truly intended when he assigned the Uchiha to oversee law enforcement.

If done right, the Military Police could have earned the villagers’ trust—and paved a legitimate path for an Uchiha to become Hokage. But their pride had blinded them to that opportunity from the very beginning.

“The Uchiha’s path went astray long ago,” Itachi murmured.

Kitazawa’s words struck deep, aligning perfectly with his lifelong dream of harmony between Konoha and his clan. The Military Police could have been a bridge—but instead, they’d turned it into a wall.

“Is it too late now?” Fugaku sighed. “And even if it’s not, changing the mindset of our clan won’t happen overnight.”

“Then share the responsibility,” Kitazawa said simply. “Bring in ninja from other clans.”

That was the true purpose behind his visit—laying the groundwork for Tsunade’s reform plan.

“Impossible!” Fugaku snapped, his voice cold. His suspicions flared again. So Tsunade was after their authority!

“Father,” Itachi countered sharply, “I think we should consider it.”

“No!” Fugaku’s tone was unyielding.

“Father!” Itachi’s voice rose, breaking through his usual calm. “The Uchiha Clan is at a turning point—it has to change!”

Kitazawa stepped in smoothly before the argument could erupt further. “You both misunderstand. Tsunade-sensei values fairness. She isn’t trying to take from the Uchiha—she’s offering a hand.”

Fugaku turned to him, uncertain. “What do you mean?”

“Tsunade-sensei intends to appoint an Uchiha as Hokage’s secretary,” Kitazawa revealed.

“What?” Fugaku’s eyes widened in disbelief.

To anyone familiar with Konoha’s history, that position carried enormous significance. The Hokage’s Secretary was no mere assistant—it was akin to the Hokage Guard Platoon of the past. Sarutobi, Danzō, Homura, Koharu—all of them had once held that rank, and all had risen to Konoha’s leadership circle because of it.

If an Uchiha occupied that seat, it could completely shift their standing—and even rekindle the clan’s long-lost chance to produce a Hokage.

“Are you serious?” Fugaku asked, voice trembling slightly.

“Of course,” Kitazawa replied with a small nod. “Tsunade-sensei will announce it at next week’s Jōnin meeting.”

Fugaku exhaled shakily. “Hokage-sama is… truly extraordinary. Under her leadership, Konoha will become even stronger!”

Compared to Hiruzen and Danzō , who had treated the Uchiha like traitors, Tsunade’s gesture felt almost revolutionary.

“But,” Kitazawa added after a pause, “to make that appointment official, the candidate will need the backing of most of the village’s Jōnin.”

The light in Fugaku’s eyes dimmed again. That requirement was a tall mountain for their clan to climb.

“With only a week left, the fastest way to earn support,” Kitazawa hinted, “is through mutual benefit.”

Even Fugaku understood the implication this time.

If they allowed ninja from other clans to join the Military Police Force, they’d earn allies—perhaps even regain some of the authority they’d lost. It was a trade, and a fair one.

“Kitazawa,” Fugaku said at last, taking a deep breath. “Whatever you suggest, the Uchiha will comply.”

“Good.” Kitazawa smiled faintly. “Then let’s begin.”

Night had fallen by the time Kitazawa declined Mikoto’s invitation to dinner and left the compound.

That same night, a squad led by Itachi quietly visited the major clans of Konoha.

None refused.

The logic was simple—such a drastic change could only have come with Hokage approval. The message was clear: Tsunade had sanctioned this reform. The Uchiha would give up some power, but in return, they’d be reintegrated into Konoha’s trust.

And so, beneath the calm of the night, the political structure of Konoha began to shift once more.

When morning came, Kitazawa woke to the familiar flicker of text in his mind.

[Current Mission: Create Lightning Release: Kirin with Kakashi Hatake]

[Mission Reward: Lightning Release: Chidori Nagashi]

[Mission Complete — Rewards Granted.]

He blinked. “Kakashi’s up training this early?”

That wasn’t like the Kakashi he remembered. Maybe the man was finally starting to climb out of his past.

Kitazawa reviewed his new technique. Chidori Nagashi—a variant of Chidori that traded piercing power for defense, spreading lightning through the entire body like armor.

It reminded him of Raiga’s Lightning Armor, though with a sharper edge—it could channel that same electricity into the ground for a devastating area attack.

A grin tugged at his lips.

“A defensive Chidori, huh? Not bad at all.”

It was a practical, balanced technique—one worthy of adding to his growing arsenal.

Kitazawa finished his breakfast and made his way to the Ninja Academy.

“Here you go.”

Kakashi had arrived at the training ground early. When he spotted Kitazawa, he casually tossed him a Ninjutsu scroll.

“Congratulations, Kakashi,” Kitazawa said with a smile after glancing at the scroll.

It recorded the Lightning Release: Kirin, freshly developed by Kakashi himself.

“You can submit it to the village for a reward,” Kitazawa reminded him.

Although the idea had been his, the effort was all Kakashi’s. There was no need to snatch credit for such a minor bounty. Not that Kitazawa needed it—his teacher was the Hokage, after all. If he really wanted something, he could just ask Tsunade directly.

“Thanks,” Kakashi replied curtly, as was his way.

“Hold on a second,” Kitazawa said, then turned and called out, “Kosuke-senpai, over here!”

Kosuke approached. “What is it, Kitazawa?”

“The new practical exam,” Kitazawa explained. “Each of us will lead two teams. To avoid interfering with the Genius Class’s studies, we’ll schedule it for the next two weekends.”

“Starting next weekend?” Kosuke asked.

“I was thinking we could start this weekend,” Kitazawa replied.

“I’ve got no objections,” Kosuke said casually.

“How are we forming the teams?” Kakashi asked.

“I’ve already picked the members for the two teams I’ll be leading,” Kitazawa said. “You two can choose from the remaining students.”

The first team he’d chosen consisted of Sasuke, Naruto, and Neji—perfect for the mission involving Aoi Rokusho, a former Konoha Chunin who’d become a Jonin after defecting to the Hidden Rain Village. Though his Jonin title was exaggerated, the trio would still make a strong combination. For safety—and tracking convenience—Kitazawa added Neji.

The second team would be Hinata, Shino, and Hana. He planned to take them to the Land of Water to find Haku. With the Byakugan, kikaichu insects, and ninja hounds, tracking would be effortless.

“Kosuke-senpai, you choose first,” Kitazawa said politely.

Though Kakashi was slightly disappointed that Sasuke wasn’t available, he said nothing. Kosuke immediately chose Sakura, his Water Release successor—and filled his team with five other students at random.

By nine in the morning, the Genius Class had gathered at the academy’s training ground.

“Next Thursday is the monthly exam,” Kitazawa began. “To avoid finishing the practical too late, we’ll start missions tomorrow.”

“That’s awesome!” Naruto cheered, punching the air.

“I wonder who my teammates will be,” Ino said eagerly.

“You Ino–Shika–Chō always stick together,” Sakura said with relief. “Good thing Sasuke-kun doesn’t have a fixed combo like yours.”

“This is just a practical exam, not team assignments after graduation,” Ino shot back, hands on her hips. “I might not be stuck with Shikamaru and Choji this time!”

“I’d like to be with Naruto and Sasuke,” Shikamaru said lazily, folding his hands behind his head. “Then I wouldn’t have to lift a finger to finish the mission.”

“Why are you always trying to slack off?” Tenten asked, exasperated.

“As long as the mission gets done, what’s wrong with taking it easy?” Shikamaru replied with a shrug.

“Sasuke-kun is mine!” Sakura declared proudly. “I can already feel that I’ll be on his team!”

“What you feel doesn’t seem very reliable,” Shino remarked calmly, adjusting his glasses.

“…” Sakura froze. He wasn’t wrong—her “premonitions” about Sasuke never worked out.

Meanwhile, Hinata nervously twisted her fingers. It didn’t matter who her teammates were, as long as Kitazawa-sensei was leading.

“I’ll now announce the three teams for the missions this Sunday,” Kitazawa said. “First team—Hyuga Hinata.”

“Eh?” Hinata blinked, startled. Being called first completely caught her off guard… could it be? A spark of hope flickered in her chest.

“Shino Aburame,” Kitazawa continued.

Shino gave a small nod. With Hinata as a teammate, completing the mission would be easy.

“Inuzuka Hana.”

Kitazawa had considered choosing Kiba, but without Akamaru, Hana was the better fit.

“Me?” Hana looked surprised, but her expression quickly turned cheerful. Both her teammates were powerful; she’d learn a lot.

“I’ll lead this team myself,” Kitazawa said with a smile.

Hinata’s cheeks instantly reddened, her heart soaring.

“Ah?” Ino groaned, disappointed.

“Sensei Kitazawa’s leading another team too,” Shikamaru reminded her.

“Right!” Ino brightened up again.

“The second team will be led by Kosuke-senpai,” Kitazawa continued. “Members: Sakura Haruno, Yakumo Kurama, and Tenten.”

“Where’s my Sasuke-kun?!” Sakura’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Sasuke frowned slightly. Both Sakura and Shino—his preferred partners—had been assigned elsewhere.

Was Kitazawa… targeting him?

He quickly dismissed the thought. No—he trusted Kitazawa-sensei.

“The third team will be led by Kakashi,” Kitazawa announced. “Members: Ino Yamanaka, Akimichi Choji, and Nara Shikamaru.”

“It’s over,” Shikamaru sighed. “Guess I can’t slack off now.”

“Why isn’t it Kitazawa-sensei?” Ino muttered gloomily.

Choji just smiled. “Seems fine to me.”

“Kitazawa-sensei, who are my teammates?” Naruto finally blurted out.

“You’ll be with Neji and Sasuke,” Kitazawa said.

“Neji and Sasuke?!” Naruto’s eyes lit up. “Now that’s a fiery combo!”

“…?” Sasuke’s expression twisted slightly.

Unlike Shikamaru, he didn’t want overpowered teammates. Strong teammates meant less chance to stand out. With both Naruto and Neji by his side, he’d have to work even harder to shine.

“This is troublesome,” Neji muttered quietly—sharing similar thoughts.

“But isn’t that lineup too strong?” Kiba asked. “Putting the top three together—how are the rest of us supposed to compete?”

“That is a problem!” Sakura jumped in. “I think I should switch with Neji!”

“Kitazawa-sensei must have his reasons,” Ino said dryly. “Stop obsessing over Sasuke for once.”

“This setup might not even be an advantage,” Shikamaru observed. “They’ll just end up competing with each other, and their scores could balance out.”

“Hmm, that makes sense,” Yakumo agreed.

Sasuke fell silent. Could that really be Kitazawa’s plan? If so, it was a dangerous one—too much infighting could hurt all three.

“Kitazawa-sensei!” Ino raised her hand. “Will we change teams for the next monthly exam?”

“Yes,” Kitazawa confirmed. “Each exam will have new team arrangements.”

“Yay!” Ino cheered, while several others sighed in relief.

“Alright, everyone—back to training,” Kitazawa said, clapping his hands. “The first three teams, remember to gather here at nine tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, sensei!” the class shouted in unison before dispersing.

“Kosuke-senpai, Kakashi,” Kitazawa added, “I’ll assign Anbu to shadow your groups. Just pretend they’re not there.”

Both men nodded—they understood the precaution. With so many heirs of major clans, even a minor accident could shake the village’s future.

“I’ll head to class then,” Kitazawa said, walking toward the Genius Class building.

Meanwhile, the medical-nin of Konoha Hospital were progressing well in their study of limb regeneration. The fastest learners were Tsunade and Nono—especially Tsunade.

At this rate, Kitazawa estimated, she’d master it in less than half a month.

——————————–

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