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[NSSSG] [ARC-03] Chapter : 93
🕑 Added 2025-07-25 16:48:20 +0000 UTCA massive wave of information surged into Kitazawa's mind.
In an instant, he mastered both Fire Release: Heaven Prison and Fire Release: Great Fire Heaven Prison. Though categorized as Fire Release jutsus, these were, in truth, Sealing Jutsu. Their offensive power was moderate at best, but their strength lay in suppression—particularly the Great Fire Heaven Prison, which could restrain even massive creatures.
In the world of shinobi, size often equaled trouble. The larger the opponent, the more difficult they were to subdue, especially with jutsu limited by range and chakra output.
Kitazawa retrieved a Storage Scroll and sealed away the corpses of the two bandit leaders. These scrolls couldn’t store living beings, but corpses were fair game.
After storing the bodies, Kitazawa scoured the bandits’ hideout for anything useful, then made his way to the edge of the cliff where Mizuki had fallen.
Peering down, he spotted Mizuki’s body nestled at the base of the ravine.
Without hesitation, Kitazawa leapt off.
The wind howled past him. His hair and dress whipped wildly in the air.
As the rocky ground approached, he clapped his hands together.
"Wind Release: Violent Wind Palm!"
Chakra molded into a burst of wind, cushioning his fall. With his descent slowed, Kitazawa twisted midair and landed cleanly.
He approached Mizuki's body.
While Naruto’s Rasengan had a reputation for leaving enemies miraculously alive, that was usually due to the absurd resilience of major villains. Mizuki, however, was no such foe. A direct Rasengan to the heart had killed him instantly.
Kitazawa unsealed the Storage Scroll again and stored Mizuki's body alongside the others.
With all loose ends tied up, he began the journey back to Konoha.
—
An hour later, he arrived at the village gates.
Normally, a shinobi would simply submit their report at the Mission Hall in the Hokage Building. But Kitazawa’s case involved the death of a comrade—protocol required a direct meeting with the Hokage.
He knocked on the office door.
"Come in."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up from his paperwork.
"Ah, Kitazawa. What brings you here on a Saturday?"
Kitazawa stepped inside.
"Hokage-sama, there's something important I need to report."
He recounted everything: the bet made during the class competition, the mission alongside Mizuki, and the ambush involving rogue ninja hired to kill him.
Hiruzen’s smile faded as he listened.
"Mizuki dared to go that far?" he said, voice cold with anger.
Konoha had many rules, but one stood above all: no killing fellow Leaf shinobi.
Even Orochimaru, despite being one of the Legendary Sannin and Hiruzen’s own student, was branded a rogue for violating this commandment.
Of course, the higher-ups weren’t always held to the same standard. Danzo had performed just as many unethical experiments as Orochimaru—but as long as they remained hidden, he retained his position.
But Mizuki? A low-ranking Chunin without connections or protection. Whether Kitazawa had killed him or not, Mizuki would’ve faced life in prison.
Which explained why the system considered this mission over-completed.
"Hokage-sama," Kitazawa said, pulling out the scroll. "Mizuki’s body is inside."
"I see."
Hiruzen visibly relaxed. Mizuki’s fate mattered less than whether Kitazawa could be trusted. With his current reputation and teaching skill, there was no one in the village who could replace him.
He walked to a clear spot on the floor, unsealed the scroll, and summoned Mizuki’s corpse.
When the body appeared, Hiruzen blinked.
"Rasengan? You learned it?"
When he’d heard from Haru that Kitazawa had exchanged a reward for the Rasengan, he had thought it a poor decision—much like Tsunade did. The jutsu wasn’t something just anyone could master.
"Just lucky," Kitazawa replied modestly.
"One doesn’t learn the Rasengan on luck alone."
Hiruzen shook his head with a wry smile.
"With your strength, teaching at the academy might be a waste."
Kitazawa’s expression was calm but confident.
"There are many stronger than me in Konoha, but when it comes to teaching… I don’t think any of them can compare. The academy is where I belong."
Hiruzen chuckled.
"Fair point."
He resealed Mizuki’s body and looked back at Kitazawa.
"According to protocol, Mizuki will be handed over to the Interrogation Department for memory extraction."
"Understood."
Kitazawa’s tone remained steady.
"So, what’s next for Naruto?" Hiruzen asked, settling back into his chair.
"Taijutsu-wise, he’s under Gai’s care. No worries there. But he’s still lacking in real battle experience, so I’ve been focusing on live combat drills."
"Practical combat training? Sounds like a solid plan."
Hiruzen gave a slow nod. "If that’s all, you can go and submit the mission."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
—
Kitazawa made his way downstairs to the Mission Hall.
The reward for a B-rank mission typically ranged from 50,000 to 150,000 ryo. Given the danger—two rogue Chunin—the payout was the full 150,000.
With Mizuki dead, the entire reward went to Kitazawa.
Every bit counts.
Though he wasn’t short on cash, 150,000 ryo was still a decent sum. No reason to leave it on the table.
Ironically, the biggest chunk of his savings still came from Hinata.
Kitazawa chuckled to himself as he left the Hokage Building.
"You're back? How was it? Are you hurt?"
The moment Kurenai saw him, she fired off three rapid questions.
"Do I look like I'm in trouble?" Kitazawa replied with a wry smile, holding his arms out theatrically.
"Mizuki didn’t attack you?" Kurenai scanned him quickly, then let out a relieved breath.
"Not only did he attack, but he even hired two rogue Chunin. But now? They’re all corpses."
Kitazawa said it casually, with a hint of amusement curling at his lips.
"Serves them right," Kurenai snorted. "The important thing is, you’re okay."
"I’ve already delivered Mizuki’s body to the Hokage," Kitazawa added.
He reached out and poked her cheek, smiling. "It’s over. No need to dwell on it."
"Mm." Kurenai nodded softly.
"I’m going to read. Let me know when Lady Tsunade arrives," Kitazawa said as he ascended the stairs.
One week of the two-week deadline had already slipped by, and he still had half the required reading left. If he didn’t pick up the pace, he might not complete the task Tsunade had set.
—
The next day—Sunday.
Kitazawa expected a typical day: reading, maybe sparring, perhaps a new ninjutsu theory discussion with Tsunade. What he didn’t expect was an uninvited guest.
"Kitazawa."
It was the familiar Anbu, Haru, standing at the front door. "Hokage-sama wishes to see you."
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. Had his involvement in Mizuki’s death somehow come under suspicion?
But after a moment's thought, he dismissed the idea. He had acted in self-defense the entire time. And if they truly suspected him, Haru wouldn’t be knocking—he’d already have him in custody.
"Alright," he said, closing the door behind him and following Haru toward the Hokage’s office.
Inside, Hiruzen greeted him calmly.
"Kitazawa," the old Hokage said, "the Anbu has reviewed Mizuki’s memories. Everything aligns with your report—he acted of his own accord."
Kitazawa felt a wave of relief wash over him. Mizuki was now nothing more than a footnote in Konoha’s records.
"Mizuki was the homeroom teacher of Second Year Class A," Hiruzen continued. "Now that he’s gone, I’d like your opinion—who should replace him?"
Kitazawa blinked, then replied evenly, "That’s up to you, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen chuckled. "Would you consider taking on the role yourself?"
Kitazawa was caught off guard. After a pause, he bowed slightly. "I must decline. I'm already fully committed to First Year Class A."
He wasn’t lying—but that wasn’t the full truth either. The real problem was that his system had tied him to First Year Class A. Switching focus might mean losing Naruto, Sasuke, and the others—and with them, his most valuable missions.
"I understand," Hiruzen said thoughtfully. "Then allow me to explain. A new teacher, Terai, will take over the class."
Kitazawa narrowed his eyes. The name rang a bell. A second later, it clicked—Terai was a Root operative in the original timeline. The same one Danzo had sent after Kabuto.
Hiruzen continued, as if reading his thoughts. "Yes, he’s from Root. Danzo initially wanted him to replace you in First Year Class A. I refused. I used the vacancy in Second Year Class A as an excuse and had him placed there instead."
Kitazawa sighed inwardly. Headache incoming.
"Don’t worry," Hiruzen reassured him. "I’m still in charge of the Academy. Your task is simple: observe him. Once Danzo realizes he’s gaining nothing, he’ll pull him out."
"Understood, Hokage-sama," Kitazawa replied with a nod.
It wasn’t a dangerous mission. No matter how power-hungry Danzo was, Hiruzen still held the reins.
Besides, Kitazawa was confident he wasn’t the target. More likely, it was Yakumo—the girl with an extraordinary Genjutsu bloodline. The Kurama Clan’s decline made them easy prey for someone like Danzo.
Just as Kitazawa turned to leave, four glowing lines appeared before his eyes:
【As a genius, you should dominate the Ninja School. Second Year Class A will be your first step.】
【Current Mission: Defeat Hyuga Neji, the strongest in Second Year Class A.】
【Mission Reward: Increase Byakugan purity by 10%.】
【Do you accept?】
Kitazawa stared, momentarily stunned.
Was that even an option?
