August 31st.
Kitazawa woke up on time. After changing clothes and eating breakfast, he headed straight for the Ninja Academy. He stopped in front of his office. When he leaned closer, he vaguely heard Hinata humming her rice-ball song.
Kitazawa chuckled softly and pushed the door open.
Hinata turned instinctively. Once she saw him, her face instantly turned red. She quickly let go of the half-tall plush toy, fixed her posture, and sat properly on the sofa, though the nervous tapping of her toes gave away her true feelings.
"When did you get here?"
Kitazawa glanced at her as he walked toward the desk.
"H-half an hour ago…"
Hinata lowered her head and answered quietly.
"Did you eat breakfast?"
Kitazawa asked casually while straightening up the desk.
"At home."
Hinata hesitated for a second, then gathered her courage.
"K-Kitazawa-sensei… starting tomorrow, can I eat breakfast here again?"
"Of course."
Kitazawa turned around and looked at her.
"You were already doing that last semester, remember?"
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!"
Hinata smiled unconsciously, then lowered her head again shyly.
"Do you still remember your spar with Neji?"
Kitazawa picked up the schedule and asked.
"Mm!"
Hinata snapped to attention, and the flustered expression faded.
"When do you want to spar with him?"
Kitazawa checked the schedule. It was similar to last semester's.
"I-I'm fine with any time…"
She couldn't decide, so she left the choice to him.
"Then tomorrow afternoon during the practical class."
Kitazawa explained: "The longer you delay it, the more nervous you'll get."
Hinata froze. Tomorrow afternoon?
Even though she had prepared the whole summer, now that the day was set, she couldn't help feeling anxious.
"Hinata."
Kitazawa spoke seriously.
"You're already stronger than Neji."
Hinata blushed slightly, embarrassed by her hesitation. But Kitazawa's words restored her confidence.
"I'll do my best!"
Even if she couldn't trust herself, she could trust Kitazawa.
"Let's go."
Kitazawa set down the schedule.
"I'll walk you to class."
Hinata put on her shoes and hurried after him.
Kitazawa patted her head. Hinata smiled and followed him into Class 1-A.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
Naruto was the first to spot him and immediately shouted. After him, Sasuke, Kiba, Shikamaru and the others also greeted him.
"Kitazawa-senpai sure is popular."
Iruka sighed. As the one responsible for registration, he got ignored completely.
"Iruka, go get the new textbooks. I'll handle the roster."
Kitazawa handed him a summoning storage scroll. Storage scrolls were expensive, most shinobi didn't own one. Kitazawa was worried Iruka might not have one, so he lent him his.
Iruka left the classroom, and Kitazawa glanced over the roster. More than half of Class 1-A had already arrived.
Just then, someone knocked on the door.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Yakumo walked in. Behind her was her father, Murakumo Kurama. In the original timeline, he died after Yakumo's powers went berserk. But now, that tragedy likely wouldn't happen again.
The lively classroom suddenly quieted.
Although Yakumo barely attended classes last semester, she defeated Hyūga Neji. It had left a strong impression.
Sasuke instinctively crossed his arms. Ever since awakening his Sharingan, his confidence had skyrocketed. But against Yakumo, he wasn't fully certain.
Both of them had genjutsu-type kekkei genkai. But Yakumo had one obvious weakness, her physical ability was poor. On that point, Sasuke believed he had her beat.
"Yakumo, are you taking the practical exam this semester?"
Naruto didn't fear anyone. He just wanted to fight. Last semester, Yakumo skipped the exam, which he found disappointing.
"I'll be participating this time."
Yakumo smiled gently. Her personality was completely different from the original story, no longer eerie or gloomy.
"Looks like the top rank in our class is up for grabs."
"Not necessarily. I'm still rooting for Naruto."
"You guys are forgetting about Sasuke. He's an Uchiha! If he unlocks more power, he'll definitely return as a king!"
The room filled with chatter again.
"Quiet."
Kitazawa raised his hand and everyone settled down.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Murakumo Kurama came forward and bowed.
"Murakumo-san, there's no need for such formality."
Kitazawa quickly helped him up.
"It's to show my gratitude."
Murakumo Kurama spoke seriously.
"Yakumo has everything she has today thanks to your guidance."
"You're too kind."
Kitazawa smiled. He had benefited thanks to Yakumo as well, especially through his connection with Tsunade. So it was mutual.
"I won't disturb your class then. If you ever have time, please visit us for dinner."
Murakumo Kurama knew when to step back and didn't say more. Part of his politeness came from Yakumo, but Tsunade was the other reason.
He already knew Kitazawa was studying medical ninjutsu under Tsunade. There was no doubt Kitazawa's future would surpass his.
Building a good relationship early was never a loss. And on top of that, Kitazawa and Yakumo were technically teacher and student, even if only at the Academy.
After registering, Yakumo returned to her seat, and several students instantly gathered around her to talk.
The strong were always respected. Sasuke didn't appreciate the attention though. He shot an irritated look at the group of girls led by Sakura and Yamanaka Ino. His expression turned colder and colder.
Meanwhile Naruto was happily chatting with the other boys, especially Kiba, Shikamaru, and Chōji.
In a way, both Naruto and Sasuke attracted crowds. Kitazawa couldn't help smiling.
By 10 AM, the entire class had arrived.
"Kitazawa-senpai."
Iruka returned with a summoning storage scroll.
"These are the new textbooks."
"Distribute them."
Kitazawa unsealed the scroll, and stacks of books appeared instantly. Several small mountains of textbooks formed on the floor. Iruka organized and handed them out.
Ten minutes later, every student had their full set of textbooks.
"That concludes registration. You're dismissed for today, there are no afternoon classes."
Kitazawa added:
"If you have spare time, you can preview the new material."
Then he turned to leave without wasting any time.
"Kitazawa-senpai! Wait for me!"
Iruka hurried after him.
"What is it?"
Kitazawa stopped and turned.
"When I went to get the textbooks, I ran into the vice principal."
Iruka explained.
"He asked me to tell you there'll be a short meeting tomorrow morning at 8:30 in the conference room."
"Got it. Thanks."
Then Kitazawa suddenly asked with a grin:
"So… how are things with Tsubaki?"
"There's nothing between us!"
Iruka panicked.
"Kitazawa-senpai, please don't say weird things! We're completely innocent!"
"Seize the moment while the flower still blooms."
Kitazawa patted his shoulder and walked off.
"What does that even mean…"
Iruka scratched his head. Culture was not his strong suit.
Kitazawa didn't go home. He headed to Konoha Hospital. Although he had many tasks at hand, only a few could be completed quickly.
His current priorities were two: Train medical ninjutsu and learn Wind Style. The others couldn't be rushed.
"Nono-senpai."
Since Shizune wasn't there today, Kitazawa asked for Nono.
"You came just in time."
Nonō spoke gently.
"Your office is ready. I'll take you there."
"I have an office?"
Kitazawa was puzzled.
"Not everyone gets appointed as an affiliated medical-ninja of Konoha Hospital."
Nonō smiled.
"Only those at jōnin level in medical skill are invited."
Kitazawa was technically only special jōnin, so normally he wouldn't qualify. But he was half a student of Tsunade, and his skill wasn't bad, just lacking experience. And experience comes with surgeries.
So Nonō promoted him directly.
"Thank you."
Kitazawa understood immediately. As expected of Tsunade's influence.
"This is it."
Nonō opened the office. It looked ordinary, very similar to her own, just missing a bookshelf.
"You can rest here when you're free. Every morning a nurse will deliver your surgery schedule."
She paused.
"And if there's an emergency case, a nurse will notify you."
"Understood."
Kitazawa nodded.
"One more thing…"
Nonō hesitated.
"I have a mission next week. I'll be leaving the village for a while. If you need help during that time, go to Kaori."
Kaori Seida was a jōnin-rank medical ninja. In the hospital, her rank was only below Nonō and Tsunade.
"Is it far?"
Kitazawa raised a brow.
"Very far."
Nonō didn't hide it.
"I'll be heading to the Land of Earth. I won't be back for a while."
Land of Earth?
Wasn't that the same mission where she died in the original timeline?
Back then, Kabuto failed a spy mission in Iwagakure and was chased. He encountered Nonō, but because of Danzo's manipulation, she didn't recognize him.
That tragedy shouldn't be happening yet. But Kitazawa suddenly realized something.
It was probably because of him, or more precisely, because of Tsunade. Since he was studying medical ninjutsu, Nonō had been getting closer to them.
Danzo would never allow that. Nonō knew many Root secrets. If she leaked anything to Tsunade, even unintentionally, there would be trouble.
The best way was to remove her.
"You're a medical-ninja. Why do you have to go on a mission?"
Kitazawa asked.
"Medical-ninja are still shinobi."
Nonō avoided eye contact.
"Take a moment to get used to your office. I'll check which surgeries you can assist with today."
Then she left.
Kitazawa frowned slightly. Even if she didn't say the real reason, he understood.
Root held her two weak spots: The orphanage, and Kabuto.
Danzo would absolutely act if she showed signs of escaping his control. Especially Kabuto. He was already sent out long ago for spy work.
Only Root knew where he was now.
"One week still remains. No need to panic. First talk to Tsunade."
If Kabuto could be kept in Konoha, he would become a second Orochimaru, just with flaws and limits. That was an incredible asset.
"I wonder if Tsunade will become Hokage after overcoming her hemophobia."
Kitazawa stretched.
If Tsunade became Hokage, his opportunities would multiply. Sarutobi Hiruzen treated him well, but not to the same core level.
To reach the center of Konoha, he needed to stand behind Tsunade.