Chapter 66: Chapter 66

’A thank-you gift from Uchiha Itachi?’

Kitazawa’s expression shifted slightly as he unrolled the scroll.

There was a strange sense of unease twisting in his chest.

He had always made a point to keep his distance from Itachi. After all, the man had killed his own parents—patricide and matricide weren’t crimes one could easily overlook, no matter the circumstances.

Unless Kitazawa became Hokage someday, dealing with Itachi was something he’d rather avoid.

Still, while Itachi was terrifying, Kitazawa couldn’t deny that he was the very embodiment of the Will of Fire—Konoha’s hidden blade, forged in loyalty and sacrifice.

In Itachi’s mind, even Sasuke ranked second to the village.

“Tell your brother I said thank you,” Kitazawa said at last, rolling up the Ninjutsu scroll with practiced ease and slipping it into his pouch.

Never turn away a gift—especially one this valuable.

And besides, it wasn’t charity. He had genuinely helped Sasuke improve. This reward was earned.

“Got it, Kitazawa-sensei,” Sasuke replied with a nod.

“Come on,” Kitazawa said, patting him on the shoulder with a smile. “Let’s get back to training.”

The scroll contained four advanced Fire Release jutsu—it was an absolute windfall. In one move, Kitazawa had unlocked techniques that many Jōnin would be envious of.

He led Sasuke to the Academy training ground and left behind a Shadow Clone to supervise. Sasuke had nearly mastered Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Jutsu already; he didn’t need hand-holding anymore.

After a quick breakfast, Kitazawa sent Hinata and Ino out to continue their chakra control training—this time with Sakura joining them. She’d fallen behind and needed to catch up.

Meanwhile, Kitazawa made his way to the classroom for the day’s first lesson: The Will of Fire.

Before he could begin, Naruto came barreling up to the podium, eyes shining with anticipation.

“Kitazawa-sensei!” he beamed. “How many points do you think I got on last night’s homework?”

The “homework” was actually a mock test—one of many Kitazawa had quietly given Naruto over the past month.

Hinata had received the same treatment before, what could best be described as “semi-cheating”—a gentle push disguised as education.

Under normal circumstances, Kitazawa wouldn’t have gone to such lengths.

But with a mission depending on Naruto breaking into the top ten, he had no choice.

Kitazawa took the test sheet and scanned it quickly. Naruto had been grinding away at these mock exams for weeks now. He still wasn’t on Sasuke’s level, but repetition had done its work. Even memorization could be a weapon when used right.

“Eighty-four points,” Kitazawa said, folding the paper shut.

Naruto’s eyes lit up like fireworks. “Yes! I finally broke eighty!”

He pumped his fist in the air, a grin spreading across his face.

Kitazawa chuckled but raised a finger. “Don’t celebrate too soon. Getting a high score once doesn’t mean much.”

He paused for effect.

“To stay in the top ten, you’ll need to average ninety or above. And consistently.”

Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly—but his excitement didn’t fade.

For him, scoring eighty-four felt like reaching the summit of Hokage Mountain.

“Starting today, you’re getting extra training,” Kitazawa said with a faint, knowing smile.

“Huh?”

Naruto froze. His eyes widened, alarmed. “What do you mean, extra?”

Though Naruto was fearless in the face of enemies, there was one thing he dreaded above all else—homework.

The only reason he’d stuck with it this long was because of Kitazawa’s rewards…and the dream of cracking the top ten.

“Remember what I told you before?” Kitazawa continued, leaning forward slightly. “If you make it into the top ten, I’d teach you a new jutsu.”

“Of course I remember!” Naruto declared, puffing out his chest.

“The jutsu I promised you is the Shadow Clone Jutsu. It’s a B-rank ninjutsu, you know.”

Kitazawa made sure to emphasize that last part.

’Listen to me, and be grateful.’

Naruto’s eyes immediately filled with tears, his whole body trembling.

But before he could launch into a dramatic speech about youth and dreams, Kitazawa held up a hand.

“But there’s a slight change in how you’re getting your reward.”

“Huh?”

Naruto stopped mid-breath, blinking.

“Starting today, I’ll teach you the Shadow Clone Jutsu—but your extra training depends on how quickly you master it.” Kitazawa gave a small chuckle. “If you pick it up fast, you’ll just have to finish a few practice problems. If you don’t…well, you’ll be doing some full practice tests.”

Naruto gaped at him.

He couldn’t tell if he should be excited or devastated. Learning the Shadow Clone Jutsu was obviously awesome…but more homework? Again?!

“So…what do you think of this new training plan?” Kitazawa asked, giving his shoulder a friendly pat.

Naruto clenched his fists and drew a deep breath. “Don’t worry, Kitazawa-sensei! I’ll work hard!”

The lure of learning Shadow Clone Jutsu was enough to eclipse the looming mountain of homework.

“Good. After school, meet me at the training ground,” Kitazawa said, handing Naruto his graded test paper. “Class is about to start. Go sit down.”

“Mm!”

Naruto accepted the paper and trotted back to his seat, looking determined.

Time flew by, and dusk fell quickly.

“All right—today’s combat training is over,” Kitazawa announced, clapping his hands together.

“Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!”

The students of Class 1-A trickled out one by one, until only Naruto remained behind.

“Okay, Naruto,” Kitazawa said, forming a series of hand seals. “It’s time for your special lesson—the Shadow Clone Jutsu.”

In the original timeline, Naruto had learned the more advanced Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu in a shockingly short time. But back then, he’d already graduated and had a stronger foundation.

The current Naruto was nowhere near that level.

Two hours later…

Kitazawa exhaled. “All right, that’s enough for today. But add half a practice test to your homework.”

Naruto, who’d been positively glowing while learning the Shadow Clone Jutsu, felt as though someone had dumped ice water over his head.

Still, Kitazawa had just taught him a B-rank jutsu. Skipping the homework would be pure ingratitude.

“Yes, Kitazawa-sensei…” Naruto said, a faint whimper in his voice as he accepted the test sheet.

Kitazawa was about to say something more when his brow twitched slightly.

[Current Mission: Help Uchiha Sasuke learn his second Fire Release Ninjutsu.]

[Mission Reward: One-Handed Hand Seals.]

[Mission complete. Reward issued.]

Kitazawa nodded, pleased.

’As expected of Sasuke. The guy really is talented.’

But no sooner had that mission finished than another appeared.

[Your lifelong rivals, Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke, are both learning new Ninjutsu. You can’t afford to fall behind!]

[New Mission: Learn a B-rank Ninjutsu within half a month.]

[Mission Reward: 10% Senju Clan Bloodline.]

“Holy crap!” Kitazawa blurted out before he could stop himself.

Everyone in the ninja world knew that a ninja’s potential was deeply tied to their bloodline.

The Uchiha bloodline manifested in their powerful eyes. The Senju, on the other hand, were renowned for their exceptional vitality and physical prowess.

Senju Hashirama, the First Hokage, had possessed a body so resilient that even his cells retained life force after his death.

Of course, Hashirama had been a once-in-a-lifetime anomaly among the Senju. Kitazawa suspected the system’s reward would be an average Senju lineage—not some miracle power.

But even so… it was enough to make his heart race.

’After all, where there’s 10%, there could someday be 100%.’

He could even surpass Hashirama one day.

Though… he wasn’t entirely sure how significant that first 10% would be.

As for the mission itself?

Sasuke had just handed him four new Fire Release techniques. All Kitazawa had to do was pick one and master it.

Half a month? Piece of cake.

With his advanced chakra control, learning a B-rank jutsu in two weeks would be no problem. Especially since he already possessed the Fire Release nature.

“Let’s go, Naruto!” Kitazawa exclaimed, clapping him on the back. “Sensei’s treating you to Ichiraku Ramen!”

“Huh? Did something good happen, Kitazawa-sensei?” Naruto asked, tilting his head in confusion as Kitazawa practically beamed with excitement.

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