"Do you have any questions?"
Kitazawa asked calmly after finishing his explanation of the Genius Class.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Shikamaru lazily raised his hand. "Will the mbers of the Genius Class ever change?"
"Yes," Kitazawa replied. "The Genius Class will use a last-place challenge system. Each month, the ten students with the lowest exam scores must accept challenges from other classes. If they lose, they’ll switch places."
"...How troubleso." Shikamaru sighed.
That ant he’d have to stay within the top twenty to survive. With fifth- and sixth-year prodigies now mixed in, it had suddenly beco a lot harder for him.
"Is it really that harsh?" Kiba blurted out, eyes wide. Yet, deep down, he felt relieved. If not for the Hell Hound Kitazawa gave him, he’d have no confidence staying here at all.
"Youth is about never fearing challenges!" Rock Lee declared, fists clenched in fiery passion.
"Lee’s right!" Naruto grinned and gave him a thumbs-up. "Youth and challenges go hand in hand!"
Sasuke’s eyes flicked over the newcors before relaxing. Other than Neji, none of them were worth his attention. For him, nothing had really changed—it would still be the sa handful of rivals competing for first.
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Ino waved eagerly. "So what exactly will we be learning now?"
Her concern wasn’t unreasonable. The class now ranged from first-years to sixth-years, with wildly different levels of knowledge and skill. Would they all follow the sa curriculum?
"We’ll design an individual training plan for each of you, based on your current strength," Kitazawa explained. "That’s the true advantage of the Genius Class. You’ll grow faster."
"...That sounds just like the ninja squad model," Sakura murmured, feeling déjà vu.
Shikamaru’s shoulders slumped. So much for a laid-back academy life. With personalized plans, there’d be no room to slack off. His future looked bleak.
Sasuke, however, gave a faint nod. For a genius like him, this was perfect—no wasted ti on basics he had long mastered.
"Kitazawa-sensei, does that an no more written tests?" Naruto asked hopefully.
"The plans include both theory and combat," Kitazawa said flatly. "Iruka will continue handling the theory."
Naruto’s grin died instantly. "...So we still have to take tests?"
"Youth is fearless! What’s so scary about a little theory?" Lee said, patting him on the shoulder. Having transferred into Class A, he was now Naruto’s deskmate.
"That’s the spirit!" Naruto perked back up—until Tenten cut in.
"Lee, you’re always dead last on theory exams."
"...?" Naruto turned to him, uncertain.
"I did my best," Lee said solemnly. "That alone is living youth to the fullest!"
Kiba raised his hand again, glancing at his sister Hana. "Then how do we graduate? Is it still the Three Basic Jutsu?"
"No," Kitazawa chuckled. "Graduation will now be decided by a combat assessnt. The minimum age is still twelve, sa as before."
"What about early graduation?" Kiba pressed.
"You can apply," Kitazawa confird. "But the test will still be a combat assessnt."
At that, Sasuke’s eyes sharpened. Itachi had graduated after only a single year. He too could—
No. Not yet. Not until he claid first place, and held it, again and again. Anything less would be aningless.
"Now, let introduce two new teachers."
Kitazawa walked to the door. "Maruboshi Kosuke-senpai, you’ve waited long enough. Please co in."
"No problem," Kosuke said coolly as he entered.
The students blinked at the sight of him. White hair, a massive black pot and spatulas strapped to his back—he looked more like a wandering chef than a teacher.
"Maruboshi Kosuke, a genin, specializes in Water Release, Genjutsu, and Kenjutsu," Kitazawa explained. "He’ll be your ninjutsu instructor. Any questions, bring them to him."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei," the class answered politely, though more out of respect for Kitazawa than for the strange-looking man himself.
"And one more." Kitazawa gestured to the door again.
Kakashi closed his orange book with a snap and walked in.
Whispers imdiately spread among the students. His aloof posture, slanted forehead protector, and single visible eye caught their curiosity. Was he hiding a scar? Was the other eye blind?
"Kakashi Hatake," Kitazawa announced. "Jōnin. Konoha’s Copy Ninja. Master of over a thousand jutsu."
Gasps filled the room. Kakashi’s na was already well-known; to so, it was almost legendary.
Naruto and Sasuke, however, rely smirked—they’d already known.
"Quiet," Kitazawa raised his hand, silencing the chatter. "Next, we’ll begin the chakra nature test."
"Kitazawa-sensei, what’s chakra nature?" asked one of the forr fifth-years.
The academy never taught this. Even Naruto, in the original tiline, hadn’t learned his chakra nature until long after graduation.
"The chakra you’ve refined so far is neutral," Kitazawa explained. "That’s why we use basic Jutsu. But elental ninjutsu—like Fire Release—depend on chakra nature."
"I know this one!" Naruto shouted proudly. "Mine’s wind!"
"There are seven types: Fire, Water, Wind, Lightning, Earth, Yin, and Yang," Kitazawa continued. "Once you know your affinity, I can train you in the corresponding release."
Shikamaru’s brows rose. "Wait—you’re actually going to teach us elental jutsu?"
"Why wouldn’t he?" Chōji asked, confused.
"Because that’s usually the job of the squad leader," Shikamaru retorted. "If the academy starts teaching elental ninjutsu... think about what that ans."
"...The squad leader saves ti?" Chōji guessed.
Shikamaru gave a crooked smile. "Exactly. We’ll be ahead of the curve. And that makes this Genius Class... very troubleso."
Shino adjusted his glasses, voice steady. "It also ans the Genius Class holds extraordinary importance. I won’t allow myself to fall behind."
"Alright. Kakashi, hand out the chakra paper," Kitazawa instructed.
Kakashi flicked his wrist. A stack of papers fanned out, scattering in the air before neatly landing on each desk—every sheet perfectly placed.
"Whoa! Amazing!" the students cried, awestruck.
Kitazawa folded his arms. "Now, channel chakra into the paper. The reaction will reveal your nature."
Kitazawa continued, "If the chakra paper burns, it ans Fire. If it dampens, Water. If it tears, Wind. If it crumbles, Earth. And if it wrinkles, Lightning."
"Kitazawa-sensei, what about Yin and Yang?" a sixth-year asked curiously.
"Yin and Yang can’t be tested with paper," Kitazawa admitted. Then he added with a faint smile, "But don’t worry—we’ll find a way to asure them later."
"Sasuke-kun, why aren’t you testing?" Sakura asked, noticing Sasuke hadn’t moved.
"I already did. Lightning and Fire." Sasuke replied casually, as if it were nothing.
"Mine’s Earth and Water!" Sakura said quickly, almost as if competing.
"So you can have two?" Naruto’s eyes went wide.
"So people have three, four... even all of them," Shikamaru muttered, stretching lazily.
"I’m jealous," Naruto groaned, scratching the back of his head. "I only got one."
"There’s nothing wrong with that." Ino smiled knowingly. "It’s not about how many natures you have. Our Yamanaka clan techniques rely solely on Yin Release."
"Our Inuzuka techniques use Yang Release," Kiba added as he tossed his paper aside. "We don’t really need other jutsu."
"Exactly. And beyond the clans, plenty of jōnin are known for excelling in just one elent," Shikamaru said, giving an example. "Take Kakashi-sensei. Sure, he knows a thousand jutsu, but he’s most famous for Lightning Release."
"I get it now!" Naruto clenched his fist, his grin returning. "Then I’ll master Wind Release!"
"Wind Release, huh?" Shikamaru mused. "Funny thing—Konoha doesn’t really have any legendary Wind users."
Shino adjusted his glasses, lowering his head slightly. In truth, there was one: Danzo Shimura. But it wasn’t exactly sothing he wanted to say aloud.
"Then I’ll be the first!" Naruto declared boldly. "On the na of youth, I’ll beco Konoha’s strongest Wind Release ninja!"
"Wait, what?" Rock Lee’s eyes widened. "Naruto, are you giving up on your dream of being a Taijutsu master?"
"Oh, right!" Naruto slapped his forehead. "I’ll be Konoha’s strongest Taijutsu ninja too!"
"Then I won’t surrender that title so easily!" Lee flashed a toothy grin. "One day, we’ll settle it in a youthful showdown!"
"No problem!" Naruto shot back without hesitation.
One by one, the students finished testing. Kitazawa divided them into five elental groups and one special group. Those with multiple natures could choose freely. The special group covered Yin-Yang users, bloodline limits, and Taijutsu specialists.
Yakumo, Hinata, Sakura, Ino, and Karin all joined the special group.
Sasuke picked Lightning Release, determined to hone that path. Naruto, of course, went straight for Wind.
But the groups weren’t fixed. Students could change depending on their progress.
"Kosuke-san, you’ll lead the Water Release group," Kitazawa said without hesitation. Kosuke’s water techniques had been taught directly by the Second Hokage himself. Even Kitazawa had to admit he couldn’t compare.
"No problem." Kosuke nodded firmly.
"Kakashi, you’ll take both Lightning and Earth. I’ll handle Wind, Fire, and the special group."
"Understood," Kakashi said coolly.
Privately, he had grown stricter since tutoring Sasuke. If the students showed promise, he’d teach them personally. If not, a shadow clone and a few basic jutsu would be more than enough.
After all, not everyone was a prodigy. Outside of the so-called "Konoha Twelve," most of these so-called geniuses still had limits. Even so, compared to the average genin, mastering one or two solid jutsu would already make them standouts—and that was enough for Konoha.
"From now on, theory classes will be Mondays. Practical training—Tuesday through Friday," Kitazawa announced, clapping his hands. "Line up row by row to sign in. Classes begin tomorrow at nine sharp."
He knew theory mattered, but survival ca first. Four days of combat training would toughen them fast, and one day of theory was plenty for students like these. If it wasn’t enough, redial lessons were always an option.
For Kitazawa, the schedule had another benefit—freeing up Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays for his own studies or to take Kabuto’s squad out on missions.
"Maruboshi-san, Kakashi, you can head back. I’ll handle the registration."
The two instructors nodded and left. With only thirty students, the paperwork was done in under two hours.
"See you tomorrow, Kitazawa-sensei!" the students chorused before heading ho, buzzing with anticipation.
Once the room was quiet, Kitazawa turned toward the Hokage Building. He needed to select a mission for his squad and report the Genius Class’s progress to Hiruzen. But first, he took a detour to the Anbu headquarters.
"I want to see Uchiha Itachi," he told the masked guards at the entrance. He didn’t bother stepping inside.
The four Anbu on duty exchanged uneasy glances. It was rare for an outsider to demand an audience here, rarer still for a civilian official.
"You... are you Kitazawa-sama?" one asked hesitantly.
"As you can see," Kitazawa replied calmly.
The title of vice-principal of the Academy made him a village official of rank, and by Konoha’s rules, even Anbu addressed him with honorifics.
"Please wait. I’ll call Captain Itachi imdiately."
Monts later, the Anbu returned with Itachi by his side.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Itachi’s eyes narrowed slightly in surprise. "What brings you here?"
"What’s your opinion of Izumi’s strength?" Kitazawa asked instead of answering.
Itachi blinked, then said seriously, "Among the Uchiha her age, she’s one of the strongest."
"She’s hit a bottleneck. She’s close to awakening her three-tomoe Sharingan."
"You want to help her awaken it?" Itachi guessed, his expression tightening.
"Exactly." Kitazawa smiled knowingly. "And don’t worry—I’m not talking about death or tragedy. Awakening doesn’t always require that."
Itachi’s eyes widened faintly.
"Izumi only needs a push. Sothing smaller—like facing real danger on a mission." Kitazawa’s tone was matter-of-fact.
"...I see." Itachi understood instantly. "I can arrange that."
As a captain, assigning missions was within his reach. Integrating Izumi wouldn’t be difficult.
"Good. Let’s set it for next Sunday." Kitazawa leaned closer, outlining the plan in hushed tones.
"...Alright." Itachi nodded. "I’ll select the mission."
"She won’t suspect a thing," Kitazawa said with a faint smile. "After all, Anbu missions co straight from the Hokage."
Itachi, however, hesitated. "...This should be reported to Lord Hokage."
"I’ll handle it," Kitazawa reassured him. "I need to see him anyway."
"Then I’ll leave it in your hands." Relief softened Itachi’s voice. With Kitazawa’s standing, Hiruzen wouldn’t refuse.
As Kitazawa turned to go, he paused. "Rember, Itachi—Lady Tsunade isn’t Danzo. If your clan faces real danger, go to her first... or to ."
Itachi frowned slightly at the cryptic words.
Kitazawa’s thoughts, however, had already jumped ahead. A new year ant the Uchiha massacre drew closer. Obito would return to Konoha—it was only a matter of ti. And when he did, Itachi needed allies ready.
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