Once the initial excitement faded, the members of the Genius Class returned to their daily training.
It was only February. The first monthly exam had just concluded, and the final exam was still two months away. The next monthly exam wouldn't involve team battles yet, so for now, things remained business as usual.
As Kitazawa watched Hinata and Ino training together, his thoughts drifted elsewhere—toward Kabuto and the others.
Ever since they had joined ANBU, he had barely kept track of them.
Kitazawa rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Barring any unforeseen complications, all three of them should have mastered the Rasengan by now. That meant it was time to move on and teach them new techniques.
Leaving behind a Shadow Clone to supervise the class, Kitazawa headed straight for the ANBU headquarters.
"Kitazawa."
Konan, who had been sitting on the sofa, rose to greet him.
Halfway to his desk, Kitazawa changed direction and walked straight toward her instead. He reached out and lifted her ANBU mask.
A cool, elegant face was revealed beneath it.
"Didn't I tell you before?" Kitazawa said, handing the mask back. "When it's just the two of us, there's no need to wear that."
"Sorry," Konan replied softly. "I'll remember next time."
"Sit," Kitazawa said simply.
Konan returned to the sofa.
"How's Akatsuki doing lately?" Kitazawa asked as he sat beside her, placing his hands gently on her cheeks and kneading them idly.
Watching the subtle expressions flicker across her beautiful face beneath his fingers, he couldn't help but chuckle.
"Overall, things are going smoothly," Konan said. After a brief pause, she added, "But we've run into trouble with the rainwater trade."
"What kind of trouble?" Kitazawa asked casually, still enjoying the soft warmth beneath his palms.
"Competition," Konan replied, suppressing the strange sensation. "Sunagakure."
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. "Where are they getting their water?"
"They copied our model and built a pipeline," Konan explained. "Their supply comes from the Land of Rivers."
"They're sourcing it from River Country?" Kitazawa murmured.
That… made sense.
Imitation was inevitable. Selling water sounded mundane, but the profits were enormous. Sunagakure—chronically short on funds—couldn't possibly sit back and watch Rain Country rake in money right under their noses.
After all, Sunagakure lay within Wind Country. This was their territory.
Drawing water from the Land of Rivers was a logical move:
First, it bordered Wind Country, so transportation costs were low.
Second, River Country's terrain was rich in mountains and waterways—water was abundant.
"I sent Akatsuki members to investigate," Konan continued, shaking her head. "They're not buying the water. They're siphoning it directly from unmanaged rivers."
"Smart," Kitazawa said, letting go of her face and leaning back. "Cuts out expenses entirely. What about their sales approach?"
"Same as ours," Konan replied. "Bulk water distribution, plus a branded drinking-water line."
Kitazawa laughed softly.
Looks like Sunagakure's finances really were desperate.
In the original timeline, Sunagakure had allied with Otogakure to strike at Konoha precisely because they were broke.
But now?
That path was closed.
Konoha was far stronger than before, bolstered by powerhouses like Kitazawa, Tsunade, and Orochimaru. Otogakure was effectively under Konoha's umbrella, and Kirigakure had become an ally.
That left only Iwagakure or Kumogakure—and negotiating with either was like bargaining with a tiger.
Who would they prey on first?
Between Suna and Konoha, the weaker target was obvious.
With war no longer a viable option, and seeing the staggering profits Rain Country was making, Rasa had made his choice.
If we can't conquer… then we'll sell.
They lacked rain, but they had plenty of ninja—and an army of puppets.
Perfect porters.
"Right now, we still have the first-mover advantage. They can't catch up so quickly."
Konan adjusted her posture. "But they understand Wind Country better than we do—and they've already secured several clients."
"Given enough time," she added softly, "it's hard to say who'll come out on top."
Kitazawa considered this for a moment. "Wind Country is vast enough for both of you to survive."
"Mm." Konan nodded. "That's why we're planning to start a price war—to maintain our edge."
"A price war works," Kitazawa said after a pause, "but it only treats the symptoms, not the root problem."
Konan wasn't surprised.
She'd already guessed he had a better solution in mind.
"Then why didn't you say so earlier?" she asked, meeting his gaze.
"What should we do?" she followed up, blinking.
"First," Kitazawa said, tapping her cheek lightly, "inform River Country."
"Let them know exactly what Sunagakure is doing."
Konan's eyes flickered as understanding dawned.
If River Country learned that Suna was profiting from their rivers, they would object—or at the very least, demand compensation.
Either way, Sunagakure's costs would rise.
And in a price war, higher costs meant disadvantage.
"Second," Kitazawa continued, "you can engage in a price war—but don't make discounts permanent."
"Instead, use limited-time promotions."
He went on to explain marketing strategies from his previous life: discounts, raffles, loyalty programs, membership cards, and bundled deals.
Konan listened, eyes widening in genuine astonishment.
The idea of a membership system, in particular, could lock customers in for the long term.
"Third—publicity," Kitazawa said after a brief pause. "Keep your usual advertising, but add something unconventional."
"Unconventional?" Konan tilted her head, intrigued.
"Endorsements. Sponsorships," Kitazawa replied with a faint smile. "Like what Ocean Heart Jewelry did in Konoha."
"So… we ask the Daimyō's wife to endorse our water?" Konan ventured.
"She's perfect for jewelry," Kitazawa mused, "not so much for drinking water."
He thought for a moment, then said, "Actors. Film and television stars."
A familiar name surfaced in his mind—Fuyukaze Yukie.
Her true identity was Kazahana Koyuki, the exiled princess of the Land of Snow.
In the events of the movie, Naruto and Kakashi helped her reclaim her throne.
Kitazawa's eyes sharpened.
He could get her endorsement without spending a single ryo.
Help her take back her country, and she'd gladly become their spokeswoman.
At the same time, it would serve as perfect field training for his students.
[Current Quest: Help Kazahana Koyuki reclaim the Land of Snow.]
[Reward: Ice Release—Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals.]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa smiled.
He'd been worrying about when he'd have time to properly train Ice Release.
Now, he could obtain one of its most practical techniques outright.
Receiving an Ice Release reward in Snow Country was hardly surprising.
Of course, Snow Country's "Ice Release" wasn't true Ice Release—most of it relied on manipulating snow through Secret Techniques.
Haku's Ice Release, by contrast, created genuine ice.
"But TV and films have limited reach," Kitazawa said, returning to the discussion. "Sponsorships should be your main focus."
"Hold more festivals."
While the Ninja World did have television and movies, they were expensive—luxuries reserved for nobles, wealthy merchants, and ninja elites.
Festivals were different.
Everyone could attend.
"Thank you," Konan said sincerely.
Compared to Kitazawa's strategy, her earlier idea of a simple price war felt shallow.
"It's nothing," Kitazawa waved it off. "After all, I take half the profits."
Make money and raise Konan's affection—two birds, one stone.
Or rather, a double victory.
"One more thing," Kitazawa added, his tone turning serious. "Sunagakure is one of the Five Great Villages. If fair competition doesn't work, they might resort to underhanded tactics."
"I'll be careful," Konan replied calmly.
She wasn't worried.
Akatsuki was powerful—and they still had Nagato, the wielder of the Rinnegan, a being close to a god.
Seeing her confidence, Kitazawa understood her thoughts.
And she wasn't wrong.
In the original timeline, Akatsuki had stood against the entire Ninja World.
One Sunagakure wouldn't even register as a threat.
"I'll give you half a month off," Kitazawa said after a moment. "Go handle this properly."
"Thank you," Konan replied, genuine gratitude in her voice.
Kitazawa blinked. "Then how do you plan to thank me?"
Konan froze for a beat.
She fell silent, genuinely unsure.
Truth be told, she already owed him more favors than she could count.
"What do you want?" she asked finally, her tone cool but sincere. "I'll do my best."
Kitazawa's heart stirred.
He leaned closer, slowly.
Konan tensed slightly—but didn't pull away.
Seeing that, Kitazawa gently pressed a kiss to her forehead.
The warmth lingered.
For a brief moment, Konan's gaze lost focus, her thoughts scattering like mist.
"No reaction at all?" Kitazawa coughed lightly and asked.
Konan's calm response only made the urge to tease her stronger. Still, he restrained himself—after all, their relationship was delicate, balanced on a thin line.
"I… I'll be going now. See you next time."
Konan stood and left the office.
The door closed softly behind her.
She pressed a hand to her chest, feeling her heartbeat quicken—an unfamiliar sensation she hadn't experienced in a long time.
In a daze, she touched her forehead once more, then vanished from the spot.
Kitazawa returned to his desk and picked up his pen.
Kabuto—without question—was perfectly suited for Yang Release Chakra Mode. With his talent, mastery was almost guaranteed.
Izumi already had an ideal technique lined up: Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique. With her Sharingan, she was practically tailor-made for that A-rank jutsu.
The real headache was Torune.
First, he was still young.
Second, his strength revolved almost entirely around his poisonous insects.
Kitazawa tapped the desk thoughtfully, then his eyes lit up.
He could take inspiration from the Jōryū Clan's Bee Bomb Technique and create a Poisonous Destruction Bug Bomb.
Those insects were lethal whether alive or dead—their toxins didn't fade.
Turning them into explosives would add one crucial advantage: area coverage.
Imagine detonating them midair, scattering poisonous powder over a wide radius.
Perfect.
Afternoon arrived quickly.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
Kitazawa raised his head.
"Kitazawa-sensei."
Kabuto, Torune, and Izumi entered together.
"I didn't call you for anything complicated," Kitazawa said calmly. "I'm just teaching you new Ninjutsu."
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei."
The three replied in unison.
Kitazawa took out three scrolls and handed them over.
Kabuto opened his first—and his pupils trembled.
As an accomplished Medical-nin, he instantly recognized the immense value of Yang Release Chakra Mode.
Torune and Izumi, while impressed, were less visibly shaken.
"Follow my Shadow Clones and begin training," Kitazawa instructed.
Three Shadow Clones appeared, leading the trio toward a nearby ANBU training ground.
Kitazawa himself headed toward the Hokage Building's mission archive.
He quickly found a report related to the Land of Snow.
Kakashi had once carried out an ANBU mission there.
At the time, Kazahana Dotō had assassinated his elder brother and seized power, becoming the new daimyō.
Kakashi rescued Koyuki, daughter of the former ruler, and fled.
To evade pursuit, Koyuki changed her name to Fuyukaze Yukie and became a famous actress.
A loyal minister, Sanzaemon Asama, accompanied her as her manager.
Years later, when the time was ripe, Sanzaemon contacted Kakashi again to reclaim the Land of Snow.
With the help of Kakashi, Naruto, and the others, Koyuki succeeded and ascended the throne.
Kitazawa nodded after reading.
It matched his memories perfectly.
No major deviations.
He paused, considering his next move.
Should he send ANBU to contact Sanzaemon—or have Kakashi, an old acquaintance, handle it?
After some thought, he chose the former.
Sanzaemon only cared about restoring his country. Whoever offered help would be welcomed.
Kitazawa set the report aside and stood.
Still, he didn't act immediately.
He planned to turn this into the next monthly exam assignment.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
March arrived.
Kitazawa still hadn't fully mastered the Flying Thunder God, but he had successfully learned Ice Release: Ice Rock Dome.
As for Wood Release: Impalement, he was just short of completion.
Most of his recent time had been spent refining the World-Ending Arrow.
Hokage Office.
Kitazawa knocked.
"Come in."
Tsunade's voice rang out—firm and authoritative.
But the moment she saw Kitazawa, her posture slackened.
"What do you want?"
She leaned back in her chair lazily.
"I'm taking you out," Kitazawa said with a smile.
"To the casino?"
Tsunade shot upright instantly.
The sudden movement caused her clothes to sway, accentuating her curves.
"No." Kitazawa's eyelid twitched. "I've created a new bow-type Secret Technique. I want you to see it."
"How boring."
Tsunade pouted.
"Then how about the casino afterward?" Kitazawa stepped closer.
"Now you're talking!"
Tsunade stood immediately. "Let's go!"
"In such a hurry?" Kitazawa caught her hand. "Do you even know where we're going?"
"You're showing off a bow technique, right? Obviously the training ground."
"The training ground's too small."
Tsunade blinked in surprise.
Konoha's training grounds were massive—over a hundred meters long.
Most Ninjutsu didn't even exceed that range.
But bow techniques were different.
"Then where?" she asked.
"The desert in the Land of Wind."
"That far?!"
"It's vast, empty, and safe," Kitazawa explained.
Tsunade frowned. "And what about the casino afterward?"
Kitazawa leaned in and kissed her cheek. "I already sent Lady Katsuyu there."
"…Acceptable."
She ignored the kiss and waved impatiently. "Have her reverse-summon us."
Kitazawa nodded and formed seals, leaving a split Katsuyu behind.
Space twisted.
In the next moment, they stood beneath the blazing desert sun.
"Lady Tsunade. Lord Kitazawa."
Katsuyu greeted them politely.
"Alright," Tsunade said eagerly. "Let's see it."
She knew Kitazawa well.
If it were just Spiral Arrow or Explosive Arrow, he wouldn't drag her this far.
Drawing the Mini Dragon Bow, Kitazawa inhaled slowly.
He had researched the World-Ending Arrow extensively—but never unleashed it.
It consumed an absurd amount of Chakra.
Only now did he feel ready.
And for something like this, he needed a witness.
"World-Ending Arrow."
He pulled the bowstring.
The Mini Dragon Bow trembled violently.
Tsunade felt it instantly—terrifying chakra gathering even without sensory techniques.
Her eyes widened.
When the Chakra peaked, Kitazawa released.
A Chakra arrow shot forth, striking a boulder over a kilometer away.
BOOOOOOOOOOM!
The desert shook.
Sand surged skyward like a tidal wave, soaring over a hundred meters high.
"…A Tailed Beast Ball?"
Tsunade stared in disbelief, her jaw slack.
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