Chapter 405: 405 – Kirigakure bows to Konoha!!

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While Kitazawa and the others were on their way back to Konoha, an emergency meeting was convened in the Mizukage’s office of the Hidden Mist Village.

“You may leave.”

After delivering his report, the ANBU ninja bowed. Mei Terumī waved him off with a curt gesture.

“Yes, Mizukage-sama.”

The ANBU turned and exited. He was the very captain who had encountered Kitazawa and Tsunade the day before.

“Konoha has gone too far!”

Zabuza slammed his hand on the table, his displeasure plain.

“This is outrageous!” Suigetsu echoed. “They’ve completely forgotten we’re allies!”

“Alliances only matter to the one holding the advantage,” Mei replied coolly. “What’s done is done. Complaining won’t change reality.”

Silence fell over the office.

Zabuza and the others wore expressions of frustration mixed with helpless resignation.

“I’ll leave for Konoha tomorrow,” Ao said at last, his voice low.

“Make sure the price we pay is as small as possible,” Mei instructed.

“I’ll do my best,” Ao replied gravely.

But both of them knew the truth—this negotiation would not be cheap.

Konoha had captured Utakata, the Six-Tails Jinchūriki.

A Jinchūriki was a village’s ultimate deterrent. Losing one was unthinkable.

No matter the cost, Hidden Mist would have to buy him back.

“At least our agreement with Sunagakure has eased the financial pressure,” Mei said, shifting the topic.

“The person running Amegakure’s water trade is no ordinary merchant,” Ao added. “Using conflict to inflate prices… that takes vision.”

Once Amegakure raised its prices, Sunagakure followed suit.

The water trade war had settled into a precarious balance.

“But this equilibrium won’t last,” Mei said, fingers steepled. “Amegakure still dominates the market. Suna won’t tolerate that forever.”

“Mizukage-sama,” Zabuza spoke up suddenly, “why don’t we join Suna, wipe out Amegakure, then turn on Konoha?”

Mei’s eyes sharpened.

For a fleeting moment, the idea tempted her.

Then she thought of Kitazawa, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Hiruzen, Orochimaru—and dismissed it.

The disparity between the Five Great Villages was undeniable. Suna and Kiri sat firmly at the bottom.

Numbers alone wouldn’t decide a war.

A single exceptional shinobi could tip the scales—Minato Namikaze was proof enough.

Suna and Kiri simply lacked the elite strength to rival Konoha.

Worse still, Hidden Mist couldn’t afford another defeat.

They had already lost once to Konoha and paid dearly for it. Another loss could cripple the village beyond recovery.

“The risk is too great,” Mei said, rubbing her temples. “Even allied with Suna, victory against Konoha isn’t guaranteed.”

Zabuza wanted to argue—but facts were facts.

“However,” Mei continued, “cooperating against Amegakure is viable—if Suna requests our aid. That way, we control the terms and maximize our gains.”

In her assessment, Amegakure’s real threat had always been Hanzō.

Without him, the village lacked top-tier combatants.

Though it wasn’t one of the Five Greats, Amegakure was still the strongest of the lesser villages.

Taking over the water market would be immensely profitable.

More importantly, Suna and Kiri together could crush Amegakure with minimal losses.

“Will Suna really ask for our help?” Zabuza frowned. “They should be able to handle Amegakure alone.”

“In theory,” Mei said with a faint smile. “But Hanzō won’t fall easily. If the conflict drags on, other villages may intervene.”

“…True,” Zabuza admitted.

—

The following day, Kitazawa’s group arrived back at Konoha.

Just short of the gate, Tsunade slowed and glanced at him.

“The Hokage and I still have business,” Kitazawa said, reading her expression. “My Shadow Clone will take care of the rest.”

“No issue,” Yakushidō replied easily.

“As for Hotaru,” Kitazawa added, “I’ll personally take her to the Academy.”

He had already explained his plan on the road—to enroll Hotaru in the Genius Class.

Yakushidō had agreed without hesitation.

Hotaru was the reason he had brought the Tsuchigumo Clan to Konoha in the first place.

Only here could she truly grow.

The Ninja Academy was the perfect beginning.

Kitazawa formed a hand seal, summoning a Shadow Clone.

Under its guidance, Yakushidō, Sasuke, and the others entered the village.

“Doesn’t this feel like we’re hiding in plain sight?” Kitazawa said dryly.

“Who cares?” Tsunade shot back. “Priority one—the casino!”

“We’re already home,” Kitazawa sighed. “There’s no rush.”

“Move it!”

Tsunade grabbed his hand and dragged him off toward the Konoha Casino.

They arrived almost instantly.

She released him, sat down at the nearest table, and started betting without a second thought.

Kitazawa silently thanked fate that this was Konoha’s casino—otherwise she’d lose a fortune in days.

Bored with gambling, he closed his eyes and opened the system interface.

Nine unfinished system missions.

Quite a list.

After careful consideration, one priority stood out above the rest:

Helping Uzumaki Naruto achieve Partial Tailed Beast Transformation.

The reasons were simple.

First, the reward was substantial.

Second, it unlocked the follow-up mission—turning Naruto into a Perfect Jinchūriki.

Third, it directly tied into Sasuke’s path toward awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Most importantly—

It wasn’t difficult.

Not in theory, at least.

Partial transformation depended on two key factors:

Naruto’s relationship with Kyuubi, and Naruto’s own chakra control.

With Kitazawa’s guidance, Naruto had already befriended Kyuubi far earlier than in the original timeline. Full transformation was still beyond reach—but a partial transformation was well within possibility.

The real obstacle was chakra control.

For his age, Naruto was already leagues ahead of his former self, but partial tailed beast transformation was a different beast altogether. Kyuubi’s chakra was vast and violent; handling it required far more delicate control than ordinary ninjutsu.

Kitazawa began outlining a new training regimen for Naruto in his mind.

Time slipped by unnoticed, and before long, night fell.

“Sensei,”

Kitazawa tapped Tsunade lightly on the thigh. “It’s getting late. Let’s head back and come again tomorrow.”

“Go where?” Tsunade snorted. “I’m not leaving. I’ll just sleep here.”

She crossed her arms stubbornly. “I’m not stopping until I win it all back.”

“We walked straight into Konoha in broad daylight,” Kitazawa said, his mouth twitching.

“Shizune definitely knows by now.”

’By the time you win it back, the Akatsuki might already be attacking Konoha.’

“…Fine.”

Tsunade relented, clearly displeased.

“Relax,” Kitazawa chuckled at her sulky expression. “If Shizune won’t let you out tomorrow, I’ll cover for you.”

“Really?”

Tsunade’s eyes lit up instantly.

“Have I ever lied to you?” Kitazawa asked.

After glancing around, Tsunade suddenly pulled him into a secluded corner.

“What are you doing?” Kitazawa asked, confused.

“Giving you your reward.”

She rose on tiptoe and kissed him.

Startled, Kitazawa instinctively wrapped his arms around her. Her lips were soft, warm—before long, their tongues tangled, neither willing to retreat.

When they finally parted, Tsunade was breathing hard, her chest rising and falling.

A little dizzy himself, Kitazawa buried his face against her.

She smacked him on the head in embarrassment, though she didn’t push him away. Instead, she gently ran her fingers through his hair, a quiet sense of contentment blooming in her chest.

Only when Kitazawa started getting ideas did she shove him aside.

“I’ll let you off today.”

She kicked him lightly and strode away.

Grinning, Kitazawa hurried after her.

Since Tsunade had only spent the afternoon gambling, Shizune said nothing when she saw her.

Early the next morning, Kitazawa brought Hotaru to the Ninja Academy.

Hotaru looked around curiously, her gaze eventually settling on the Genius Class students training on the field.

After watching for a moment, she was visibly stunned.

’So this is Konoha… one of the Five Great Villages?

There are so many kids my age—and they’re all so strong.’

“These will be your classmates from now on,” Kitazawa said.

Hotaru nodded, anticipation shining in her eyes.

She had grown up isolated within the Tsuchigumo Clan, without friends or peers. This was her first time attending school—her first time standing among children her own age.

“I’ll take you to register first,” Kitazawa said, patting her head.

“Mm.”

Hotaru nodded obediently. “Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei.”

“Follow me.”

He led her toward Iruka Umino’s office.

“Kitazawa-senpai!”

Iruka stood immediately when he saw him enter.

“This is Hotaru,” Kitazawa said directly. “She’s joining the Genius Class.”

“Hello, Hotaru.”

Iruka smiled warmly. “I’m Iruka Umino, the teacher in charge of the Genius Class.”

“Iruka-sensei,” Hotaru bowed politely. “Please take care of me.”

Iruka nodded, pleasantly surprised.

’Much more well-mannered than Kimimaro and the others were at first.’

“Have Lord Third and the others returned yet?” Kitazawa asked.

He had arrived early and hadn’t seen Hiruzen on the training field—only a handful of Genius Class students had shown up so far.

“Lord Third and Kakashi haven’t returned yet,” Iruka replied.

“Let me know when they do.”

Kitazawa nodded.

“Understood.”

Iruka knew exactly what that meant—once everyone was back, the mid-term rankings could be announced.

“Oh, one more thing,” Kitazawa added suddenly.

“For the next final exam, we’ll cancel Team Battles and switch to individual matches.”

“Individual matches?” Iruka blinked, surprised.

“Yes. Because of the new students—Shion, Chino,” Kitazawa paused, “and now Hotaru as well.”

On the way back, Kitazawa had already assessed Hotaru’s abilities.

To his surprise, she specialized in water release rather than earth release.

With her addition, the Genius Class now had four Water Release users: Sakura Haruno, Haku, Chino—and Hotaru.

Who would have thought that among Konoha’s prodigies, Water Release would outnumber Fire Release?

As for the forbidden technique Gohōkai, it was engraved directly onto Hotaru’s back—the Tsuchigumo Clan’s unique method of inheritance.

In the original story, Katsura had captured Hotaru in an attempt to extract it.

Kitazawa, however, regarded Gohōkai as largely useless—much like Jūgo’s Sage Transformation.

All drawbacks, no control.

One led only to self-destruction; the other to berserk rampages and emotional instability.

After examining it himself, Kitazawa confirmed that Gohōkai had nothing to do with Sage Mode

“Iruka,” Kitazawa said, “take Hotaru to meet the Genius Class.”

After a brief thought, he added, “Arrange extra tutoring for her theory lessons.”

“All right.”

Iruka led Hotaru out of the office, leaving Kitazawa watching thoughtfully.

Another piece had been placed on the board.

Kitazawa didn’t linger. Once he left the Academy, he headed straight for the Hokage Building.

“You’re finally here!”

Tsunade, who had been slumped over the Hokage’s desk, sprang upright the instant she saw him—like a fish flung back into water, suddenly alive again.

“It’s not even office hours yet,” Kitazawa glanced at the clock on the wall.

“Enough talk—hand over the money. I’m going to the Casino!”

Tsunade strode over, thrust out her hand, and demanded it with righteous authority.

“Shouldn’t we at least do a formal handover?”

Kitazawa caught her wrist lightly.

“No need.”

Tsunade slapped his hand away. “Don’t you know how things work in Konoha?”

“…Fair point.”

Kitazawa pulled out a passbook and handed it over casually. “Here’s this week’s allowance.”

As the head of ANBU, every major piece of intelligence in Konoha passed through his hands.

Aside from Tsunade herself, no one knew the village’s situation better than he did.

“So generous?”

Tsunade flipped the passbook open, momentarily surprised.

“If it’s too much, you can give it back,” Kitazawa smiled faintly.

“No chance!”

She snapped the passbook shut and tucked it away. “Work hard today—I’m off!”

With that, she vanished in a blur.

Kitazawa shook his head helplessly.

He sat down in the Hokage’s chair and began reviewing the documents stacked on the desk.

Anything that made it this far was important—but most of it had already crossed his desk through ANBU channels. He worked quickly.

In less than an hour, the Hokage’s desk was completely cleared.

The top file concerned Utakata, the Six-Tails Jinchūriki of the Hidden Mist.

Ao was already en route with a delegation and would arrive tomorrow.

Kitazawa rubbed his chin.

Negotiations would naturally fall to Shikaku.

Kitazawa had no interest in verbal fencing with the Mist representatives.

Konoha already held the upper hand—no matter how the talks went, they wouldn’t lose.

He’d already instructed Shizune to draft the terms.

Now all that remained was for Shikaku to negotiate within those parameters.

“Haru.”

“Yes—L-Lord Kitazawa!”

Haru pushed the door open, froze for a split second at the sight of him in the Hokage’s chair, then quickly composed herself.

Kitazawa hadn’t told anyone he’d be filling in.

“Tell Shikaku to meet with Shizune,” Kitazawa said calmly. “He’ll handle negotiations with the Mist.”

“Yes, Lord Kitazawa.”

Haru bowed and withdrew.

Normally, such orders would only come from Tsunade—but with Kitazawa seated behind the Hokage’s desk, there was no room for doubt.

Once everything was in order, Kitazawa formed a hand seal.

A Shadow Clone appeared.

The work was done; his clone could keep watch.

Kitazawa left for a nearby training ground to continue practicing the Flying Thunder God.

He was eager for Tsunade’s special reward.

Mastering Flying Thunder God sooner meant claiming it sooner.

And there was still a system mission with an unknown reward waiting.

A double payoff.

The sun dipped below the horizon, and the day passed in focused training.

The next afternoon, Ao’s Mist delegation arrived in Konoha.

Neither Tsunade nor Kitazawa appeared.

Two days later, the Genius Class final exams concluded.

After announcing the rankings, Kitazawa took Naruto straight to the Forest of Death.

They couldn’t train this here at the Academy.

Partial tailed beast transformations caused far too much commotion—if someone mistook it for Kyuubi rampaging, the panic alone would be a disaster.

“Naruto.”

Kitazawa halted. “How are things between you and Kyuubi now?”

“We’re friends!”

Naruto flashed a grin and gave a big thumbs-up. “He really admires my youthful spirit!”

“…”

Kitazawa stared.

Did I miss an entire arc?

“Kyuubi keeps saying it’s boring inside the seal,”

Naruto scratched his head. “Is there a way to let him out to play?”

“Not right now.”

Kitazawa thought briefly. “But I can teach you a game you can play with him.”

“Really?”

Naruto’s eyes lit up. “What game?!”

“Duel Monsters,”

Kitazawa replied casually. “A card game. Inside the seal space, Kyuubi can mold chakra into special cards.”

“Got it!”

Naruto nodded vigorously.

“Go find him now,” Kitazawa said. “Tell him that if he wants to play, he’ll need to lend you some chakra.”

Naruto closed his eyes.

His consciousness sank smoothly into the seal space—a technique Kitazawa had taught him for instant contact.

“Big fox!”

Naruto shouted.

“I heard you—stop yelling.”

Kyuubi lay sprawled inside the seal, one massive eye cracking open lazily.

“…What game are we playing?”

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