Kurama Yakumo

"Your idea is indeed excellent." Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered for a few seconds before saying, "Although the path is difficult, the prospects are vast."

A psychological medical ninja was an unprecedented path, never explored by anyone. The biggest challenge was the lack of any existing psychological ninjutsu—Kurama Yakumo would have to develop her own techniques from scratch.

To build an entirely new system from the ground up was no task for ordinary shinobi. But if successful, even if it didn't resolve the Uchiha clan's issues, simply curing Tsunade's hemophobia would make it worthwhile.

"Go ahead and do it. If you encounter any difficulties, I'll find a way to support you." Sarutobi Hiruzen said in a solemn tone.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Kitazawa responded promptly.

With Hiruzen's support, even though he hadn't received a promotion, his status had quietly improved.

His personal safety was also better secured—he no longer had to worry about being ambushed and dragged away by Root operatives on the street.

"Psychological medical ninjas involve deep knowledge of Yin Release." Sarutobi Hiruzen paused for a moment and said, "I'll have Haru escort you to the archive room. From now on, you'll have free access to Yin Release materials."

Kitazawa's eyes lit up. This was the definition of a pleasant surprise.

"Don't mention this to anyone. The fewer who know, the better." Sarutobi Hiruzen added.

His main concern was Shimura Danzo and Root. If they learned of Yakumo's special potential, they would undoubtedly try to interfere.

Considering Kitazawa's current relationship with Naruto, the village might end up witnessing a repeat of "You anger me, I retaliate—boom."

"Understood." Kitazawa nodded.

Haru, a member of the Hokage's Anbu, wore a frog mask.

The Anbu—short for Assassination Tactics Special Forces—were elite ninjas directly under the Hokage, responsible for all kinds of high-risk missions.

Led by Haru, Kitazawa entered the archive room. After scanning the contents, he silently confirmed—this place was genuine.

Numerous genjutsu techniques were recorded here. From now on, any illusions he obtained through the system could be traced back to these archives, minimizing suspicion and trouble.

The only downside was that the archive contained only standard genjutsu. There were no forbidden or unique techniques, like the Genjutsu: Infinite Darkness created by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.

But upon reflection, it was expected. That jutsu could eliminate all light and completely suppress the Uchiha—ordinary people had no right to learn it.

Kitazawa stayed in the archive room for two full days. Because of the system and his lack of natural talent for genjutsu, he didn't focus on learning techniques.

Instead, he spent his time reading Yin Release theory and planning how to train Kurama Yakumo.

—

A new week arrived.

Kitazawa returned to the Ninja School.

"Kitazawa-senpai!" Iruka's voice called out.

Kitazawa stopped and looked over.

"Kitazawa-senpai," Iruka approached and said, "Kurama Murakumo, head of the Kurama clan, is waiting for you in your office."

"He came early." Kitazawa smiled. "I understand. Thanks for letting me know."

"You..." Iruka hesitated.

Even if the Kurama clan had declined, it was still a recognized noble clan. And Kurama Murakumo was a jonin—someone the average teacher would consider a big shot.

Iruka was curious why someone like that would personally request Kitazawa.

"That's a secret." Kitazawa smiled, turning into a riddle master.

Iruka's mind immediately flooded with speculation.

Kitazawa bid him farewell and walked to his office.

"Teacher Kitazawa!" Kurama Yakumo stood and greeted him warmly the moment she saw him.

"Good morning, Yakumo," Kitazawa replied with a smile.

"Kitazawa, Yakumo is in your hands. If you run into any problems, come to me." Kurama Murakumo said seriously, "The Kurama clan still holds some sway in Konoha."

"Understood." Kitazawa nodded.

After Kurama Murakumo left, Yakumo relaxed visibly. She looked around curiously, her expression full of lively energy. Soon, her attention shifted back to Kitazawa.

Yakumo tiptoed forward and peeked over his desk.

"I'm drafting your training plan," Kitazawa said, noticing her serious little face.

"Physical training?" Yakumo looked at the plan in surprise.

She had thought, based on Saturday's conversation, that she would focus solely on spiritual growth, abandoning physical conditioning.

"The body is your foundation." Kitazawa explained, "No matter how strong your spirit is, it still needs the body's support."

Only someone like the Sage of Six Paths could abandon the physical body.

But in the ninja world, bloodlines determined limits—and Yakumo's spiritual resilience wasn't yet strong enough.

"Yeah." Yakumo nodded. She wasn't opposed to physical training.

In fact, back at Satomi-gaoka Villa, she trained often—so much so that her body couldn't keep up and broke down.

Kitazawa's training plan, however, was more balanced—light but steady, focusing on gradual improvement. Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it." Yakumo quickly stepped over and opened the door.

Outside stood a petite girl with white eyes.

"You... who are you?" Hinata blinked at the unfamiliar face.

"I'm Yakumo Kurama." Yakumo introduced herself. "I'm the transfer student in Class A, first year."

Hinata tilted her head slightly, looking puzzled. What's going on? A transfer student, just a week after school started?

"Hinata." Kitazawa walked over, slipping a folded note into her hand. "I'm going to show Yakumo around the school."

Before Hinata could respond, they had already left the office. She stood there dazed, then opened the small note.

There were two lines written inside.

The first: You can have breakfast here in peace.

Hinata's heart warmed instantly. Kitazawa had taken Yakumo away to spare her awkwardness—and to help her keep her secret of eating comfortably.

But Hinata still felt something was missing. Without Kitazawa, eating breakfast alone made her feel strangely empty.

Then her eyes landed on the second sentence: You can skip class after breakfast and return in the afternoon.

Hinata's heart nearly leaped out of her chest. Skipping class? Alone?

'No, Mr. Kitazawa—I can't do that...' She stood rooted to the spot, her face filled with conflict.

—

The bell rang.

Kitazawa and Yakumo entered the classroom.

He glanced at Hinata's empty seat and nodded in satisfaction. Letting her skip class was a way to train her courage.

Though it was a roundabout method, he had already thought of better ways to help her grow braver.

"This is Kurama Yakumo." Kitazawa introduced, "Your new classmate."

"Kurama clan? The ones good at genjutsu?" Ino looked at her curiously.

"As long as she doesn't fight me for Sasuke-kun," Sakura muttered warily.

Kurama Yakumo was quite pretty, after all.

Shikamaru scratched his chin thoughtfully. He remembered his father, Nara Shikaku, had once said Kurama Yakumo was in poor health.

Was her return related to Kitazawa again? But thinking was such a drag, so Shikamaru gave up quickly.

--

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