"Hinata."
Kitazawa walked beside her, asking, "Do you want to go home or continue training?"
"I…"
Hinata was about to answer when a loud, powerful voice interrupted her.
"Youth! Youth! Youth!"
Three voices merged into one. Though tired, the chant was rhythmic and unwavering.
Hinata instinctively looked over.
Three figures in matching green tight suits appeared before her eyes.
"Is that… Naruto?"
Hinata carefully recognized one of them as her classmate, Uzumaki Naruto.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
Naruto noticed them and waved excitedly.
"A perfect opportunity!"
Rock Lee suddenly accelerated, overtaking him.
"Not so fast! Take my Youth Tornado!"
Naruto leapt, spinning midair, easily catching up to Lee.
"This really ignites a fire within!"
Might Guy, tears streaming down his face, shouted, "Burn, youth!"
Due to Kitazawa's butterfly effect, Lee became Guy's student earlier than in the original timeline.
But the greatest impact wasn't on Lee, it was on Naruto.
Being of the Uzumaki clan, Naruto's physique was naturally strong, and his recovery abilities were frightening, making him a born taijutsu master.
Might Guy poured everything into training him, treating him as a true student.
This was why Kitazawa had recently let Naruto be more independent.
With taijutsu handled by Guy, Kitazawa only needed to assist Naruto's theoretical progress.
Kitazawa stroked his chin.
If Naruto mastered the Eight Gates, that would be terrifying.
He couldn't help but silently mourn for Sasuke Uchiha's future.
"They…"
Hinata watched in astonishment.
She couldn't comprehend the dynamic between Guy, Lee, and Naruto, it was shocking.
"Hinata, you haven't answered my question yet,"
Kitazawa reminded.
"I want to keep training."
Snapping out of her daze, Hinata replied without hesitation.
She had grown used to Kitazawa's training. Even though she had just defeated Toranosuke, she didn't want to stop.
Her dream was still to earn the recognition of Hiyashi Hyuga.
"Let's get Sasuke to join us,"
Kitazawa said after some thought.
To surpass Class 2-A, both Sasuke and Naruto were essential.
And Sasuke would surely agree to extra training.
The two made their way to the Uchiha clan residence.
Since the Nine-Tails incident, the Uchiha had relocated to the outskirts of Konoha.
Kitazawa and Hinata immediately drew attention from many Uchiha ninjas.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Hinata instinctively hid behind him, holding his hand.
"It's fine,"
Kitazawa reassured her. "They're all our village's ninjas. No conflict will happen."
Attacking one's own village ninja is basically rebellion.
The Uchiha weren't bold enough for that yet.
And frankly, he and Hinata weren't significant enough to ignite anything.
"Who are you?"
A sudden voice came from a young ninja approaching them.
Kitazawa observed him, instantly recognizing him as Itachi Uchiha, distinguished by his prominent tear troughs.
"I'm Kitazawa, a ninja school teacher,"
he stated plainly. "I'm here to find Sasuke Uchiha."
"You're Kitazawa-sensei?"
Itachi smiled. "I've often heard Sasuke speak of you. He says you're an excellent teacher."
"Are you Sasuke's older brother?"
Kitazawa feigned surprise. "I've long heard of your genius. Much admired."
"All just reputation,"
Itachi shook his head. "Sorry, I have matters to attend to, can't accompany you to find Sasuke."
He then indicated the way.
"Thank you."
Kitazawa and Hinata quickly arrived at Sasuke's home.
With Fugaku Uchiha absent, they were warmly received by Mikoto Uchiha.
After brief greetings, Kitazawa explained his purpose and took Sasuke along.
Ninja School Training Ground.
"Sasuke, how is your chakra nature transformation training progressing?"
Kitazawa asked.
Sasuke didn't reply, instead picking up a leaf.
Fire-nature chakra surged, distorting the air, sending a hot wave toward the leaf.
Moments later, the leaf dried out completely but didn't ignite.
"You're improving quickly."
Kitazawa praised. "With another day of practice, you can complete the preliminary training."
"Preliminary?"
Sasuke was surprised.
"Chakra nature transformation isn't as easy as you think,"
Kitazawa chuckled.
"No matter."
Sasuke clenched his fists. "I'll do whatever it takes to achieve my goal."
Really whatever it takes?
Kitazawa's mind subconsciously echoed the words.
He quickly shook his head, he wasn't some evil villain.
"Continue training."
Kitazawa left a shadow clone and went with Hinata to the artificial lake.
Without instruction, Hinata stepped onto the water, beginning her tread-water training.
Time passed slowly, until dusk arrived.
"Hahaha!"
Sasuke laughed aloud, watching the burning leaf in his hand.
Mid-laugh, he quickly formed hand seals.
A blazing fireball appeared from thin air.
Sasuke smirked.
The fireball grew from two to three meters high to five meters, doubled in size.
Now he was catching up to Itachi.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
Sasuke hurried over. "What's the next step in my training?"
"Fire Release, besides burning, it has a high temperature attribute."
Kitazawa took out a glass, filled it with lake water. "Evaporate this cup of water."
Sasuke held out his palm, channeling fire-nature chakra into the cup.
Moments later, his expression shifted, this task was challenging.
"Time's up. Train more tomorrow."
Kitazawa patted his shoulder. "This glass is yours."
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei."
Sasuke took the glass and left.
Kitazawa escorted Hinata back to the Hyuga estate, then returned home.
"Hinata."
Hiyashi Hyuga stood in the courtyard. "I haven't checked your Gentle Fist progress for a while. Time for a sparring session."
Earlier, he had received a report from Hiashi, regarding Hinata and Toranosuke's fight.
The fight's clean result surprised him.
Hinata froze at the sudden challenge, feeling uncertain.
But it was Hiyashi's command, she had no choice but to comply.
Hinata stepped forward, assuming her Gentle Fist stance.
Her gaze sharpened, and she struck first.
Bang!
Hiyashi blocked her effortlessly.
He raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised.
Hinata staggered back, inhaling deeply and striking again.
No matter her effort, it was futile.
"Alright, that's enough."
Hiyashi stepped back.
"Forgive me, Father."
Hinata instinctively apologized, seeing his stern expression.
"Why apologize?"
Hiyashi praised. "Your progress exceeds my expectations."
"Huh?"
Hinata was bewildered.
"Compared to last time, your reaction speed, chakra control, and Gentle Fist strength have all improved markedly."
Hiyashi paused. "Most importantly, your chakra has increased by half since before."
His tone conveyed genuine astonishment.
"I… this is all thanks to Kitazawa-sensei!"
Hinata hurriedly said.
"Kitazawa is just an ordinary chunin. He can only help with chakra control."
Hiyashi shook his head. "But chakra amount depends on the individual. He can't give you that."
"I… I didn't know."
Hinata looked puzzled.