"It's time for teams again. I wonder if I can be in the same squad as Sasuke-kun." Sakura glanced at Sasuke, a look of anticipation on her face.
"I also want to be on the same team as Sasuke, so we can continue our youth-filled rivalry!" Naruto gave a thumbs up and said.
"I refuse," Sasuke said abruptly. If Naruto were on his team, he would easily steal his thunder and affect his score.
"Huh?" Naruto couldn't help scratching his head.
"What about me?" Sakura quickly asked.
"You can." Sasuke nodded calmly.
Sakura's strength didn't threaten him. Moreover, she was a Medical Ninja and might come in handy at critical moments.
"Really?" Sakura's eyes widened. It was the first time she had received a positive answer from Sasuke.
"Who we're teamed with is up to Kitazawa-sensei." Shikamaru yawned and said, "No matter how much you discuss it, it's useless."
Hinata subconsciously looked at Kitazawa in the distance. She guessed it would be difficult for her to be on his team for this Monthly Exam.
Because she had noticed that Kitazawa rarely took the same student consecutively.
But it didn't matter—there would be another chance next time, and she would find a way to hint at him then.
"Tayuya, which team leader do you want to be assigned to?" Ino turned to Tayuya and asked curiously.
"Anyone but Kitazawa-sensei!" Tayuya snorted coldly and said.
"Speaking of which, I've always wanted to ask you—why do you have an issue with Kitazawa-sensei?"
Ino asked, puzzled. In her opinion, it would be difficult to find a better teacher than Kitazawa in the entire Ninja World.
"I…" Tayuya suddenly choked.
If she had to give a reason… was it because Kitazawa defeated Orochimaru?
Other than that, she couldn't find any other flaws or problems with him. At most, he liked to threaten her with Orochimaru.
But that was just a passive counterattack, because she was usually the one who provoked him first.
"An issue is an issue, no reason needed!" Tayuya averted her gaze and said stubbornly.
"What about Kimimaro and Jugo?" Ino smiled and asked again.
"I'm fine with anything," Jugo replied.
"Third Hokage-sama." Kimimaro thought for a moment and said.
Because Sarutobi Hiruzen was Orochimaru's teacher, he had always been loyal to Orochimaru—willing to give everything—so he was curious about Orochimaru's own teacher.
Although he had seen Sarutobi Hiruzen several times over the past month, he hadn't had much contact, so he didn't understand him well.
"I think teammates aren't the key—the mission is." Kiba suddenly thought of something and interjected, "High-difficulty missions are easier to get high scores."
"It's rare for you to hit on an important point." Inuzuka Hana said in agreement.
"Sis, I'm very smart!" Kiba immediately retorted.
"But missions that are too difficult will also affect the evaluation." Shikamaru shook his head and reminded, "Missions that match your strength are the best."
"Kitazawa-sensei is here!" Kiba perked up.
Everyone immediately stopped chatting and looked at Kitazawa.
Although missions were more important, the assigned teammates and team leader also had a great impact.
Some people hoped their teammates were stronger than them, some hoped their teammates were good friends, and some hoped their team leader was Kitazawa.
In short, everyone had their own ideas.
"Like last time, we'll divide into six teams and try to complete the mission within two weeks."
Kitazawa paused and said, "Team One will be led by me, and the members are Tenten, Akimichi Choji, and Tayuya."
"What?" Tayuya immediately sat up straight.
Tenten and Akimichi Choji didn't have much of a reaction. They felt that any teacher could lead the team.
Hinata was a little disappointed, but because she had expected it, it wasn't too bad.
"Your luck is really good. Your first mission is led by Kitazawa-sensei." Ino said with envy.
"It's the worst luck ever!" Tayuya pouted and said.
"Team Two will be led by the Third Hokage-sama." Kitazawa glanced at Tayuya and said, "The members are Shikamaru, Kimimaro, and Jugo."
Although Jugo didn't enter the third round, his strength was still good, ranking seventeenth. Assigning him to Sarutobi Hiruzen was because of his special physique.
If they encountered a place with abundant natural energy during the mission, even if he lost control and went berserk, Sarutobi Hiruzen would easily suppress him.
"I feel like this mission is going to be very troublesome," Shikamaru said, rubbing his temples.
The team leader was Sarutobi Hiruzen, and both teammates were transfer students from Otogakure.
Jugo was very satisfied to be on a team with Kimimaro. Kimimaro also thought it was good that the team leader was Sarutobi Hiruzen.
In a sense, he and Orochimaru now shared the same teacher.
"Team Three will be led by Kosuke-senpai." Kitazawa continued, "The members are Uchiha Sasuke, Ino Yamanaka, and Hyuga Hinata."
Sasuke's gaze sharpened.
How to put it? These two teammates weren't bad, but they were a bit weaker than Naruto and Kurama Yakumo.
Overall, it was barely acceptable.
"How can this be?" Sakura said with a pained expression, "My Sasuke-kun's teammates are gone!"
"Too bad, Sakura." Ino elbowed her and said with a smile.
"Hmph, don't gloat!" Sakura suddenly felt a surge of fighting spirit. "I'm definitely going to get a high score on the mission and surpass you in the rankings!"
"Is that so?" Ino blinked and said, "My teammates are Sasuke and Hinata. I think our chances of getting a high score are greater."
"Damn it!" Sakura froze for a moment, then angrily exclaimed.
With the lineup of Ino, Sasuke, and Hinata, they would most likely get a high-difficulty mission.
Perhaps she really would get a high score. Fortunately, Ino was no longer fighting with her for Sasuke; otherwise, she really would go crazy.
"Team Four will be led by Kakashi." Kitazawa said unhurriedly, "The members are Naruto, Sakura, and Rock Lee."
"...?" Kakashi's face suddenly showed a question mark. Why would you put Naruto and Lee together? Did I offend you?
Kakashi suddenly felt an urge to resign.
"Naruto and Lee?" Sakura's expression instantly froze.
Two teammates who constantly talked about youth?
She could already imagine hearing the word youth countless times during the mission—and probably seeing them crying in each other's arms.
"Sakura, Naruto and Lee are both very good!"
Ino patted her shoulder. Naruto and Rock Lee were indeed very good teammates, but they were just… a little mentally polluting.
"Haha, Naruto, we're finally teammates!" Rock Lee stood up and said excitedly, "We must give it our all on this mission, so we don't let our youth down!"
"Youth means giving it your all!" Naruto gave a thumbs up, his teeth gleaming, and said, "Let those enemies be shocked by our youth!"
"As expected, it's starting again. Sakura, you can do it." Ino was too embarrassed to argue with Sakura anymore; she felt more sympathy now.
"…" At this moment, Sakura and Kakashi had the same expression—eyes like dead fish, feeling utterly lifeless.
"Team Five will be led by Kosuke-senpai."
Kitazawa held back a laugh and announced, "The members are Kurama Yakumo, Haku, and Inuzuka Hana."
Although Haku hadn't learned Ice Release, he had learned the Three Basic E-rank Techniques and Konoha-Style Taijutsu, and with his good talent, he ranked eighteenth.
"With Yakumo, it feels like it'll be very easy." Inuzuka Hana showed a satisfied smile.
She wasn't worried about Kurama Yakumo stealing her thunder because her role was as a sensory and reconnaissance Ninja.
Haku had no particular thoughts, adopting a learning attitude. After all, this was his first mission outside.
"Team Six will be led by Kakashi," Kitazawa announced the members of the last team. "The members are Hyuga Neji, Inuzuka Kiba, and Shino Aburame."
"My teammates are too strong; it's hard to stand out." Kiba scratched his head and said.
Moreover, Hyuga Neji and Shino Aburame were both multi-functional teammates—they could sense and fight.
Compared to them, he was missing a Ninja Hound, which was a slight disadvantage. To surpass them in score, he could only rely on luck.
After Kitazawa finished reading, he suddenly realized something.
The top eighteen students in the Genius Class were all protagonists or supporting characters with names and surnames in the original work.
Unlike before, when there were still students who hadn't appeared in the original work.
Kitazawa inexplicably felt a sense of accomplishment, like completing a full encyclopedia in a game.
The Konoha 12 from the original story might now become the Konoha 18. If Karin were added, it would be Konoha 19.
If all thirty-four students in the Genius Class were… cough, that was a bit unlikely.
At least Konoha would struggle to find any more geniuses of the same age—unless they kidnapped them from other villages.
"Grouping is finished. The first four teams will gather here tomorrow morning, then depart for their missions." Kitazawa said with a smile, "Alright, everyone worked hard today. Go home and rest."
The remaining two teams would be led by Kakashi and Kosuke. After completing these two teams' missions, they would lead them out again next weekend.
"Goodbye, Teacher Kitazawa." The members of the Genius Class turned and left one after another.
Originally, there was a segment where other classes could challenge the bottom ten of the Genius Class, but after consideration, Kitazawa directly canceled it.
Because the students in the Genius Class had too great an advantage, this segment had lost its intended meaning.
Only the counselor system remained, as it provided a certain incentive for students in other classes.
Of course, the Genius Class system itself had its irrationalities.
Kitazawa's idea was to reform the Ninja Academy, like in his previous life, such as establishing a Konoha University.
But such a reform was not an overnight matter, so he was not in a hurry to implement it. Moreover, a university requires a peaceful environment.
The reason the Ninja Academy only lasted six years was that the Ninja World was too turbulent.
Konoha Village needed a continuous supply of fresh strength to protect itself and the Land of Fire.
If it were replaced by a Konoha University, it would mean spending almost sixteen years in school. Given the current environment, it was not feasible for Ninjas to study peacefully for that long.
Kitazawa greeted Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others before returning home.
However, Kakashi looked at him with a strange expression.
Kitazawa could probably guess why. He had put Naruto and Rock Lee in one team, which gave Kakashi a huge headache.
Actually, he hadn't thought that much when forming the teams; it was more of a random grouping.
Only after the teams were formed did he realize that Naruto and Rock Lee were in the same team. There was nothing to do but let Kakashi bear the burden.
At least he didn't let Might Guy go with them.
Kitazawa had previously considered letting Might Guy be a teacher for the Genius Class, but ultimately decided against it.
So many geniuses couldn't all go astray—Naruto and Rock Lee were already enough.
---
"You're back?" Kurenai heard the door open and walked to the entrance.
"Guess who was in first place today?" Kitazawa's gaze fell on her.
Her smooth silk nightgown perfectly outlined her body.
"Naruto, I suppose." Kurenai pondered for a moment and said, "He's been in first place more often."
"Indeed, it was him."
Kitazawa walked into the living room with her. "If Naruto could improve his theoretical grades, then there would be absolutely no suspense for first place in the Genius Class."
"Fortunately not." Kurenai couldn't help but laugh. "Otherwise, how despairing would Sasuke and the others be?"
With her movements, her silk nightgown rippled slightly.
She could deeply understand what it felt like to have a genius among her peers, because she had Kakashi in her generation.
He became a Jonin at the age of twelve and has held the record for Konoha's youngest Jonin ever since.
But for Kurenai, Kitazawa's current impact on her was even more direct. Because he rose too quickly.
He was clearly just an ordinary Ninja Academy teacher before, and in the blink of an eye, he became a Konoha high-ranking official and the current Hokage's student.
"Where are we going for a mission tomorrow?"
Kurenai clenched her fists and said, "We'll get to try our Compound Ninjutsu: Hurricane Water Vortex Jutsu then."
"The Land of Sea." Kitazawa smiled and said, "I promise this time your wish will come true."
"Excellent." Kurenai's face showed anticipation.
After a brief chat, the two began preparing lunch. After lunch, Kitazawa arrived at the ANBU Base.
He was, after all, the head of the ANBU; although he didn't manage much, he came by every day to check for any important intelligence.
ANBU intelligence was divided into two types.
One type was internal Konoha Village intelligence, usually involving the movements of important Ninja, such as Jiraiya.
The other type was, of course, external intelligence—spies Konoha had placed in other villages, which were managed by the ANBU.
"Kitazawa." Konan stood up and greeted him.
She usually followed Kitazawa. But if Kitazawa didn't want her to follow, she would stay in his office at the ANBU Base.
"I'll be out on a mission tomorrow." Kitazawa sat at his desk and said, "You should take this opportunity to return to the Akatsuki Organization and bring that member. We'll meet next Tuesday."
"Alright." Konan nodded.
Kitazawa casually picked up the documents on his desk. He skimmed them and couldn't help raising an eyebrow.
This document—more accurately, this intelligence—came from Hōzuki Castle in Kusagakure (the Village Hidden in the Grass).
Hōzuki Castle was a prison, but it didn't exclusively belong to Kusagakure. It was a joint prison established at Kusagakure's request by multiple great nations.
In his previous life's terms, it was an international prison. Some Ninja from Konoha and the Land of Fire who committed crimes would also be sent to Hōzuki Castle.
The lord of Hōzuki Castle was Mui, skilled in Fire Release, most famous for Fire Release: Heavenly Prison and Fire Release: Great Fire Heavenly Prison.
These two Fire Release Ninjutsu had Sealing Technique properties and were quite good; Kitazawa had already obtained them through the system.
The plot related to Hōzuki Castle was the Box of Ultimate Bliss, a legendary Ninja tool that nearly took over the world during the time of the Sage of Six Paths and said to grant any wish.
In reality, it was similar to a corrupted Holy Grail—making a wish released a monster named 'Satori.'
In the original story, it could briefly contend with Naruto and the Eight-Tails–transformed Killer Bee, showcasing considerable strength.
This document stated that a prisoner sent from Konoha had died unexpectedly two days ago.
Mui's explanation was that he tried to escape, resisted, and was killed by the jailers. Because it involved a Konoha Ninja, a piece of intelligence was sent over.
But… Kitazawa felt something was off.
In the original story, Mui had been constantly extracting Chakra from prisoners and transferring it into the Box of Ultimate Bliss.
Opening the Box required a massive amount of Chakra.
Mui's goal had always been to rescue his son, Muku. When he was young, Mui was determined to open the Box to gain immense power.
But during one attempt, the Box directly absorbed his son, Muku. Afterward, Mui had a sudden realization and wanted to revive him.
Kitazawa suspected that this Konoha prisoner died from having his Chakra extracted.
Under normal circumstances, he might not have interfered. But since this involved the Box of Ultimate Bliss, he planned to intervene.
Because he remembered the system mission for Sasuke to awaken his Three-Tomoe Sharingan.
From the original story, Satori was a Yin Release monster—it possessed immortal and indestructible characteristics and was ultimately sealed.
Yin Release, creating form from nothing, matched perfectly with the mechanism of granting wishes.
What if Sasuke were to make a wish? As for releasing Satori, Kitazawa wasn't too worried; he could simply beat it down and seal it.
After all, he now possessed quite a few Sealing Techniques.
[Current Mission: Defeat Satori]
[Mission Reward: Contract Seal]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa slightly paused, looking at the three lines of text that appeared before him.
So timely? It seemed he really had to go.
He already had no good feelings toward Kusagakure due to the incident with Karin and her mother, so taking the Box of Ultimate Bliss would be considered compensation.
But there was no need to rush. Naruto and Sasuke had just been grouped, and they were going on a mission tomorrow.
He also had to lead a team to the Land of Sea.
Kitazawa planned to first send ANBU to investigate the situation at Hōzuki Castle, and once confirmed, he would go.
Although he didn't care, Tsunade was the Hokage now, and if he wanted to take the Box of Ultimate Bliss, he needed to give her a reason.
And a Konoha prisoner dying from Chakra extraction by the Box of Ultimate Bliss would be the perfect justification.
Kitazawa thought for a moment and decided to have Uchiha Itachi lead the team.
After all, Hōzuki Castle was also heavily guarded, and ordinary ANBU might not be able to gather intelligence on the Box of Ultimate Bliss.