"The Hokage's insight is sharp. I've considered this too."
Facing the Third's question, Kitagawa remained confident. "Regardless of secret jutsu, as ninja, fundamentals are irreplaceable."
"Chakra control, Body Flicker, even nature transformation."
"Second, the experimental class serves another purpose—guiding students to develop creativity."
"And coincidentally, these are my specialties."
Seeing Kitagawa's confidence, the Third immediately thought of the Rasengan.
Jiraiya had mentioned this to him. Kitagawa's analysis of the Rasengan's development had indeed been surprising.
Now, regarding the experimental class, he clearly had prepared thoroughly.
After consideration, the Third said, "The medical class plan can proceed directly. As for the experimental class, this needs discussion, then a jonin vote."
Kitagawa wasn't surprised. "Understood, Hokage-sama!"
The experimental class represented larger changes than the medical class.
But Kitagawa believed the jonin vote would have no issues.
Though not every jonin had children, Kitagawa believed most wouldn't want themselves or their future children executing missions at young ages.
Though the Third had directly decided to establish the medical class, after Kitagawa left, he still had ANBU summon personnel.
Shortly, Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado arrived at the small conference room and saw the plan signed by Tsunade.
"The plan is excellent. With Tsunade leading, no problems."
Koharu spoke first, then her tone shifted. "However, I believe the Leaf Hospital should lead this."
Because the hospital fell under her jurisdiction.
The Third said flatly, "Though they eventually intern at the hospital, they're students first."
"The school leads, the hospital supports. After graduation, they're assigned to the hospital."
Koharu considered, then didn't argue further.
The Third looked at Homura and Danzo. "Any other opinions?"
Homura shook his head. Danzo raised his eyes. "Why is Kitagawa included in this plan?"
The Third said, "He and Tsunade proposed it together. He's also one of the medical class teachers."
All three were startled.
Homura said, "This Kitagawa boy also understands medical ninjutsu?"
The Third nodded. "Around chunin level. Sufficient for teaching."
Homura smiled, "Even becoming a school teacher, he hasn't abandoned himself!"
The Third glanced at Danzo, seeing his silence, said, "Then this is decided."
He then presented another document.
The three examined it in turn.
When it reached Danzo, his brow twitched before finishing. He sensed the experimental class was encroaching on Root's functions. Before fully reading, he snapped the document shut, saying coldly, "I oppose this plan."
"The academy system established by old teachers is already reasonable. Adding an experimental class—how would they teach? What would they teach?"
"Would school teachers take them on missions, teaching through experience?"
"If cultivating superior talent is the goal, having early graduates train under squad jonin, then enter ANBU for Root special training—that's optimal and what we've just established."
The Third wasn't surprised by Danzo's reaction but remained noncommittal, looking at Koharu and Homura.
Homura said, "Overall, the plan benefits the village's future."
"And it doesn't fundamentally change the academy system. But as Danzo says, how would the experimental class teach?"
"These promising early graduates likely come from various clans, specializing in different secrets."
"If identical to squad teachers, the experimental class is unnecessary."
The Third nodded, agreeing with this analysis.
Danzo struck like a viper. "Incorporating the experimental class into Root is optimal."
"Like the medical class, coordinating with the hospital. Ninja need actual combat, need experience."
Koharu thought, then felt the experimental class seemed more suited to Root—the academy lacked Root's teaching resources. "Hiruzen, Danzo makes sense."
"The academy lacks these resources. If configuring them, why not utilize Root's existing resources?"
Clearly, nobody opposed the experimental class. The key was its placement.
The Third nodded slightly. "Regarding teaching methods, Kitagawa has his own ideas."
"But this requires a jonin vote to decide."
"Whether the experimental class is established at the academy or Root will be decided in the jonin meeting!"
"I'll have Kitagawa explain to all jonin then."
Danzo frowned slightly, but with a jonin meeting involved, he couldn't argue further.
But that Kitagawa...
Danzo's eyes narrowed, thinking silently, "If the proposer himself thinks Root is more suitable, then..."
That greedy guy—I don't think I can't handle him!
Meanwhile, Kitagawa unknowingly taught during this exchange.
Admittedly, intelligent people were rare.
For the intelligent, basic techniques like the Three Body Techniques could be mastered instantly, becoming proficient in a month or two.
For ordinary people, mastering took months, refinement much longer.
Teaching was most painful when you taught both—you understood the enjoyment of teaching geniuses but experienced torture with normal students.
Especially students like Obito—clearly intelligent but unfocused, causing genuine frustration.
Fortunately, Kitagawa took revenge after being tormented.
"Obito, I've emphasized many times—Transformation Technique can't be surface-level only."
"Look at you. You transform into Kakashi, and everyone knows you're not him the moment you speak."
"Your voice? His mannerisms and bearing?"
"As classmates so familiar, you can't properly mimic. When on future missions, do you expect such transformation to fool enemies?"
Kitagawa sprayed saliva at the "Kakashi" before him.
Obito, transformed as Kakashi, closed his eyes as he was scolded, quietly saying, "I forgot the voice."
Kitagawa laughed lightly. "Hehe, Obito. If enemies later pin you down, will you tell them 'I messed up, let's try again'?"
The classroom erupted in laughter.
Kitagawa's eyes swept across them. "Finding this hilarious? Do you think you've met requirements?"
Laughter stopped abruptly, students covering their mouths.
After a year together, everyone understood this teacher's nature—superficially gentle and kind, but terrifyingly strict when serious.
This strictness lurked beneath his gentleness.
Kitagawa looked at Obito. "Obito, see who's to your left."
The previously scolded, eye-closed Obito opened his eyes, turning to look, immediately meeting a pair of gentle, worried large eyes, his face instantly reddening. "Rin~"