CHAPTER 131: CHAPTER 131

Although it was the start of a new semester, Kitazawa didn’t introduce any new ninjutsu. Instead, he had the students continue practicing Konoha-ryu.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to teach new techniques—but most of the students simply didn’t have the aptitude.

Mastering the three basic jutsu was already considered an achievement for many at the Ninja Academy.

As usual, Kitazawa split the class into two groups.

Those who had already grasped the fundamentals of Konoha-ryu were free to move about and head to special training as needed. The rest were left in the capable hands of his Shadow Clone.

"Neji, come with me."

After settling the groups, Kitazawa called Neji over. The two walked to a quiet spot beneath a nearby tree.

"Kitazawa-sensei, is something wrong?"

Neji’s tone was calm, his posture collected—at least on the surface.

"What’s your take on losing to Hinata?"

Kitazawa studied him for a moment before asking.

"It’s fate."

After a short pause, Neji replied, "She’s part of the Main Family. Naturally, her strength and talent should surpass mine."

"...?"

Kitazawa’s eye twitched.

Had this kid shut himself down completely?

Neji’s grudge toward the Hyuga Main Family had always stemmed from two sources:

First, he believed Hyuga Hizashi—his father—was sacrificed by the Main Family. That betrayal left a deep scar.

Second, despite being a prodigy, he’d been branded with the Caged Bird seal—punished simply for being born into the Branch Family.

Now that Hinata had defeated him, the second resentment had seemingly crumbled.

If the old Neji had raged against the injustice of fate, the current one had surrendered to it.

"Did you ever expect Hinata to win against you?"

Kitazawa narrowed his eyes.

"No."

Neji hesitated before speaking. "Maybe it was fate’s way of mocking me."

"Hinata said something earlier that was half-right," Kitazawa said, meeting his gaze. "But it needs correction—fate is an excuse used by the weak."

"...What did you say?"

Neji’s head snapped up.

"I said you’re weak."

Kitazawa didn’t sugarcoat it. "Only the weak accept fate without a fight."

"I’m not weak!" Neji blurted. "I’m a genius of the Hyuga Clan!"

From a young age, whether it was Hizashi or other elders, Neji had always been hailed as a prodigy.

But as soon as the words left his mouth, he froze.

"...What does it matter?" he said softly. "Strong or not, I’ll still be bound by the Caged Bird seal."

"What binds you isn’t the seal," Kitazawa countered. "It’s your ignorance."

He tilted his head. "Have you ever tried to remove it?"

"Thousands of years of Branch Family shinobi have tried and failed!"

Neji’s voice suddenly rose. "This is our fate!"

"But you’re a genius, aren’t you?"

Kitazawa’s tone remained calm. "Then be the first to break the curse. Prove you’re more than the others. Be the greatest Hyuga in history."

"...That’s impossible for someone like me."

Neji faltered, shaking his head.

"Then let me ask you something."

Kitazawa’s expression grew serious. "Do you have the courage to draw your blade against fate?"

Neji opened his mouth... but no answer came.

[Main Questline: Conquer the top talents across all grades to dominate the Ninja Academy.]

Current Objective: Earn Hyuga Neji’s initial recognition.]

[Reward: Byakugan Purity +10%]

[Accept?]

Kitazawa’s eyes gleamed.

A new mission—exactly as expected. And once again, it was tied to the Byakugan.

This was the same reward he’d earned after defeating Neji previously.

And though 10% purity might not sound like much, it brought real results. Combined with the earlier reward, the benefits would likely compound further.

Of course, he wouldn’t know the full outcome until the mission was complete.

"Think about it."

Kitazawa patted Neji’s shoulder. "Once you’ve made up your mind, come join my special training."

He said nothing more.

There’s an old saying: ’Don’t preach pain to someone whose scars you’ve never felt.’

Kitazawa understood Neji’s resentment toward the Main Family. After all, Hyuga Hizashi was sacrificed in Hiashi’s place. Worse, Neji had seen his father punished with the Caged Bird seal firsthand.

So Kitazawa wasn’t asking him to forgive the Main Family—just to shift his focus to something greater: the seal itself.

Could Neji break it? Probably not.

But that didn’t mean Kitazawa couldn’t.

System... let’s see how far you can go.

In a way, Kitazawa was only planting seeds. Whether they took root would depend entirely on Neji.

But for now, the new mission had been triggered. Progress was progress.

"Kitazawa-sensei!"

Hinata approached, eyes filled with concern.

"Aren’t you supposed to be training?" Kitazawa teased lightly, reaching out to pinch her cheek.

"How’s Neji-nii-san doing?"

Hinata looked up at him.

"I had a talk with him," Kitazawa replied. "If things go as expected, he’ll join your special training soon."

"Really?" Her eyes lit up.

It had been so long since she last practiced Gentle Fist with Neji. They’d once been close—as close as real siblings could be.

But after Neji was branded with the Caged Bird seal... everything changed.

"Do you think I’d lie to you?"

"No!"

Hinata smiled brightly. "Kitazawa-sensei, you’re amazing. Even better than Father!"

Kitazawa chuckled.

Good thing Hiashi had already left the grounds after the match—if he’d heard that, he might have spat out three liters of blood on the spot.

"Come on. I’ll take you to the training ground."

They arrived at a nearby field where Ino and Shikamaru were already working hard.

Sasuke and Sakura, however, weren’t there.

Sasuke had gone to the artificial lake with Sakura in tow.

As for Naruto—he was off training Rasengan. With so many Shadow Clones, he could easily disrupt the class. Kitazawa had sensibly assigned him to a quiet grove in the northern section of the training grounds.

"Kitazawa-sensei!"

Kiba came jogging over, panting. "Can I join the special training too?"

Kitazawa blinked. That was unexpected.

He didn’t exactly need someone whose clan’s techniques involved merging with dogs...

"You can join—if it doesn’t impact your grades."

"I can do that!" Kiba replied earnestly. "If I bomb the next monthly exam, I’ll drop out of special training!"

"...Alright." Kitazawa nodded. "You’ll start with Chakra control."

Even if he couldn’t teach him the clan’s secret techniques, improving Kiba’s chakra control was always a safe bet.

"Come on."

He led Kiba to the artificial lake.

Sasuke was by the shore, trying to evaporate the water from his hand faster.

Nearby, Sakura was practicing a new medical ninjutsu on a struggling carp.

"First climb the tree. Then walk on water."

Kitazawa gave a quick demonstration and had Kiba start with the basics.

After class, the students from both First and Second Year Class A trickled out.

"Neji, want to head home together?"

Tenten approached. Neji had been quiet all day.

"No, thank you."

Neji declined with a polite shake of his head.

Tenten hesitated. She wanted to say something.

"I’m fine," he said, noticing.

It sounded like a lie. But Tenten chose to believe him.

He was still Neji—the proud genius of the Hyuga Clan.

"See you tomorrow."

Neji turned and walked off. But after a few steps, he sensed something.

He turned back.

Kitazawa and Hinata were following him.

"...Why are you following me?"

"We’re not," Kitazawa smiled. "It’s just on the way. I’m escorting Hinata home."

Neji blinked, slightly flustered. He turned back and resumed walking.

When they reached the Hyuga compound, Hiashi was already standing at the gate.

Clearly, he was waiting for Hinata—not Neji.

"Hiashi-sama."

Neji greeted him with little emotion and turned to leave.

"Neji," Hiashi called, "Come with me. I have something for you."

"...?"

Neji was stunned.

Kitazawa immediately guessed what it was.

In the original timeline, Neji began to let go of his hatred after receiving a letter—one written by Hizashi and given to him by Hiashi during the Chunin Exams.

It seemed Hiashi was giving it to him early... Perhaps the match he witnessed today changed something in him.

All the better. It would help Kitazawa complete his mission.

"Hinata, I’ll see you tomorrow."

Kitazawa gave a small wave and turned toward Konoha Hospital.

At present, Tsunade and Shizune were each playing their roles. After class, Shizune taught him medical ninjutsu at the hospital, while Tsunade had taken to studying psychological medical ninjutsu with Kurena.

And Kitazawa?

He had a system.

He had students.

And now, he had another genius on the verge of breaking free.

Let fate try to stop them.

Night deepened.

It was just past nine o’clock when Kitazawa and Shizune finished their surgeries and headed home together.

"What did you just say?"

Shizune froze, then burst out furiously, "Lady Tsunade didn’t come back tonight?! Damn it—she lied to me!"

"She doesn’t have any money on her," Kitazawa noted calmly. "So I doubt she went back to the casino."

"Don’t be so sure."

Shizune inhaled deeply. "With her reputation, borrowing money is the least of her problems."

"Fair point," Kitazawa replied with a chuckle. "So... what now?"

"We drag her back!"

Shizune clenched her fists, her tone fierce and unyielding.

"Alright then. Let’s split up. You check the izakaya, I’ll check the casinos."

Kitazawa thought for a moment before offering the plan. He had a decent idea of which gambling dens Tsunade favored, but he wasn’t as familiar with the drinking spots.

"Got it. You’re always more methodical."

Shizune gave a sharp nod.

Kitazawa exchanged a brief glance with Kurenai, then turned and set off.

A few minutes later, Kitazawa arrived at the nearest casino.

The gambling halls of the ninja world had a surprisingly modern flair—glowing machines and roulette tables buzzing with greed. He scanned the floor and spotted Tsunade in the corner.

She sat in front of a slot machine, eyes glued to the spinning reels.

"Agh!"

Tsunade groaned as three mismatched symbols flashed on-screen. She immediately buried her face in her hands.

"Lady Tsunade, you’ll have to pay for it if you smash the machine."

Kitazawa approached with a small smile.

"Kitazawa?"

Tsunade blinked, then suddenly reached out and grabbed his wrist, yanking him down beside her. He stumbled forward and collided with her—soft, warm, and entirely too close.

"Sit properly," she ordered, throwing an arm around his shoulders. "Now, hand over all your money."

Kitazawa reluctantly tore his eyes away from the necklace nestled deep in her cleavage and glanced at the machine instead.

In both his lives, he had never actually played a slot machine—but he’d seen enough in shows and films to know the basics.

"Lady Tsunade," he cleared his throat, "there’s something important I need to tell you—"

"Later," she cut him off, eyes flashing. "Let me finish gambling first. If I win, I’ll take care of everything."

Kitazawa gave a dry smile.

’By the time you win, Yakushi Nonou might already be sipping tea with the Sage of Six Paths in the Pure Land.’

"How much have you lost?" he asked casually, an idea forming.

"Not much. Just two hundred thousand ryo."

Tsunade waved a hand like it was nothing. "Lend me some cash—I’ll win it back in no time."

"How about this," Kitazawa said, eyes narrowing slightly. "Let’s make a bet. If I win back your two hundred thousand, you owe me a favor."

She raised an eyebrow.

"And if you don’t win it back?"

"I’ll give you two hundred thousand ryo. Straight up."

Tsunade considered this. It was a no-lose situation for her. "Deal."

Kitazawa exhaled, then pressed his palms together silently.

’May the God of Gamblers, Buddha bless me.’

He inserted a coin.

The reels spun, lights blinking. Tsunade leaned forward.

Kitazawa tilted his head slightly—and caught a glimpse of her deep valley.

Then—suddenly—the machine shook.

Three sevens lit up on the screen.

Jackpot.

Coins poured out noisily.

"I WON!!"

Tsunade shot up and slapped Kitazawa hard on the back. Her entire upper body moved with the motion—dangerously close to a wardrobe malfunction.

"What are you staring at?" she snapped, catching his line of sight. Another slap. "Don’t just stand there—keep spinning!"

She was too thrilled to notice his embarrassment.

"Yes, Lady Tsunade."

Kitazawa inserted another coin.

Tsunade was beaming after the first win.

By the seventh consecutive jackpot, her excitement had turned into suspicion.

"...Why is your luck so ridiculous?" she muttered.

Kitazawa shrugged. "Luck is just like that. No rhyme or reason."

"Hmm... fair enough."

She stood up, her signature green haori with the kanji for gamble billowing behind her. "Tonight, we strike it rich!"

Kitazawa swore he could hear the theme from God of Gamblers playing in the background.

Midnight

Tsunade clutched a mountain of coins, laughing like she hadn’t in years.

This wasn’t just a good night—it was her best night at a slot machine ever.

...Though technically, Kitazawa had done all the spinning.

"Alright, out with it," she said at last, crossing her legs with an elegant flick.

Kitazawa hesitated.

"Yakushi-senpai said she took a mission. She’s headed to the Land of Earth next week."

Tsunade’s expression darkened immediately. "What kind of medical ninja gets assigned so far out? Did Hiruzen send her?"

"She didn’t say, but... I don’t think so," Kitazawa replied. "If it were the Hokage, she wouldn’t have kept it quiet."

"Danzo," Tsunade growled, her voice laced with venom. "Nono used to be one of his. But she left Root."

Kitazawa exhaled in relief—she understood the situation instantly.

’Thank you, Danzo,’ he thought wryly. ’If you weren’t so shady, she wouldn’t have guessed you so fast.’

"I’ll talk to Hiruzen tomorrow," Tsunade said. "Sending a talent like Nono on field missions is a complete waste!"

"Lady Tsunade... I don’t think that’s the best idea."

Kitazawa shook his head. "If she’s still doing missions for Danzo even after leaving Root, she’s likely being coerced."

"You mean we should investigate first?" Tsunade asked, voice calmer now.

"Exactly," Kitazawa replied. "If we want to help her, we need to understand what’s holding her back."

"...Alright."

Tsunade paused, thinking. "I’ll look into it. I still have a few people in the village I can count on."

Though she hadn’t lived in Konoha for years, her reputation carried weight. She had healed too many lives—saved too many comrades—to be powerless.

If she wanted to act, even Hiruzen would feel her pressure.

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."

Kitazawa bowed his head slightly.

"You’re surprisingly considerate."

Tsunade smiled suddenly, then asked, "Why do you care so much about Nono?"

"She’s one-third of my teacher," Kitazawa replied with a warm grin. "If you were in trouble, I’d do the same for you."

Tsunade blinked, caught off guard.

That reminder struck deep.

She’d nearly forgotten about taking on students. And the way Kitazawa handled himself... the way he thought... it was tempting.

But a weight hung on her shoulders.

Kitazawa was still young. And becoming a mentor meant committing to him and to Konoha.

She knew what Hiruzen wanted. Cure her hemophobia, stay in the village, and eventually succeed him as the Fifth Hokage.

Tsunade stared at Kitazawa, suddenly feeling conflicted.

She didn’t want the title.

She didn’t want the chains.

But no matter how far she ran...

She had never truly turned her back on Konoha.

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