Kitazawa arrived at the Uchiha Clan's compound.
He didn't go directly to the Anbu office, not only because it was after work hours, but also because he didn't want to attract Danzo's attention.
On the way to the Hokage Building, there were many people and eyes, and there would definitely be Root informants.
His visit to the Uchiha Clan's compound was far less conspicuous. After all, he was a Ninja Academy teacher, so home visits after school were quite normal.
"Teacher Kitazawa?" Sasuke, who was in the courtyard, noticed Kitazawa.
"You all pause your training." Uchiha Mikoto came over and said softly, "Teacher Kitazawa, you've come at a good time. You can stay and have dinner with us."
"I need to see Itachi about something." Kitazawa lowered his voice and said, "It's Lady Tsunade's instruction."
Mikoto's gaze sharpened. Although she became a housewife after marrying Uchiha Fugaku, she was still the clan leader's wife, so she naturally understood what needed to be understood. Since it was something specified by Tsunade, it must be important.
"Let's talk inside." Mikoto paused, then asked, "Fugaku isn't back yet. Do I need to inform him?"
"No need." Kitazawa shook his head.
This action would be tantamount to openly telling Danzo that they were gathering to cause trouble.
"Itachi, go make a cup of tea." Mikoto turned and instructed.
"Yes." Uchiha Itachi was slightly startled, sensing something unusual. But he didn't ask further and turned to get the tea leaves.
"Teacher Kitazawa." Sasuke followed into the living room, asking with some curiosity, "Are you looking for me for something?"
"It has nothing to do with you." Uchiha Mikoto patted his head and said, "Go back to your room; don't come out and disturb us."
"…?" Sasuke looked left and right.
Was there something he couldn't know? But since Mikoto had already said so, he couldn't ask any more questions.
"Teacher Kitazawa, please have some tea." A moment later, Itachi brought out a cup of hot tea.
"Thank you." Kitazawa took the tea, took a sip, and then said, "Itachi, Lady Tsunade would like to ask you for a favor."
"Lady Tsunade?" Itachi was surprised.
"Itachi." Mikoto quickly gave him a look.
"Please tell me." Itachi said seriously, "Lady Tsunade's favor, I will complete it even if it costs my life." Whether it was for the Uchiha Clan or for the Will of Fire, he had to give his all.
Kitazawa saw this and secretly thought, As expected.
Itachi was an extremely sharp blade. How much effect he could have had depended on how he was used.
Of course, the premise was that the task benefited the relationship between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha Village. And Tsunade represented Konoha Village.
"Root has a researcher named Shigaraki Tanuki." Kitazawa said directly, "Lady Tsunade hopes you can find out what research he is conducting."
"I understand. I will investigate it as soon as possible." Itachi readily agreed.
As an elite Anbu, investigation was the most common task, and he was extremely skilled at it. Although this time, the target of the investigation was a Root researcher, he didn't hesitate.
In the original story, the reason Itachi trusted Danzo was because he had no other choice at the time. After all, the Uchiha Clan had already clearly decided to rebel.
But now, he certainly wouldn't side with Danzo and Root, and he wouldn't have any psychological burden investigating them.
"If you find out what he's researching, don't disclose it to a second person." Kitazawa reminded him, "After getting the information, immediately conceal your tracks and come find me."
If it were someone else, he really wouldn't dare to trust them so much. But Itachi was wholeheartedly devoted to Konoha Village, and Kitazawa could even be certain that he wouldn't even tell Uchiha Fugaku and the others.
"Yes." Itachi's heart trembled upon hearing this.
Kitazawa's words, both explicit and implicit, suggested that Shigaraki Tanuki's research was extremely confidential and important.
His first reaction wasn't curiosity to peek at the research materials, but rather a feeling that he had gained Tsunade's trust.
After all, Tsunade's identity and status were there; with a single word from her, many people would carry out missions for her.
"I apologize for the intrusion; I'll take my leave now. Once this matter is concluded, Lady Tsunade will surely reward you handsomely." Kitazawa stood up and casually made a grand promise.
And such a grand promise was exactly what Itachi needed. He and Shisui had always tried their best to avoid conflict between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha Village.
But Danzo's inhumane actions and Sarutobi Hiruzen's wavering stance made them feel powerless. Uchiha Shisui was even ambushed by Danzo Shimura because he exposed the abilities of his Mangekyo Sharingan.
Even at that point, he still faked his own suicide. Because if the Uchiha Clan members knew about his ambush, they would certainly be enraged and rebel.
Now, Tsunade's appearance gave Itachi hope. Because she was truly taking action—especially her actions, which severely suppressed Danzo and Root, effectively reducing the pressure on the Uchiha Clan.
Kitazawa greeted Sasuke and then turned to leave.
"What do you think Lady Tsunade's objective is?" Mikoto saw Kitazawa off and closed the door.
"I don't know." Itachi shook his head.
"Whatever it is, targeting Root is always a good thing," Mikoto said with a smile. Root's actions were too reckless; even someone with her gentle personality detested Root.
"Hm." Itachi suddenly thought of something and reminded her, "Don't tell Father about the Shigaraki Tanuki matter."
"Why?" Uchiha Mikoto was startled.
"If he also sends people to investigate Shigaraki Tanuki, it will ruin Lady Tsunade's important plan," Itachi said in a deep voice.
"Fugaku wouldn't be so reckless." Uchiha Mikoto argued, "He's still very clear-headed when it comes to important matters."
"Regarding Lady Tsunade, no mistakes can be made." Itachi's tone remained very firm.
"Alright then." Uchiha Mikoto saw this and said, "Let's not tell him for now."
"When he finds out, just say that Lady Tsunade requested secrecy." Itachi added, "He won't blame us."
---
Kitazawa returned home.
He entered the living room and noticed Kurenai practicing Sealing Technique: Four Limbs Weighting Seal in front of the coffee table. Her body was slightly leaning forward, her perky buttocks round and alluring.
Kitazawa walked up and hugged her from behind. He immediately felt the softness of her buttocks pressed against him.
"You disrupt my training the moment you get back!" Kurenai stopped practicing, turned her head, and glared at him.
"I apologize to you." Kitazawa finished speaking, then turned her body around and kissed her.
Kurenai subconsciously struggled twice, but ultimately chose to give up. Her body softened, and she wrapped her arms around Kitazawa's neck.
The next second, she felt a pain in her chest. Kurenai didn't even need to look to know it was Kitazawa's dishonest hand.
After a long while, their lips parted.
"Aren't you going to take your hand off?" Kurenai asked, panting.
"I couldn't control myself for a moment." Kitazawa moved his hand away from her chest. Losing that tender touch made him feel incredibly reluctant.
"I'm going to cook. You wait for me obediently; don't cause trouble." Kurenai pulled up her clothes, covering a large expanse of white.
"Wait." Kitazawa suddenly thought of something and said, "You've pretty much mastered Sealing Technique: Four Limbs Weighting Seal; you can learn new Ninjutsu."
As he spoke, he handed her a scroll.
"What Sealing Technique is it this time?" Kurenai took the scroll and asked casually.
"It's not a Sealing Technique," Kitazawa explained. "These are two Ninjutsu I created for Ino, and I think they're very suitable for you too."
"Thank you, Teacher Kitazawa." Kurenai blinked and said playfully.
"I see you don't want to eat dinner tonight!" Kitazawa subconsciously rolled up his sleeves.
"Pervert!" Kurenai turned and ran into the kitchen.
After letting out a breath, she opened the scroll. After seeing Ninja Art: Hundred Flowers Chaos and Ninja Art: Moonlight Beauty, she revealed an exceptionally charming smile.
These two Ninjutsu were indeed very suitable for her. She even felt that Kitazawa had created these two Ninjutsu specifically for her. After all, they were both related to Genjutsu.
Kurenai put away the scroll and started cooking. Kitazawa went directly to the dining table to wait. He didn't wait long before he saw Kurenai, wearing an apron, walk over with a plate of food.
"The apron is great." Kitazawa praised.
Kurenai put down the dish, lowered her head, and kissed him on the mouth. She curled her lips, her eyes sparkling, and said, "I'll go get the bowls and chopsticks; wait for me."
Kitazawa's heart was itching. This Kurenai was truly too much like a virtuous wife and loving mother, exuding a gentle aura all over.
Kurenai turned and went to the kitchen, reappearing shortly after.
"Once you've learned the two Ninjutsu I gave you, I'll teach you a new Sealing Technique." Kitazawa picked up his chopsticks and said.
"Hmm." Kurenai nodded and said, "These two Ninjutsu are related to Genjutsu, so learning them should be much faster than Sealing Technique."
"My Kurenai is an excellent Genjutsu Ninja," Kitazawa said with a smile.
"Just eat, don't talk about all this nonsense." Kurenai lifted her leg and kicked him under the table, then asked, "Why are you an hour late coming home today?"
"Lady Tsunade had something she needed me to do, so it delayed me," Kitazawa explained.
"No wonder." Kurenai didn't ask further, continuing, "Asuma came by earlier, but you were delayed and hadn't returned yet."
"What did he come for?" Kitazawa took a bite of fried shrimp and asked.
"He said he became an Anbu squad leader and that if we ever ran into trouble, we could go to him for help," Kurenai replied.
"Joined the Anbu?" Kitazawa let out a soft "hmm."
There was no such event in the original work. It seemed to be his butterfly effect.
However, Asuma's joining the Anbu wasn't entirely unexpected, as there was a precedent. His older brother, Konohamaru Sarutobi's parents, were previously Anbu squad leaders.
Perhaps Asuma also joined the Anbu in the original work. After all, his experiences before becoming the leader of the new Ino–Shika–Chō of Team 10 were not explicitly mentioned.
"He's a pretty good guy, though." Kitazawa chuckled and said.
An Anbu squad leader is already a high-ranking position, and Asuma is the Third Hokage's son. If he truly wanted to help them, he could indeed solve most of their problems.
But Kitazawa didn't like owing favors. Asking Itachi for help wouldn't incur a debt because it was a matter of mutual benefit. After all, the Uchiha Clan also needed Tsunade and him to help.
"I'll do the dishes." After dinner, Kitazawa offered.
Kurenai cooked tonight, so making her do the dishes too would be too much. Besides, he had a small request he wanted to make tonight.
Kitazawa cleared the table and took the dishes and chopsticks to the kitchen. When he finished washing the dishes and returned to the living room, he saw Kurenai reading the Ninjutsu scroll he had given her.
"Kurenai." Kitazawa leaned in, bit her ear, and asked, "I gave you two Ninjutsu, how are you going to repay me?"
"What do you want to do now?" Kurenai looked up and gave him a glare.
Having been together for a long time, she completely understood Kitazawa. One could only say… he had many tricks.
Although she reluctantly agreed to all his requests and had a very good experience, she felt like she had been led astray; she used to be very reserved.
"Nothing." Kitazawa bent down and lifted her legs onto his lap.
Kurenai, with no choice, shifted her bottom and sat sideways on the sofa.
"I haven't seen you wear stockings in a long time. How about tonight?" Kitazawa reached out and massaged her feet.
"Mm." Kurenai, upon hearing this, actually breathed a sigh of relief. This request was relatively simple.
"Go wait for me in the room." Kurenai kicked him and said, "I'll be there after I finish reading this Ninjutsu scroll."
Kitazawa didn't bother her anymore after hearing that.
He returned to the room to wait, and while he had time, he began studying the Disorderly Dance Technique that Tsunade had given him.
During this period, he had been busy learning Sealing Techniques, Earth Release, and Water Release, leaving no time for the Disorderly Dance Technique.
Night deepened.
Two hours later, the sound of a door opening echoed. Kitazawa subconsciously looked up—and immediately widened his eyes.
Kurenai had changed into black sheer tights. From her jade feet to her waist, everything was wrapped in glossy black fabric. And the best part was that she wore nothing else but the black sheer tights.
Kitazawa immediately stood up, walked over, and embraced her. Kurenai felt her body lighten and was suddenly suspended in the air.
The next second, the sound of tearing stockings rang out. Kurenai rolled her eyes.
A perfectly good pair of stockings was ruined just like that, even though she had carefully chosen them for a long time.
But soon she couldn't even utter a complete sentence, clinging to him like an octopus to avoid falling.
The moon set, the sun rose, and before they knew it, it was early morning.
Kitazawa opened his eyes, glanced at the sleeping Kurenai, then got up and changed his clothes. Based on his understanding of her, she would probably sleep until midday to recover her strength.
He didn't disturb her. Today was Saturday.
He still had to go with Yakumo next door to treat Tsunade's hemophobia.
Kitazawa went to the kitchen and casually made a bowl of ramen. By the time he finished eating, Karin had just arrived.
"Let's go." Kitazawa arrived at the door of the next house, raised his hand, and knocked.
"Kitazawa Sensei." It was Karin who opened the door.
"Good morning." Kitazawa reached out, patted her head, and said.
"Kitazawa Sensei, I've learned Finger Carving Seal!" Karin looked up, her eyes sparkling.
"You read it first, and next Tuesday I'll teach you." Hearing this, Kitazawa took out the Sealing Art: Fire Sealing Method Ninjutsu scroll.
"Thank you, Kitazawa Sensei!" Karin's face immediately broke into a smile.
Kitazawa and Yakumo walked into the house. Tsunade was, as always, sitting on the sofa waiting for them.
After some pleasantries, the treatment began. As before, first the dream, then the reality.
By the end of the morning, Yakumo's genjutsu could last for ten minutes.
Kitazawa felt it wouldn't be long before Tsunade could complete the Emotion Displacement of Nawaki's death.
"Kitazawa Sensei, goodbye." Yakumo greeted him, then turned and left.
Kitazawa watched her receding figure, deep in thought. It had been three weeks since school started—perhaps it was time to try teaching her some Taijutsu.
Kitazawa returned home. Time flew quickly during his training.
For these two and a half days, he focused on one thing alone: practicing Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique.
---
Tuesday.
Konoha Village entered February; the temperature had risen somewhat, but it was still relatively cold.
Kitazawa arrived at the school's training ground on time. The students of the Genius Class had already begun their training because Maruboshi Kosuke had arrived earlier than Kitazawa.
As soon as he came, he got the students moving.
Kitazawa called Karin over. He fulfilled his promise and taught her Sealing Art: Fire Sealing Method.
After teaching for half an hour and seeing that she had grasped the basics, he let Karin practice on her own.
Kitazawa walked to the track beside the training ground. Yakumo and Rock Lee were running. But the former was far behind the latter.
"Yakumo, come here." Kitazawa watched for a moment, then determined that her physical fitness was barely up to standard.
"Ki… Kitazawa Sensei." Yakumo walked over, panting.
"Today I'm going to teach you a Taijutsu called Konoha Whirlwind." Kitazawa thought for a moment and said.
"Is it the Konoha Whirlwind that Naruto and Lee shout?" Yakumo tilted her head and asked, "Do I need to shout it out when I use it, too?"
"No." Kitazawa's mouth twitched.
You've been misled by them! What kind of proper ninja would shout it out?
"Watch closely, Yakumo." Kitazawa walked in front of a tree and kicked it directly.
With a bang, the tree trembled violently from the immense force, and a large number of leaves fluttered down.
Yakumo's eyes lit up. This was the ninja she dreamed of becoming. While a Genjutsu ninja was also good, it didn't fit her impression of a traditional ninja.
"You try." Kitazawa moved aside.
Yakumo nodded. She took a deep breath, suppressed her excitement, and kicked out, imitating Kitazawa. But the tree in front of her didn't budge.
Yakumo couldn't help but feel a little disheartened.
"Take your time." Kitazawa patted her head and said.
"Mm!" Yakumo regained her spirits and continued practicing Konoha Whirlwind.
Kitazawa stood in place for a while, then noticed Kabuto walking over.
"Kitazawa Sensei." Yakushi Kabuto spoke first, "I've already learned Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere."
Kitazawa wasn't surprised. He had taught him Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere before the New Year.
Kabuto was older and had a good foundation, so learning it in over a month wasn't particularly fast. Aburame Torune and Uchiha Izumi were much slower.
Uchiha Izumi was learning the B-rank Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Claw. But after she activated her Two-Tomoe Sharingan, she returned to the Uchiha Clan to study related knowledge, which delayed her for a period of time.
Aburame Torune was simply young. His current strength relied purely on his mechanism—his nano-sized poisonous insects.
Aside from that, his strength was similar to Shino Aburame's, as they were both only seven years old. He also wasn't that fast at learning Konohs-style Body Flicker.
"Then I'll teach you the advanced version of Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere—Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere." Kitazawa thought for a moment and said.