"Eh?"
Chōji had been buried in his food and had no idea how much Hinata had eaten. Only now, hearing that she ate five bowls more than him, he stared in disbelief.
"Hinata… do you have the Akimichi clan's bloodline?"
Kiba asked curiously.
"Don't talk nonsense!"
Shikamaru quickly clamped a hand over his mouth. Are you trying to slander Hyūga Hiashi, the clan head? Do you have a death wish?
"With Hinata's Byakugan and her normal body shape, there's no way she's an Akimichi."
Ino shook her head.
"For sure," Sakura agreed.
"I didn't expect anyone to out-eat the Akimichi clan's shinobi."
Mikoto suddenly seemed to think of something, then asked in surprise:
"Does that mean the bento I make for her every day isn't enough at all?"
"Kitazawa-sensei brought plenty of bento boxes."
Sasuke responded.
"But being able to eat is a good thing," Mikoto said warmly.
"That way I never have to worry about making too much food."
"...?"
Sasuke's jaw twitched. Are you planning to keep making bentos for Naruto and Hinata forever?
Truly unbelievable.
Sasuke had never seen his mother care so much about two outsiders.
"Ahem! I hereby announce the winner of this year's Big Eater Contest, Children's Division, Hyūga Hinata!"
Ayame declared.
"Looks like I still need more training," Chōji clenched his fist.
"I've decided, I'm going to add one extra meal every day this summer!"
Sasuke felt something strange.
Why did that line sound so familiar…?
Oh right, Might Guy and Naruto always talked like that.
"One more lap today!"
"Five more laps tomorrow!"
"Hinata, come with me," Ayame said with a smile.
"I'll take you to claim your prize."
"Mm."
Hinata stood up and followed her inside.
Kitazawa watched her gait, and three lines of text flashed before his eyes:
[Current Mission: Make Akimichi Chōji lose the Big Eater Contest.]
[Reward: Partial Multi-Size Technique.]
[Mission complete. Reward delivered.]
Well…
The moment Kitazawa mastered the Partial Multi-Size Technique, he finally understood why the entire Akimichi clan were all chubby.
They had no choice. The technique consumed a huge amount of chakra.
Since the Akimichi lacked the Senju or Uzumaki chakra-rich bloodlines, they developed a unique method, converting fat into chakra.
Naturally, Kitazawa wasn't going to do that. He was handsome, why turn himself into a fat ball for one technique?
But… becoming fat wasn't actually necessary.
The Partial Multi-Size Technique was a Yang Release ninjutsu. Medical ninjutsu was also Yang Release.
If Kitazawa learned Yin Seal or obtained Senju/Uzumaki blood, he could use the technique freely without needing fat.
"Kitazawa-sensei… could you come here for a moment?"
Hinata poked her head out from behind the door.
"What is it, Hinata?"
Kitazawa walked toward her.
She didn't answer, she just grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. The room was filled with all kinds of prizes, snacks, toys, and even specialized ninja tools.
"Hinata, which one do you want?"
Kitazawa asked.
"Th-this one…"
Hinata blushed and pointed at a half-human-sized plush toy.
Kitazawa chuckled. A little girl is still a little girl, those plush toys are irresistible. But why call him inside?
After thinking a moment, he understood. A normal girl liking plushies was fine.
But the Hyūga clan's heiress? Hyūga Hiashi would never approve.
"How about we keep it in my office?" Kitazawa suggested.
His office was basically Hinata's second home. Hinata immediately nodded, smiling shyly.
"Store it away, then."
Kitazawa rubbed her head and handed her a summoning storage scroll.
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!"
Hinata hugged the giant plush cat, rubbing her face against it with pure delight before sealing it into the scroll.
They returned to the shop. Mikoto, Shikamaru, and the others had already finished their ramen and were waiting.
"Sasuke," Kitazawa said, "you can pause your special training for a while."
"Why?"
Sasuke asked. He didn't dislike Kitazawa's training, it actually made him stronger.
"Because you've awakened your Sharingan," Kitazawa explained.
"I don't know everything about it, but I do know you need an adjustment period."
Sasuke suddenly remembered his brother Itachi's explanations about all the different ways to use the Sharingan. If he mastered them, Naruto and Neji would be nothing but future stepping stones.
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!"
Sasuke's excitement surged again.
"I'll return after I've fully adapted to my Sharingan!"
Kitazawa noticed the upward twitch of his mouth. He already knew what Sasuke was imagining.
But next semester… who won or lost wasn't set in stone at all.
Especially since Naruto now had Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu ahead of schedule.
"Kitazawa-sensei, goodbye!"
Ino, Shikamaru, and the others waved before leaving.
"Even though Sasuke won't be attending training for a while, I'll have him deliver bentos to you every day."
Mikoto said.
"Ah?"
Sasuke froze. Was Naruto truly his long-lost little brother or something?
"Kitazawa-sensei has done so much for you. Are you unwilling to deliver a meal?"
Mikoto frowned at him.
"That's not what I meant," Sasuke quickly said.
"I'll bring them every morning."
"Thank you, Mikoto-auntie! Thank you, Sasuke!"
Naruto grinned brightly. He really did look like Kushina. Ever since Kushina died, Mikoto had never dared approach Naruto because of the political tension around the Nine-Tails.
As her best friend's son, she had always felt guilty. Now, she wanted to make up for it.
"Sorry to trouble you, Mikoto-san."
Kitazawa didn't refuse.
She wasn't doing this for him, she was doing it for Naruto.
"Kitazawa-sensei, may I speak with you privately?"
Mikoto asked.
"Of course."
He gestured.
"Let's go over there."
"Sasuke, wait here for a moment," Itachi said, patting his head before following.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Mikoto began, "Sasuke awakening his Sharingan… was this your plan?"
"Why do you think that?"
Kitazawa asked calmly.
"Because you specifically asked Itachi and me to attend the eating contest. And the contest was sponsored by you. And Sasuke just happened to show up wearing Guy's green jumpsuit."
"…Mikoto-san, you're truly sharp."
Kitazawa admitted. There were too many coincidences. Sasuke couldn't see the threads, but Mikoto and Itachi easily could. Still, Kitazawa wasn't worried. Helping Sasuke awaken his Sharingan was a good thing; the Uchiha should be thanking him.
"It wasn't my idea," Mikoto said.
"Itachi and I analyzed it together."
"Kitazawa-sensei," Itachi asked, "how did you know the Uchiha require emotional triggers to awaken their eyes?"
"Tsunade-sama told me."
Kitazawa replied.
"I'm basically half her student now, I'm learning medical ninjutsu under her."
If anyone understood the Uchiha, it was Tobirama Senju. The village high-ups all studied his research; knowing the Sharingan awakened under emotional stress was normal.
As for confronting Tsunade about it, Mikoto and Itachi would never do that.
"What?"
Mikoto looked shocked. In her mind, Kitazawa had always been a "talented Academy teacher."
Now he was… Tsunade's half disciple?!
Itachi was shocked as well. Tsunade, granddaughter of the First Hokage, student of the Third, the greatest medical ninja ever. Her standards were extremely high. If Kitazawa was learning under her, his talent must be exceptional, even by Konoha's standards.
"I've been assisting Shizune-senpai in surgeries at Konoha Hospital."
Kitazawa added.
That statement alone convinced Mikoto completely. You don't just get to assist Shizune unless Tsunade trusts you deeply.
"Kitazawa-sensei… when are you free?"
Mikoto smiled warmly.
"You've helped Sasuke so much, I'd like to invite you to dinner."
Even ignoring Sasuke, the fact he was Tsunade's student made him someone worthy of respect.
"I'll come by tomorrow evening."
Kitazawa agreed after thinking it over. Although the Uchiha were in a politically dangerous position, he was Sasuke's teacher. No one, not even Sarutobi Hiruzen, would object to one dinner.
"Wonderful."
Mikoto nodded and left with Itachi.
"What were you talking about with Kitazawa-sensei?"
Sasuke asked as they walked.
"Nothing much," Mikoto said.
"I just invited him for dinner tomorrow."
"Oh, okay."
Sasuke had no objections.
Kitazawa had helped him a lot.
"Mom!"
Sasuke suddenly brightened.
"When is Dad coming home?"
"Why?" Mikoto smiled.
"Can't wait to tell him about your Sharingan?"
"Hehe…"
Sasuke scratched his head shyly. Of course that was the reason.
Itachi frowned slightly.
He wondered…
Would Fugaku, after learning Sasuke awakened so early, make the same terrible mistake he once made?
Itachi had been taken onto the battlefield at age four, leaving wounds that never healed. He would never let Sasuke go through that. His eyes glimmered red for an instant.
Even if he had to oppose Fugaku, he would protect Sasuke.
Night fell.
"Why isn't Dad home yet?"
Sasuke paced restlessly.
"You're impatient again," Mikoto laughed gently.
Just then, the door opened.
"Dad!"
Sasuke ran over immediately.
"Sasuke," Fugaku said sternly, "I have matters to attend to. I can't play with, "
"Dad! I awakened my Sharingan!"
Sasuke declared proudly.
"You what?"
Fugaku froze mid-step.
"I awakened my Sharingan!"
Sasuke activated his eyes, one tomoe spinning in each.
"It's real…?"
Fugaku stared, stunned, then burst out laughing.
"Hahaha! My son awakened at six, what a genius!"
Dad… actually laughs like that?
Sasuke blinked and joined in excitedly.
The next morning, Friday.
Kitazawa woke on time. After changing clothes, he found a quiet place. Partial Multi-Size! He formed seals. Chakra surged.
His right arm ballooned outward, growing, growing, until it passed eighteen meters. Only then did he feel he had hit the limit, not of the technique, but of his chakra reserves. He released the jutsu and felt utterly drained.
After resting, he returned to the Academy.
Sasuke had indeed delivered three bentos.
Training proceeded as usual for Naruto and Hinata.
That afternoon, Kitazawa left behind a shadow clone and headed to Kurenai's home. Yesterday was medical-ninjutsu training. Today was genjutsu day.
"Kurenai-sensei, what genjutsu are we learning today? Any high-level ones?"
"You've learned two C-rank genjutsu and you're already aiming for high-level?"
Kurenai glared at him.
"You don't think I'm talented?"
Kitazawa coughed. He wanted to test his Yin-Release proficiency.
"You are talented," she admitted grudgingly, clenching her fist.
"Since you're asking for suffering, don't blame me!"
"Just go easy on me."
Kitazawa laughed.
"You're still laughing?!"
Kurenai kicked him lightly.
"Fine! I've decided, I'll teach you an A-rank genjutsu today!"
Kitazawa blinked. For a teacher, an A-rank genjutsu was practically a core inheritance. It meant she truly trusted him.
"Thank you."
Warmth spread through him.
"Thank me after you master it."
Kurenai huffed.
"It's called Nirvana Temple Jutsu."
A large-scale genjutsu, white feathers falling from the sky, inducing mass sleep. She finished explaining and took him outside to demonstrate. White feathers drifted from above. Kitazawa didn't resist and fell asleep instantly.
Kurenai stepped forward and caught him.
A few seconds later, Kitazawa broke the illusion on his own and woke up, his head still resting against her chest.
Soft, warm, and scented faintly… and he found himself staring at pale skin and black mesh innerwear rising with her breath.
"You! Learn properly!"
Kurenai pushed him away, blushing.
"Like this?"
Kitazawa formed seals. White feathers fell.
"You… impossible!"
Kurenai stared, shaken. An A-rank genjutsu, mastered in one try?!
"It's not perfect," Kitazawa frowned.
"I didn't put you to sleep."
"What more do you want?!"
Kurenai nearly collapsed.
"It's because Kurenai-sensei teaches so well."
Kitazawa corrected himself instantly.
"…"
Kurenai didn't feel happy at all. His talent was simply absurd. At this rate, he'd surpass her in a month or two.
Luckily… he was her boyfriend. At least the benefits stayed "in-house."
"Keep practicing."
Kurenai pulled at her collar.
"You've only just begun."
"Yes, Kurenai-sensei."
Kitazawa said seriously.
The sun set; evening arrived.
Kitazawa ended his training and headed toward the Uchiha district.