CHAPTER 132: CHAPTER 132

When Kitazawa stepped into Second Year Class A, his attention, as always, drifted to Hyuga Neji.

At first glance, the boy looked as calm and composed as ever. But if one paid close enough attention—like Kitazawa did—they might catch it: a flicker of tension, a shadow of thoughtfulness hidden between his brows.

Neji didn’t approach him after class.

Kitazawa didn’t mind.

Some things couldn’t be resolved overnight.

Leaving the classroom behind, Kitazawa made a routine visit to the training field, then to the academy’s artificial lake. Everything was running smoothly. Sasuke, Hinata, and the others were progressing steadily—no need for him to interfere just yet.

Just as he prepared to practice Wind Release, a thought struck him.

He glanced subconsciously at Sasuke.

In all the recent focus on Hinata’s progress and missions, he’d nearly forgotten something important.

He had a mission involving Sasuke as well.

Help Sasuke defeat Neji.

The reward? A One-Tomoe Sharingan.

Between the Sharingan and the Byakugan, Kitazawa didn’t yet have the luxury of using either openly. But not now didn’t mean never.

Once his strength reached a certain threshold, the Uchiha and Hyuga Clans wouldn’t be able to stop him.

Still, that wasn’t the core of it.

This system wasn’t called the Strongest Shinobi System for nothing.

"Strongest." What did that truly mean?

Not Uchiha Madara. Not even Senju Hashirama.

It pointed far beyond that—to the Ōtsutsuki Clan.

Just from the system rewards—the Sharingan, the Byakugan—it was clear: his future path was headed straight for their legacy.

To become something beyond human. To gather every bloodline, every jutsu.

To go from native-born... to alien.

In short, the Sharingan was essential.

But there was a problem.

Could Sasuke, even with a One-Tomoe Sharingan, defeat someone like Neji?

Kitazawa had his doubts.

Not that it was impossible. But still...

As the saying went, Hyuga Neji is only seven years old. No, wait—he turned eight on July 3rd.

And today? It was September 2nd.

"Sasuke."

Kitazawa called him over.

Because if nothing went wrong, Neji would soon begin special training. That would accelerate his growth—making it even harder for Sasuke to catch up, let alone surpass him.

So Sasuke needed something extra—now.

"Kitazawa-sensei."

Sasuke stopped mid-training and walked over.

"You watched Hinata and Neji’s spar yesterday," Kitazawa said, his gaze sharp. "What did you think?"

Sasuke nodded. "They’re both strong. But give me a bit of time—I can beat them with my Sharingan."

His tone was cool, but there was confidence in it. "My eyes have already seen through their movements."

Kitazawa raised a brow, slightly surprised.

’So that’s why he stayed silent yesterday,’ he thought. ’He’s not just reacting—he’s analyzing.’

It seemed Sasuke had been quietly thinking through the mechanics of Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.

"Not bad," Kitazawa said with a faint smile. "But what if they improve during that time?"

Sasuke paused.

That... he hadn’t considered.

Even a small improvement—two extra strikes in Sixty-Four Palms—could spell defeat.

He clenched his fists.

"Kitazawa-sensei... do you have a plan?" he asked, eyes sparking with expectation.

"Use the other advantage of the Sharingan," Kitazawa said slowly. "Genjutsu."

In later stages, Genjutsu might lose its edge—but in the early to mid-stages?

It was a deadly weapon.

A single moment of unawareness could mean instant defeat.

Ironically, in the original timeline, Sasuke rarely used Genjutsu. His style mirrored Uchiha Madara’s—overwhelming firepower and precise ninjutsu. Genjutsu was just a footnote.

Itachi, on the other hand, had leaned into Genjutsu heavily.

Kitazawa suspected the reason was more than personality.

The Uchiha Massacre likely robbed Sasuke of a proper Sharingan Genjutsu education.

"But..." Sasuke hesitated. "A one-tomoe Sharingan can’t cast Genjutsu directly."

"True," Kitazawa said, unfazed. "But it can amplify and assist in casting Genjutsu. That’s more than enough."

What Sasuke meant was he couldn’t yet use the iconic Sharingan Genjutsu—the type that let users control minds with a glance, even suppress Tailed Beasts in later stages.

But there were other Genjutsu techniques—Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes, Genjutsu: Unknown Fire—that relied on the Sharingan as a medium.

Without the dojutsu, most ninjas couldn’t use them at all.

"I get it!"

Sasuke’s face lit up with realization. "I’ll go home right now and ask Father and Big Brother to teach me!"

Kitazawa raised a brow, watching him.

Was Sasuke more excited about defeating Neji?

Or the chance to train with Itachi and Fugaku?

Probably both.

Double the motivation.

Kitazawa felt a flicker of satisfaction.

It was oddly rewarding—to subtly shift the fates of characters bound by canon.

"Starting today, you don’t have to come to the academy," Kitazawa said after a pause. "Once you’ve mastered it, I’ll arrange a spar with Neji."

"Huh?" Sasuke blinked. "Why Neji? Why not Hinata?"

Simple. If an Uchiha was going to fight, he wanted to fight the strongest.

"They’re close in strength," Kitazawa said casually. "Besides, your match with Hinata will come—during the monthly exams."

Sasuke nodded.

He understood.

Kitazawa wanted him to defeat both.

Two birds, one Uchiha.

"Alright, I’m off!" Sasuke said and, without hesitation, sprinted toward home.

He hadn’t expected post-vacation guidance from both Fugaku and Itachi—but now he had it.

And he was thrilled.

At the Uchiha Compound

"You’re home early today?" Mikoto looked up, surprised. It was still two hours before lunch.

"Kitazawa-sensei told me to come home!"

Sasuke knew his mother held Kitazawa in high regard, so he name-dropped him with confidence.

"Then it must be something important," Mikoto said, curious. "What did he ask you to do?"

"Learn Genjutsu from Dad and Big Brother!"

Sasuke’s tone brimmed with excitement.

Mikoto blinked. "That’s quite a lot for a seven-year-old..."

Fire Release and Genjutsu? Wasn’t that too much?

But Kitazawa had arranged it, and she trusted him.

"Don’t worry!" Sasuke grinned. "I’m a genius—I awakened my Sharingan at six, remember?"

Itachi had always been the bar he aimed for.

But now he had a milestone his brother didn’t—activating the Sharingan at a younger age.

Still, Mikoto gently warned, "Don’t get ahead of yourself. You worked really hard just to place first in your class."

"..." Sasuke looked away, slightly embarrassed.

Especially after watching Neji and Hinata spar the day before.

"Your brother should be back around noon," Mikoto added, changing the subject with a smile.

"Really?" Sasuke perked up immediately.

So easy to cheer up and manipulate.

Mikoto couldn’t help but smile.

Noon

"I’m home," Itachi said as he entered.

He blinked in mild surprise at the sight of Sasuke.

Usually, Sasuke stayed at school for lunch.

"Big Brother!" Sasuke ran up. "I want to learn Genjutsu!"

"Genjutsu?" Itachi tilted his head. "Aren’t you focused on Fire Release?"

"Genjutsu is harder," he added. "Much harder."

"I’m not scared," Sasuke said proudly. "I’m an Uchiha. I have to learn Genjutsu!"

Itachi smiled faintly. "That’s the spirit... but you should pace yourself."

Like Mikoto, he felt it might be too early for Sasuke to juggle both.

"If I don’t learn Genjutsu, I won’t be able to beat Neji and Hinata."

Sasuke hesitated before confessing.

"Ah," Itachi said knowingly.

He was familiar with both names—and their growing reputations.

"They’ve already started learning the Sixty-Four Palms," Sasuke continued, "and I need to defeat them. To prove the Uchiha Clan is the strongest!"

Itachi’s expression grew serious.

"Sasuke. Whether Uchiha or Hyuga—we’re all Konoha shinobi. Sparring with them is just a friendly exchange, not a clan war."

Sasuke nodded quickly. "I get it!"

He didn’t care about philosophy—he just wanted to learn Genjutsu.

"Alright then," Itachi said, smiling. "I’ll teach you. As it happens... I know a few tricks to counter Gentle Fist."

In a quiet, secluded corner of the Ninja Academy—

A sea of Narutos bustled with energy, their loud chatter creating a lively atmosphere.

Kitazawa gave them a brief glance before looking away.

He pulled out a shuriken and eyed a nearby tree. Channeling Wind Release chakra into the weapon, he hurled it with force.

The shuriken spun through the air, an invisible edge forming around it as Wind chakra sharpened its rotation.

In the next instant, it embedded itself into the bark with a low thunk, carving out a shallow groove.

"...As expected, without proficient Wind Release nature transformation, progress is painfully slow," Kitazawa muttered.

He missed the ease with which he had picked up medical ninjutsu and genjutsu in the past. Unfortunately, Wind Release wasn’t going to be that simple.

Luckily, his chakra control was near master-level. Without it, learning Wind techniques would’ve been an even steeper uphill climb.

After all, B-rank and A-rank ninjutsu weren’t something you picked up overnight.

Even Kurenai still hadn’t fully mastered the A-rank Bringer of Darkness.

As for Sasuke and Naruto—well, they were anomalies. The protagonist’s aura, absurd talent, and relentless drive combined to push them forward. By seventeen, they’d already been hailed as saviors.

But reality was harsher.

For most, even the talented ones, being a Chūnin at seventeen was the norm. Kurenai herself was proof of that.

Kitazawa snapped out of his thoughts and resumed his training.

He still had time—ample, mission-sanctioned time—to master at least four Wind Release techniques.

Afternoon crept in.

Kitazawa finally took a break. His chakra reserves were almost drained. Time to rest... or at least shift focus.

After all, rest didn’t mean idleness.

He had another task: drafting a proposal to establish a student council.

Kitazawa planned to base it on the student councils from the universities of his previous life—structured, influential, and efficient.

Of course, he’d need to wrap the idea in sugar-coated language.

Something like: "To better promote the Will of Fire during extracurricular activities..."

But Hiruzen wasn’t a fool. He’d see right through it.

This student council wasn’t just a student initiative—it was a miniature version of the political framework of Konoha.

And whoever led it would naturally have an edge when the time came to compete for the Hokage seat.

It wouldn’t be wrong to call the student council president a Hokage candidate in training.

After all, only the brightest—clan heirs, top civilian ninja, future leaders—would be chosen for it.

Kitazawa predicted that Hiruzen would lean toward appointing Naruto as student council president.

But Kitazawa had other plans.

To fulfill his mission objectives, a little maneuvering was necessary.

So, he came up with a plan—suggest a trial run.

If it worked, the student council would be officially established. If it didn’t, it could be quietly scrapped.

And during the trial phase, he’d take the role of student council president.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye. Soon, it was Friday.

Sasuke’s absence from class didn’t stir much gossip.

Only Naruto and Sakura came by, concerned.

Upon hearing Sasuke was undergoing "special training," they were reassured.

A knock came at the door.

Kitazawa, who had just finished outlining the student council proposal, looked up.

The door creaked open—and in walked Tsunade.

Kitazawa blinked.

’She knocked?’

Surprised, he rose and followed her to the couch.

"I’ve finished looking into the Nono matter," Tsunade said, collapsing onto the sofa with a tired sigh.

Her... presence caused a brief visual disturbance.

"How did it go?" Kitazawa asked, tearing his eyes away.

"You were right," she replied, lips pursed in annoyance. "Danzo hasn’t changed. He’s using the orphanage to force Nono into serving Root."

"If it’s just the orphanage, Hokage-sama can intervene directly," Kitazawa said, nodding.

Tsunade’s expression darkened. "It’s not just the building—it’s the children. The talented ones are being siphoned into Root. Most of them don’t survive the internal tests."

She didn’t need to elaborate.

Kitazawa recalled the brutal practice mentioned in the original work—Root members forced into fights to the death. Survival was the only qualification.

Sai and Shin’s tragedy was born from that system.

Sai had joined Team Seven after Sasuke’s defection. His older brother, Shin, had died in a Root match—against Sai himself.

Shin had deliberately let himself lose so Sai could live.

His death ultimately helped Sai regain his emotions. He’d later defect from Root... and marry Ino.

"The most exceptional of them is Yakushi Kabuto," Tsunade continued. "Nono’s adopted son. He’s no longer in Konoha. Only Danzo and Root know where he is."

Tsunade’s intel network was vast, but Root agents had long since discarded their humanity—emotions included. They wouldn’t talk.

"First, we need to confirm Kabuto’s whereabouts," Kitazawa said after a pause. "Root falls under ANBU. Technically, ANBU has investigative authority."

Tsunade nodded, stretched, and stood. "We’ll need Hiruzen’s help regardless."

Even if she had the power to act, Tsunade knew better than to move against Danzo without the Hokage’s backing.

And with Hiruzen’s support, they could snuff out Root’s corruption properly.

At the very least, Danzo wouldn’t dare touch Nono or Kabuto again.

"I’ll go with you," Kitazawa said after a moment’s thought.

"Of course you will," Tsunade smirked. "You’re the one who stirred this up in the first place."

"Lady Tsunade, you’ll protect me, right?" Kitazawa blinked innocently. "I wouldn’t dream of going against Danzo Shimura otherwise."

"Oh really?" she laughed. "Then why’d you interfere in Nono’s business at all?"

"Because I knew you were watching my back," Kitazawa replied sincerely. "Other than Hokage-sama, you’re the only one who can keep Danzo in check."

"Cut the flattery," she rolled her eyes. "Hiruzen trusts you now. Danzo won’t dare make a move."

"I trust you more," Kitazawa said, genuine.

Tsunade blinked. Then snorted. "You’ve sworn loyalty to the wrong person. I’m not interested in becoming Hokage."

"That has nothing to do with it," Kitazawa said as they walked. "It’s because you taught me medical ninjutsu."

"...Tch."

Tsunade fell silent.

Soon, they reached the Hokage’s office.

"Let me guess, you two came up with a new Ninjutsu again?" Hiruzen asked, mildly amused.

"Hardly," Tsunade replied, tossing a scroll onto his desk. "I came to ask you to rein in Danzo Shimura."

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow and opened the scroll.

Its contents were direct—Danzo’s manipulations of the Konoha Orphanage and his coercion of Nono Yakushi.

"Danzo... how could he be so reckless?" Hiruzen frowned deeply.

The orphanage was a Konoha institution—completely outside Root’s jurisdiction.

Danzo had clearly overstepped his authority.

And manipulating the medical department director?

Unforgivable.