Kitazawa, Kosuke, and Kakashi returned to the office right after lunch.
The idea of modifying the forbidden medical jutsu, body regeneration, had struck Kitazawa so strongly that he skipped his usual break, heading straight for pen and paper.
The Jutsu itself was a reward from the system, which meant his mastery was already at its peak. Combined with his near-perfect chakra form manipulation and advanced Yang Release control, he had reason to believe even a forbidden jutsu could be reshaped.
But he had underestimated the difficulty.
Hours slipped away, yet his notes showed little progress.
Still, Kitazawa didn't feel disheartened. An S-rank jutsu wasn't supposed to be easy to alter. Medical ninjutsu had existed for a thousand years, and not once had limb regeneration been achieved. That fact alone spoke volumes.
As the sun began to dip, he decided it was pointless to just sit and stew. Sometimes inspiration struck in motion. He left for the Academy's training grounds.
There, he continued practicing Great Waterfall Jutsu while one of his shadow clones followed Kosuke to drill Leaf-style swordsmanship.
Another afternoon passed without incident.
After classes ended, Kitazawa headed home—only to find Tsunade already standing at his doorstep, arms folded, waiting for him.
"Lady Tsunade."
He approached quickly, greeting her with respect.
She didn't reply, only fixed him with a sharp stare that made the air feel heavier. Kitazawa glanced around uneasily. What had he done this time?
At length, Tsunade broke the silence.
"Do you know of Shikkotsu Forest?"
Kitazawa's heart gave a small jolt. "One of the Three Great Sage Regions," he answered. Could it be…? Was she offering him a contract with the Slugs?
"Contract shinobi can summon their beasts through the Summoning Jutsu," Tsunade explained. "But the most powerful among them can also use the Reverse Summoning Jutsu—summoning you to their side instead."
Kitazawa's eyes lit up immediately. Reverse summoning wasn't just convenient for travel—it could mean survival in a crisis.
"Sign your name here."
Tsunade unrolled a massive scroll before him.
"This is Shikkotsu Forest's contract scroll?" Kitazawa asked, blinking at its sheer size.
"Correct," Tsunade said evenly. "If you ever cross paths with Danzo, let Katsuyu reverse-summon you to safety."
Kitazawa bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Lady Tsunade."
Unlike Ryuchi Cave or Mount Myōboku, Shikkotsu Forest was unique—it had only one inhabitant, the Katsuyu. Its body was so massive that even Tsunade and Sakura combined could never summon its full form. Though known more for support than offense, the Slug's abilities were nothing to scoff at: division into countless smaller slugs, vision- and chakra-sharing, long-distance healing, and even wide-scale battlefield recovery. And when pressed, it could crush foes beneath its bulk or melt them with corrosive fluid—so potent that even Orochimaru had admitted it could kill him.
As Kitazawa scanned the scroll, he saw countless names spanning back centuries. Only two stood out: Senju Hashirama and Tsunade herself. Though the First Hokage had never summoned Katsuyu in recorded battles, it suddenly made sense—he had never needed to.
Kitazawa added his name with steady hands, then handed the scroll back.
"Now try summoning it," Tsunade instructed.
Nodding, Kitazawa formed the seals, bit his thumb, and slammed his palm to the ground. A puff of smoke burst forth, revealing a mollusk-like creature with a pale body and deep blue markings. He had kept his chakra input low, producing a slug about half his own height.
"Lady Tsunade—huh?" the creature asked in a soft, melodic voice. But its tone quickly shifted to surprise as it realized the summoner wasn't Tsunade.
"This is Kitazawa," Tsunade introduced. "He's Shikkotsu Forest's newest contractor."
"I see." The slug's voice remained warm and courteous. "Lord Kitazawa, you may call me simply Katsuyu."
"Katsuyu-sama," Kitazawa replied immediately.
Of the three great summon realms, Ryuchi Cave's snakes were notorious for their cruelty, while Shikkotsu Forest's Katsuyu was the friendliest. It addressed all contractors as "Lord," demanded no sacrifices, and treated its duties diligently. Truly, it was the model of a perfect summon.
"You two should get acquainted," Tsunade said with a wave. "When you have the time, let Katsuyu take you on a tour of Shikkotsu Forest."
Kitazawa nodded, dismissing the summon with a grateful bow.
"Now then," Tsunade continued, "regarding Danzo—have Itachi keep him under watch."
"I understand," Kitazawa replied with a small smile. "Even without us saying so, the Uchiha already keep a close eye on him."
"That's called reaping what you sow." Tsunade's voice carried no pity.
"Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa asked curiously, "what do you think of the Uchiha Clan? I heard the Second Hokage once said, 'The Uchiha are inherently evil.'"
Tsunade's expression softened only slightly. "He was speaking of the Sharingan. But the Uchiha are still Konoha's Uchiha. As long as they don't stir up trouble, I have no objection to them."
Kitazawa nodded. Just as he thought—her stance was closer to Hashirama's compassion than Danzo's paranoia.
"Do you need anything else?" Tsunade asked, clearly ready to retreat indoors.
"Actually…" Kitazawa hesitated, then spoke. "I have questions. About medical ninjutsu."
Although he had absorbed much of her knowledge already, her experience still dwarfed his.
"Then come inside."
Tsunade pushed open the door, leading him to the living room.
"Kitazawa, have some tea," Rina Uzumaki offered kindly, setting a steaming cup before him.
"Thank you." Kitazawa took a sip, then sat across from Tsunade and began asking.
After two questions, Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "Why are you asking about this specifically?"
"I want to develop a medical jutsu for limb regeneration."
Tsunade froze, eyes widening before she let out a breath. "Impossible."
As the foremost medical shinobi in the world, she had tried countless times. Each attempt had failed.
"I still believe it's worth trying," Kitazawa replied calmly. He didn't mention the Body Regeneration Jutsu—a secret too dangerous to reveal.
After a pause, Tsunade relented with a sigh. "Fine. If you're determined, pursue it. Even if you fail, the research will deepen your understanding."
Kitazawa smiled faintly. That was all the permission he needed.
After chatting for two hours, Kitazawa finally rose and headed home.
By the time Friday rolled around, the first week after the monthly exam was drawing to a close. Nothing particularly dramatic had happened.
Danzo, after Root's disbandment, had withdrawn to the Shimura compound. He made no public appearances and caused no trouble—eerily quiet. But Kitazawa knew better. Danzo wasn't the type to lie low without plotting. He was simply waiting for the right opportunity.
After all, with Tsunade firmly stationed in Konoha, there wasn't much Danzo could do—for now.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
Tenten came sprinting over, her face glowing with excitement. "I've mastered Manipulating Shuriken!"
"Congratulations."
Kitazawa smiled faintly. He wasn't surprised. The technique itself wasn't too difficult, and with Tenten's natural brilliance with weapons, it was only natural she'd pick it up so quickly.
"In that case, I'll teach you another jutsu—the Shadow Clone Jutsu."
His ultimate goal was to guide her toward the Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu, but that was an A-rank ninjutsu. She wasn't ready for that leap just yet.
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!"
As if remembering something, Tenten rummaged in her pouch and produced a scroll.
Kitazawa unfurled it and found one hundred explosive tags neatly sealed inside. His brows lifted slightly.
Explosive tags were costly—anywhere between three hundred and two thousand ryō depending on quality. And these weren't cheap. These were the kind designed for maximum effect.
"I'll demonstrate the Shadow Clone Jutsu first," Kitazawa said after a pause, slipping the scroll into his robes.
The exchange felt balanced. The ninjutsu he was teaching her was worth far more than money—especially the Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu, which couldn't be bought at any price.
After half an hour of training, he left Tenten and made his way to Yakumo.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Yakumo immediately halted her practice and greeted him.
"Your Leaf Whirlwind is already very sharp," he observed, "but one taijutsu alone won't take you far. Taijutsu has to be a complete system." He cleared his throat lightly. "So today, I'll introduce you to Konoha-style taijutsu."
Another thirty minutes passed before Kitazawa arrived at the school's artificial lake.
The sun was dipping low, casting ripples of orange across the water.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
He stopped as Sasuke stepped into his path.
"What is it, Sasuke?"
Kitazawa studied him closely. Sasuke had been working on Kosuke's Konoha-Style: Willow—a sword style so advanced it would take him months to master. Whatever this was, it wasn't about that.
"My brother gave me two sword Jutsus yesterday," Sasuke said, producing a scroll. "He said he's too busy to teach me, so he asked me to hand them over to you. He wants you to teach me instead."
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He hadn't recalled the Uchiha Clan ever developing unique kenjutsu of their own—just an Uchiha-style swordplay.
But when he opened the scroll, his expression hardened in surprise.
These weren't generic clan Jutsus. They were Shisui Uchiha's.
Uchiha-Style: Sword Leap Flame and Uchiha-Style: Gale Sword.
Like Konoha-Style: Willow, they weren't pure kenjutsu—they were hybrids, fusing chakra nature into swordsmanship. Willow employed genjutsu, while these Uchiha jutsus integrated Fire Release.
Sword Leap Flame infused the blade with fire chakra, turning it into a weapon of flame.
Gale Sword layered the Body Flicker Jutsu atop that, producing fiery strikes so fast the flames could separate from the steel itself.
Kitazawa frowned slightly. Why had Itachi passed these on through him rather than teaching Sasuke directly?
It didn't feel like neglect. It felt deliberate. A gift.
Perhaps even a bribe—or a thank-you. After all, with Root dismantled, no clan had benefited more than the Uchiha.
Regardless, these Jutsus came at the perfect time. Between them and Leaf-style swordsmanship, Kitazawa could ascend to Special Jōnin in kenjutsu alone.
"I'll teach you once you've mastered Konoha-Style: Willow."
He tucked the scroll away.
"Mm."
Sasuke nodded obediently, never suspecting his brother's true motives. To him, Itachi was simply too busy.
In truth, Itachi was busy—busy dismantling Root's secret bases.
Later that evening, Kitazawa sank into his sofa, savoring the aroma wafting from the kitchen. Tempura, by the smell of it.
He drew out the scroll again, studying the Uchiha Jutsus. It was best to learn Sword Leap Flame first—it was straightforward, much like Wind Release: Shuriken, just channeled through a blade instead of projectiles.
Gale Sword, on the other hand, was practically a composite ninjutsu, demanding seamless integration of multiple skills. It would take far more time.
His eyes drifted to the chakra blade Hinata had given him. "This deserves a name…" he mused, tapping his chin. "Let's call it—Zangetsu."
Before long, Kurenai emerged from the kitchen, apron tied around her waist, setting dishes on the table.
"What are you looking at?" she asked.
"Sword Jutsus."
"You really do try to learn everything," she remarked with a puzzled tilt of her head. "Why didn't I notice this talent before?"
Kitazawa smirked. "That's what you call hidden potential."
At this stage, there was no point concealing his abilities. His identity was established. People would just think of him as a late bloomer.
"Dinner's ready!" Kurenai's cheeks flushed pink as she hurried back for bowls and chopsticks.
Kitazawa blinked, bemused. What's there to blush about?
When she returned, he accepted the chopsticks gratefully. "Thank you. How's your practice with the Strength of a Hundred Seal coming along?"
Kurenai sighed. "No progress. It feels impossible."
"Don't get discouraged. It's supposed to be difficult." He set a piece of fried shrimp in her bowl. "Tomorrow, come with me to the Mission Hall at noon."
"Alright." She nodded, knowing he and Yakumo would be visiting Tsunade in the morning.
After dinner, Kitazawa returned to his studies, resolving to master Sword Leap Flame first.
The next morning—Saturday—Kurenai slept in as usual, while Kitazawa finished breakfast and went next door with Yakumo.
Karin answered the door, beaming. "Kitazawa-sensei! Yakumo-chan!"
"Where's Lady Tsunade?" Kitazawa asked, patting her head.
"She's not up yet. Aunt Shizune already went to wake her."
"We'll wait." Kitazawa wasn't surprised. At this point, Tsunade's bad habits were more familiar than frustrating.
Having time to kill, he asked, "How's your fire sealing method coming along, Karin?"
"I can perform it smoothly now," she said proudly.
"Good. You're making quick progress." He handed her a new scroll. "This is your next Jutsu—One-Line Light Formation. Study it, and I'll teach you the details next week in class."
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!" Karin's eyes shone as she accepted it.
Just then, soft footsteps echoed across the floor.
Kitazawa turned instinctively and saw Lady Tsunade emerge—barefoot, hair tousled, clearly just awake. She hadn't bothered with her tea-green haori, only a sleeveless top clinging precariously to her frame.
As she stretched, the fabric shifted, revealing a lot of curves.
"You're here?" she asked lazily, arching her back.
"Good morning, Lady Tsunade."
Kitazawa averted his gaze, trying not to look.
"I'll eat first," she said casually, "then we'll start treatment."
It was another morning of battling her hemophobia.
As she leaned against him during the session, Kitazawa spoke quietly. "Lady Tsunade, I plan to take a mission today."
"A mission?" Her eyes remained half-closed. "Do you need me to come along?"
"No." Kitazawa shook his head. "It's better if you stay here and keep an eye on Danzo."
"Fair enough." Tsunade straightened, her expression hardening. "If he stirs, I'll stop him."
Kitazawa smiled faintly. "As long as it's not Danzo himself, I can handle anyone else."
She didn't question it. Tsunade knew his current power well—against anyone below jōnin, he was deadly, and even among jōnin, few could match him. With her hemophobia, she'd only be a liability if things turned bloody.
"If anything happens, summon me through Katsuyu," she instructed.
"Understood."
With that, Kitazawa stood, offered his farewell, and left.
Back home, Kurenai was already awake, practicing the Strength of a Hundred Seal. Kabuto, Torune, and Izumi had also arrived on time.
"Let's go. We're heading to the Mission Hall," Kitazawa said, extending his hand.
Kurenai stepped forward and quietly took it.
Even on a Saturday, the place bustled with shinobi. After all, ninja life had no true weekends. High-rank missions could last months, half a year even. Rest was rare, and no one complained.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Kabuto asked, eyes scanning the wall of assignments. "Are we taking an A-rank this time, or S-rank?"
"B or A is enough," Kitazawa replied.
His real goal was simple: head to the Land of Rivers and cross paths with Kurosuki Raiga. With a Seven Ninja Swordsman involved, the difficulty would automatically spike to S-rank anyway.
Kabuto blinked but didn't press. Old Root habits—follow orders, don't question.
Kitazawa's eyes scanned the board. Most missions were within the Land of Fire; only a few stretched beyond. Missions involving the Land of Rivers were even rarer.
Finally, he plucked one down. "This will do."
A B-rank: eliminate a rogue shinobi who'd fled to the Land of Rivers.
He wasn't from any of the Five Great Villages—just another wandering ninja who had somehow angered the Fire Daimyō. The reason didn't matter. Kitazawa only needed to bring back a corpse.
"Isn't that a bit too simple?" Kurenai frowned. "One special jōnin and four chūnin for a runaway chūnin?"
"This way, we can complete the mission and train along the way." Kitazawa's excuse came smoothly.
Kurenai considered, then nodded. "Fair enough."
Mission scroll in hand, the group left the village.
By dusk, they reached the border of the Land of Fire.
"Rest here," Kitazawa instructed. "Kabuto, set up the tents."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei." Kabuto took charge. "I'll set up one, Torune and Izumi, the other."
Normally, one tent sufficed for safety. But Kabuto, perceptive as always, made sure Kitazawa and Kurenai had one to themselves.
Once camp was ready, they ate together.
"After this, set traps nearby," Kitazawa said. "I'll scout ahead into the Land of Rivers."
In truth, he was heading straight for Kusagami Mountain, hoping Raiga had already made his move there.
"I'll go with you," Kurenai offered immediately.
Kitazawa shook his head. "Alone is faster."
He pressed his hands into seals. With a puff of smoke, a small slug appeared.
"This… Lady Tsunade's summoning animal?" Kurenai's eyes widened. Kabuto and the others leaned closer, fascinated. The Three Holy Lands of Summons were legendary.
"Hello," Slug greeted politely. "I serve both Lady Tsunade and Lord Kitazawa."
"Katsuyu can use Reverse Summoning Jutsu," Kitazawa explained. "If anything happens, I'll return instantly."
Kurenai softened, though concern lingered in her eyes. "Then be careful."
Kitazawa nodded. "Reverse summon me in three hours."
"Understood," Katsuyu replied.
He left camp, activating his Byakugan as he moved.
His vision spread outward, nearly seven kilometers in every direction—a result of purifying his Byakugan to thirty percent. It rivaled the sensory feats of the Uzumaki Clan's Mind's Eye of Kagura.
After sweeping the area and confirming no Root agents lurked nearby, he crossed into the Land of Rivers.
Pulling out his purchased map, his gaze lingered on Kusagami Mountain. He recalled the original events: Raiga enslaving villagers, Rokusuke joining him, Rock Lee collapsing from exhaustion, and the fated battle where Neji, Naruto, Lee, and Tenten brought Raiga down.
But this timeline was different. The Kurosuki family hadn't been founded yet.
Still… Kitazawa smirked faintly. He was curious about the Curry of Life. From the stories, it was more than just deadly spicy—it had effects that bordered on miraculous.
Just then, Kitazawa froze.
Through his Byakugan, three massive chakra signatures flared.
Three jōnin? No—three plus one smaller, closer to genin-level.
Two of the jōnin were locked in combat.
Kitazawa's eyes narrowed, focusing.
One of them was unmistakable: long green hair, twin blades flashing. Kurosuki Raiga.
But the others—
A woman with blue-purple hair, amber eyes lined with violet shadow, delicate features, and a lip piercing.
Konan. One of Akatsuki's founders.
The third wielded a massive cleaver-like blade, the Kubikiribōchō.
Biwa Jūzō… the first wielder of the beheading sword.
Kitazawa's pulse quickened. Things had just become far more complicated.
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