December 20th, 9:00 AM, Ninja Academy.
"This semester ends here. Starting tomorrow, winter break begins." Kitazawa said with a smile, "I wish everyone a fun time."
The final rankings for this term's exam did not change much. The only noteworthy point was that Sasuke had reclaimed first place.
"Thank you, Teacher Kitazawa!" The students of the Genius Class shouted excitedly in unison.
Training and getting stronger felt great, but a nearly month-long winter break made them even happier.
"Dismissed!" Kitazawa clapped his hands.
The students scattered instantly, sprinting toward the school gate.
"Teacher Kitazawa." Hinata approached nervously.
"Hm? Hinata, is something else the matter?" Kitazawa asked gently.
"Next week is my birthday. I hope… Teacher Kitazawa can attend." Hinata took out an invitation, her expression full of earnest hope.
"I'll be there." Kitazawa glanced at the invitation and put it away.
"Thank you, Teacher Kitazawa." Hinata's face lit up with joy.
"Is there anything you want for a birthday gift?" Kitazawa rubbed her head.
"It's enough if Teacher Kitazawa can come." Hinata said softly, "Father said that the improved Caged Bird Cursed Seal has bestowed a debt of gratitude upon the Hyuga Clan."
She didn't understand it fully. But if Hiashi said so, then it must be true.
"The name 'Improved Caged Bird Cursed Seal' sounds a bit strange." Kitazawa thought for a moment. "Go tell your father to change it to 'Seal of Protection.'"
"Mhm." Hinata nodded. "I'll tell Father right away."
"See you tomorrow."
After watching Hinata leave, Kitazawa headed toward the Hokage Building.
He felt no sadness about the semester ending, because, except for the week-long New Year break, Hinata and the others would still train at the Ninja Academy as usual.
Kitazawa arrived at the Hokage Office, pushed the door open, and walked in.
"Why are you here this early today?" Tsunade glanced at the clock and asked casually.
"The final exams are over, so winter break has begun," Kitazawa replied.
"I wish I could have a month-long vacation too…" Tsunade sighed wistfully.
"That's quite difficult." Kitazawa leaned against the Hokage desk with a smile. "You can ask Shizune-senpai—if she'll allow it."
"Do I even need to ask?" Tsunade said helplessly. "She gets annoyed even when I request half a day off."
"You can't blame Shizune-Senpai." Kitazawa's gaze swept over the necklace at Tsunade's collar. "She handles more work than you do."
Most of Konoha's affairs were actually handled by the Hokage Secretariat. Even with many secretaries, they were constantly overwhelmed with work.
If Tsunade, the Hokage, disappeared for a month, the entire Secretariat would probably collapse.
"Did you come all the way here just to talk about that?" Tsunade, knowing she was wrong, quickly changed the topic.
"Not really. I just came to chat." Kitazawa took her hand. "How's your Yang Release Chakra Mode training going?"
"What do you think?" Tsunade puffed out her chest proudly. "I'm your teacher, after all. A mere Yang Release Chakra Mode was mastered long ago!"
With that motion, her clothes trembled slightly. Kitazawa's eyes instinctively widened.
"What are you staring at now?" Tsunade frowned sharply.
"My apologies," Kitazawa said solemnly.
"Then why are you still looking?" Tsunade asked, exasperated.
Kitazawa shifted his gaze away from her explosive curves. He lowered his head and gently kneaded her soft, delicate hand.
Tsunade glared at him but didn't pull away.
"Next week is Hinata's birthday. Were you invited by the Hyuga Clan?" Kitazawa asked, staring at her pale, smooth arm.
"Yes." Tsunade licked the corner of her lips. "The Hyuga Clan's sake is good. I'll go."
Kitazawa's eyes drifted toward her slightly moist red lips.
"You helped them improve the Caged Bird Cursed Seal, so they must also… Mmph—"
Halfway through her words, Kitazawa sealed her lips with his own.
Tsunade froze for a moment at the closeness—then returned the kiss proactively.
Soft breaths echoed in the quiet Hokage Office. Tsunade subconsciously squeezed her legs together, her body weakening.
Moments later, her hazy eyes regained clarity, and she remembered it was only nine in the morning.
"Alright, enough. I still have work to do." Tsunade murmured breathlessly.
What she feared most was someone barging in.
Kitazawa looked at her, then leaned forward and buried himself directly into her embrace.
He had wanted to do this for a very long time. Now, at last, his wish was fulfilled.
Because they had just kissed, Tsunade's breath was still rapid. Kitazawa clearly felt her warm, soft chest rising and falling against him.
Unfortunately, Tsunade pushed him away shortly after.
"Do you believe I'll kick you out?" She raised a clenched fist threateningly.
"I'll come back at noon." Kitazawa coughed lightly—then immediately fled the office, afraid she might actually hit him.
But he couldn't deny it. This round was worth it.
More importantly, it was a very good start. Because Tsunade didn't reject him outright, nor did she kick him through the wall.
Kitazawa returned to the ANBU Base. He opened the door and saw Konan sitting on the sofa.
"When did you get back?" He walked toward the desk.
Replacing noble officials and recruiting talent in the Land of Rain wasn't something that could be completed quickly.
Konan had returned several times already. This time, she had only been gone for three days.
"An hour ago." Konan stood and walked behind him.
She reached out and began massaging his shoulders.
"Thank you." Kitazawa felt a faint annoyance toward the design of the office chair.
If it didn't have a backrest, he could at least lean back properly and enjoy the massage. But that was only a thought. His relationship with Konan likely wasn't at that level yet.
Although… for some reason, he felt that with her personality, she might silently accept it
"Did you encounter any problems?" Kitazawa casually picked up the documents on the desk.
"No, it went very smoothly," Konan answered coolly.
She had followed Kitazawa's suggestion and chosen the Ninja method—Genjutsu.
Any noble official in the Land of Rain who refused to cooperate was immediately placed under her Genjutsu, turning completely obedient.
The reason it took so long was because she needed to recruit a group of truly ambitious talents. She didn't have enough Chakra to maintain Genjutsu on everyone.
"Mhm," Kitazawa responded and continued flipping through the documents.
Unfortunately, there was still nothing from Uchiha Itachi. It seemed the trip to the Ryūmyaku would be delayed.
At noon, Kitazawa returned to the Hokage Office.
The moment Tsunade saw him, she put down her documents, stood up, and stretched.
"I brought you lunch," Kitazawa said, taking out a summoning storage scroll. "I went to your favorite Izakaya and packed it just for you."
"Is there sake?" Tsunade's eyes sparkled as she walked over.
"What? Planning to take the afternoon off again?" Kitazawa squatted at the coffee table to set out the food. Turning his head, he saw her long legs wrapped in fitted trousers.
"It's almost New Year's. There's nothing important going on anyway." Tsunade plopped down. Her soft, plump hips shifted enticingly as she sat.
"Then guess—did I buy sake or not?" Kitazawa asked with a smile as he finished arranging the food.
"I guess yes." Tsunade lifted an eyebrow. "If not, go buy me some immediately."
"You're the Hokage—how can you be so unreasonable?" Kitazawa sat across from her.
"I am the Hokage. Why would I bother with reason?" Tsunade extended her hand. "Where's the sake?"
"Here." Kitazawa handed her a bottle.
"Very good." A brilliant smile bloomed on her face. "I was right about you."
"Where's Shizune-senpai?" Kitazawa passed her a sake cup.
"Her work isn't finished yet." Tsunade poured herself a cup. "If she were here, I obviously wouldn't drink."
"True." Kitazawa picked up his chopsticks. "Off to the casino this afternoon?"
"Since I've taken the day off, where else would I go?" Excitement flashed in her eyes. "I must win back everything I lost last time!"
"Mhm. Good luck." Kitazawa replied casually.
"What kind of attitude is that?" Tsunade glared. "You don't believe in me?"
"I'm your student. Of course, I believe in you." Kitazawa said seriously.
"Hmph. Fine. I'll forgive you this once—for the sake of this bottle of sake." Tsunade downed the cup in one gulp and exhaled in satisfaction. "This sake is good."
"It's the most expensive sake in Konoha." Kitazawa reminded her.
"You truly are my good student." Tsunade lifted her fair chin proudly, poured a cup, and handed it to him. "Here. Let me feed you."
"How did you get drunk after just one cup?" Kitazawa shook his head. "If I drink, Shizune-senpai will definitely get suspicious when I ask her for leave later."
"Oh—right." Tsunade immediately downed the cup herself. "I'll treat you another time when I'm free."
They quickly finished lunch.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Tsunade asked, cheeks slightly flushed.
She had only drunk one flask, so she wasn't drunk—but a rosy blush colored her face. Compared to usual, she seemed softer, more languid, more alluring.
"Nothing." Kitazawa smiled. "I'll go ask Shizune-senpai for leave."
Tsunade sat on the sofa waiting.
"Do you want to take a nap?" Kitazawa returned, noticing her with her eyes half-closed.
"No need." Tsunade stood, suddenly spirited. "I'm excited—I'm ready to sweep the casino clean!"
Kitazawa twitched the corner of his mouth. Do you not know who will be swept instead?
Night fell.
No miracles occurred that afternoon. After losing miserably, Tsunade followed Kitazawa home in defeat.
---
A week passed quickly.
December 27th—Hinata's birthday.
Because it was a dinner banquet, Kitazawa didn't hurry to the Hyuga Clan compound. As in previous years, he went to the Ninja Academy first.
He pointed out issues in the Genius Class students' training, then found a place to practice Wood Release: Cutting Technique.
By dusk, he arrived at the Hokage Office.
For Hinata's birthday this year, the Hyuga Clan didn't hold a large celebration—just an internal family dinner.
The only invited guests were Tsunade and Kitazawa.
The reason was the improved Caged Bird Cursed Seal—now formally named the Seal of Protection.
As the creator of the technique, Kitazawa held the primary credit.
Tsunade, as Hokage, had supported it behind the scenes; even without appearing publicly, she still deserved her share of merit.
"It's time for dinner, Teacher Tsunade." Kitazawa pushed the door open but didn't enter, calling from the doorway.
"Let's go." Tsunade stood and walked toward him. Her work was already finished.
"Mhm." Kitazawa nodded and casually closed the door.
"Have you noticed the recent activity in the Land of Rain and Hidden Rain Village?" Tsunade suddenly asked.
"You mean their selling of rainwater to the Land of Wind?" Kitazawa countered.
He wasn't surprised she knew. With such a large operation, any competent Konoha intelligence officer would notice.
"Mhm." Tsunade nodded.
"Teacher Tsunade, are you worried about Hanzo?" Kitazawa immediately understood her concern.
Although Hanzo was already dead, only a few people were aware of this fact.
"Hanzo was ambitious, powerful, and extremely dangerous," Tsunade replied. "But after the Second Shinobi World War, he fell completely silent. Selling rainwater is the only major action he's taken in years."
Kitazawa thought to himself that this was simply a coincidence. But Tsunade wasn't wrong — from Konoha's perspective, the sudden rainwater business was suspicious.
"Your Anbu should use this chance to investigate Hanzo's current situation," Tsunade instructed.
The Land of Rain and Hidden Rain Village had always enforced isolation, and any spies Konoha sent in had all lost contact.
In other words, Hanzo had not acted in twenty years.
Tsunade didn't believe that someone with his personality would remain quiet and obedient for so long.
After all, he was once a tyrant so terrifying that he personally gave them the title of Konoha's Sannin.
Selling rainwater involved many parties, including merchants from the Land of Wind. Anbu could disguise themselves as sellers and infiltrate both the Land of Rain and Hidden Rain Village.
"After the New Year, I'll have the Anbu investigate," Kitazawa said after a moment of thought.
He felt this was a good opportunity to let Tsunade gain a preliminary understanding of the Akatsuki Organization's situation.
The two continued talking as they walked, soon arriving at the Hyuga Clan compound.
"Hokage-sama." Hyuga Hiashi, waiting at the entrance, quickly stepped forward.
"Teacher Kitazawa!" Hinata and Hanabi called out in unison.
Neji, however, reacted a step later.
"Hiashi, it seems you have nothing to worry about regarding the Hyuga Clan's future—three geniuses appeared all at once," Tsunade said, giving them a glance.
"Hokage-sama, you overpraise them." Hiashi shook his head. "Hanabi is still young, so we're unsure of her potential yet."
"Since her older sister is so talented, she definitely won't be bad," Tsunade said with a smile.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!" Hanabi replied energetically.
Hinata, hearing this, lowered her head with an embarrassed expression.
"When the time comes, I'll have to trouble you, Kitazawa, to teach her," Hiashi said, looking at him.
Of course, he was referring to the Genius Class. Although he truly wished Kitazawa could personally lead Hanabi's squad, that was clearly unrealistic.
In the eyes of Hiashi—and many others—Genius Class students and official students were entirely different categories.
The former were students in name only. The latter were the true legacy heirs… and the future candidates for Hokage.
Thankfully, Hiashi felt reassured — Neji and Hinata had a high chance of becoming Kitazawa's official students.
"I will," Kitazawa said as he patted Hanabi's head.
"Thank you, Teacher Kitazawa!" Hanabi beamed. "I will work hard to catch up to my sister!"
"Hokage-sama, Kitazawa, please come in." Hiashi gestured politely.
Tsunade nodded and entered the courtyard, walking into the living room. The first thing they saw was a huge dining table loaded with dishes and wine.
Hanabi immediately dragged Kitazawa inside. Hinata stood aside, watching with slight envy.
Though her personality had improved, she still wasn't as carefree as her little sister in front of so many people.
"Just the few of us?" Tsunade asked, surprised.
She had assumed a table this large would feed at least ten people—yet there were only seven present: Tsunade, Kitazawa, Hiashi, his wife, Neji, Hinata, and Hanabi.
"A child's birthday shouldn't be too extravagant or wasteful," Hiashi said with a smile.
"This many dishes are already extravagant. I doubt we can finish it in one meal." Tsunade said.
"That's not necessarily true," Kitazawa commented, glancing at Hinata.
Hinata lowered her head, nervously poking her fingers together.
"It's good for children to eat a lot to grow," Tsunade said, suddenly recalling Hinata's legendary appetite — enough for ten people.
"Shall we begin?" Hiashi asked.
"I'm the guest, so I'll follow the host." Tsunade waved.
"Since everyone is here, let's eat." Hiashi poured Tsunade a cup of wine. "This is fine liquor from the Land of Lightning."
"I've had it before. Much stronger than Konoha's wine." Tsunade took a sip and nodded. "Yes, that taste."
"As expected of Hokage-sama—so knowledgeable." Hiashi praised sincerely.
Dinner concluded peacefully and joyfully.
But after the meal, Kitazawa suffered.
Tsunade had drunk far too much and could barely stand. With no other choice, Kitazawa carried her home on his back.
But drunk Tsunade was extremely restless. Her soft chest pressing against him, her smooth thighs against his sides, and the scent of alcohol made Kitazawa dizzy.
What a pity—or perhaps fortunately, Shizune came to take Tsunade away, finally freeing him.
Once Hinata's birthday passed, the New Year arrived.
There was a holiday break, but Kitazawa had no rest—Tsunade dragged him to the casino every day.
Even Kurenai complained that her time with him, as his official girlfriend, was less than Tsunade's.
But since Tsunade was the Hokage, she couldn't say much. And Kitazawa… compensated her very thoroughly at night, leaving her wholly satisfied.
After the New Year break, Tsunade, Shizune, and the others returned to work.
The Genius Class also welcomed the start of their new term.
---
Monday, February 2nd.
A training ground on the north side of Konoha Village.
Kitazawa was holding a bone sword, practicing Shikotsumyaku: Dance of the Camellia.
Moments later, three lines of text appeared before his eyes:
[Current Mission: Master three Shikotsumyaku Ninjutsu.]
[Mission Reward: Immune to the Shikotsumyaku Bloodline disease.]
[Host has completed the mission. Reward issued.]
Seeing this, Kitazawa immediately stopped.
He casually retracted the bone sword back into his left arm, picked up the clothes on the ground, and put them on.
Shikotsumyaku was good in every way — except that it ruined clothes. It ruined pants, too, actually, but there was no way he would remove his pants to practice Shikotsumyaku.
If he did, he would become the most talked-about figure in Konoha Village the next day. Still, he had finally mastered three Shikotsumyaku Ninjutsu and completed the system mission.
There weren't many Shikotsumyaku Ninjutsu in the original story; mastering three was already considered an introduction.
In comparison, he hadn't learned a single Ice Release Ninjutsu yet.
After changing his clothes, Kitazawa returned to the ANBU Base.
The Genius Class had been in session for more than half a month and would soon have their first Monthly Exam.
He needed to consider team assignments and what mission they should take.
Unfortunately, Uchiha Itachi still hadn't sent any good news. Otherwise, the Ryūmyaku Mission would have been perfect.
"Kitazawa." Konan stood up. "Uchiha Itachi sent top-secret intelligence. It's on your desk."
Kitazawa's eyes brightened.
Previous intelligence hadn't been marked top-secret. Now that it was, the reason was obvious.
Kitazawa walked to his desk and picked up the report. Top-secret intelligence used an encryption method known only to a few people — including him and Tsunade.
Kitazawa decrypted it and began reading.
As expected, it was about Mukade. He had already broken Minato's Ryūmyaku Seal and could activate the Dragon Vein at any time.
Kitazawa stroked his chin. It was clearly too late to leave after the theoretical exam.
Fortunately, as Vice Principal of the Ninja Academy, he had the authority to conduct the practical exam early.
Besides, whether they left a week early or late didn't matter much for missions.
As for who to bring — Naruto was a must. If he didn't bring him, Kitazawa's system mission wouldn't be completed.
The other two students could be chosen more freely.
Originally, Kitazawa planned to bring Aburame Shino and Akimichi Choji so they could meet their younger fathers, Aburame Shibi and Akimichi Choza.
But after thinking again, there was no need. Those pairs of fathers and sons saw each other every day — they didn't need a cross-time reunion.
More importantly, Mukade would possess astonishing power after drawing on the Dragon Vein. Shino could be brought, but Choji's strength might not be enough.
Kitazawa let out a soft sound of realization. Why not bring Kakashi?
Theoretically, meeting Minato could also be considered a form of wish-fulfillment for Kakashi — plus he would meet his younger self.
After a brief thought, Kitazawa decided that he and Kakashi would lead the mission together.
Given the original story, two teams weren't wasteful at all — in fact, they were barely enough. But with him, Kakashi, and Minato, they didn't need to worry about numbers.
"Konan, I'm going out tomorrow. You don't need to follow me." Kitazawa said, putting away the report.
"Mhm." Konan nodded.
Just as Kitazawa was about to leave, something occurred to him, and he stepped back toward her.
Konan stood still, calm as always.
"This trip will take about a month. You can return to the Akatsuki Organization and handle your affairs." Kitazawa said after a moment's thought.
He wasn't sure how long he would spend in Rōran after time-traveling, so he chose a longer estimate.
"Thank you," Konan replied immediately.
Kitazawa looked at her beautiful face. He reached out with both hands and couldn't resist pinching her cheeks.
Konan blinked — her light purple eyeshadow trembled slightly.
"See you next time." Kitazawa smiled, turned, and left.
Today was Monday. The Genius Class was having their theoretical lesson, so he didn't disturb them and instead went straight to Kakashi's house.
"Kitazawa?" Kakashi opened the door, surprise flashing in his eyes.
"Do you know Rōran?" Kitazawa asked.
"A long time ago, my teacher and I went to Rōran for a mission," Kakashi answered instinctively.
But as soon as he said it, he frowned. Suddenly, he realized he couldn't remember the details — only that he had gone there once.
Kakashi was startled. Why was his memory missing?
With his memory, something like this should not have been forgotten. Rōran was a special place — he had only been once — so there was no reason it wouldn't stand out.
"Why are you asking about Rōran?" Kakashi regained his composure.
"There's a mission related to Rōran," Kitazawa explained. "But I haven't been there, so I want you to come."
"What about the Genius Class lessons?" Kakashi was about to accept, but paused.
The old Kakashi prioritized missions. The current Kakashi prioritized the Genius Class.
"I plan to use this mission as the practical exam for the Genius Class," Kitazawa said.
"I see." Kakashi nodded. "Then, should we leave after the first Monthly Exam?"
"The mission is urgent. We leave tomorrow." Kitazawa replied.
"Alright." Kakashi didn't ask further and agreed immediately.
"This is an S-Rank Mission. Try to select three students with decent strength," Kitazawa reminded him.
"Sasuke, Kimimaro, and Neji." Kakashi thought for a moment and named three.
"That works." Kitazawa nodded. "I'll take Naruto, Shino, and Hinata."
With these six students, dealing with Mukade's puppet army shouldn't be dangerous.
As for Mukade himself, once he obtained the Power of the Dragon Vein, he would indeed be threatening — but as long as they cooperated properly, they could definitely handle him.
"Go notify them today. We'll gather at Konoha's north gate at 9 AM tomorrow." Kitazawa added.
Kakashi nodded.
After finishing the discussion, Kitazawa turned and left.
He didn't return to the Ninja Academy; instead, he headed directly to the Hokage Office.
"Haru." Kitazawa stopped at the entrance.
"Lord Kitazawa." Haru appeared instantly, wearing an ANBU mask.
"I have something for you to do," Kitazawa instructed him to inform Naruto and the others after school.
There was no need for him to go personally — as the head of the ANBU, he could simply assign the task.
"Teacher Tsunade, you're slacking off again." Kitazawa walked into the Hokage Office and saw Tsunade sprawled on the sofa.
"My work is done, so this isn't slacking off." Tsunade countered.
"Lift your feet and make some room for me." Kitazawa patted her smooth instep.
"You're so disrespectful!" Tsunade glared, but lifted her legs. After he sat down, she placed her fair, jade-like feet on his thigh.
"What are you doing?" Kitazawa glanced at her nail-polished toes.
"Massage me." Tsunade shifted her hips, found a comfortable position, and spoke casually.
"You certainly have a comfortable life as a teacher." Kitazawa rolled up her pant leg and placed a hand on her calf.
"What do you need me for?" Tsunade asked in a cheerful tone.
"I'm going out tomorrow with my students for a mission," Kitazawa said as he massaged her calf. "I'll probably be back in about a month."
"That long?" Tsunade's smile froze.
"Approximately," Kitazawa clarified. "Maybe half a month."
"With your strength, what kind of mission takes a month?" Tsunade frowned.
"To the Land of Wind to catch a Jonin," Kitazawa answered half-truthfully. "He's very good at hiding, and we haven't found his location yet."
"You can have the ANBU search." Tsunade relaxed.
"Mm." Kitazawa nodded. He wasn't deliberately lying — it was simply difficult to explain the true nature of the mission.
"When are you leaving tomorrow?" Tsunade asked.
"Nine in the morning." Kitazawa chuckled. "Do you want to see me off?"
"Why not?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"No need," Kitazawa refused. "I'm not a child."
Tsunade pouted, retracted her feet, then sat up and looked at him fixedly.
Kitazawa was momentarily startled. Just as he was about to speak, Tsunade leaned forward and kissed him.
He felt her warmth — and her reluctance. His heart softened instantly.
After a long moment, they separated.
"You go back first," Tsunade said, cheeks flushed, breathing uneven.
"Haven't you finished your work?" Kitazawa stood, took her hand, and said, "Let's go back together."
Tsunade paused — then nodded.
---
Time passed to the next day.
9 AM.
Kakashi arrived first, bringing Sasuke, Kimimaro, and Neji.
"Sasuke!" A familiar, overly energetic voice rang out.
"…?" Sasuke's mouth twitched.
Their team already had three members — so how did Naruto appear?
Kakashi hadn't told them the specifics of the mission. Because he didn't know either — only that they were going to Rōran. He had waited for Kitazawa to explain everything.
"Why are you here?" Sasuke asked.
"I'm going to Rōran with you!" Naruto grinned widely.
Haru had relayed the mission details to him.
"Rōran?" Sasuke looked toward Kakashi.
"Indeed, we're going to Rōran," Kakashi explained. "When Kitazawa arrives, he'll explain the mission."
"Is Teacher Kitazawa also going?" Neji asked, surprised.
"This is a joint mission between two teams," Kakashi said. "And Hinata and Shino are also going."
"Neji, then why didn't Hinata come with you?" Sasuke noticed the inconsistency.
"I don't know." Neji was stunned. "Hinata didn't tell me anything."
"She went to Teacher Kitazawa," Shino said calmly. "She'll be here soon."
"Shino! When did you get here?" Naruto asked in shock.
"Just now." Shino adjusted his glasses.
"I didn't hear a single sound! You walk like a ghost!" Naruto exclaimed.
"I noticed." Sasuke glanced at him. "Which means your awareness is lacking."
"As expected of Sasuke!" Naruto gave a thumbs-up. "My youth needs more training!"
"…." Sasuke was speechless.
"Teacher Kitazawa!" Naruto spotted him and waved excitedly.
"You're always so energetic." Kitazawa approached with a smile.
Behind him was Hinata.
"Because this is youth!" Naruto beamed.
"All right, let's go," Kitazawa said.
"Teacher Kitazawa," Sasuke asked, "Who is our mission target?"
"A Jonin from Sunagakure," Kitazawa replied.
"Only one?" Sasuke's eyes widened.
Neji and Kimimaro also looked surprised.
Eight people are going after a single Jonin. What kind of unforgivable crime had this Jonin committed?
"His strength is not weak. You'll understand when you meet him." Kitazawa coughed lightly, then reminded, "Everyone, pick up the pace. Try to reach the Land of Wind before dark."
"Yes, Teacher Kitazawa!" Sasuke and the others answered in unison.
Kakashi remained silent. He was still troubled by the fact that he had no memory of the mission he'd supposedly done in Rōran when he was young.
Time passed slowly.
By dusk, they reached the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind. After resting for the night, they resumed their journey and officially entered the Land of Wind.
The vegetation around them grew sparser and sparser until everything became endless yellow sand.
Although Sasuke and the others were young, this wasn't their first time in the desert.
Naruto, for example, had even witnessed the intense battle between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Rasa right here in the desert.
This was the benefit of doing missions early — they adapted long before graduation.
"An oasis!" Naruto suddenly shouted excitedly.
"You all rest here for a bit. I'll go confirm the location of our mission target." Kitazawa said, stopping.
"Do you need my help?" Kakashi asked.
"No need." Kitazawa shook his head and walked deeper into the desert.
Kakashi frowned. If Kitazawa was going to search for someone, shouldn't he bring Hinata or Neji along? But he held his questions back.
After walking a good distance, Kitazawa activated his Byakugan.
The Power of the Dragon Vein was nearby — but he couldn't bring Kakashi and the others there yet.
If Mukade was caught too early, before unsealing the Ryūmyaku Seal, the entire mission would become extremely awkward.
He needed the timing to be perfect.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. Beneath the sand, a massive dragon-shaped Chakra coiled like a living entity.
How to describe it… Kitazawa had seen Yagura's perfect Three-Tails transformation. This dragon-shaped Chakra wasn't much weaker than that.
It sounded exaggerated — but it made sense. Without such vast Chakra reserves, how could time travel even be possible?
And the greater the Chakra, the more valuable the Dragon Vein.
If Kitazawa obtained it, he might actually qualify to perform Sage Art: Wood Style — True Several Thousand Hands.
He didn't have Sage Mode nor the technique itself, but qualification was already half the battle.
After confirming the surroundings, Kitazawa began searching for Uchiha Itachi. He quickly located him.
With a flash, Kitazawa used the Konoha Body Flicker Technique and sped across the sand.
Soon, a stretch of ruined stone walls appeared before him — remnants half-swallowed by the desert.
The ruins of Rōran. But Rōran itself had not been destroyed; it had simply become a wandering desert tribe.
In the original story, Naruto completed the mission, returned to the present, and even met Queen Sara's daughter.
She had shown Naruto Sara's relic — a shuriken — the very one Naruto had left for Sara in the past.
Kitazawa's gaze shifted to the center of the ruins. Minato's Ryūmyaku Seal was located there.
Mukade was nearby as well, though he hadn't started his final move yet.
Kitazawa quietly approached.
Uchiha Itachi, who was monitoring Mukade, suddenly narrowed his eyes and turned his head sharply.
"It's me," Kitazawa whispered.
"Lord Kitazawa." Itachi immediately lowered his guard and approached him.
"What's his situation?" Kitazawa asked, glancing at Mukade, who was intensely studying the seal.
"He's been staring at it for two hours," Itachi reported.
"Then we wait." Kitazawa nodded.
Another two hours passed.
Finally, Mukade moved. He began setting up a jutsu formation around the Ryūmyaku Seal.
"You keep an eye on him. I'll go get the others." Kitazawa said, then vanished from sight.
He returned swiftly to the oasis.
"Teacher Kitazawa!" Naruto spotted him instantly.
"I found the mission target. Follow me." Kitazawa said.
Kakashi and the others immediately followed.
Halfway there — the ground began to quake. Streaks of purple Chakra shot into the sky like pillars of light, painting the horizon with an eerie glow.
"What's going on?" Naruto asked in confusion.
Kitazawa didn't answer. He simply moved faster.
Soon, they reached Mukade.
Mukade had activated the Power of the Dragon Vein. The eyeball-shaped seal — Minato's seal — was crumbling.
The purple Chakra rising into the sky was the leaking Power of the Dragon Vein.
And once the seal completely vanished, a catastrophic amount of Chakra burst forth like a volcanic eruption.
Space distorted around Mukade.
"Charge in!" Kitazawa ordered without hesitation.