Kitazawa brought Kabuto to their ninja squad's usual training ground, which was also at the Ninja Academy. However, because they weren't academy students, they didn't train with the Genius Class.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Aburame Torune and Uchiha Izumi immediately stopped their training and greeted him.
"Hmm." Kitazawa nodded. "Continue."
After speaking, he walked to an open space not far away.
"Although Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere is a B-rank Wind Release, it's much more difficult than Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere."
Kitazawa paused. "Once you learn Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call you a Wind Release Jōnin."
In the original work, Danzo once used Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere to counter Uchiha Sasuke's Susanoo. Although it didn't completely destroy Susanoo, it caused a noticeable impact.
Coupled with the Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere and Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken that Kabuto had already learned, he could indeed meet the standards of a Wind Release Jōnin.
Of course, this referred to a Jōnin of average Wind Release proficiency; there was still a gap between him and a Wind Release Jōnin like Danzo Shimura.
[As a Team leader, the greatest achievement is helping students become Jōnin.]
[Current Mission: Cultivate the first Jōnin.]
[Mission Reward: 20% Senju Clan Bloodline.]
[Do you accept?]
Kitazawa's eyes widened subconsciously. Such a pleasant surprise?
He hadn't expected Kabuto to suddenly trigger a mission. Although the mission stated to cultivate the first Jōnin, it was undoubtedly referring to Kabuto.
Kabuto's Medical Ninjutsu had long reached Jōnin level, and now with Wind Release, there would be even less doubt—provided he could pass the Jōnin Exam.
Kitazawa was very confident Kabuto would pass. But there was still one problem: their team had been established only a short time and hadn't completed enough missions.
Whether it was the Chūnin Exams or the Jōnin Exams, a certain number of missions were required.
The Chūnin Exams weren't as strict, but the Jōnin Exam was overseen by the Hokage. Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen relaxed the standards for Kitazawa's sake, the visible mission count still needed to be presentable.
However, this was easy to resolve—just let Kabuto and his team complete missions.
With their strength, as long as they weren't A-rank or S-rank missions, they would clear them quickly while gaining practical experience and practicing Ninjutsu.
Kitazawa accepted the mission without hesitation.
After all, the reward was 20% Senju Bloodline. He had already experienced the benefits of the Senju Bloodline. Currently at 40%, he wondered if there would be a qualitative change at 60%.
"Kabuto, I'll demonstrate it first." Kitazawa came back to his senses and formed hand signs.
He deliberately slowed down, allowing Kabuto to memorize the sequence for Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere.
After completing the hand signs, Kitazawa leaned back slightly and opened his mouth. The wind howled, and a large amount of Wind Release chakra surged out.
They quickly gathered in the air and, after compression, transformed into a giant wind sphere, which was then released.
Kitazawa aimed at the ground.
With a bang, the ground cracked under the impact of the wind sphere. Flying debris, mud, and weeds were torn apart by the dense wind. In an instant, dust exploded, creating chaos.
"Such powerful, destructive force!" Kabuto's eyes widened in surprise.
He finally understood why Kitazawa said that learning Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere would be equivalent to being a Wind Release Jōnin.
Aburame Torune and Uchiha Izumi, who were not far away, were also drawn by the commotion and showed looks of astonishment.
"Your turn." Kitazawa stepped back two paces.
Kabuto nodded and began forming hand signs with anticipation. However, the difficulty of Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere exceeded his expectations, and he failed several times.
But he wasn't in a hurry. Under Kitazawa's guidance, he gradually began to master the technique.
"Pause for now. All of you, come over—I have something to tell you." After teaching for half an hour, Kitazawa called out.
Aburame Torune and Uchiha Izumi immediately walked up to him, lining up alongside Kabuto.
"Our squad currently has a relatively small number of missions, which is not conducive to your future promotion to Jōnin," Kitazawa said slowly.
Kabuto couldn't help but adjust his glasses upon hearing this. Connecting it to Kitazawa's earlier mention of a Wind Release Jōnin, he had reason to suspect that this statement was aimed at him.
However, becoming a Jōnin was indeed good; it would grant more power and status. If he became a Jōnin, it would benefit Yakushi Nonō and the Konoha Orphanage.
"When I have time, I'll take you on A-rank or S-rank missions." Kitazawa continued, "But normally, the three of you will go on missions below A-rank."
Genin cannot undertake missions alone; they must have a squad leader. Chūnin also cannot undertake missions alone, but they can team up with other Chūnin to complete missions.
"Kabuto, you're in charge of this matter." Kitazawa looked at Kabuto.
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei." Kabuto immediately responded.
"Once you learn Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere, I will apply to Hokage-sama for you to take the Jōnin Exam."
Kitazawa reached out, patted his shoulder, and said.
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei." Kabuto thought, As expected, upon hearing this.
Aburame Torune and Uchiha Izumi subconsciously showed surprised expressions. They had only become Chūnin less than three months ago, and their teammate was already going to be promoted to Jōnin?
Although they also wanted to participate in the Jōnin Exam, they both knew their own limitations and that they wouldn't be able to pass.
Aside from his nano-level poisonous insects, Aburame Torune's own strength was barely at Chūnin level. Uchiha Izumi was considered an elite among Chūnin, but without a three-tomoe Sharingan, she couldn't reach Jōnin strength.
"Even after becoming a Jōnin, I will still be your teammate."
Kabuto smiled gently. "And you two will definitely become Jōnin too; it will just be a bit later than me."
Aburame Torune and Uchiha Izumi both nodded upon hearing this.
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile at the sight. With Kabuto around, he no longer had to worry about disagreements or internal conflicts within the Ninja Squad.
"Although your strength is more than enough for missions below A-rank, you might occasionally encounter assignments that exceed your rank," Kitazawa reminded them. "If you notice any problems, come to me immediately."
After all, in the original work, Team Seven encountered Zabuza Momochi, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, during a mere C-rank mission.
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei." Kabuto paused, then asked, "Should we go to the mission hall now?"
"You can," Kitazawa nodded, adding, "but remember to let me review any missions that involve going outside."
"Okay." With that, Kabuto led Aburame Torune and Uchiha Izumi out of the academy.
Kitazawa withdrew his gaze, intending to head to the Artificial Lake to practice Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique.
But at that moment, three lines of text appeared before his eyes:
[Current Mission: Help Shino Aburame cultivate Kikaichu with fire resistance.]
[Mission Reward: Gain 10% Fire Release damage resistance.]
[Host has completed the mission, reward issued.]
Upon seeing this, Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. Had Shino Aburame's Fire Release Kikaichu mutation experiment already succeeded?
To say "completely successful" wasn't entirely accurate. Only two Kikaichu capable of resisting conventional Fire Release had been cultivated—one for three seconds and one for five.
However, for Shino Aburame, this was more than enough. In truth, it marked a qualitative leap for the entire Aburame Clan. From now on, they would stand a far greater chance against a ninja who used ordinary Fire Release.
Kitazawa clenched his fist. He didn't feel any change in his body. This 10% Fire Release damage resistance was little more than a minor perk.
With his current strength, not many Fire Release techniques could hit him anyway. Still, it was better to have than not, and the mission needed to be done.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
A few steps later, Kitazawa saw an unusually excited Shino Aburame. Compared to his usual calm self, he was like a completely different person.
"I succeeded!"
Shino held out both hands. In his left hand was a pile of three-second Kikaichu, and in his right a pile of five-second Kikaichu—the latter still larvae, as if freshly hatched.
"Congratulations," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Perhaps one day you'll leave your name in the history of the Aburame Clan."
"I didn't think that far ahead," Shino replied, momentarily stunned. "And I didn't do much. It was mainly Kitazawa-sensei's guidance."
"No need for pleasantries." Kitazawa studied the Kikaichu and said, "I think the next step in the plan should be cultivating Kikaichu with Water Release resistance."
He had recently been practicing Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique and could help Shino complete the mutation experiment simultaneously.
"I'll follow Kitazawa-sensei's lead," Shino agreed without hesitation.
[Current Mission: Help Shino Aburame cultivate Kikaichu with Water Release resistance.]
[Mission Reward: Gain 10% Water Release damage resistance.]
[Do you accept?]
Kitazawa accepted the mission and accompanied Shino to the location where the previous experiments had been conducted.
Fire Release resistance was developed by repeatedly exposing the insects to Fire Release. Naturally, Water Release resistance would require continuous immersion in Water Release techniques.
Kitazawa had Shino place the Kikaichu on the ground, then controlled his chakra and unleashed Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique.
Tuesday quickly drew to a close. After school, Kitazawa did not leave immediately but went to the school's conference room. Next week would mark the first monthly exam of the semester.
Although the reformed Genius Class was unique, the monthly exam still had to be taken.
"Vice Principal Kitazawa," the teachers in the conference room greeted him one after another.
"Everyone's here? Let's start the meeting." Kitazawa walked onto the stage and sat at the head of the table.
The content of the meeting hadn't changed much: the teachers set the questions, and he compiled them afterward. But there was a key difference—the Genius Class would take a separate set of exams.
Because its students came from various grades, it would be inappropriate for them to take a First-Year exam together. Kitazawa entrusted this matter to Iruka, the Genius Class's theoretical studies teacher. It was most suitable for him to set the questions.
More importantly, Kitazawa didn't want to waste time on such matters.
Now, as the Vice Principal of the Ninja Academy, he could delegate authority appropriately. There was no need to handle everything personally—just as Naruto would later learn as Hokage.
Kitazawa's style resembled Tsunade's: slack off whenever possible. After all, the Ninja World ultimately respected strength.
Hashirama Senju's administrative talent as Hokage had been far inferior to Tobirama's, yet he was still hailed as the God of Shinobi.
After the meeting, Kitazawa left the Ninja Academy, pondering the first monthly exam of the semester.
For this exam, he had only one mission: help Hyuga Neji defeat Uzumaki Naruto.
Although Naruto had been training, his strength hadn't shown much change in the past two months—it had essentially stagnated.
Neji, on the other hand, had learned the Shadow Clone Technique and the Eight Trigrams: Vacuum Palm.
In raw power, Naruto still had the edge. However, his youth and lack of combat experience meant Neji could still beat him once.
Kitazawa concluded the key to victory lay in the Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm. In Naruto's mind, Gentle Fist was purely close combat; he wouldn't expect a long-range variant.
"For the remaining week, I can arrange targeted special training for Neji," Kitazawa thought, stroking his chin.
---
The next day, Wednesday.
At nine in the morning, the students of the Genius Class gathered on the Training Ground.
"I have an announcement." Kitazawa faced the group. "The first monthly exam of this semester will be held next Thursday and Friday."
"Has it been a month already?" Naruto scratched his head. "Time seems to fly by so fast."
"Fast? I only feel like time crawls," Shikamaru muttered weakly.
Back in First Year Class A, he could slack off during class.
But ever since joining the Genius Class, only Mondays were for lessons; the other four days were devoted entirely to training, leaving him no chance to be lazy. After all, Kitazawa's Shadow Clone was always watching.
"It is a bit fast. If I had another half-month, I could learn two more Water Release Ninjutsu." Sakura sighed with regret.
She had only just barely mastered Water Release: Water Disruption, and one jutsu wasn't enough to defeat Ino.
"Don't think I don't know what you're planning." Ino elbowed her friend with a smirk. "I've learned two Ninjutsu that Sensei Kitazawa personally tailored for me!"
"You actually have two?" Kiba's eyes widened.
"Who told me I'm so talented?" Ino put her hands on her hips, full of pride.
"I envy you guys so much." Naruto clenched his fists. "I want to learn new Ninjutsu too!"
"Aren't you laying the groundwork for that already?" Shino Aburame adjusted his glasses.
"That's true, but my progress is a bit slow," Naruto admitted.
Sasuke exhaled in relief. His own progress hadn't been particularly fast either. He was trying to learn Lightning Release: Chidori directly and had been training in the Lightning Release nature transformation.
Still, he had gained more than Naruto—he had also learned Konoha Style Swordsmanship. Of course, it was the version without its secret techniques; he hadn't started learning Konoha Style: Willow yet.
"It's because your strength increased too quickly before; now you're in a bottleneck," Shikamaru complained while explaining.
"I've got a secret weapon!" Tenten announced with a bright smile.
"Is it a new ninja tool?" Neji asked, glancing at her.
"No," Tenten said mysteriously. "It's from Kitazawa Sensei, and it's incredibly powerful!"
"Sensei Kitazawa probably won't let you use it, will he?" Ino asked doubtfully. "Otherwise, wouldn't that be bullying us?"
"Bullying?" Tenten froze. She had planned to unleash the Chameleon summon to wreak havoc in the practical combat exam.
"Hey!" Kiba grew impatient. "What kind of riddles are you talking about?"
"Yeah!" Rock Lee urged, eyes shining. "What exactly is this secret weapon full of youthful spirit?"
Everyone turned to Tenten. Except for Hinata and Ino, they didn't know yet.
"It's a summoned beast." Tenten was finally revealed.
"What, just a summoned beast?" Kiba said indifferently. "Everyone in the Inuzuka Clan has a ninja hound—though I haven't found mine yet."
"I have three," Hana Inuzuka added with a smile.
"The Aburame Clan's Kikaichu can strictly speaking also be considered summoned beasts," Shino said calmly.
"Sensei Kitazawa specifically found my summoned beast for me!" Tenten patted her chest. "I guarantee none of you can beat it!"
"I don't believe it!" Sakura retorted immediately. "How strong can a summoned beast be? It definitely can't beat Sasuke-kun!"
Sasuke nodded slightly. He thought the same. Summoned beasts were ultimately external tools; true strength came from oneself.
The Uchiha Clan's summoned animals—cats, hawks, crows—were mainly used for transmitting information.
"I think that statement needs to be discussed," Ino coughed lightly. She had seen the Kubisaki Lizard and knew its strength.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, feeling challenged. He didn't think he would lose to a summoned beast.
"Sensei Kitazawa!" Tenten asked quickly, "Can I use my summoned beast in the practical combat exam?"
"No." Kitazawa shook his head. "Summoning it consumes a large amount of your chakra. You'd lose your combat ability immediately."
"Then can't I just let it fight?" Tenten still wanted to show off her new companion, especially since the chameleon summon was so mighty and imposing.
"The practical combat exam assesses you, not your summoned beast." Kitazawa tapped her on the forehead. 'In truth, the main reason was that the chameleon summon was too disruptive to the Ninja Academy's balance and had to be sealed temporarily.'
"Alright…" Tenten gave up on the idea of using it in the exam.
"Can we see what kind of summoned beast it is?" Kiba asked, unable to resist his curiosity.
He didn't believe Tenten's boasts, but he did believe Kitazawa. If Kitazawa spoke so highly of it, it must be impressive.
"I want to see too!" Naruto raised his hand eagerly.
Sasuke, Shikamaru, Choji, and the others also turned their curious gazes toward Tenten.
Tenten looked at Kitazawa, clasped her hands together, and blinked, both pleading and acting cute.
"You can, but not at school." Kitazawa nodded. "Follow me to the Death Forest."
"Great!" Tenten raised her arm. "Let's go!"
With various thoughts, everyone followed Kitazawa to the vast Death Forest. After finding an open space, Tenten bit her thumb and pressed her hand to the ground.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
Smoke billowed, and from within it, the chameleon Lizard—over twenty meters tall—made a stunning appearance.
"So—so big!" Naruto craned his neck, unable to see its full height.
Sasuke's face darkened. With such a massive size, he truly wasn't sure he could defeat it. The others could only gasp in admiration.