Kitazawa observed for a moment and nodded slightly.
Sasuke Uchiha truly lived up to his reputation as one of the original protagonists—his talent was exceptional. He had already grasped the basics of chakra nature manipulation; mastery was only a matter of time.
Kitazawa formed hand seals, splitting off a shadow clone. The clone would supervise Sasuke while the original returned to his office.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Hinata Hyūga paused her writing and greeted him.
"What will you write for your speech?"
Kitazawa approached her, smiling.
"I plan to share some study methods," Hinata said cautiously, glancing at him.
"Of course you can," he replied, patting her head. "Hinata, you're the top of the year now—have confidence."
"Mm," Hinata's heart warmed, and she felt motivated.
"Write first, and I'll review it with you afterward," Kitazawa said, returning to his desk.
He clasped his hands together and thought.
Naruto Uzumaki's task was to break into the top ten on the next monthly exam. Theoretically, it was unlikely. The only solution was rote memorization, anticipating the exam content in advance. As for the practical exam, reaching the top ten was feasible.
Naruto could excel in physical tests; with a bit more refinement in shadow clones and weapon throwing, there would be no problem. Kitazawa unrolled a scroll and began setting problems.
He had considered letting Naruto skip class to study, but the boy hadn't fully grasped the classroom content—skipping would only hurt him. The only way was after-school practice.
Afternoon arrived.
"I've finished writing, Kitazawa-sensei," Hinata said nervously, approaching him.
Kitazawa took the speech and read through it. True to her word, it was all about her study methods.
"You missed part of the conclusion," he said, meeting her gaze with a smile.
Hinata looked puzzled.
"No worries, I'll teach you," he said, taking a pen. Writing, he instructed, "Under the leadership of the Hokage, we must inherit the Will of Fire…"
Hinata tiptoed, leaning over the desk to watch carefully, her head tilted in concentration.
"Good, tomorrow we'll refine it further," Kitazawa said, putting down the pen. "Let's go to class."
"Okay," Hinata nodded, following him to the field.
She had lost a day to writing the speech; only the final class remained—practical training.
"Today we'll continue with clones. Students who failed last month's exam will receive focused guidance,"
Kitazawa announced to first-year A-class, smiling. Many students winced.
"Those who've mastered the technique may work freely," he said, forming hand seals to create a shadow clone. "Students who failed, follow my clone."
A-class split into two groups immediately.
"Ino, can I join your training?"
Sakura Haruno grabbed Ino Yamanaka's arm.
"You want to train? I wasn't planning to expose you," Ino teased.
Sakura wanted extra training for two reasons: she had mastered shadow clones, and she wanted to see Sasuke Uchiha.
"Listen," Ino's tone became serious. "Whatever your reason, if you want to train with us, you must be committed."
Sakura paused, sensing a maturity in her friend that felt unfamiliar.
"I understand. I'll train properly," Sakura said, gritting her teeth. For a chance to see Sasuke, enduring hardship was acceptable.
"I'll take you to see Kitazawa-sensei," Ino said, leading her to him.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Sakura asked expectantly, "can I join the training?"
Kitazawa considered for a moment, then nodded. For him, one more student didn't matter. The purpose was completing the system tasks.
Suddenly, four lines appeared before him:
[As class leader, you should accommodate your classmates' requests whenever possible.]
[Current Task: Assist Sakura Haruno with tree-climbing training.]
[Task Reward: Basic Medical Technique—Hemostasis.]
[Accept?]
A pleasant surprise—Sakura was one of the main female characters in the story. Hemostasis, a D-rank medical ninjutsu, could stop ordinary bleeding.
"Let's go to the training ground," Kitazawa nodded.
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!"
Sakura pumped her small fists with excitement.
They arrived at the training ground, joined by Ino and Hinata. Naruto hadn't come; his shadow clones weren't ready. Kurama Yakumo was learning genjutsu with Kurenai Yuhi.
"Sasuke-kun!"
Sakura shouted upon seeing Sasuke Uchiha but received no response.
"Quiet," Kitazawa instructed. "He's practicing chakra nature manipulation—no distractions."
"Sorry," Sakura covered her mouth hastily.
"My shadow clone will guide you in tree-climbing to improve chakra control," Kitazawa said. "Ino and Hinata, follow me."
They reached the artificial lake on school grounds.
"Today's training: walking on water."
Kitazawa leapt forward, chakra concentrated in his feet, walking across the water surface before stepping back on solid ground.
"Walking on water is an advanced chakra control exercise—harder than tree-climbing. Water cannot fully support body weight; one slip, and you fall in," he explained.
Ino nodded with determination; Hinata, despite better chakra control, looked anxious.
"Don't worry," Kitazawa said with a smile. "I'll catch you before you fall."
"Thanks, Kitazawa-sensei," Ino said, stepping onto the lake.
"Your turn,"
Kitazawa said, patting Hinata's head.
Hinata exhaled and placed a foot on the water surface. Kitazawa watched from the shore, ready to catch her should she falter.
The session ended quickly.
Kitazawa called out to Naruto.
"Here, take this," he said, handing a scroll. "Complete these exercises at home."
"Huh?"
Naruto was stunned.
"You ranked seventeenth last month. Don't you want to break into the top ten next time?"
Kitazawa asked.
"Yes!"
Naruto clenched his fists, resolved.
"If you reach the top ten next time, there'll be extra rewards," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Besides ramen, I'll teach you a powerful new ninjutsu."
"Really?"
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Bearing the name of the future Hokage, I'll make it to the top ten!"
Kitazawa's lips twitched at the familiarity of the phrase—didn't I hear this somewhere before?