"Even with the restrictions, Naruto's still that strong." Kiba let out a long sigh.
"Sasuke did great—he just ran a little short on Chakra," Shikamaru replied, hands laced behind his head.
"A little? You sure that's all?" Ino couldn't help retorting.
"There's no point comparing Chakra with those monsters." Tayuya shook her head.
When she had first joined the Genius Class, she'd been brimming with ambition.
Now she had accepted reality—no matter how hard you trained, facing Naruto only left you feeling powerless.
"Still, Naruto's squad might not win round three." Ino changed tack. "I think Hinata's squad has the edge."
She, Yakumo, and the others had all lost to Hinata's squad.
"Hard to say." Shikamaru shook his head. "Naruto's team has Tenten—her Ninken can track us anywhere."
"True, but a Ninken's range can't match Hinata's Byakugan." Ino planted her hands on her hips. "My money's on—"
She broke off mid-sentence. The thought of Sakura suddenly crossed her mind. She wasn't about to jinx it like that.
"Everyone just do your best," Hinata said softly.
Reaching the third round was already enough for her. After all, the Genius Class was packed with prodigies.
She wanted first place, but reality wouldn't allow it. Hinata felt that giving her all was the best way to repay Kitazawa's guidance.
Moments later, Sasuke and Naruto returned to the Genius Class line-up.
"Round three, match one: Naruto squad versus Hinata squad." Kitazawa looked over the class. "You have five minutes to choose restrictions for your opponents."
"We restrict Naruto from Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and Tailed Beast chakra," Hinata said five minutes later, "and Tenten from summoning the Shiromari."
The restrictions were unchanged; there was nothing else Naruto's team could realistically be barred from using.
"We restrict Hinata from Explosive Arrow and Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms," Naruto followed, "and Shikamaru from Shadow Replacement Jutsu."
Explosive Arrow was a Yin Release Secret Technique. With Kurama's help, Naruto could cope—but Akimichi Choji and Tenten couldn't.
Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms was a hard counter to taijutsu fighters like Naruto and Choji—one wrong move and your tenketsu would be sealed.
Spiral Arrow and Phantom Arc Arrow were formidable, but Tenten could handle them with her ninja tools; after all, she excelled at long-range weapon combat.
Hinata's remaining teammates were Shikamaru and Hotaru.
Hotaru had nothing truly worth banning—she only knew Water Release Ninjutsu. Shikamaru, however, was troublesome.
In the end, they settled on Shadow Replacement Jutsu, a pesky, life-saving Secret Technique.
"As expected." Shikamaru remained calm.
Naruto's squad had chosen exactly the three bans he had foreseen.
Foreseeing them was one thing—actually defeating Naruto's squad was another. In raw power, the advantage still lay with them.
The two teams entered the Forest of Death, one from the left, one from the right.
"I bet Hinata's squad will use the same plan they used against Yakumo's team," Tenten said as they walked.
"So what do we do?" Choji scratched his head. "With her Byakugan, Hinata sees everything we do."
"I can speed us up with Wind Release: Gale Palm," Naruto mused.
"It's worth a shot," Tenten replied, "but in the end it'll come down to reflexes."
Hinata's Byakugan covered the entire field. Wind Release: Gale Palm could accelerate them, but it couldn't cross the arena in an instant, giving Hinata's team time to react.
In the end, it would probably turn into a chase.
"Any better ideas?" Choji looked at her.
"Not right now." Tenten frowned.
"Good thing you've got Gekkou—we won't lose them," Choji said gratefully.
"I've got it!" Naruto suddenly brightened. "I'll use Transformation to turn into a ninja tool—then Choji throws me!"
"Huh?" Choji blinked, completely baffled.
The plan sounded downright outrageous.
"Brilliant!" Tenten decided it was actually feasible.
"Not sure how far I can throw," Choji hesitated.
"Add Wind Release," Tenten suggested. "Two Shadow Clones can boost it with Wind Release: Gale Palm."
"Let's do it!" Naruto flashed a thumbs-up. "Time for our youth to take flight!"
"Begin!" Fifteen minutes later, Kitazawa announced.
"Shadow Clone Technique!" Naruto formed the seal.
Two clones appeared in puffs of smoke.
At that instant, Hinata's Multiple Arrows arced overhead.
Manipulated Tools: Heaven's Chain Disaster!
Tenten hurled her largest scroll skyward. It unfurled, releasing a storm of ninja tools.
Multi-Size Jutsu! Choji's body ballooned. And it didn't stop there.
Partial Multi-Size Technique! His already massive arms swelled even larger.
Naruto leapt—then transformed into a huge boomerang.
Wind Release: Gale Palm! The two clones formed seals.
Twin gales wrapped around the boomerang.
"That direction—about thirteen, fourteen hundred meters!" Tenten instantly calculated the enemy's rough bearing and distance from the arrows' arc.
As a tool specialist, she was keenly attuned to such data.
Choji seized the boomerang, roared, and hurled it with all his might.
"Move!" Hinata spotted the projectile and shouted.
"What's happening?" Shikamaru asked reflexively.
To him, the battle had only just begun—Naruto's squad couldn't already be upon them.
Boom! Even as he spoke, a boomerang slammed into the ground three hundred meters to their left.
With a puff of smoke, it reverted into Naruto.
"Shadow Clone Technique!" He dispelled and re-summoned his clones.
In an instant, a clone stood on either side of him.
"???" Shikamaru's face filled with question marks.
"Konoha Dragon God!"
Before they could react, Naruto extended his arms and spun.
Three green dragons descended from above. Shikamaru and Hotaru were swiftly defeated.
Only Hinata held out a little longer with the Moon Chasing Bow.
But stripped of her Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms, she could hardly inflict real damage on Konoha Dragon God—and in the end, she too was defeated.
"Winner: Naruto's squad." Seeing this, Kitazawa announced the final result.
"I have to say, Naruto's tactic worked beautifully," Maruboshi Kosuke remarked with a sigh.
"Naruto does come up with some wild ideas," Kurenai agreed.
"Still, pulling that off isn't as simple as it looks," Chen mused. "Choji, Tenten, and Naruto were all indispensable."
Akimichi Choji had the raw strength. Tenten could accurately gauge the distance.
Naruto, needless to say, packed the necessary power.
Without the ability to take on three opponents at once, being hurled in front of Hinata's squad would have been completely pointless.
"It was a bit of a fluke," Maruboshi Kosuke nodded after hearing that.
"Luck is part of strength," Chen said with a smile.
"Let's head over," Kurenai reminded them. "The Final Exams ranking will be announced soon."
Meanwhile, the Genius Class buzzed with lively chatter.
"Naruto actually thought up something like that?" Kiba asked, completely stunned.
"That's Naruto for you!" Rock Lee exclaimed, eyes shining brightly. "That plan is bursting with youth!"
"Youth again—no matter what you say, the word youth is in there," Kiba shot back.
"It's because Naruto's strong," Neji cut straight to the point.
"True," Ino agreed. "Who else would dare face three attackers alone?"
"Sasuke-kun could do it too!" Sakura retorted instantly.
Sasuke said nothing in reply. He could take on three, but not as steadily as Naruto; defeat was still very possible.
He had to unlock his Mangekyō Sharingan as soon as possible.
Sasuke clenched his teeth, deciding to spend the break sparring more with Naruto. If it meant awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan, a beating would be worth it.
Soon, Naruto, Hinata, and the others returned.
"I'll announce the Team Battle rankings now," Kitazawa began once everyone had gathered.
Although extra limits had been added, scoring was still split into team points and captain points.
Both winning and losing teams received them.
"First place: Uzumaki Naruto. Second: Hyuga Hinata. Third: Uchiha Sasuke. Fourth: Kurama Yakumo," Kitazawa read unhurriedly. "Fifth: Tenten. Sixth: Akimichi Choji… Twenty-first: Hotaru."
After the team standings, he read the theory-test rankings and the final overall results.
"That concludes this term's Final Exams," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Keep pushing next semester."
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!" The Genius Class answered in unison.
"Go get some rest," Kitazawa nodded.
Once the students left, he exchanged greetings with Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others, then headed home with Kurenai.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Karin stood and called. "Kurenai-sensei."
"Studying Medical Ninjutsu the moment you're back?" Kitazawa glanced at the scroll on the table; a fish lay atop it.
"Nothing else to do," Karin replied.
Tsunade, Uzumaki Rina, and Shizune were still at the Hokage Building; no one else was home.
Since she'd come back early, she was alone and had started practicing.
"Diligence is good, but rest matters too," Kurenai said, stroking her hair.
"We could catch a movie this afternoon," Kitazawa suggested.
"Sounds great!" Kurenai's eyes lit up in instant agreement.
Karin nodded as well.
After lunch, the three of them went to the cinema.
A new film starring Koyuki Kazahana was playing. Though she was now the daimyo of the Land of Snow, she hadn't given up acting.
It was excellent publicity—and profitable.
Today's movie, for instance, had been shot on location in the snow.
Kitazawa spotted the first hints of the winter theme park he'd once proposed.
For now, travel was limited and the journey long; only wealthy nobles or merchants could afford the trip.
For the park to truly thrive, peace was essential.
After the film, they strolled the streets for a while before heading home.
The moment Kitazawa stepped into the living room, he saw Tsunade sprawled ungracefully on the sofa.
Clatter drifted from the kitchen: Shizune and Uzumaki Rina preparing dinner.
"Did the Genius Class Team Battles take all day?" Tsunade asked idly, glancing at him.
"No," Kitazawa explained. "We slipped out to see a movie."
"And you didn't invite me?" Tsunade sat up at once. "I'd have knocked off early if you'd asked."
"If we had, would you actually have come to the cinema?" Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.
"Fair point," Tsunade conceded. "I'd have gone to the Casino."
"That's Tsunade-sama for you," Kurenai said admiringly.
She could never state it so boldly herself.
"Which is why Tsunade-sensei is Hokage," Kitazawa teased.
Tsunade shot him a glare.
"Any plans for the break?" Kurenai changed the subject.
"Not your break—mine doesn't exist," Tsunade sighed. "I don't get a summer holiday."
As Hokage, her only real time off was the New Year.
Kitazawa silently vowed to reform the vacation schedule once he held the title.
"Tomorrow I'm going out with Kitazawa," Tsunade said, thinking of Roshi. "We've located the Four-Tails Jinchuriki Roshi from Iwagakure."
"I can't help with that—stay safe," Kurenai replied, startled but realistic.
Though she'd grown stronger, a Jinchuriki remained near-unbeatable for most Ninja.
Only a strength on par with the Five Kage would suffice.
"Don't worry," Kitazawa smiled. "I've already mastered Sage Mode."
Kurenai nodded; she'd learned of it yesterday.
Sage Mode's fame came mainly from Jiraiya. As for Senju Hashirama, his Wood Release eclipsed everything, so no one noticed his Sage Mode.
Yet it made perfect sense. After all, only Uchiha Madara had likely ever seen Hashirama's Sage form.
"Roshi isn't a missing-nin from Iwagakure," Kurenai recalled. "Capturing him won't spark conflict between Konoha and Iwagakure?"
"Iwagakure will be annoyed," Kitazawa shrugged. "But they won't start a war over one Roshi."
In truth, he almost wished they would. After all, he was already virtually invincible across the Ninja World.
Still, to play it safe, he would wait a little longer.
He would bide his time until he had mastered Sage Art: Wood Style: True Several Thousand Hands.
From another angle, capturing Roshi would put him at odds with Iwagakure.
From now on, Kitazawa could more easily sow discord and provoke Iwagakure into starting a war, laying the groundwork for his future schemes.
[Current Mission: Defeat Four-Tails Jinchuriki Roshi.]
[Mission Reward: Lava Release Chakra Mode.]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa's brow lifted.
The system's mission only shows up now? Still, the reward is decent—it'll save him a lot of time.
Among Lava Release techniques, Lava Release Chakra Mode is by far the most valuable in Kitazawa's eyes.
If he can auto-learn Lava Release Chakra Mode, the rest of the Lava Release jutsu can wait until he has spare time.
The three chatted for a while, then mealtime arrived.
The night passed without incident.
The next day, Kitazawa and Kurenai arrived at the Ninja Academy.
Even though it was summer break, most of the Genius Class students had started training early as usual.
Kitazawa thought for a moment and sought out Sarutobi Hiruzen.
He would be accompanying Tsunade out of the village today to hunt Four-Tails Jinchuriki Roshi, so he couldn't instruct the Genius Class.
Especially the combat training of Sasuke and Naruto.
After asking Hiruzen to cover his class, Kitazawa headed for the Hokage Office.
He pushed open the door to find Tsunade already waiting.
The reason he knew she was waiting was that she wasn't buried in paperwork—she stood by the window admiring the view.
Kitazawa's gaze settled on her full, peach-like rear. He stepped forward and slipped his arms around her slender waist.
Tsunade wasn't surprised.
In fact, she had sensed Kitazawa's arrival long ago; she stayed still precisely so he would embrace her.
Tsunade leaned back, pressing her curvaceous hips against his thighs.
"Time to go, Tsunade-sensei." Kitazawa breathed in her faint fragrance and spoke.
"Mm." Tsunade nodded.
Kitazawa immediately used the Flying Thunder God Technique to bring her to the Land of Birds.
"Where are we?" Tsunade looked around and asked.
"The Land of Birds," Kitazawa replied. "The Anbu located Roshi here."
"Precise location?" Tsunade asked again.
"No idea," Kitazawa paused. "But I can find him—wait here a moment."
With that, he vanished on the spot.
Kitazawa activated his Byakugan and, coupled with the Flying Thunder God Technique, swept the Land of Birds in a blanket search.
Soon, he pinpointed Roshi's location.
"Found him." Kitazawa reappeared before Tsunade.
"The Flying Thunder God Technique is terrifying in your hands," Tsunade couldn't help but remark.
"What are you afraid of?" Kitazawa gave her rear a light pat.
"Show some respect!" Tsunade rolled her eyes. "During missions, I'm the Hokage!"
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Kitazawa asked playfully, "What are your orders?"
"You tell me." Tsunade lifted an elbow and countered.
"Capture Roshi." Kitazawa chuckled. "Mind if I handle it personally this time?"
"Why?" Tsunade asked, puzzled.
"I'll show you my Sage Mode," Kitazawa said casually.
"Fine by me." Tsunade nodded in agreement.
The Flying Thunder God Technique flashed. Kitazawa brought Tsunade near Roshi.
"Be careful," Tsunade cautioned.
Kitazawa walked toward Roshi.
Halfway there, Roshi appeared before him.
Kitazawa hadn't hidden his presence, after all.
"A Konoha shinobi?" Roshi snorted. "Like a ghost that won't stay buried!"
He'd been tailed by Konoha Anbu several times before, so he greeted Kitazawa with a scowl.
Sage Mode! Without a word, Kitazawa clapped his hands together.
"What is this…?" Roshi's face changed; he sensed an ominous aura from Kitazawa.
His expression turned grave as he readied for battle.
Kitazawa studied him, thinking which jutsu to use.
In the original story, Roshi had been defeated by Kisame Hoshigaki. The reason: Kisame's Water Release countered Roshi's Lava Release.
Kitazawa, however, decided not to start with Water Release.
Sage Art: Rasengan! He extended his hand.
Roshi's heart jumped. The ominous feeling intensified.
"Rasengan?" Roshi recognized it.
Before he could think, his hands flashed through seals.
Lava Release: Scorching Stream Rock Technique!
Roshi reared back and spat a dozen flaming magma orbs.
Kitazawa instantly poured Senjutsu Chakra into the sphere.
In an instant, Sage Art: Rasengan ballooned in size.
With a boom! All the magma spheres shattered.
"What?" Roshi's pupils shrank as he raced through another set of seals.
Lava Release Chakra Mode!
This time, he brought out his true strength. In the next second, molten rock cloaked his entire body.
Sage Art Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu!
Kitazawa clapped his hands. A colossal water dragon slammed into Roshi.
Steam erupted as the dragon met the magma. Roshi was flung helplessly through the air.
"Impossible!" Pinned down, Roshi couldn't rise.
He roared; the flames around him flared hotter, finally evaporating the dragon.
"Who are you?" Roshi stared, shaken and bewildered.
They'd exchanged only two moves, yet he'd been utterly outclassed. It was a first for him.
Kitazawa offered no answer.
"Damn it!" Feeling both overlooked and threatened, Roshi didn't hesitate.
He tapped the Four-Tails' Chakra.
With an explosive surge! Dark-red Chakra enveloped him, and Four-Tails sprouted behind him. Partial Tailed Beast transformation.
Tailed Beast Ball! Murderous intent flashed across Roshi's face as he opened his mouth.
Terrifying Chakra condensed before him.
Sage Art Wind Release: Rasenshuriken!
Kitazawa leapt into the air and hurled the shuriken-shaped wind chakra downward.
Before the Tailed Beast Ball could form, Roshi met with devastating impact.
He screamed. The Tailed Beast cloak, famed for its defense shredded like paper.
When the blast cleared, Roshi lay bloodied and unconscious.
Tsunade, watching from the side, could only gape in shock.