Hiashi Hyūga's Surprise

"Hinata." Kitazawa asked as he walked, "Do you want to go home or continue training?"

"I…" Hinata was just about to answer when she was interrupted by a thunderous chant.

"Youth! Youth! Youth!" The three voices blended into one. Though they sounded tired, their rhythm and coordination were impeccable.

Hinata instinctively turned her head. Three unusual figures in matching green tights came into view.

"Is that… Naruto?" Hinata squinted to make sure, then recognized one of them—it was indeed her classmate, Uzumaki Naruto.

"Teacher Kitazawa!" Naruto spotted them and excitedly waved.

"Good opportunity!" Rock Lee suddenly surged forward, overtaking him.

"Not that easy! Watch my Youth Tornado!" Naruto leaped into the air, spun midair, and effortlessly caught up with Rock Lee.

"So passionate!" Might Guy cried out, eyes brimming with tears. "Burn bright, youth!"

Due to Kitazawa's butterfly effect, Rock Lee became Might Guy's student earlier than in the original story. However, the one most affected wasn't Rock Lee—it was Uzumaki Naruto.

Born of the Uzumaki Clan, Naruto possessed a powerful physique and tremendous regenerative power—a natural vessel for physical combat.

Might Guy had passed on everything he knew to Naruto, treating him like a disciple. This was also why Kitazawa had allowed Naruto to operate freely.

Might Guy handled his physical training; Kitazawa only needed to focus on improving Naruto's theoretical knowledge.

Kitazawa rubbed his chin thoughtfully. If Naruto ever learned the Eight Gates technique… it would be terrifying.

Who could stand against that? He couldn't help but mourn for Uchiha Sasuke's future.

"They…" Hinata was dumbfounded.

She couldn't comprehend the bizarre bond between Might Guy and his two students—it was overwhelming.

"Hinata, you haven't answered my question yet." Kitazawa reminded her.

"I want to continue training." Hinata snapped out of it and answered without hesitation.

She had grown used to Kitazawa's training. Even though she had just defeated Toranosuke, she wasn't ready to stop. Because she still had a goal—to earn Hyuga Hiashi's recognition.

"Let's call Sasuke to join us." Kitazawa considered it and decided.

If they wanted to defeat Second-Year Class A, both Sasuke and Naruto were essential. And Sasuke would no doubt be willing to work overtime for training.

They headed toward the Uchiha Clan's residence. Since the Nine-Tails Rebellion, the Uchiha had been relocated to the edge of Konoha Village.

Kitazawa and Hinata's appearance immediately caught the attention of several Uchiha clan members.

"Teacher Kitazawa…" Hinata instinctively hid behind Kitazawa, clutching his hand.

"It's alright," Kitazawa reassured her. "They're fellow Konoha ninjas—there won't be any conflict."

Attacking fellow village ninjas inside Konoha was tantamount to treason. The Uchiha were not that reckless, and truthfully, neither he nor Hinata was worth starting a rebellion over.

"Who are you?" A sudden voice asked, and a young ninja stepped toward them.

Kitazawa studied him for a moment, then recognized the distinct tear troughs. It was Uchiha Itachi—the clan's filial genius.

"My name is Kitazawa. I'm a teacher at the Ninja Academy." Kitazawa said calmly. "I'm here to find Uchiha Sasuke."

"You're Kitazawa-sensei?" Itachi smiled. "I've heard Sasuke mention you often. He says you're an excellent teacher."

"You're his brother?" Kitazawa feigned surprise. "I've long heard of your genius—I've admired you for a while."

"It's just an empty title." Itachi shook his head. "Apologies—I have other matters and can't accompany you to find Sasuke."

He pointed the way.

"Thank you." Kitazawa and Hinata soon arrived at Sasuke's house.

Uchiha Fugaku wasn't home, but Uchiha Mikoto welcomed them warmly. After a brief exchange, Kitazawa explained his purpose and left with Sasuke.

---

At the Ninja Academy training grounds—

"Sasuke, how's your chakra nature transformation training coming along?" Kitazawa asked.

Sasuke didn't answer. He picked up a leaf. Fire chakra surged from his body, the air rippled, and waves of heat radiated toward the leaf.

Gradually, the leaf dried and lost its moisture—but it didn't ignite.

"You're progressing well." Kitazawa praised. "Another day of practice, and you'll complete the preliminary phase."

"Preliminary?" Sasuke looked surprised.

"Chakra nature transformation isn't as simple as you think." Kitazawa chuckled.

"No matter." Sasuke clenched his fists. "As long as I can reach my goal, I'll do whatever it takes."

Can he really do it? That thought flashed through Kitazawa's mind. He quickly shook it off—he wasn't some kind of villain.

"Keep practicing." Kitazawa left a shadow clone with Sasuke and headed to the artificial lake with Hinata. Without needing instruction, Hinata stepped onto the lake and began water-walking training.

Time passed.

Before they knew it, dusk arrived.

"Ha ha ha!" Sasuke looked at the burning leaf in his hand and laughed with joy. Mid-laugh, he quickly formed hand seals.

A blazing fireball appeared from thin air.

Sasuke's lips curled into another grin. The fireball was now five meters tall—double its previous size of two or three meters.

He was nearing Uchiha Itachi's level.

"Teacher Kitazawa!" Sasuke ran to him. "I want the next training method."

"Fire Style isn't just about burning—it's also about high temperature." Kitazawa picked up a glass, filled it with lake water, and said, "Evaporate this cup of water."

Sasuke extended his hand, focused the chakra into his palm, and directed it toward the cup.

Moments later, his expression shifted. It wasn't as easy as expected.

"It's enough for today. We'll continue tomorrow." Kitazawa patted his shoulder. "Keep the glass."

"Thanks, Kitazawa-sensei." Sasuke took the cup and left the school.

After sending Hinata home to the Hyuga compound, Kitazawa returned to his own place.

---

"Hinata." Hyuga Hiashi stood in the courtyard. "I haven't checked your Gentle Fist progress in a while. Let's spar."

He had recently received a report from Hyuga Tokuma about her match against Toranosuke. Her clean, efficient victory had truly surprised him.

Hinata froze in place. The sudden challenge left her confused.

But she couldn't disobey her father's order. She stepped forward and assumed the Gentle Fist stance.

Her gaze focused, and she struck first.

Bang!

Hiashi stood firm, effortlessly blocking her palm. His brow rose in slight surprise.

Hinata stumbled back a step, took a deep breath, and charged again. But no matter how hard she tried, it was futile.

"Enough. That's enough." Hiashi withdrew and said.

"I'm sorry, Father." Seeing his serious expression, Hinata instinctively apologized.

"Why are you apologizing?" Hiashi praised her instead. "You've progressed more than I expected."

"Huh?" Hinata's eyes widened in surprise.

"Compared to our last spar, your reaction speed, chakra control, and Gentle Fist strength have all improved significantly." He paused before adding, "Most importantly, your chakra reserves have increased by nearly half."

His tone was filled with astonishment.

"I… that's thanks to Mr. Kitazawa!" Hinata said quickly.

"Kitazawa is just a regular Chunin. He may have helped with your control…" Hiashi shook his head, "But chakra capacity depends on the individual. That's not something he can give you."

"I… I don't know." Hinata replied, her expression filled with confusion.

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