CHAPTER 157: CHAPTER 157

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Kitazawa couldn’t help but smile as he watched Sasuke slowly regain his fighting spirit.

At the end of the day, Sasuke was still just a boy—straightforward in his emotions, and easy enough to read, perhaps even to manipulate.

But what stood out most was how deeply the Sharingan was tied to his pride.

Still... was the jump from one to two tomoe really that drastic?

Kitazawa could only conclude: it depended.

For ordinary academy students, the Two-Tomoe Sharingan was practically an insurmountable wall. But when it came to prodigies like Yakumo or Naruto, the advantage wasn’t so clear.

Yakumo’s bloodline-limit genjutsu was held back by her young body, but even so, her illusions already surpassed the power of a fully matured Three-Tomoe Sharingan. As for Naruto—between the Nine-Tails’ protection against genjutsu, his growing mastery of Shadow Clones, and the Rasengan he was soon to learn, Sasuke would have his hands full.

Of course, none of this needed to be spelled out to him just yet.

"Sasuke," Kitazawa finally said, after a moment’s thought, "come find me tomorrow. I’ll prepare a new special training for you."

Truthfully, Kitazawa’s first instinct upon accepting this mission had been simple: let Sasuke take enough beatings until the trauma forced his eyes to evolve. But such a cruel method risked breaking him instead. A boy like Sasuke might just retreat inward forever.

No, a gentler approach was better. Build his fundamentals. Strengthen his core. With a solid enough foundation, the Two-Tomoe would awaken naturally.

"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!" Sasuke said gratefully, the gloom of defeat already lightening. To him, Kitazawa seemed invincible.

"You can pause your Fire Release chakra practice for now," Kitazawa added, "but don’t neglect genjutsu training."

Sasuke nodded firmly. He wouldn’t give up on genjutsu—not when it was his brother, Itachi, who was personally teaching him. Those rare moments of instruction were something he could never let go.

"It really has to be Kitazawa-sensei," Ino muttered enviously from the sidelines.

Choji let out a nervous chuckle. "Sasuke looked downright terrifying just a moment ago. Now he’s smiling like nothing happened..."

"For a proud Uchiha, losing twice in a row isn’t something you just shrug off," Shikamaru yawned, arms behind his head. "Honestly, it’s easier being lazy. Eat when you want, nap when you want. Forget chasing after power."

"Then why are you still here training with us?" Ino shot back.

"This is called fate," Shikamaru said, lazily pointing to the sky. "An enemy from heaven. Can’t escape it."

Naruto tilted his head, confused. "What’s he talking about?"

Kiba clapped him on the shoulder. "His parents, idiot. Try using your brain sometimes."

"...But Naruto’s still ranked higher than you," Shikamaru suddenly added.

Kiba froze, the smile slipping from his face. "...Tch."

Meanwhile, Sakura was watching with stars in her eyes. "If only I could be like Kitazawa-sensei... just a few words and Sasuke-kun smiles again..."

Ino snorted. "You? Not a chance. You’re too... rough around the edges. Gentleness isn’t really your strong suit."

"Ino!" Sakura shot up, glaring at her.

But when Ino casually remarked, "Sasuke’s back, by the way," Sakura instantly dropped the argument, plastering on her brightest smile. "Sasuke-kun!"

"...Women are terrifying," Shikamaru muttered, shivering. He silently vowed to marry someone ordinary, with no sharp edges.

Kitazawa walked to the front of the class, Iruka’s roll sheet in hand. "I’ll now announce the rankings for this month’s exam."

As expected, the results mirrored the previous test.

"First place in the practical exam—Uzumaki Naruto."

Naruto grinned ear to ear. Sasuke glanced at him, and for just a moment, jealousy flickered in his eyes. He couldn’t even remember what it felt like to take first.

"Second, Yakumo Kurama."

Naruto puffed his chest proudly, though Kitazawa knew his progress wasn’t actually greater than Yakumo’s. Her terrifying bloodline had simply hit a temporary bottleneck—her potential was still frighteningly high.

"Third place, Uchiha Sasuke. Fourth, Hyuga Hinata."

Kitazawa had engineered Sasuke’s setbacks this time. Awarding him third was more of a consolation prize than anything else. Not that Sasuke seemed comforted—he clenched his fists tightly. The final exam would be his chance. Once his Sharingan evolved, he’d reclaim everything.

"Sasuke!" Naruto suddenly said, grinning. "I’ve got a surprise for you in the finals!"

"...?" Sasuke’s face went blank with confusion. Another surprise? The last one—Naruto’s Shadow Clone technique—had nearly given him a heart attack.

After dismissing class and handing out report cards, the students swarmed out, more eager to play than dwell on rankings.

"C’mon, Naruto. Ramen’s on me," Kiba sighed. The bet between them had long since turned into a running joke. He’s been losing for a long time, but a man keeps his word.

"H-how about I treat this time?" Naruto scratched his head sheepishly. He was tired of freeloading, especially since Kiba’s luck was so bad.

"What, you looking down on me?" Kiba barked, smacking his shoulder.

"N-no, of course not!"

"Then let’s go!"

Naruto’s smile stretched wide. "Thanks, Kiba!"

"Hah, I’m the Inuzuka clan’s second heir. What’s a bowl of ramen to me?"

The two boys laughed as they headed to Ichiraku together.

Later that evening, Naruto bounced home, still humming cheerfully from dinner.

"So happy... did you take first place again?" a warm voice asked the moment he opened the door.

Naruto’s eyes widened. "Grandpa Third!"

Hiruzen chuckled. "Judging by that grin, I already know the answer."

"I got first in the practical again!" Naruto said proudly.

"It would be perfect if you managed first in the theory exam someday too," Hiruzen mused, smiling wistfully. Minato had never once fallen short of the top rank during his academy years.

Naruto’s grin faltered. "...I’ll try my best."

He really did try—but there were things sheer effort couldn’t fix. Unlike sparring, you couldn’t fake knowledge you didn’t know.

Hiruzen laughed, easing the boy’s worries. "Don’t look so burdened. You’re doing well."

Naruto sighed with relief. He was terrified Hiruzen might dump stacks of practice questions on him again.

The Hokage then pulled out an envelope. "Today’s November 2nd. Here’s your allowance for the month."

"Thanks, Grandpa Third!" Naruto’s eyes sparkled. "I can buy the new limited-edition instant noodles!"

"You really do love your noodles..." Hiruzen shook his head, amused.

But before the boy could dart off to stash his money, Naruto spoke again. "Oh! Grandpa Third... when I was fighting Sasuke today, I saw that tail again."

Hiruzen stiffened. The Nine-Tails... so cooperative? Already surfacing twice in just two months? It didn’t match the beast from the old stories.

"What was that tail, anyway?" Naruto asked innocently.

"...I’ll tell you later." Hiruzen coughed, deftly changing the subject. "By the way—save a little money for December."

"Why?" Naruto tilted his head.

"What do you think of Kitazawa?"

Naruto’s smile returned instantly. "He’s amazing! The best teacher ever!"

"Then remember—December 21st is his birthday," Hiruzen reminded.

Naruto blinked, then clenched his fists with determination. "He gave me a birthday present last month. I’ll definitely get him something even better!"

Hiruzen chuckled. "What did he give you?"

Naruto proudly fetched a kunai. "This! Same model as the Fourth Hokage’s!"

The old man’s eyes softened at the familiar weapon. Though just a replica, the carved words—Sword of Shinobi’s Love—were unmistakable. Memories of Minato came flooding back.

"...Kitazawa put real thought into this," Hiruzen said quietly. "Keep it safe."

Naruto twirled the kunai in his hands, grinning. "I’ll talk with Sasuke and the others tomorrow about what to get him!"

"And if you’re short on money, come see me," Hiruzen added kindly.

"Thanks, Grandpa Third! I’ll buy the most expensive present of all—better than Sasuke’s or anyone’s!" Naruto declared with fiery determination.

Hiruzen sighed inwardly, smiling despite himself. Even giving gifts, this boy turned everything into a competition.

A new day—Wednesday.

Since November began, Konoha’s temperature had dropped sharply. By December, heavy snow would blanket the village, and with it came the approach of the New Year.

In the Ninja World, everyone followed the new calendar, with January first marking the year’s beginning.

Kitazawa had never cared much for such occasions. For someone who lived alone, the New Year was just another date.

But this year was different. With Kurenai, Tsunade, and the others around, the New Year promised to be lively for the first time in his life.

Just as he was walking, Kitazawa froze mid-step. A thought struck him.

Asuma Sarutobi.

As a Guardian Ninja stationed in the Fire Capital, Asuma rarely returned to Konoha unless the mission was urgent. But for something like New Year’s, he would definitely come back.

Kitazawa sighed.

"This is going to be troublesome..."

He shook his head, half amused, half bitter.

It wasn’t that Asuma was a bad person—far from it. In fact, he was decent, likable. But the problem was... Kurenai.

"snatched" wasn’t the right word. He couldn’t say that. After all, Asuma and Yuhi weren’t officially together.

"...Forget it. I’ll deal with it when the time comes."

Pushing the thought aside, Kitazawa made his way to the Academy’s training ground.

But the grounds were eerily empty.

Puzzled, he wandered over to the artificial lake—still no one.

"Strange."

He stroked his chin. Could they all be freeloading breakfast again? Normally, only Hinata would join him for morning meals, with Ino and Sakura dropping in occasionally. Sasuke, Naruto, and Kiba always ate at home.

Something was off.

Inside Kitazawa’s office—

"Hey, Naruto, what’s with all the secrecy?" Sakura demanded.

Early that morning, Naruto had dragged them all into Kitazawa’s office for a so-called "important matter."

"Yeah," Tenten added, brows furrowed. "Why call us too?"

Even Neji, who stayed silent, looked faintly confused.

"Naruto!" Lee suddenly clenched his fist with burning passion. "Could it be—you’re creating a Youth Club?!"

"Youth Club?" Ino wrinkled her nose instantly. "Count me out!"

"Same here," Shikamaru muttered, too lazy for even the idea.

"Not a Youth Club!" Naruto threw up his arms dramatically. "This is way more important! I hereby declare—our very first strategy meeting officially open!"

"Tch. Don’t waste time."

Sasuke leaned against the doorway, scowling.

Last night, neither his mother nor Itachi blamed him for his performance, and that stung worse than scolding. The weight of the Uchiha name pressed down heavier than ever. He wanted nothing more than to train, to redeem himself.

So why was he standing here?

"It’s Kitazawa-sensei’s birthday!" Naruto finally revealed.

"...When?" Hinata asked softly, almost before she realized the words had left her lips.

"December twenty-first."

"Oi, that’s still more than a month away!" Kiba barked. "Why are we talking about it now?"

"Because!" Naruto jabbed a thumb at his chest. "Kitazawa-sensei’s been nothing but good to us! We can’t just give him some half-baked gift—it has to be perfect!"

"...He’s not wrong." Ino crossed her arms, already considering options. "So... what exactly does Kitazawa-sensei even like?"

Shikamaru scratched his chin. "Yeah. What’s his thing?"

"I know!" Naruto raised his hand proudly. "Kitazawa-sensei likes... teaching!"

The room fell silent. Everyone stared.

"...So what, you plan to make him teach us on his birthday?" Shikamaru deadpanned.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish grin.

"Hinata," Ino suddenly turned, "you’re the closest to him. You must know what he likes, right?"

"E-Eh?!" Caught under the spotlight, Hinata’s face flushed scarlet. "I-I... don’t know either..."

"Kitazawa-sensei might like Ninjutsu." Sasuke spoke at last, his tone thoughtful. "I could gift him one."

"That’s a problem though." Shikamaru frowned. "If you give him Ninjutsu, anything else we give will seem... less."

"Whatever." Sasuke cut him off impatiently. "I’m heading to the training ground. He’s probably already there. I’ll buy you guys some time."

Without another word, he turned and left.

The moment he stepped out of the Academy building, Sasuke almost collided with Kitazawa himself.

"Sensei." Sasuke straightened immediately. "Are we starting new training today?"

"Let’s head to the training ground." Kitazawa nodded, then glanced around. "But why are you the only one here? Where’s Naruto and the others?"

"...I don’t know." Sasuke’s chest tightened, but his face remained calm.

Kitazawa didn’t press.

When they reached the training grounds, Kitazawa finally spoke.

"The main focus of your new training will be your Sharingan."

He paused, studying Sasuke. "Tell me—what’s the most important ability of the One-Tomoe Sharingan?"

Sasuke thought for a moment. "...Insight. It lets me read the target’s movements more clearly, so I can respond faster."

"Not bad." Kitazawa nodded approvingly. "Then your next training will sharpen that insight to its limit."

With a casual flick of his hand, chakra swirled into wind. Fallen leaves around them lifted, their edges sharpening under the force of Wind Release.

A heartbeat later, they shot forward, embedding themselves into the bark of a nearby tree like steel knives.

Sasuke’s eyes widened. The precision, the control—this wasn’t just Wind Release. It was mastery.

"I’ll attack you with leaves," Kitazawa said lightly. "Activate your Sharingan—and dodge."

For a moment, Sasuke froze.

This training... it was the same method Kitazawa had once used on Hinata.

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