A new day arrived.
The name Sasuke was already known throughout the village.
The students of the Genius Class were surprised—but not excessively so. With Naruto's rise before them, Sasuke becoming famous felt almost inevitable.
What truly caught their attention was the newly transferred student in the Genius Class—the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, Fu.
Together with Gaara, who had joined earlier, there were now two more "geniuses among geniuses."
Sasuke and Naruto themselves didn't think much of it. But Kimimaro and Hyuga Neji felt a tangible pressure bearing down on them.
As for those with comparatively weaker strength, such as Kiba and Tayuya, despair quietly crept into their hearts.
Some even felt their futures were already sealed, to the point that giving up seemed tempting.
Kitazawa could easily guess what they were thinking. But there was nothing he could do.
The Ninja World was cruel like that—talent and bloodline decided almost everything.
Take Tayuya and Kiba, for example.
Kitazawa had already helped them grow far stronger than they should have been at this stage, yet raising them to the level of Sasuke and Naruto was still extremely difficult.
Fortunately, the students of the Genius Class were nearing graduation. They only needed to endure until the end of this year.
"Kitazawa-sama." An ANBU Ninja, Haru, appeared before him. "Hokage-sama wants to see you."
Kitazawa nodded and activated the Flying Thunder God Technique, appearing directly inside the Hokage Office.
"Take a look at this list." Tsunade handed him a scroll. "If there's anyone unsuitable, tell me."
Kitazawa casually unrolled the scroll. The title read: Preliminary List for the Summoning Beast Ninja Unit.
After scanning it, he was slightly surprised.
The unit commander was Yakushi Kabuto, with Uchiha Izumi and Torune Aburame listed as deputy leaders.
In other words, this newly formed Summoning Beast Ninja Unit would be led entirely by three of his students.
In a sense, they had risen in a single leap, becoming high-ranking members of Konoha Village.
But on second thought, they were indeed qualified.
Kabuto needed no explanation—he had been a major figure capable of shaking the Ninja World in the original timeline.
As for Torune Aburame, under normal circumstances, he would have become Shimura Danzō's personal guard, already standing out even among Jōnin.
Uchiha Izumi, having awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, possessed Jōnin-level strength.
More importantly, she was still young, with limitless potential—there was even a chance she might awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan in the future.
And above all else, they were Kitazawa's students. They were Ninjas of the Hokage's lineage.
With them in charge, there would be very few objections within Konoha.
"I have no objections," Kitazawa said with a smile, rolling the scroll back up.
Every Ninja listed beneath the leadership trio possessed at least Chūnin-level strength.
Combined with the snakes of Ryūchi Cave, they could easily challenge opponents above their rank.
Overall, this was an extremely powerful unit.
It had the potential to become one of Konoha Village's two signature elite forces, standing alongside the Cursed Seal Ninja Unit—much like Sunagakure's Puppeteer Corps.
Kitazawa had once considered turning the Cursed Seal Ninja Unit into contractors of Ryūchi Cave as well.
But after some thought, he gave up on the idea.
Although combining them would make them even stronger, it felt wasteful. The two units were meant to fulfill different roles.
"Do you think Mount Myōboku could cooperate with Konoha Village?" The thought suddenly occurred to him.
"What do you think?" Tsunade shot him a look.
She understood the principles of the Three Great Sage Regions Lands far too well.
Aside from Shikkotsu Forest, neither Ryūchi Cave nor Mount Myōboku would ever willingly cooperate with Konoha or allow themselves to be driven by Ninjas.
"A pity." Kitazawa chuckled, handing the scroll back to her.
"Jiraiya is, after all, a contractor of Mount Myōboku," Tsunade reminded him.
With Kitazawa's current strength, if Ryūchi Cave couldn't stop him, Mount Myōboku wouldn't be able to either.
But with Jiraiya caught in the middle, things would become difficult to manage.
"I understand," Kitazawa replied dismissively. "We'll talk about it later."
He didn't really care—but he still had to consider Tsunade's position and avoid putting her in an awkward spot.
"I heard you sent Kabuto to Ryūchi Cave." Tsunade suddenly asked, curiosity in her eyes. "Does he really have the talent to cultivate Sage Mode?"
"Yes." Kitazawa paused briefly. "Not only does he have it—his talent is exceptionally high."
"It seems Konoha Village will soon have three Ninjas who've mastered Sage Mode." A smile appeared on Tsunade's face.
She knew better than most just how powerful Sage Mode was.
Jiraiya had risen from an elite Jōnin to a powerhouse rivaling Kage-level experts precisely because of it.
"The Akatsuki Organization's remaining targets are now only Konoha Village and Kumogakure." Her expression turned solemn. "Who do you think they'll deal with next?"
"My guess is Kumogakure," Kitazawa replied confidently. "Because right now, Konoha Village is far more troublesome than Kumogakure."
In the original timeline, when Pain invaded Konoha, the only true powerhouses were Tsunade and Naruto—at most, one could add elite Jōnin like Kakashi Hatake.
But in the present Konoha Village, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade were all present.
Add Kitazawa to that, and it could be called the strongest era Konoha had seen since Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara.
If the Akatsuki Organization chose to attack Konoha, they would almost certainly resort to tactics never seen in the original story—namely, attacking with their full force.
"Kumogakure isn't weak," Tsunade said thoughtfully. "Then the Akatsuki Organization will likely come out in full force as well."
Her intention was clear—use Kumogakure to probe the Akatsuki Organization's true strength.
"How have the other Ninja villages reacted?" Kitazawa asked curiously.
"No reaction for now." Tsunade shook her head. "I imagine their thoughts are similar to ours."
"Any Ninja village would naturally seek allies to deal with the Akatsuki Organization together."
Kitazawa chuckled.
"That's just the Fourth Raikage's personality," Tsunade said after a pause. "And they've already repelled the Akatsuki Organization once before."
"But even if Kumogakure asks for help, the other villages might not agree," Kitazawa said with a smile.
At present, only Konoha Village and Kumogakure still possess their Tailed Beasts.
The other villages feared the Akatsuki Organization—but they were also wary of Konoha and Kumogakure growing too strong.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that what they wanted most right now was for both villages to lose their Tailed Beasts as well.
"That's true." Tsunade nodded after thinking it over.
"If both Konoha and Kumogakure fall, the Five Great Ninja Villages will unite," Kitazawa continued.
"But if Konoha doesn't fall, then the other four villages will unite instead."
"I get the feeling you don't want the Five Great Ninja Villages to unite." Tsunade looked at him closely.
"With Konoha Village's current strength, it can already become the number one Ninja village," Kitazawa replied calmly. "In that case, there's no need for unity."
"You really have the confidence to deal with the Akatsuki Organization?" Tsunade asked, momentarily stunned.
"What? You don't have confidence in me?" Kitazawa walked up to her, casually patted her thigh, and asked with a grin.
"I have confidence," Tsunade said as she grabbed his wrist, "but I don't want anything to happen to you."
"It won't." Kitazawa naturally sat down on her lap.
He leaned forward, resting his face against her chest.
A faint, elegant fragrance drifted into his nose, refreshing his mind and calming his thoughts.
"Don't get carried away." Tsunade raised her hand, gently stroking his head as she reminded him.
"Carried away with what?" Kitazawa's gaze drifted downward, landing on that fair, tender stretch of skin.
"Don't play dumb." Tsunade tapped his forehead lightly.
Kitazawa glanced up at her, then buried his head back into her chest. Through the soft layer of clothing, he could clearly hear Tsunade's steady heartbeat.
"Kitazawa." Tsunade smiled helplessly, yet didn't push him away. "I have an idea."
"What?" His voice echoed faintly from her chest, sounding muffled.
"After the battle between the Akatsuki Organization and Kumogakure is over, you will become the Sixth Hokage." Her expression turned solemn and serious.
"So suddenly?" Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. "Wouldn't changing the Hokage at a time like this cause unrest in Konoha Village?"
Changing leadership right before a major conflict was always a great taboo.
Moreover, Tsunade had previously promised him that he would become Hokage after the Genius Class graduated.
Although he didn't know exactly when the Akatsuki Organization would attack Kumogakure, it certainly wouldn't be delayed until next March.
"It won't," Tsunade said with a smile. "Don't you know what your current reputation is like?"
Kitazawa suddenly understood. In terms of prestige, he had already surpassed Tsunade.
He was now the undisputed number one figure in Konoha Village. If he became Hokage, the ninjas and civilians alike would only feel more at ease.
After all, he was the second ninja, after Senju Hashirama, to master Wood Release.
And now that he had also learned the Flying Thunder God Technique, he could be described as a fusion of Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama.
No—strictly speaking, he was a fusion of all five generations of Hokage.
Senju Hashirama's Wood Release.
Senju Tobirama's Water Release.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's mastery of the five elements.
Minato Namikaze's Flying Thunder God.
And Tsunade's Medical Ninjutsu.
Kitazawa had already mastered the signature techniques of all five Hokage since Konoha's founding.
What he lacked now was only Chakra—especially compared to Senju Hashirama.
"All right, then." After thinking it over, Kitazawa agreed.
Tsunade had brought up the Hokage matter many times already; there was no need for him to keep refusing.
"I really hope that day comes sooner!" Tsunade said excitedly, her spirits visibly lifted. "Then I won't have to work anymore—I can just go out and play every day!"
Something heavy suddenly pressed against Kitazawa's face.
The corner of his mouth twitched. I haven't even become Hokage yet, and you're already showing your true colors?
Fortunately, the Konoha Casino belonged to him. Otherwise, Tsunade would have gambled him into bankruptcy sooner or later.
"But how do you plan to handle the Genius Class?" Tsunade asked, suppressing her excitement.
She could celebrate later—after Kitazawa officially became Hokage.
"How about letting them graduate early?" Kitazawa pondered for a moment before suggesting it.
Thinking carefully, the timing was right. Once the Akatsuki Organization was dealt with, the Fourth Great Ninja War would inevitably follow.
For the students of the Genius Class, that would be the perfect stage to display their strength.
And for Kitazawa, it would also mean completing several system missions.
"That works." Tsunade agreed without hesitation. "With their strength, forget early graduation—quite a few of them could even pass the Jōnin exams."
If Kitazawa hadn't stopped her earlier, she would have let the Genius Class graduate long ago.
After all, geniuses in the Academy used to graduate extremely early.
Like Itachi.
Like Kakashi.
Compared to them, the Genius Class had already been unusually restrained.
"Very well." Kitazawa nodded. "When the time comes, we'll hold a graduation practical exam with the entire village watching."
His system mission might be focused on forming the New Konoha's Three Sannin, but the other students also needed fame.
With reputation, they could rise to Jōnin faster—or inherit their clans and become clan heads.
Besides, it would serve as the final ranking of the Genius Class.
If graduation were handled like in the past, relying only on the Three Basic E-Rank Technique, it would be far too dull.
"I'll definitely be there when that happens," Tsunade said eagerly.
"Mm." Kitazawa took a deep breath, looked up at her, and asked, "Anything else?"
"Nothing else. Just keep an eye on the Akatsuki Organization's movements." Tsunade shook her head.
"Then… do you still have work to do?" Kitazawa licked the corner of his mouth as he asked.
"Yes." A wave of heat surged in Tsunade's chest, but she still refused. "Wait until tonight."
Seeing this, Kitazawa didn't press the matter. After all, Tsunade was still the Hokage, with countless affairs to handle.
Flying Thunder God Technique!
Kitazawa vanished from the office.
When he reappeared, he had already arrived in Amegakure. He intended to learn about the Akatsuki Organization's movements through Konan.
With such a useful "mole," there was no reason to let it go unused.
Once he steadied himself, Kitazawa looked toward Konan, who was seated at her desk.
He walked up and hugged her from behind.
Konan stiffened for an instant—then quickly relaxed. The familiar scent and embrace told her exactly who it was.
"How have you been lately?" Kitazawa asked, placing his hands against her breast.
A soft sensation passed through the fabric.
"The same as before." Konan let out a muffled groan as she replied.
For a long time, her life had felt stagnant. It wasn't until she went to Konoha Village and met Kitazawa that everything began to change.
"I captured Kakuzu," Kitazawa said as he gently massaged her.
"Mm," Konan responded calmly, her expression unchanged.
But if one looked closely, her fair skin trembled faintly. It wasn't because of his words—but because of his hands.
Her heart felt warm, heating up little by little.
"When the time comes, all members of the Akatsuki Organization can join Konoha Village," Kitazawa said with a smile.
Konan was slightly startled. She could hear absolute confidence in his voice.
Nagato also possessed this kind of confidence—so much so that he believed himself to be a god.
Konan sighed inwardly.
She didn't know what the final outcome would be; she only hoped it wouldn't reach the worst possible conclusion.
"When does the Akatsuki Organization plan to move against Kumogakure and Konoha Village?" Kitazawa asked after a brief pause.
"Akatsuki is currently short-handed. It will take some time." Konan didn't conceal anything. "They'll capture the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails first."
"Thanks." Kitazawa withdrew his hands and casually patted her buttocks.
Konan stood up instinctively. But she soon arched forward again, leaning over the desk, her peach-like curves subtly swaying.
Kitazawa's eyelids twitched.
He stepped forward, grasped her soft curves, and pulled her into his arms, wrapping an arm around her slender waist.
Her Akatsuki cloak slipped to the floor.
Kitazawa leaned in, kissing her pale neck.
Konan's breath caught, her body trembling slightly.
She stretched her neck unconsciously, her eyes rolling back as soft, unsteady breaths escaped her lips.
Three hours later, Kitazawa left Amegakure.
Konan, meanwhile, fell into a deep and peaceful sleep, her heart filled with quiet happiness.
In her dreams, she no longer needed to torment herself over the affairs of the Akatsuki Organization or Konoha Village.
---
Time flowed on in silence, and before long, May arrived.
The weather in Konoha Village gradually turned warm.
Inside the Forest of Death, the ground suddenly trembled as mountains shook violently.
A colossal wooden Arhat, comparable in scale to a Tailed Beast, rose straight up from the earth, a massive Wood Dragon coiled tightly around one of its arms.
In an instant, the ground caved in, dust billowed into the sky, and the disturbance was immense.
Kitazawa couldn't help but nod in satisfaction.
He had finally mastered Wood Release: Wood Human Technique, a Wood Release ninjutsu that could rival a Complete Body Susanoo.
At this point, he had already learned the vast majority of Wood Release techniques.
The only Wood Release jutsu that surpassed the Wood Human Technique was Sage Art: Wood Style: True Several Thousand Hands.
As for the Top Transformed Buddha, it was merely a derivative technique born from that Sage Art.
As long as one mastered Sage Art: Wood Style: True Several Thousand Hands, the Top Transformed Buddha would naturally follow.
And there was no need for him to learn that Sage Art directly.
All he needed to do was complete the system mission of forming the New Konoha's Three Sannin.
Now that both Sasuke and Naruto had achieved great fame, this system mission was already two-thirds complete.
Kitazawa formed a hand seal and dismissed the Wood Release: Wood Human Technique.
He stood quietly, deep in thought. His research into Wood Release had reached a temporary endpoint.
Next, his focus would shift to Complete Body Susanoo.
Aside from that, there were still his system missions. At present, he had three remaining system missions:
Forming the New Konoha's Three Sannin.
Naruto mastering the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.
And merging the Akatsuki Organization into Konoha Village.
All three missions were progressing steadily.
Thinking this far, Kitazawa let out a slow breath.
From the current situation, everything remained under control, and his strength was more than sufficient.
The only thing he needed to remain wary of was Black Zetsu, lurking unseen in the shadows.
Kitazawa resumed his training.
For now, all he could do was wait.
However, in order to stay informed of Akatsuki's movements, he had already dispatched a clone of Katsuyu to Kumogakure.
Once the Akatsuki Organization clashed with Kumogakure, Katsuyu would notify him immediately.
---
Time passed little by little.
When the temperature in Konoha Village reached its warmest point, the Akatsuki Organization finally made its move.
July 1st, early morning.
Kitazawa opened his eyes right on time. Almost immediately, he felt Tsunade's soft, full body resting in his arms.
His gaze naturally drifted downward. Tsunade lay curled in his embrace, their bodies pressed tightly together.
Yet, because of her generous curves, several subtle gaps remained between them.
Looking at her fair skin, Kitazawa couldn't help but let out a quiet breath.
This kind of life… was truly wonderful.
"Tsunade-sensei." Kitazawa reached out and gently stroked her hair.
Tsunade's eyelashes fluttered, and her bright brown eyes slowly opened.
She wasn't fully awake yet and groggily wriggled closer to him like a lazy snake.
A surge of desire rose within Kitazawa.
If he weren't worried about being discovered by Shizune and the others, he certainly wouldn't have let Tsunade get out of bed so easily.
"Good morning." Tsunade leaned down, kissed him softly, and then sat up.
Her flawless body was fully exposed to the air, without a single thread covering it. She stretched her arms leisurely.
"I'll head back first, Tsunade-sensei."
Kitazawa took one last look at that dazzling expanse of skin and immediately used the Flying Thunder God Technique.
After returning to his own room, he let out a long breath, only then calming himself.
It turned out his instincts had been spot on.
Just as he finished changing clothes and stepped out, he saw Shizune walking toward Tsunade's room.
At that moment, Kitazawa suddenly felt a faint summoning from Shikkotsu Forest.
His heart stirred as he immediately understood. Without resisting, his figure vanished—and in the blink of an eye, he appeared before Katsuyu.
"Lord Kitazawa," Katsuyu spoke gently. "My clone has discovered traces of the Akatsuki Organization in Kumogakure."
"Thank you, Lady Katsuyu." Kitazawa nodded.
Because the situation was urgent, he didn't linger and departed at once.
"Tsunade-sensei." Returning to the living room, Kitazawa walked over to Tsunade, who was seated on the sofa.
"What is it?" Tsunade noticed his sudden return.
"I just went to Shikkotsu Forest," Kitazawa said concisely. "Lady Katsuyu informed me that her clone spotted members of the Akatsuki Organization in Kumogakure."
"So Akatsuki plans to attack Kumogakure today?" Tsunade straightened immediately, her tone serious.
"If nothing unexpected happens, yes—today." Kitazawa nodded.
"What do you plan to do?" Tsunade asked, looking directly at him. "Will you go to Kumogakure to observe the battle?"
"Mm," Kitazawa responded. "I plan to take Naruto to Turtle Island."
"Turtle Island?" Tsunade froze for a moment. "You know where it is?"
Turtle Island wasn't truly an island, but a colossal living turtle. Although it belonged to Kumogakure, its location was extremely elusive.
Except for a select few, it was nearly impossible to find. After all, Turtle Island was tied directly to the Perfect Jinchūriki.
Kumogakure would never allow outsiders to touch it.
"I'll bring Hinata along as well," Kitazawa thought quietly.
Perhaps he could use this chance to unleash the World-Extinction Arrow and propel Hyūga Hinata into instant fame.
"Very well. Be careful." Tsunade considered for a moment before nodding.
"With Akatsuki drawing all the attention, I shouldn't run into the Fourth Raikage and the others on Turtle Island." Kitazawa chuckled lightly.
Even if he did, it wouldn't matter. In the end, the strong were always respected.
At worst, he would simply trigger the Fourth Great Ninja War ahead of schedule.
"If you're heading to Turtle Island, you can have Lady Katsuyu keep an eye on Akatsuki," Tsunade added, still mindful of the bigger picture.
"Akatsuki's situation isn't entirely clear," Kitazawa shook his head. "If they have methods to detect Lady Katsuyu, it would only alert them instead. I'll go personally when the time comes."
In truth, he didn't even need to go. He already knew Akatsuki's intel like the back of his hand.
However, Akatsuki had been recruiting recently, and there might be new members beyond his expectations.
In any case, with the Flying Thunder God Technique, he could appear at any moment to watch the battle unfold.
When he returned, he would reveal everything—Akatsuki's full intelligence, including Nagato's Rinnegan.
"That works too." Tsunade didn't object.
With Kitazawa's strength and the Flying Thunder God Technique, she felt reassured.
"Eat breakfast before you leave." Tsunade thought for a moment before saying it.
Kumogakure had a deep foundation. Once the fighting started, it wouldn't end quickly—especially since it hadn't even begun yet.
"Mm." Kitazawa didn't refuse.