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Chapter 38 - Konoha’s Top Technician

The Hyuga clan estate.

After leaving the academy, Hinata Hyuga ran home without pause.

Clutching her report card, she exhaled deeply before slowly stepping into the courtyard.

The Hyuga clan prized etiquette. Running straight in without proper procedure would surely earn her a scolding.

"Father,"

Hinata approached Hiashi Hyuga in his study.

"Enter,"

came a stern voice.

She opened the door, removed her shoes, and stepped inside.

"What is it?"

Hiashi sat cross-legged on the tatami, a book in hand.

"The monthly exams are over, and the results are out,"

Hinata said, kneeling before him, her pale soles facing outward in formal posture.

"And? Your rank?"

Hiashi's tone was calm. He already knew quite a lot about Class 1-A, Hinata's class.

It was a class of prodigies.

Konoha's young ninja talent from all major clans gathered in 1-A.

Especially notable was Uchiha Sasuke, the younger brother of the prodigy Uchiha Itachi.

Hiashi sighed.

The Hyuga clan also had a prodigy, Neji Hyuga—but he belonged to a branch family.

As for Hinata, he had little hope.

With Hanabi Hyuga already born, according to clan rules, only one could inherit the main family status. The other would be marked as a caged bird, a branch family member.

Caged birds protected the Byakugan, but also allowed the main family to maintain control over the branches.

"Father, please see this,"

Hinata handed over her report card with hopeful anticipation.

"Hmm? First place?"

Hiashi took the paper and glanced at it. His expression changed.

How could it be first place?

Surprise—the rank far exceeded his expectations. He had never imagined Hinata could achieve this.

Hinata noticed his reaction.

Her heart leapt. Clearly, her first-place finish had taken Hiashi completely by surprise.

"Hinata,"

Hiashi spoke after reading the card, "you've done well. You've not shamed the Hyuga name."

"Thank you, Father!"

It was the first time Hiashi had praised her, and she couldn't hide her excitement.

"How did you achieve first place?"

Hiashi asked, curious.

"With the help of Kitazawa-sensei,"

Hinata answered honestly.

"Kitazawa?"

Hiashi pondered.

Hinata Tokoma had reported Kitazawa's deeds to him before. One thing that remained in Hiashi's memory was how Kitazawa had disciplined the troublemaker who had bullied Hinata.

"Seems he is a capable teacher,"

Hiashi nodded slightly.

"Yes,"

Hinata said earnestly. "Kitazawa-sensei is amazing!"

A mere Chunin, and amazing? At most, he might be a competent instructor.

Hiashi considered, but listened as Hinata continued:

"Kitazawa-sensei taught me tree-climbing to improve chakra control…"

Was this still his daughter?

Hiashi watched her animatedly chatter and felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity.

In the past, she rarely spoke more than five sentences in his presence.

Now, she was lively and confident.

The root cause was undoubtedly Kitazawa-sensei.

Hiashi fell silent.

Too late.

With Hanabi already born, the tragedy between the main and branch families might repeat itself.

Kitazawa left the academy.

Walking the streets, he reflected on the advantages of having backing.

Being selected for thirty exam questions, and Hinata chosen as the outstanding student representative—both were thanks to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Privileges were thrilling, but Kitazawa knew he held no real authority in Konoha; in a critical moment, he might be powerless.

"Strength is what truly matters,"

he thought, recalling his ongoing tasks.

Hinata versus Toranosuke—solo task. After her speech, it would be time to execute. Her skill far exceeded Toranosuke's; with even slight personality improvement, victory was guaranteed.

The mission to put Mizuki in prison was on hold, lacking an opportunity, and likely to provoke conflict.

Kitazawa had many jutsu, but his chakra was limited; two techniques could deplete him.

To be safe, he needed to strengthen further.

The key was mastering Naruto's seduction technique task, which could increase his chakra cap by a tenth.

Developing the seduction technique wasn't difficult—but it would ruin his honorable teacher image and might offend Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Kitazawa stroked his chin.

Who could take the blame?

He thought for a moment—and an idea struck.

Kakashi Hatake.

It fit perfectly.

First, Kakashi had the skills to develop it.

Second, he was a fan of Paradise Romance and skilled in shameless jutsu like the Thousand Years of Death.

Third, he was upright, and Hiruzen would not blame him.

Kitazawa set a new course.

Soon, he arrived at Kakashi Hatake's home.

"Hope he's here,"

he murmured, knocking.

After a moment, the door opened.

Silver hair, half-hidden face—Kakashi Hatake appeared.

"Kakashi, I need your help with something,"

Kitazawa began. "But don't tell anyone."

"Planning to defect?"

Kakashi asked bluntly.

"Impossible! My heart is with the Hokage alone!"

Kitazawa exclaimed.

"What's the matter?"

Kakashi's deadpan eyes scrutinized him.

"Do you know Naruto Uzumaki?"

Kitazawa returned to the point.

"What do you mean?"

Kakashi's eyes brightened at the familiar name.

Not only did he know Naruto, he had watched over him even before his birth.

"I am now a teacher at the Ninja Academy,"

Kitazawa explained. "And Naruto is one of my students."

"So?"

Kakashi asked, puzzled.

"Naruto is developing a jutsu based on the Transformation Technique."

Kitazawa sighed. "I'm just a run-of-the-mill Chunin—I don't have the ability to do it myself."

"Six years old and already developing jutsu?"

Kakashi was astonished.

But considering Naruto was Minato Namikaze's son, it seemed plausible.

After all, the Rasengan—developed by Minato—was the pinnacle of chakra shape transformation.

No wonder he inherited his father's talent.

Kakashi nodded, impressed.

"You're a Copy Ninja, Konoha's top technician. This task is yours alone,"

Kitazawa earnestly asked. "Will you help?"

"Don't call me the top technician,"

Kakashi said, pausing. "I'm free tomorrow. Bring Naruto to me."

Though emotionally closed off, he couldn't refuse the son of a teacher.

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