Kitazawa stopped cultivating and nodded.
He was the one who told Konan to act as his alarm clock and announce the time. After all, training in the Forest of Death meant he couldn't accurately keep track of it.
"Let's go back." Kitazawa returned to the Ninja Academy.
The students of the Genius Class had already finished their exams and gone home. He didn't go to the classroom, heading straight to the office.
"Kitazawa-senpai." Iruka, who had been waiting for a long time, quickly stood up when he saw him. "This is the ranking for the Genius Class theoretical exam."
"Thanks for your hard work, Iruka." Kitazawa took the Genius Class report card and said, "You can go back now."
"Alright, see you tomorrow." Hearing this, Iruka left the office.
Kitazawa walked toward the sofa, holding the report card. But Konan beat him to it by a step.
She sat on the sofa, legs slightly together, gently smoothing them with her hand.
She then took off her Anbu mask, raised her head, and looked at Kitazawa with a cold expression, saying nothing.
"It's not convenient to read the report card while lying down," Kitazawa said, slightly stunned.
"I'll read it for you," Konan said after thinking for a moment.
"That works too." Kitazawa didn't refuse her offer, lying down on the sofa and resting his head on her lap.
Konan picked up the report card and began reading from the first-place ranking.
First and second place were still Shikamaru and Sakura.
However, Sasuke, originally third, had dropped two places — third and fourth were now Hyuga Neji and Hyuga Hinata.
Kitazawa estimated that Neji and Hinata had been secretly putting in extra effort. But that might not be the entire reason — Sasuke's recent focus had been entirely on Hatake Swordsmanship.
Although the difficulty of Hatake Swordsmanship wasn't described in the original story, it was undoubtedly S-rank.
After all, it was the sword style of Konoha's White Fang, Hatake Sakumo.
Sakumo and Minato shared similar fighting styles — both were assassin-like, appearing and disappearing unpredictably.
But one relied on Hatake Swordsmanship, and the other on the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Given Sasuke's age, studying Hatake Swordsmanship must be extremely taxing, leaving him with no extra energy for theoretical lessons.
Neji and Hinata were already close to him in theory rankings, so shifting one or two places was normal.
The remaining rankings hadn't changed much, including Kimimaro and Haku. After being in the Genius Class for a long time, their theoretical scores had stabilized.
Among them, Tayuya's theoretical score was consistently the worst, always in the bottom ten. But the undisputed last place was Rock Lee.
Kitazawa had seen his exam papers — no matter the question, he always wrote about youth.
Shion was worth mentioning. Although she had just joined the Genius Class, she performed well in the exam, ranking exactly twenty-fourth.
As the Priestess and Daimyō of the Land of Demons, she had been immersed in studies since childhood, and her learning ability was excellent.
Given enough time, she might even compete with Sakura for second place. As for first place, her intelligence likely couldn't surpass Shikamaru's.
"Tomorrow at eight o'clock, wait for me in the Anbu Base office," Kitazawa said after hearing the rankings.
Tomorrow was the Genius Class practical exam, and the top eighteen students would go on missions. Kitazawa planned to use Edo Tensei to summon the Second Mizukage, Hōzuki Gengetsu.
But he couldn't possibly perform Edo Tensei in front of Sasuke and the others — that would damage his image.
Therefore, he planned to perform Edo Tensei beforehand and then control Hōzuki Gengetsu to stage an encounter battle for the students.
"Understood." Konan nodded, asking no further questions.
"Konan, you're more like an Anbu than the Anbu itself," Kitazawa said, looking up at her and laughing.
Konan was slightly stunned. She was about to reply that she was Anbu, but quickly realized — she wasn't.
Konan hesitated, unsure how to respond.
[Current Mission: Cultivate four Confidants.]
[Mission Reward: Improved Caged Bird Cursed Seal.]
[The Host has completed the Mission, Reward dispatched.]
Kitazawa was just about to tease Konan — teasing a cool, mature woman was fun — but he suddenly froze.
Three words flashed through his mind: What does this mean? Why did this mission complete at this moment?
After thinking it through, Kitazawa could only imagine one explanation — Konan.
If so, then according to the system's standards, his four confidants should be Kurenai, Yakushi Kabuto, Uchiha Itachi, and Konan.
How should he put it? There didn't seem to be a major issue with that lineup.
Kitazawa looked thoughtful.
This meant Konan had reached a level of trust toward him deep enough to be recognized by the system. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been judged as a confidant.
Kitazawa shook his head, no longer dwelling on who the four confidants were. After all, it might not necessarily be Konan; Uchiha Izumi or another Anbu might also qualify.
In any case, receiving the mission reward was a good thing.
Kitazawa processed the information regarding the Improved Caged Bird Cursed Seal.
The origin of the Caged Bird Cursed Seal was unknown. At least the Ōtsutsuki Clan on the Moon, who shared origins with the Hyuga Clan, didn't use it to divide the Branch and Main Families.
Their Branch and Main families had simply fought due to different ideals, and after a long war, only Ōtsutsuki Toneri remained. And Toneri originated from the Branch Family, not the Main.
The Caged Bird Cursed Seal was judged by the system to be an S-rank Sealing Jutsu. Its effects were to protect the Byakugan and destroy the Byakugan upon the death of its wearer.
If that were the only effect, the Hyuga Branch Family wouldn't harbor resentment. But there was another effect — the Main Family could manipulate the seal to punish the wearer.
In other words, the Hyuga Main Family held the Branch Family's life and death in their hands. Calling the relationship master and servant wasn't an exaggeration.
What Kitazawa received was the Improved Caged Bird Cursed Seal.
It lacked both negative effects of the original, retaining only one: protecting the Byakugan.
Kitazawa looked thoughtful.
The Improved Caged Bird Cursed Seal was useless to him personally. But to the Hyuga Branch Family, it meant everything.
After all, no one wants their life controlled by someone else — even if that person has never shown malicious intent.
After obtaining the Improved Caged Bird Cursed Seal, he already possessed the ability to modify the original Caged Bird Cursed Seal.
Kitazawa pondered a question: Should he help the Hyuga Clan's Branch Family?
As a major Ninja clan, the Hyuga Clan possessed a certain degree of autonomy within Konoha Village.
Konoha's high-ranking officials, including the Hokage, generally would not interfere with their internal clan affairs. Kitazawa's actions would undoubtedly break the rules.
However, there were always exceptions. For example, Hyuga Hinata and Hyuga Hanabi.
According to the Hyuga Clan's rules, once the Main Family successor was determined, the other child should have the Caged Bird Cursed Seal applied at the age of three.
The biological brothers Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi were an example of this.
But Hanabi, who was already four years old this year, had not had the Caged Bird Cursed Seal implanted. The only explanation was Hyuga Hiashi's strong protection.
Judging from the original story, Hyuga Hiashi's attitude toward the Caged Bird Cursed Seal was indeed different from the rest of the Main Family.
This was probably because he had experienced Hyuga Hizashi sacrificing himself as a substitute.
Kitazawa thought about it: even if he didn't help the Hyuga Clan's Branch Family, he had to help Hyuga Neji.
A genius without restraint would certainly reach a higher level in terms of mental fortitude. Regarding strength, even if it wasn't a sudden leap, there would definitely be a positive impact.
[Current Mission: Help the Hyuga Clan Branch Family replace the Caged Bird Cursed Seal.]
[Mission Reward: 20% Byakugan Purity.]
[Do you accept?]
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile.
Didn't the system mission just arrive? Moreover, the mission reward was a long-awaited increase in Byakugan Purity.
Coupled with his previous 60% Byakugan Purity, he could reach an astonishing 80% Byakugan Purity.
Once he reached 100% Byakugan Purity, he estimated he would become half an Ōtsutsuki Clan Ninja. Of course, referring to the Ōtsutsuki Clan on the Moon.
Kitazawa slightly narrowed his eyes. This matter had to start with Hyuga Hanabi.
Although it was unknown what method Hyuga Hiashi used in the original story, he definitely had to withstand the pressure from within the clan.
Because the Hyuga Clan also had a Main Family Elder.
It was his decision that led to Hyuga Hizashi sacrificing himself as a substitute. In fact, Hyuga Hiashi had opposed it.
"Konan, go call Itachi over." Thinking of this, Kitazawa sat up and said.
Konan nodded, put on her Anbu mask, and stood up to leave.
Not long after, Uchiha Itachi knocked and walked in.
Kitazawa glanced at Konan. Konan immediately withdrew from the office and closed the door.
"Itachi, there is something I need you to do," Kitazawa said straightforwardly. "Go investigate the recent situation of that Hyuga Clan Main Family."
Itachi couldn't help but feel a shock in his heart. This mission truly exceeded his expectations.
Did the Hyuga Clan provoke Kitazawa? That doesn't make sense.
After all, Hyuga Hinata and Hyuga Neji were both his students, so logically, the Hyuga Clan and Kitazawa should be in the golden age of their relationship.
Moreover, the Hyuga Clan has always been peaceful and law-abiding, never causing trouble for Konoha Village.
"Yes, Lord Kitazawa." Although Itachi was puzzled, he didn't ask further and immediately replied.
"There's no need to rush." Kitazawa paused and said, "Just make sure you aren't discovered."
As a Konoha high-ranking official, investigating a Hyuga Main Family Elder would naturally look bad if word got out, potentially affecting his relationship with the Hyuga Clan.
"I understand." Itachi nodded.
Truthfully, investigating the Hyuga Main Family Elder was very stressful for him. After all, the power of the Byakugan was obvious; anyone attempting it could easily be discovered.
But since Kitazawa had given the order, he would do his utmost to complete it. Fortunately, there was no time limit, so he could proceed gradually.
The next day, Friday.
Today was the last day of the Genius Class final exams, which was the practical combat exam.
At eight in the morning, Kitazawa arrived at the Anbu Base. Konan had already arrived and was waiting for him in the office.
"Follow me." Kitazawa nodded and walked outside.
To perform Edo Tensei, besides a portion of the summoned person's body, a living person is also required as a sacrifice.
Kitazawa had originally planned to randomly catch a bandit or an enemy village Ninja outside, but then he realized it wouldn't be that troublesome.
Konoha Village has a place called the Konoha Severe Detention Center, which, as the name suggests, is a prison for serious criminals.
In the original story, there was a related plot point involving Mizuki in the Konoha Severe Detention Center.
After Mizuki instigated Naruto to steal the Scroll of Seals, he was imprisoned in the Konoha Severe Detention Center.
While inside the Konoha Severe Detention Center, he met the two brothers, Fujin and Raijin.
The two brothers, Fujin and Raijin, possessed immense strength, and after being exploited by Mizuki, they successfully orchestrated a prison break.
After Mizuki escaped, he went to find Orochimaru and obtained a potion that could transform him into a tiger.
Ultimately, he was defeated by Naruto and Iruka, and prisoners like Fujin and Raijin were all recaptured by Tsunade and returned to the prison.
Of course, due to Kitazawa's butterfly effect, Mizuki was already dead and could no longer stage a prison break.
The person in charge of the Konoha Severe Detention Center was already waiting at the entrance.
As soon as the middle-aged man saw Kitazawa, he proactively walked up to greet him.
"Lord Kitazawa." The middle-aged man said respectfully, "The person you requested is ready. Please follow me."
He turned and led the way, and soon they arrived in front of a cell. Inside the cell was a young man who had been tied up and rendered unconscious.
"He is a spy from the Hidden Cloud Village. We captured him half a month ago and have already interrogated him for all information." The middle-aged man introduced, "We were originally planning to execute him next week."
"Mhm." Kitazawa nodded and said, "Just hand him over to me."
"Yes, Lord Kitazawa." The middle-aged man stepped forward and opened the cell door.
Kitazawa waved his hand, and Chakra surged out, lifting the young man into the air. He turned and walked outside.
Although the Konoha Severe Detention Center was located within Konoha Village, it was very remote and deserted, so he didn't bother concealing his actions.
After leaving the Konoha Severe Detention Center, he looked toward Konan.
"Konan, we are going to the former Land of Whirlpools." Kitazawa thought for a moment and said.
Hōzuki Gengetsu's Summoning Beast, Giant Clam, lives by the sea. The Land of Whirlpools was a reasonable choice, plus it was closer to Konoha Village.
However, before leaving, Kitazawa made hand seals and created a Shadow Clone.
He planned to have the Shadow Clone take Sasuke and the others to the Land of Whirlpools, which would save him time when he rushed back later.
Konan walked up to him and embraced him. She was already accustomed to flying with Kitazawa, so it was very natural.
The two of them flew into the air. As for the unconscious young man, he was dragged along by Kitazawa's Chakra, turning him into a human kite.
Because they were flying, they reached the Land of Whirlpools by nightfall.
The Land of Whirlpools was once a country established by the Uzumaki Clan.
After the destruction of the Uzumaki Clan, the Land of Whirlpools ceased to exist. This island now belongs to the Land of Water.
"Let's stop here." Kitazawa glanced around and, after confirming they were alone, said.
Hearing this, Konan held him and descended. Only after landing steadily did she release her hands and take a step back.
Kitazawa waved his hand, and the unconscious young man dropped to the ground.
He immediately took out the scroll Konan had given him, opened it, and placed it in front of the young man.
Edo Tensei(Impure World Reincarnation)! Kitazawa stood still, forming hand seals.
The unconscious young man was immediately enveloped by his Chakra.
In Kitazawa's view, Edo Tensei was an alternative form of the Summoning Technique. Its effect is to summon the target's soul from the Pure Land into the present world and possess the sacrifice.
Kitazawa had always been puzzled by one question in his previous life. The Pure Land, generally speaking, is the Ninja World's equivalent of the afterlife; after a Ninja dies, their soul lives there.
Judging from the original story, the Six Paths Sage possesses certain authority over the Pure Land, or rather, he is the administrator of the Pure Land.
Because he could summon the souls of the dead from the Pure Land at will. So, theoretically speaking, couldn't he stop Edo Tensei at the source?
Kitazawa shook his head, suppressing these chaotic thoughts, because Hōzuki Gengetsu had already come back to life.
The original young man had undergone massive changes in both appearance and physique. Simply put, he had transformed into Hōzuki Gengetsu.
"Where... where is this?" Hōzuki Gengetsu looked around, a puzzled expression on his face.
Kitazawa couldn't be bothered to talk to him. He raised his hand and directly plunged a Kunai embedded with a Talisman Tag into the back of Hōzuki Gengetsu's head, erasing his consciousness.
Although Hōzuki Gengetsu would exert greater power if conscious, Kitazawa didn't need him to be that strong.
"Summon Giant Clam," Kitazawa instructed.
Hōzuki Gengetsu made hand seals and used the Summoning Technique. From within the mist, a massive white clam appeared.
Kitazawa glanced at it and inwardly thought, "Sure enough, it wouldn't fit in one pot."
He then instructed Hōzuki Gengetsu to retrieve Giant Clam's summoning scroll, only then allowing him to release the Summoning Technique.
Once he had the summoning scroll, signing his name on it would mean becoming Giant Clam's new master.
Of course, the Summoning Contract was based on equality. If he encountered certain volatile Summoning Beasts, they wouldn't recognize a contract signed this way at all.
Fortunately, the Giant Clam appeared to be quite gentle. Once he took it back and had Kurenai sign it, trying to summon it once would reveal the answer.
"Find a hidden place to hide." Kitazawa put away the summoning scroll and said.
Hōzuki Gengetsu, with a blank expression, turned and walked toward the nearby forest.
"Ask whatever you want to ask." Kitazawa looked at Konan and said with a smile.
Ever since Hōzuki Gengetsu appeared, her gaze had changed several times. Kitazawa wasn't surprised.
Seeing a Forbidden Jutsu like Edo Tensei for the first time would certainly cause astonishment.
"Is he the Second Mizukage, Hōzuki Gengetsu?" Konan hesitated for two seconds, but still couldn't help but ask.
"That's right." Kitazawa nodded and asked, "Have you heard of Edo Tensei?"
In the original story, it was mentioned that Senju Tobirama used Edo Tensei during his lifetime. People like Chiyo, Mū, Kinkaku, and Ginkaku all knew about it.
"No." Konan shook her head and replied.
Hearing this, Kitazawa explained the general effects to her.
Konan couldn't help but think of the Akatsuki Organization's personnel shortage crisis. If they had Edo Tensei, they wouldn't have to go through the trouble of recruiting people everywhere.
Furthermore, it could also be used for the Akatsuki Organization's business, saving labor costs.
"It's getting late. We'll rest here and return tomorrow." Kitazawa estimated that Sasuke, Naruto, and Hinata should still be within the Land of Fire.
When they returned tomorrow, there was a high probability they would meet them by the sea or on the ocean.
Wood Release: Four Pillar House! Kitazawa made hand seals.
In front of him, a wooden dwelling immediately emerged.
Konan was already used to this; she proactively stepped forward and opened the door.
"You set up the living room, and I'll go cook." Kitazawa handed her a summoning storage scroll and said.
"Mhm." Konan nodded.