In response to Tsunade's question, Kitagawa said, "Your analysis is correct, Tsunade-sama."
"But you shouldn't forget—I developed Shave."
"And I just proposed a new technique concept that I call Iron Body."
"That's my greatest advantage!"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, studying Kitagawa intently. "You... have you already mastered that advanced movement technique you mentioned?"
Kitagawa didn't answer directly. Instead, he raised his chin. "How about it, Tsunade-sama—want to just concede and save yourself?"
Tsunade scoffed. "I'm not conceding!"
"Even if you've mastered that movement technique, you're no match for me."
"Air-based directional movement can't possibly compare to ground-based speed."
With that, Tsunade put her hands on her hips and laughed. "Brat, you're definitely losing. Your best choice is to concede now and avoid getting beaten later."
Even the night couldn't dim Tsunade's radiant beauty.
Kitagawa's eyes showed admiration as he smiled. "Don't get overconfident too soon, Tsunade-sama. Because I know your information, but you don't know what other tricks I have."
Tsunade frowned, then pouted. "Tch. Technique development isn't that easy to accomplish."
"Alright, you should go home. I need to get some sleep too."
With that, Tsunade vaulted over the wall and headed home.
Kitagawa smiled and turned to leave.
In the courtyard, Tsunade glanced back and thought to herself. Does this little pervert have other trump cards?
Damn it. Looks like I can't relax in the coming days.
I already lost once. This time I absolutely cannot lose!
Meanwhile.
Passing a certain alley, Kitagawa's footsteps stopped. He turned to face the dark passage.
Two figures seemed to blend with the darkness.
Danzo and a Root operative!
Kitagawa walked into the alley.
Danzo's expression was emotionless, his voice cold. "Kitagawa, you're being careless."
Kitagawa was surprised. "Careless?"
"About the list?"
Looking confused, Kitagawa asked, "Which name on the list seems careless to you?"
Danzo said, "Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha, Gai Maito, Hinata Hyūga... except for Kakashi Hatake, none of them are qualified."
"Even Kakashi Hatake isn't suitable for the Root."
Kitagawa shook his head. "I know my students best."
"Kakashi is absolutely the most talented child in this generation. No one compares to him."
"Obito Uchiha... though his personality is flighty and he seems unreliable, he's from the Uchiha clan. Any member of their clan has infinite potential, especially a child as full of love as Obito."
"And Hinata Hyūga from the Hyūga clan—the power of the Byakugan speaks for itself."
"As for Gai..."
Kitagawa smiled. "In my eyes, his future achievements could even surpass Kakashi's."
"Of course, some other children also have excellent talent, like Asuma Sarutobi. But clearly they're not suitable for Root. The Third Hokage would never agree."
Danzo's expression darkened. "Are you serious?"
Kitagawa nodded. "Of course. This is my profession."
"Danzo-sama, please don't doubt me. Otherwise you're just losing face."
"Of course, if you feel it's inappropriate, our cooperation can end. Those jutsu I haven't started practicing yet. The blade I haven't used. Both can be returned in perfect condition."
Danzo frowned. "I need people who can protect the Leaf Village in darkness."
Kitagawa countered, "Do you think they can't become nameless protectors of the village?"
"Or do you think... they lack darkness?"
"I understand the nature of Root. The missions are different from regular ones. They require emotional restraint, even emotional suppression."
"But... perhaps some people are naturally devoid of emotion. Yet clearly, such people are very, very rare."
"I'm only responsible for selecting people with potential. I'm not responsible for shaping their darkness."
"If I did that... shouldn't the Root be under my leadership?"
Danzo's eyes narrowed. "You're very bold!"
Kitagawa shrugged. "I just prefer speaking honestly."
"Oh, by the way—at noon, that same list was already submitted to the Third Hokage."
"If you don't act decisively, that list will probably become invalid."
Danzo's gaze darkened, then he said, "Then continue selecting."
Kitagawa smiled. "Of course, no problem."
"However, you'll need to increase the payment."
Danzo frowned. "What do you mean?"
Kitagawa frowned back. "You don't think those things from last time would make me serve you forever, do you?"
"Of course—that was just the price for the first list. If you want another list, naturally we need new terms!"
In that moment, Danzo gained new understanding of Kitagawa's greed.
The cat-masked Root operative behind him spoke, "Kitagawa, no one speaks to Danzo-sama this way. You'd better think carefully. Otherwise, your life is in danger."
Kitagawa's eyes narrowed, and menace flashed in them. "Is that a threat?"
The cat-masked operative said flatly, "No, I'm simply stating facts."
"Oh?"
Kitagawa laughed and then beckoned to the operative. "Show me your strength."
Danzo made no gesture, tacitly consenting.
The cat-masked operative stepped forward. The moment his form passed Danzo, he exploded forward, drawing his blade in one motion. A brilliant white blade-light pierced the darkness.
It was the light from Wind Style chakra attached to the blade.
Kitagawa's form silently split apart from the strike.
An afterimage!
The cat-masked operative was startled and locked onto Kitagawa standing on the wall. He immediately sheathed his sword and formed hand signs rapidly.
Wind Style: Wind Cutter Technique!
Invisible wind blades hissed through the darkness, cutting toward Kitagawa's legs.
Kitagawa's form vanished from the wall with Body Flicker. The wall immediately showed deep gashes.
If hit directly, the legs would definitely be severed.
Kitagawa's form reappeared at the alley entrance. "Your speed is too slow."
"I've seen your strength. Now let me show you mine."
His words finished, and Kitagawa vanished from his spot.
The cat-masked operative tracked Kitagawa's movement trail and raised his hand, firing shuriken.
But the next moment his eyes went wide. "What?!"
Accompanying successive air explosions, Kitagawa made continuous turns in mid-air, and in an instant appeared behind the cat-masked operative.
The operative's body froze. Under the mask, cold sweat poured down his face.
Danzo's expression finally changed.
Kitagawa's performance exceeded his expectations.
Speed was one thing, but that mid-air leverage move just now—even Danzo felt a chill run through him.
"Not bad movement technique."
Danzo offered a compliment.
Kitagawa smiled. "Thank you for the praise, Danzo-sama. If there's nothing else, I'll be going."