Kitazawa adopted a semi–hands-off teaching approach for Gaara.
In the original story, almost every Jinchūriki experienced an explosive rise in strength because of their Tailed Beast.
Gaara was the complete opposite. After losing the One-Tail, Shukaku, his strength instead climbed to Kage level in an astonishingly short span of time.
More importantly, no one had ever taught him properly.
In the original timeline, Rasa and Chiyo had already died, leaving Gaara to rely entirely on instinct.
From that perspective alone, Gaara's talent could only be described as terrifying. Of course, there was another reason.
Kitazawa himself did not possess the ability to freely manipulate sand the way Gaara did.
Even so, with his level of perception and combat understanding, offering guidance was hardly a problem.
Gaara's addition did not disrupt the Genius Class's training. Nor did it interfere with Kitazawa's own cultivation.
March arrived.
Sasuke officially returned to the Genius Class.
Kitazawa knew his next task had come.
Surgery.
However, surgery was not something to be taken lightly.
Even though in the ninja world, dōjutsu like the Sharingan and Byakugan were jokingly treated as "plug-and-play."
Hokage Office
After receiving permission, Kitazawa entered.
"Why did you suddenly learn to knock today?" Tsunade set the documents in her hands down on the Hokage's desk and asked.
"I was worried about disturbing your work." Kitazawa walked over and explained calmly.
"There's nothing particularly urgent today." Tsunade stood up with a smile and said, "Sit."
"I have something important to discuss." Kitazawa coughed lightly.
After speaking, he casually sat down in the Hokage's chair.
"This is the Hokage's office." Tsunade rolled her eyes, then plopped straight onto his lap. "What are you thinking? What do you want from me?"
"Have you heard of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan?" Kitazawa felt the softness beneath him, wrapped an arm around her waist, and asked.
"It appeared in my second grandfather's research notes." Tsunade thought for a moment. "But even he wasn't very clear on it."
Senju Tobirama had conducted extensive research on the Sharingan and Mangekyō Sharingan.
But only Uchiha Madara ever possessed the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. There had been little opportunity to study it.
Logically speaking, Tobirama should have had a chance after Madara faked his death at the Valley of the End.
However, Hashirama would almost certainly have stopped him. It was precisely because of this gap that Madara had later survived through Izanagi.
"I just returned from the Uchiha Clan."
Kitazawa lowered his head, kissed Tsunade's fair cheek, and began explaining everything about the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
Tsunade subconsciously licked her lips.
These days, whenever she had physical contact with Kitazawa, her thoughts tended to drift somewhere dangerous.
The sensation was so strong that it made her restless.
"Focus." Kitazawa raised his hand and lightly patted her chest, making her clothes flutter.
Tsunade's body trembled slightly, her eyes briefly losing focus.
"It's been a long time since teacher and student worked together in surgery." Kitazawa looked at her and stated his intent.
"How about we perform Sasuke's surgery together this time?"
He wanted to use technical means to increase the probability of awakening the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
Even if the chance was slim, it was worth trying.
"Do I even have a reason to refuse?" Tsunade snapped back to herself and asked.
"When do you have time? We should draft the treatment plan first." Kitazawa thought for a moment.
"This period feels… abnormal."
Tsunade leaned against him and said quietly, "The Akatsuki Organization has been unusually silent. I'm worried they're planning something bigger."
"Their objective is clear—capturing the Tailed Beasts." Kitazawa pinched her cheek. "As long as Naruto is protected, it's fine."
"With the Third Hokage and the others around, Naruto will be safe."
"That's true." Tsunade then shook her head. "But none of Akatsuki's members are simple. I suspect the Akatsuki Organization we see now isn't their full strength."
Kitazawa knew she was right. As the Eye of the Moon Plan unfolded, many Akatsuki members had already become known across the ninja world.
But some had never appeared—Nagato and Zetsu, for example. Because of Kitazawa's interference, Akatsuki's main force had shifted.
Now, the primary actors were Kakuzu and Tobi—Uchiha Obito.
In the original timeline, the lineup included Kakuzu, Uchiha Itachi, and Kisame Hoshigaki.
"The Akatsuki are troublesome." Kitazawa stroked her face. "But there's no need to rush."
"Let's complete Sasuke's surgery first. Strengthening him will make dealing with Akatsuki easier."
"If you hadn't mentioned it, I would've forgotten." Tsunade paused, then smiled wryly. "Sasuke's strength is already comparable to Akatsuki members."
Sasuke was simply too young. That fact made people subconsciously underestimate him.
In truth, once he awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, he was already a top-tier powerhouse in the ninja world.
Such strength would undoubtedly matter when facing Akatsuki.
"Not just Sasuke." Kitazawa smiled. "The other students are excellent as well."
"That's because of your teaching." Tsunade tilted her head and kissed him.
Only after draining every last bit of his composure did she finally pull away.
"There's one more thing." Tsunade suddenly remembered something. "Jiraiya plans to personally go to the Land of Rain to investigate Akatsuki."
"There's no need." Kitazawa paused briefly. "If he has time, he should come back and teach Naruto instead."
"What can Jiraiya teach Naruto?" Tsunade chuckled softly.
"Mount Myōboku." Kitazawa gave a brief reminder.
"The toads of Mount Myōboku are excellent summoning beasts." Tsunade frowned slightly. "I'm worried Naruto might be influenced by prophecy."
"He won't." Kitazawa shook his head.
In his view, the Great Toad Sage's prophecy could be ignored entirely.
Naruto was currently obsessed with youth. Influencing him would be difficult.
Moreover, forming a contract with Mount Myōboku was a crucial step toward shaping the New Konoha Sannin.
"Alright." Tsunade nodded. "I'll have someone notify Jiraiya."
"Mm." Kitazawa understood why Jiraiya originally went after Akatsuki.
But now that they knew the original trajectory, there was no need to risk him. After all, Jiraiya was Tsunade's teammate.
"We'll work on the treatment plan now." Tsunade paused, then added, "But keep an eye on Akatsuki. Notify me immediately if anything happens."
Kitazawa nodded. Akatsuki had indeed been unusually quiet.
When he found the time, he planned to personally visit them—confront Konan and extract more information.
[Current Task: Help Sasuke unlock the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.]
[Mission Reward: Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.]
[Do you accept?]
Kitazawa froze for a moment at the sudden system prompt. Then, a wave of pleasant surprise washed over him.
The reward alone made this mission worth everything.
Kitazawa did not need to search for another pair of Mangekyō Sharingan in order to initiate the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
If he were to deliberately seek one out, the difficulty would be far too great.
Across the entire Ninja World, the number of Mangekyō Sharingan users could be counted on one hand.
What made things even more troublesome was that none of them shared a blood connection with Kitazawa.
After all, Kitazawa's Mangekyō Sharingan originated from the system itself.
Secondly, since a system task had already been issued, it meant that the surgery had a very high probability of success.
After all, it was impossible for a system-issued task to remain unfinished.
Even if it could not be completed immediately, it would inevitably be completed at a later time.
Of course, Kitazawa only stated that the probability of success was high.
Failure was still possible—it would merely require more time.
The two of them soon began discussing the matter in detail.
"The fusion of two pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan will inevitably cause an explosive surge in ocular power."
Tsunade said thoughtfully. "Sasuke's body will very likely be impacted by this. We have to proceed with extreme caution."
"That's indeed a problem—especially since Sasuke is still young, and his body hasn't yet reached its peak."
As Kitazawa spoke, Naruto suddenly came to mind.
During the battle at the Valley of the End, Uchiha Madara had obtained a piece of Senju Hashirama's flesh.
After transplanting it, he awakened Wood Release—and eventually even the Rinnegan.
Strictly speaking, that flesh was actually Senju Hashirama's Chakra.
The Rinnegan itself was the result of Madara's Yin Release, combining with Hashirama's Yang Release under very specific conditions.
So what would happen if Sasuke were to obtain Naruto's Chakra?
The Rinnegan was still far too distant to consider for now. But there was no doubt that it would be beneficial to the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Just like Uchiha Obito—after receiving Hashirama cells, he was able to repeatedly use Mangekyō techniques.
At the same time, his physical vitality increased significantly.
"I can help solve this issue," Kitazawa said half-jokingly. "I'll be putting Sasuke through some special training during this period."
"Alright, then." Tsunade didn't dwell on it and continued discussing the treatment plan with Kitazawa.
Time passed quickly, and dusk soon arrived.
"That's enough for today." Kitazawa glanced at the time and spoke.
"Discussing a treatment plan like this is more exhausting than actual work." Tsunade stood up, stretched, and said.
"I'll help you relax tonight." Kitazawa blinked meaningfully.
Tsunade paused for a moment—then understood.
She didn't feel shy at all. On the contrary, she was looking forward to it.
"It's time to go home, Tsunade-sensei." Kitazawa grabbed her wrist, laughed softly, and activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.
The two figures appeared at the Senju Clan compound.
"Hasn't Kurenai returned yet?" Tsunade walked into the living room, glanced around, and asked.
"No." Kitazawa shook his head.
After establishing the Film and Television Department, Kurenai went to the Land of Snow. It had already been a full week.
"I'll go to the Land of Snow tomorrow to check on things," Kitazawa added.
Tsunade nodded.
It seemed tonight would be another tough battle—especially since Kurenai wouldn't be around to help share the pressure.
Before long, Shizune, Uzumaki Rina, and Karin also returned home.
"Kitazawa and I need to discuss a treatment plan. Please don't disturb us." After dinner, Tsunade spoke in her usual tone.
"A treatment plan?" Shizune asked curiously.
Normally, treatment plans were finalized before surgery.
But Tsunade and Kitazawa rarely needed them. Their abilities were so exceptional that such preparation was often unnecessary.
Hearing that the two of them were working on a treatment plan together surprised her.
"That's right." Kitazawa gave a brief explanation.
Shizune and Uzumaki Rina were now considered high-level personnel in Konoha, so there was no issue with them knowing about the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Alright, let's not waste time." After Kitazawa finished speaking, Tsunade turned and went upstairs.
"Go ahead and get busy, then." Shizune nodded. "We'll handle the dishes."
Hearing this, Kitazawa followed Tsunade upstairs.
The moment he entered the room, his hand was grabbed. Tsunade pulled him to the bedside and gave him a firm push.
Caught off guard, Kitazawa fell backward onto the bed. But he wasn't upset—because what he saw took his breath away.
Clothes slipped to the floor.
Tsunade stood before him, completely naked.
Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes filled with allure, her presence radiating an indescribable charm.
"Weren't we supposed to be discussing treatment options?" Kitazawa asked with a smile.
"Isn't this a discussion?" Tsunade climbed onto the bed.
"That's true. In-depth communication is still a discussion." Kitazawa embraced her heated body, smiling.
Tsunade sat up, her snow-white thighs tightening. She looked down at him, frowned slightly—then relaxed.
"So, where should we start this discussion?" Kitazawa placed his hands on her hips.
The fullness beneath his palms stirred an irresistible urge.
"No idea," Tsunade muttered and closed her eyes.
"Then let's just chat casually," Kitazawa said, gazing at her surging, pale skin.
But his wish was quickly shattered.
Because after a while, Tsunade began rambling endlessly—so much so that nothing she said made sense anymore.
The next day was Friday.
Kitazawa opened his eyes. What greeted him was Tsunade's fair, delicate skin—almost dazzling.
"Tsunade-sensei." Kitazawa reached out and pinched her nose.
"I… I want to sleep a little longer…" Tsunade grabbed his hand and pressed it against her generous bosom.
Softness and warmth enveloped him instantly. He hesitated for a moment—but ultimately didn't wake her again.
Still, he knew very well that Tsunade would not actually be able to sleep in.
"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune's voice soon rang out from outside.
"I heard you! Stop nagging!" Tsunade shouted irritably.
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile.
"What are you laughing at?" Tsunade flipped over. "This is all your fault!"
"It's my fault," Kitazawa admitted readily.
Tsunade paused, then hesitated to say anything further. Strictly speaking, she was the one who initiated last night's "discussion."
Tsunade sat up, exposing vast stretches of snow-white skin to the air.
Unbothered by the cold, she stretched and yawned, her mature and alluring body moving freely.
When she noticed Kitazawa staring intently, she smiled in satisfaction. She did it on purpose.
Kitazawa enjoyed the sight—and lost nothing—so it was a win-win.
"You should go back first." Tsunade leaned forward, lightly bit his lip, and whispered. "So Shizune won't get suspicious."
"Mm." Kitazawa nodded.
He changed his clothes and used the Flying Thunder God Technique to return to his room.
After breakfast, Kitazawa, Tsunade, and the others left together, before soon parting ways.
---
Kitazawa arrived at the Ninja Academy and summoned Sasuke and Naruto.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Sasuke and Naruto greeted him in unison.
"Naruto." Kitazawa extended his hand and said, "Output a portion of your Yang Release Chakra."
Although Naruto didn't quite understand what he was supposed to do, he followed the instructions without hesitation.
He placed his hand above Kitazawa's palm, and streams of Yang Release Chakra flowed steadily from his hand.
"That's enough. You can stop now." Kitazawa spoke once he judged the timing to be right.
Naruto nodded and withdrew his hand.
"Sasuke, don't resist." Kitazawa turned his gaze toward Sasuke.
"…?" Sasuke looked at him with confusion.
Kitazawa offered no explanation. Instead, he guided Naruto's Yang Release Chakra and let it surge directly into Sasuke's body.
Sasuke tensed instinctively, but quickly forced himself to relax. He felt a warm current of Chakra spreading through his body.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.
Transplanting Senju Hashirama's cells was an extremely dangerous operation. Those cells were far too active—highly invasive and difficult to control.
But Naruto's Yang Release Chakra was remarkably gentle. However, merely injecting Yang Release Chakra was not enough.
A thought flashed through Kitazawa's mind, and he began actively stimulating the Yang Release Chakra.
Sasuke let out a muffled groan. The warmth inside his body suddenly became lively, and even his own Chakra began to stir.
If it were someone else, they might have mistaken this sensation for something lethal.
But Sasuke soon noticed the difference. His Chakra was active, not chaotic.
Moreover, his entire body felt warm and relaxed, as if he were soaking in a hot spring. It was unexpectedly comfortable.
Five minutes later, Kitazawa stopped.
Under his guidance, Naruto's Yang Release Chakra had already been fully integrated into Sasuke's body.
Kitazawa immediately activated the Byakugan. His gaze swept across Sasuke's body in detail.
Although the changes were subtle, they did not escape his eyes.
Sasuke's physical strength had increased slightly.
Kitazawa nodded faintly. It seemed his speculation was not wrong.
Naruto and Senju Hashirama were both Ashura Chakra reincarnations, and their Chakra played similar roles.
However, Senju Hashirama was a special case—his effects and power were far stronger.
Combined with Wood Release, Kitazawa even suspected that he himself might be showing signs of ancestral regression.
After all, he was a ninja of the Senju Clan; some degree of atavism was not unusual.
"Sasuke." Kitazawa met Sasuke's puzzled gaze and asked, "Do you know what Chakra activation is?"
"Yes." Sasuke nodded. "Kakashi-sensei taught me when he trained me in Lightning Release: Chidori."
"That's right. Lightning Release: Chidori involves activating Lightning Release Chakra."
Kitazawa suddenly thought of Lightning Release Chakra Mode. In a sense, Sasuke was perfectly suited to learn such techniques.
"Today, I'll teach you how to activate the Yang Release Chakra." Kitazawa continued. "Once you master it, you'll be able to use Naruto's Yang Release Chakra to strengthen yourself."
"Huh?" Sasuke's eyes widened. "Why use Naruto's Yang Release Chakra?"
"It doesn't matter!" Naruto immediately gave a thumbs-up. "I'm willing to share my youthful power with you!"
"If you think it's unfair, you can release your Yin Release Chakra to Naruto," Kitazawa said this on a whim.
In the original records, only the miraculous effects of Hashirama's cells were mentioned.
It was also said that Indra's reincarnation could awaken the Rinnegan after receiving Ashura's physical body or cells.
But what about the opposite case? Kitazawa felt there was no harm in trying.
Who knew—it might even awaken some strange, mutated ocular power in Naruto.
"But…" Sasuke hesitated, as if he wanted to say something, then stopped.
This kind of training felt strangely unconventional.
"Let's not waste time. We'll begin now." Kitazawa coughed lightly and spoke in a serious tone.
After teaching for an hour, he left the task to a Shadow Clone. He had other matters to attend to.
Flying Thunder God Technique! Kitazawa vanished instantly and reappeared beside Kurenai.
He glanced around and realized they were not in the palace of the Land of Snow, but inside a tent.
"What brings you here?" Kurenai noticed him and asked in surprise.
"Of course, I came to see you." Kitazawa smiled.
He already left a Flying Thunder God mark on her.
"How are things here? When can you return?" Kitazawa asked.
"Koyuki Kazahana introduced me to several film crews," Kurenai replied. "I'm planning to select a suitable one and have them shoot the first movie about Konoha."
Kitazawa nodded in approval.
"It'll probably take another week." Kurenai smiled. "You can come pick me up then."
"Alright." Kitazawa reached out and patted her head. "I'll come on time."
"Are you busy right now?" Kurenai suddenly remembered something, lowered her head, and lightly licked his finger with her pink tongue.
Without a word, Kitazawa picked her up and carried her to the bed.
After lunch, he left the Land of Snow.
But he did not return to Konoha. Instead, he went to the Akatsuki Organization.
Konan, who was sitting on the sofa, immediately stood up when she saw him.
Knowing that Kitazawa could appear at any moment, she now spent most of her free time in her room.
Being outside made it easier for Nagato to notice something amiss.
"Have you eaten yet?" Kitazawa walked up to her, leaned in, and kissed her lips.
"No." Konan paused briefly. "I'm not hungry."
"I brought a bento. Want some?" Kitazawa casually picked it up.
"Mm." Konan nodded.
"How about I feed you?" Kitazawa smiled, glancing at her moist lips.
"…Mm." Konan maintained her usual cool expression.
Even if she was happy inside, she would never show it openly.
Kitazawa opened the bento and picked up a fried shrimp with his chopsticks.
Konan leaned forward slightly, red lips parting as she waited.
He brought the shrimp to her mouth. She bit into it, chewed slowly, and swallowed.
"How's the Akatsuki Organization doing lately?" Kitazawa asked as he continued feeding her.
"The Akatsuki Organization is recruiting," Konan replied.
Kitazawa immediately understood. Akatsuki had always been short on manpower.
He had already helped Konan recruit En Oyashiro, Chino's father, but it was still not enough—especially after Sasori had been captured.
Kitazawa guessed Akatsuki had two possible next moves.
Either continue recruiting. Or have Nagato personally intervene with the Six Paths of Pain.
In the original records, many Jinchuriki had indeed been captured by the Six Paths of Pain—such as Han and Utakata.
But Konoha would certainly be last.
First, because of the Gedo Mazo's absorption order.
Second, because Konoha and the Nine-Tails were the strongest.
Kitazawa suddenly let out a quiet "Eh." Would Pain invade the Hidden Cloud Village before Konoha?
After all, the Hidden Cloud Village was now protecting Yugito Nii and Killer Bee with everything it had.
Without Nagato's direct involvement, it would be difficult for the other Akatsuki members to capture them.
Kitazawa wasn't particularly concerned about the Hidden Cloud Village.
What he cared about more were his system tasks—especially the formation of the New Konoha Sannin.
He wondered if this might be Sasuke's next chance to rise to fame.