Chapter 90

Tuesday After checking on Kurenai’s Rasengan training, Kitazawa headed to the Ninja academy. "Kitazawa-senpai!" Iruka spotted him and jogged over enthusiastically. "Kitazawa." Mizuki followed behind, keeping his expression neutral as he greeted him. "Morning," Kitazawa nodded, then asked, "Are you two heading to the meeting as well?" "Yes," Iruka replied with a touch of sentiment. "Hard to believe it’s already been three months since I became a teacher." "You still have a long road ahead," Kitazawa said with a half-smile. "Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next vice principal someday." He wasn’t entirely joking—after all, Iruka did become principal in the original timeline. "I-I wouldn’t dare!" Iruka flailed slightly, flustered. Though he dreamed of such a future, he knew his current strength wasn’t close to qualifying him for that role. "That was a cold joke if I’ve ever heard one," Mizuki chuckled mockingly. ’Iruka, vice principal?’ If that ever happened, Mizuki might just swallow a kunai on the spot. "Mizuki, don’t forget—be at the village gate by 9 AM on Saturday." Kitazawa glanced at him, voice calm but pointed. "I know," Mizuki replied stiffly, smile faltering. ’This bastard again...’ He could barely contain his killing intent. ’Kitazawa always ruins everything.’ "What are you planning to do?" Iruka asked, ever the kind-hearted one. "I’m free Saturday—need a hand?" "No thanks," Mizuki replied quickly. "It’s something between Kitazawa and me." With Iruka around, murdering Kitazawa would be much harder. "Next time for sure." Kitazawa patted Iruka’s shoulder with a smile. "You two—" Iruka began, but Kitazawa cut him off. "The vice principal’s here. Let’s head in." He’d spotted Hisao Sarutobi in the distance and used it to neatly avoid Iruka’s curiosity. Iruka held back his question and followed them to the meeting room, a lingering sense of confusion still gnawing at him. 8:30 AM — Monthly Staff Meeting All the instructors from all six grades had gathered. The meeting room was packed. "Before we begin, I have an announcement from the principal." Hisao Sarutobi stood at the head of the room, voice steady. The Ninja academy principal was none other than the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. And while he held the title of Hokage, here at the academy, he was referred to by his functional role—principal. "The principal has appointed Kitazawa as the new Head of Academic Affairs." A ripple ran through the room. "What?!" Mizuki jumped to his feet, face darkening. "Why him?!" He had suspected Kitazawa would one day become his superior—but so soon? The bitterness in his chest twisted into fury. "This is the principal’s decision," Hisao said calmly. "If you have any questions, feel free to take them up with him." Mizuki fell silent and slumped into his chair. Iruka, who had been about to congratulate Kitazawa, glanced at Mizuki and hesitated. Still, deep down, a spark of admiration flared. ’One day, I want to be recognized like that too...’ "From now on, monthly exam meetings will be chaired by Kitazawa." Hisao stepped aside. "Kitazawa, take it from here." "Understood." Kitazawa stood and made his way to the front. "You sit." Hisao motioned toward the chair. "Thank you, Vice Principal." Kitazawa sat down with ease, cleared his throat, and began. Though it was his first time leading the meeting, Kitazawa had attended many before. He was already familiar with the structure. All he had to do was follow the format—and if he stumbled, Hisao Sarutobi would step in. The meeting boiled down to two core points: Teachers had to draft exam questions based on their class syllabus. All questions must be submitted on time so they can be compiled into a standardized written exam. Now, the compiler wasn’t Hisao Sarutobi—it was Kitazawa. That was perfect. It would make completing his hidden tasks easier... and getting first place, more likely. Fortunately, Kitazawa wasn’t responsible for the June exam. His focus was on July—the final exam. "Meeting adjourned." Kitazawa stood to close the session. "Not bad!" Hisao Sarutobi said with a chuckle. "That was smooth for a first time—flawless, really." "I just followed your example," Kitazawa replied with a respectful smile. "Your leadership made it easy." "Hah! Flatterer." Hisao laughed again, clearly pleased. "If you need anything, come to me directly." "Will do." After Hisao left, the other teachers surrounded Kitazawa, offering congratulations and well-wishes. Everyone wanted to be in the good graces of the new Head of Academic Affairs. Everyone... except Mizuki. He stood frozen, as if the world had turned against him. Even Iruka eventually went over to join the others in congratulating Kitazawa. Mizuki clenched his fists. ’Just wait. You’ll only get to act superior for one more week.’ He turned and left the room, already planning how to kill Kitazawa on Saturday. He’d even hire two rogue Chunin to pin the blame on them. 9:00 AM Kitazawa finally exhaled. The staff’s enthusiasm was overwhelming. This was the downside of being too friendly—too many expectations, too many social entanglements. No wonder the Uchiha were always cold and aloof. It really did help keep people at a distance. Later — First-Year Class A "Class begins." Kitazawa stepped into the classroom and scanned the seats. Sasuke, Sakura, Hinata, Shikamaru, and Ino were absent. Of course—they were with his Shadow Clone at the Artificial Lake, continuing their training. ’If they’re already outperforming their peers, there’s no reason to waste time in a standard lecture. Adapt the teaching to the student—that’s the rule.’ "Class dismissed." Kitazawa concluded the lesson efficiently, picked up his notes, and was about to leave when he suddenly paused. "Naruto, come here for a moment." "Kitazawa-sensei!" Uzumaki Naruto ran up excitedly. "Are you gonna teach me a new jutsu again?" Clearly, the success of the Shadow Clone Jutsu had left a deep impression. Kitazawa shook his head. "Do you still have the energy to learn anything new? Just focus on Taijutsu with Gai for now." With Kurama’s interference, Naruto’s learning curve for most Ninjutsu was steep. Unless it was something as simple and direct as Shadow Clones or Rasengan, it wasn’t worth the investment yet. "Okay..." Naruto scratched his head. "Then what did you call me for?" "How’s your Konoha-ryu training going?" "I’ve pretty much mastered it!" Naruto grinned. "Guy-sensei taught me a bunch of katas that are similar." ’Makes sense,’ Kitazawa mused. The Leaf Whirlwind series was likely a refined version of Konoha-ryu—more advanced and destructive. "With your current skill, you don’t need to attend regular combat class anymore," Kitazawa said. "From now on, during combat class, meet me at the Artificial Lake. I’ll give you personalized training." "That’s awesome!" Naruto beamed. "I’ve always wanted to train with you, sensei!" Kitazawa smiled wryly. ’Only Naruto would be thrilled at the idea of extra training. If it were Shikamaru, he’d disappear like a shadow.’ "Alright. After lunch, meet me at the lake." "Got it!" Naruto saluted, still grinning. "Back to class." Kitazawa gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder before walking off—not to the training grounds, but to the Mission Hall in the Hokage Building. He had a mission to choose. Mission Hall – Hokage Building The place was buzzing even in the morning. Kitazawa walked over to the mission board. Categories were clearly divided by rank. He scanned the B-rank section. A-rank missions, though technically allowed for Special Jonin, were overkill for what he needed. He wasn’t doing this for money or recognition. He had a different goal entirely. One mission caught his eye: a bandit suppression operation on Mt. Tanuki. A known gang had set up camp and was raiding villages in the area. What drew Kitazawa’s attention wasn’t the mission itself—but the location. One of his students was from a nearby town. ’This works.’ A teacher taking action to protect a student’s hometown? That was the perfect cover. Even if that student only returned home once a month, the logic held. Kitazawa approached the counter. "I’d like to take the Mt. Tanuki bandit suppression mission." "How many in your team, and what are your ranks?" the staffer asked. "Two. One Special Jonin, one Chunin." "Qualified," the staffer said. "But I recommend a third member for safety." "No need," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Two will be enough." The staffer didn’t press it and handed him the mission form. "Thank you." Kitazawa took the form and exhaled softly. ’This whole thing feels like I’ve stepped into a full-blown assassination mission.’ ------------------------ For getting to Top 10 Power ranking- 3 Extra Chapters. AN: Check out my P@treon For extra Chapters. Thank You For your Support!! [email protected]/noviceauthor777