Konoha Village, Forest of Death.
Konan descended from mid-air.
Although she could have flown directly back to the ANBU Base, doing so would have been far too conspicuous, and half the Ninja in Konoha would have noticed.
Konan released Kitazawa and intended to step back, but he pulled her in again.
"Did you use perfume?" Kitazawa lowered his head, sniffing the side of her neck, and asked.
"No," Konan replied with her usual calm expression.
"It smells good." Kitazawa chuckled and released her.
"If you li—" Konan stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizing how ambiguous it sounded.
"Why did you suddenly stop talking?" Kitazawa looked at her beautiful, delicate face and asked.
"I'm going back to the Akatsuki Organization today." Konan shifted the topic and said, "The mission request regarding Hōzuki Gengetsu should have been completed."
"Go and return quickly." Kitazawa nodded.
"Mhm," Konan responded, then vanished from the spot.
Kitazawa returned to Konoha Village and, after a brief consideration, headed to the Hokage Office.
He pushed the door open but didn't see Tsunade immediately. Turning his head toward the sofa, he saw her sprawled across it without any regard for her image.
It wasn't surprising, but still better than her rushing off to the Konoha Casino first thing in the morning.
"It's only morning. Why do you look so tired?" Kitazawa closed the door and walked over.
Looking down from above, he could clearly see her clothes rumpled and askew.
"Why can't I be tired in the morning?" Tsunade asked casually, eyes still closed.
"Are you planning to rest up this morning and head to the Konoha Casino this afternoon?" Kitazawa squatted down, once again experiencing what it meant to be highest when lying down.
"Is that how you see me?" The moment she heard "Konoha Casino," Tsunade immediately opened her eyes and looked at him, lying on her side.
As she moved, her clothes bunched up, her collar slid open, revealing her fair skin and the half-buried necklace.
"Have you ever cared about your image?" Kitazawa's eyelid twitched.
"Image doesn't make money, but you reminded me." Tsunade paused, then said righteously, "Give me money!"
"As expected of Tsunade-sensei, able to ask for money so effortlessly while lying down." Kitazawa praised.
"That's my money!" Tsunade glared at him. "Why can't I ask for it?"
"I never said I wouldn't give it to you." Kitazawa smiled. "I meant it's not easy to take money while lying down."
Tsunade reluctantly sat up, though she still leaned back in a relaxed posture.
"Seeing how tired you look, I'll reluctantly give you a massage." Kitazawa sat beside her and patted his thigh.
Tsunade immediately lay down, resting her head on his lap, legs stretched out across the sofa.
"I don't think you're tired—you're just lazy." Kitazawa reached out and kneaded her soft cheek.
"What are you doing? So disrespectful!" Tsunade warned sharply.
"Massaging," Kitazawa said calmly, moving his hands to her forehead.
Tsunade pouted and closed her eyes again. Her body gradually relaxed, and she drifted off to sleep.
Kitazawa subconsciously looked at her.
Her breathing was steady, her clothing rising and falling with each inhale—rhythmic and visually striking.
He thought for a moment, and pale green Chakra surged from his palms.
Time passed quietly.
Tsunade eventually woke up. She stretched, feeling completely refreshed.
"Thank you." She stood up, looking at Kitazawa.
"Just 'thank you'?" Kitazawa sat on the sofa, looking up at her.
Tsunade stepped forward, her legs touching the sofa edge. She leaned down, slowly lowering her head.
Kitazawa watched her soft red lips draw close until they pressed against his.
Instinctively, he reached out.
Because Tsunade was standing, his left hand rested on her thigh, while his right hand landed on her buttocks.
The difference in sensation made him instinctively squeeze.
Tsunade let out a soft hum but only tapped his head lightly. After tapping, she wrapped her arms around his head and deepened the kiss.
Seeing this, Kitazawa caressed her buttocks with both hands, tracing their perfect curves.
Only when Tsunade could no longer endure his wandering hands did she push him away. She stepped back, slightly breathless, a faint blush blooming across her fair cheeks.
"If you dare be that naughty again, I'll kick you out!" Tsunade warned fiercely.
"I understand, Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa replied seriously to her empty threat.
"I'm hungry. Let's go eat." Tsunade glanced at the clock and changed the subject.
"Eat out? Or eat here?" Kitazawa asked.
"Let's eat at the Konoha Casino!" Tsunade perked up instantly.
Kitazawa shook his head helplessly. Did she reveal her true nature after only a few sentences?
"Let's go, don't waste time." Tsunade headed to the door.
"Did you forget something?" Kitazawa smiled. "You need to ask Shizune-senpai for leave."
"I'll leave Shizune to you. Go convince her." Tsunade urged impatiently, "Hurry up, I'll wait for you!"
Kitazawa moved close, kissed her again—earning a glare—then walked toward the Hokage Secretariat.
Tsunade watched him leave, licked the corner of her mouth, and couldn't suppress a smile.
After Kitazawa greeted Shizune, he and Tsunade went to the Konoha Casino.
The current Konoha Casino was already the most prosperous in the entire village. Firstly, for its service, and secondly, for its fairness.
Even if it earned slightly less than other casinos, it was still an astronomical amount.
After lunch, Tsunade couldn't wait to start gambling.
Kitazawa sat beside her and used the time to organize his system missions. Compared to before, he had very few remaining—only five.
Two were long-term missions: helping Naruto become a Perfect Jinchuriki, and forming the New Konoha's Three Sannin.
Three relatively short-term system missions were to cultivate four trusted subordinates, help Haku learn three Ice Release techniques, and cultivate Kikaichu with Earth Release resistance.
Kitazawa stroked his chin. He needed to find a way to trigger more system missions.
Five system missions felt too few, and helping Haku learn three Ice Release techniques would be completed soon, leaving only four remaining.
In addition, the mission to cultivate four trusted subordinates could also be completed at any time.
After completing so many system missions, Kitazawa had roughly figured out how they were triggered.
First, growth-type missions, most of which were triggered by students of the Genius Class.
Currently, all the students in the Genius Class have settled into their training routines. The one most likely to trigger system missions now was Shion, who had just joined.
Besides her, there was also Kimimaro. Kitazawa mentioned him because his Shikotsumyaku was still 30% away from being fully activated.
Second, Ninjutsu-type missions, such as learning or creating Ninjutsu.
Kitazawa thought of Sage Mode. It was what he wanted to learn the most right now.
As for Wood Release, it was limited by his Chakra capacity, preventing him from learning more advanced Wood Release techniques.
Speaking of Sage Mode, the most likely beings to trigger related system missions were the three Great Summoning Sage lands and Jiraiya.
Fight Jiraiya? Or challenge the Great Toad Sage or the White Snake Sage? Kitazawa felt it wouldn't be that simple.
Third, event-type missions, tied to major plotlines in the original story. Right now, there are no major or main plot events.
He would have to wait until the Akatsuki Organization activated the Eye of the Moon Plan.
Kitazawa could force the main plot to begin early, but there was no need. His strength wasn't yet invincible, and he didn't want unnecessary trouble.
Besides the main plotline, there were also many side plots and movie plots.
Things like the Kusagakure Box of Ultimate Bliss or the Land of Demons' Moryo were already done, and he had completed their system missions.
Fourth, combat-type missions, triggered by defeating or killing a well-known Ninja. For example, the challenge from Kakuzu, which was just completed today.
Kitazawa suddenly thought of Hōzuki Gengetsu. As the Second Mizukage, he should theoretically be able to trigger related system missions.
Could it be because he was an Edo Tensei?
Thinking it through, it made sense; if Hōzuki Gengetsu could trigger missions, then Kitazawa could farm endless missions by digging up famous Ninja from history and resurrecting them with Edo Tensei.
Kitazawa secretly lamented the missed opportunity. Although the system was somewhat idiotic, it was still mostly normal and wouldn't allow such exploits.
In summary, these four types were the ones most commonly triggered. However, rules were rules—meeting the conditions didn't guarantee a mission, but it was highly likely.
Kitazawa fell into contemplation.
The sun dipped toward the west.
As expected, Tsunade had lost money the entire afternoon again. Kitazawa followed her out of the Casino, wearing a displeased expression.
"Damn it!" Tsunade stomped her foot, and a stone instantly crumbled into powder.
"Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa reminded her, "Don't damage the ground."
Tsunade suddenly spun around, glaring at him irritably.
"If you damage the ground, I'll have to find someone to repair it tomorrow," Kitazawa said with a slight smile.
"I wasn't planning on damaging the ground." Tsunade raised an eyebrow and snorted coldly. "I am the Hokage, after all."
"Shizune-senpai and the others will be getting off work soon. If they return home and we're not there, they'll definitely get suspicious." Kitazawa glanced at the sky.
"Then let's go," Tsunade replied immediately.
She was slightly afraid of Shizune—or rather, felt guilty. After all, she had sneaked out during work hours and spent the entire afternoon at the Casino without Shizune knowing.
Tsunade subconsciously glanced at Kitazawa.
She sensed something subtle. Although Kitazawa, like Shizune, usually kept her in check, things were entirely different at crucial moments.
Like today. Kitazawa had become her accomplice and taken her to the Casino.
"What's wrong?" Kitazawa noticed her expression and smiled.
"I want tender chicken tonight—and sake." Tsunade lightly coughed.
"Then you return first and handle Shizune-senpai and the others. I'll buy the tender chicken and sake." Kitazawa said after thinking for a moment.
"Mhm." Tsunade nodded and turned to leave.
---
The next day, Tuesday.
In the Hidden Rain Village of the Land of Rain, the weather remained rainy. But compared to before, the atmosphere had changed.
Previously, whenever it rained, both Ninja and the villagers felt irritated. Now, seeing the rain was like seeing money, and everyone was extremely excited.
Konan looked around. Every household had installed water collection devices. Rainwater flowed through rooftop pipes, eventually gathering in the reservoir outside the village.
Konan withdrew her gaze and walked up to the high platform.
"Why did you suddenly return?" Deva Path Pain looked at her, sounding slightly surprised.
"I received a commissioned mission in Konoha, so I came back briefly," Konan explained. "I plan to have Kakuzu and Hidan carry it out."
She didn't tell Nagato that the commissioned mission came from Kitazawa.
Kitazawa's identity was sensitive; she feared Nagato might refuse, so it was better not to mention him.
Deva Path Pain nodded, asking nothing more. Although he was the leader of the Akatsuki Organization, most internal affairs were managed by Konan.
He was God, after all, and only needed to protect the Land of Rain.
"There is something," Deva Path Pain suddenly said. "Deidara returned to Iwagakure for a matter."
Konan couldn't help but be stunned. Deidara was Ōnoki's student, so why had he gone back to Iwagakure?
For some reason, Kitazawa's figure flashed through her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling that this matter was connected to Kitazawa—or more accurately, to his Wood Release.
"Our Akatsuki Organization is currently facing a personnel shortage crisis."
Deva Path Pain continued, "I've already sent White Zetsu out to scout for candidates. If a suitable one appears, it will notify you."
The Akatsuki Organization had two purposes for recruiting members: capturing Tailed Beasts and having the Gedo Statue absorb them. Strictly speaking, the second was more important.
Capturing Tailed Beasts could be done by Nagato alone, but the Gedo Statue could not absorb them without assistance.
This required an S-rank Sealing Jutsu called the Phantom Dragons' Seal Technique.
Its effect was to extract the Tailed Beast from the Jinchuriki and seal it into the Gedo Statue.
The issue, however, was that this Sealing Jutsu required ten Ninjas to perform simultaneously. Moreover, they could not be random Ninja—they had to be Jonin among Jonin, true Elite Jonin.
After all, the Phantom Dragons Nine Consuming Seals was an S-rank Sealing Jutsu. Ordinary Ninja could not learn it.
Furthermore, performing the Phantom Dragons Nine Consuming Seals lasted several days, and a Ninja without sufficient strength simply would not endure it.
In short, the Akatsuki Organization had to maintain at least ten members.
But because of Kitazawa, Itachi, Kisame, Orochimaru, and Deidara either didn't join or were no longer in the Akatsuki Organization due to various reasons.
"I understand. I'll make time to recruit people when needed." Konan nodded.
The Akatsuki Organization's recruitment method was simple and brutal: beat them up first, then talk.
White Zetsu had no combat ability, so Konan had to go personally.
As for Deva Path Pain, unless it was a special circumstance, he generally wouldn't leave the Hidden Rain Village.
---
Time quickly reached Thursday.
Before nine in the morning, all the students of the Genius Class had already arrived in the classroom. The reason was simple: today was the first day of final exams—the written test.
"Are you guys going anywhere during summer vacation?" Ino lay on her desk, blowing upward and making her golden bangs flutter.
"Summer represents youth, and youth means passionate training!" Naruto gave a thumbs-up.
"Aren't you tired of training all day?" Ino asked helplessly.
"How can youth feel tired?" Naruto scratched his head.
"You shouldn't even ask Naruto that question," Kiba complained. "His stamina is greater than all of ours combined."
"Do you guys want to go to the Land of Demons?" Shion suddenly asked.
"The Land of Demons' celebration is great fun!" Naruto's eyes lit up instantly.
"There's nothing to do there. Training is better." Sasuke said calmly.
"Then I want to train too!" Sakura clenched her fist. "When the time comes, I'll easily defeat Ino!"
"Absolutely impossible!" Ino straightened her back. "I'll work harder than you!"
"I'll definitely be the hardest worker!" Naruto flashed his teeth. "Because youth means working hard!"
"That's debatable," Tayuya interjected.
"Indeed." Shino Aburame agreed.
"You guys are all finished…" Shikamaru listened to everyone competing over who worked hardest and felt deeply distressed.
"Shikamaru, you work hard too." Choji smiled. "I've seen you training after school several times."
"Eh?" Shion widened her eyes. Was she the laziest one?
"Ahem." Shikamaru changed the subject. "Why don't we discuss the grouping for the practical exam?"
"What's there to discuss?" Kiba shook his head.
During the first grouping, everyone had their own preferences and wanted certain teammates. But after so many groupings, the novelty had worn off completely.
For them, it didn't really matter who their teammate was anymore.
"What a pity." Shion sighed. "I can't team up with you guys."
Although she knew some Sealing Jutsu, her combat ability was low, and she couldn't enter the top eighteen of the Genius Class anytime soon.
"You'll become our teammate sooner or later," Tenten said with a smile. "None of the transfer students in the Genius Class is weak."
"Is that so?" Shion blinked in surprise.
"Because all transfer students of the Genius Class were brought in by Kitazawa-sensei," Ino said proudly. "Kitazawa-sensei's judgment is extremely accurate—he's never been wrong."
Hinata subconsciously nodded. Her hands clasped together, she had only one wish: she hoped Kitazawa would be the squad leader this time.
Nine o'clock in the morning.
The Genius Class written exam officially began.
But Kitazawa didn't go to the classroom; he had assigned Iruka as the proctor. He himself headed to the Forest of Death to study Wood Release.
He had already mastered Wood Release: Wood Transformation Technique, and now he was learning Wood Release: Wood Clone Technique.
In the original story, the Wood Clone was likely the most useful among all clone Ninjutsu. Simply put, it was more durable, harder to distinguish, and far more resilient.
The most absurd example was Uchiha Madara, whose Wood Clones could even activate Susanoo. Although their strength was lower than the original, this still demonstrated the Wood Clone's uniqueness.
Time flowed by as he trained.
Footsteps sounded.
Konan appeared in front of Kitazawa.
She had returned to Konoha Village the day before yesterday, successfully bringing back part of the Second Mizukage Hōzuki Gengetsu's body.
"The rankings for the Genius Class written exam have been released, Kitazawa," Konan spoke to remind him.