Tsunade Returns to Village

"I can cancel the rule, and you won't have to do the homework anymore." Kitazawa looked into Yamanaka Ino's blue eyes and asked, "But are you really willing to let it go?"

"No!" Ino froze for a second, then nodded firmly. "I must make Sakura taste the pain I've felt!"

As expected of a good friend. Kitazawa couldn't help but laugh when he heard this. Of course, he'd done it on purpose—to ignite Yamanaka Ino's competitive spirit.

Though they were close friends, they were also rivals—lifelong opponents, in a way.

"In terms of chakra control, Sakura does have a slight edge over you." Kitazawa said calmly, "But when it comes to foundational skills, she's far behind."

"Yeah!" Ino nodded in agreement.

"Diligence can overcome a lack of talent." Kitazawa explained, "You just need to allocate more time to chakra control training."

"Then what should I do?" Ino asked eagerly.

"Skip class," Kitazawa replied with a grin.

Ino was stunned. A moment later, she recalled Hinata Hyuga's training schedule and realized what he meant.

Kitazawa's point was simple. She could skip lessons she had already mastered and spend that time on water-walking practice.

"I'll arrange it for you right now." Kitazawa pulled out a weekly schedule and added casually, "Don't worry about Iruka. I'll talk to him."

"Thank you, Mr. Kitazawa!" Ino happily brushed aside her drooping golden bangs.

"Alright, you can skip the classes I've crossed out for this week." Kitazawa handed over the schedule.

Ino glanced at it and found that more than half her classes were canceled. With so much time for training, she was confident she could surpass Haruno Sakura.

"Teacher Kitazawa," Ino looked at him with anticipation. "Can you train with me?"

"Sure." Kitazawa agreed without hesitation. "You can train alongside Hinata."

"Thank you, Teacher Kitazawa!" Ino turned toward Hinata and extended her hand with a bright smile. "Please guide me."

"Okay... okay." Hinata was caught off guard by her enthusiasm but still shook her hand shyly.

"Let's go." Kitazawa led them to the academy's artificial lake.

Hinata could train anywhere as long as there were trees nearby. But Ino's water-walking training needed to be done at the lake.

"Ino." Kitazawa waved his hand casually, sending two leaves flying. "I'll use the leaves to interfere."

Ino's expression turned serious. Judging by their speed and strength, Kitazawa's leaves were far stronger than Sakura's wooden kunai. If they hit her, it would definitely hurt.

But to make Sakura do double homework, she was ready to endure it. Ino gathered chakra into the soles of her feet and stepped onto the water.

"Hinata, get ready." Kitazawa reminded, then stretched out both hands. Chakra surged, pulling leaves from nearby trees to either side. With a flick of his mind, the leaves flew like projectiles.

Hinata and Ino were instantly flustered.

After half an hour, both of them collapsed on the ground, exhausted from the intense training. 

"Hinata, you're amazing." Ino gasped, genuinely impressed.

"Ah?" Hinata looked at her in confusion, startled by the sudden praise.

"You lasted so long during that training. I'm nowhere near your level." Ino waved her hand and explained.

Hinata stared in surprise, momentarily unsure how to respond. Years of strict upbringing under Hiashi Hyuga had left her lacking confidence.

But after meeting Kitazawa, she had gradually began to change. And now, with Ino's praise, she realized she might not be as weak as she'd always believed.

"Thank you," Hinata said seriously.

"You're kind of weird." Ino chuckled and asked, "Why thank me so earnestly?"

"I..." Hinata subconsciously glanced at Kitazawa.

"What do you want to eat for lunch? My treat." Kitazawa caught her gaze and smiled.

"Barbecue!" Ino jumped up, rubbing her belly. "I've burned so many calories—I need to refuel!"

"I'm okay with anything." Hinata quietly let out a sigh of relief.

After a short rest, they resumed training.

At noon, Kitazawa took them to a barbecue restaurant.

Since Hinata had already told Hiashi Hyuga she could eat freely, she no longer held back.

"You... you..." Ino stared in disbelief.

Watching all the grilled meat disappear into Hinata's stomach completely shattered her worldview.

"I... I've always had a good appetite." Hinata replied, a bit embarrassed and uneasy.

She feared that Ino might distance herself because of it.

"That's so... enviable!" Ino exclaimed with a sigh.

"Huh?" Hinata tilted her head in confusion.

"Being able to eat a lot without gaining weight—that's every girl's dream!" Ino explained passionately.

"Is that so?" Hinata blinked, still not fully understanding.

But Kitazawa was right—being able to eat well was a blessing.

Her perspective shifted at that moment.

---

After school, Kitazawa headed to the teachers' meeting room. Another meeting about the monthly exam. Just like the last one, it was mainly about setting the questions.

Kitazawa didn't care much about the May test.

The only thing that mattered was Uzumaki Naruto's performance—and whether he could make the top ten in class.

"Kitazawa," Mizuki approached after the meeting. "Don't forget about the friendly match between our classes."

"Of course not." Kitazawa nodded calmly.

"Good." Mizuki smiled, "I was afraid you'd back out."

"I was afraid you'd deny it when you lose," Kitazawa replied coolly.

"You—!" Mizuki clenched his fists. "I won't deny anything... No, our class won't lose!"

"We'll see when the time comes." Kitazawa glanced at him and turned away.

Mizuki had been consumed by resentment, overly invested in a meaningless friendly match. But that was fine—he had nothing to lose.

He was sure that Sarutobi Hiruzen would either attend or observe their class match in secret. If Naruto performed well, there might even be a reward.

---

Wednesday.

Hokage's Office.

With a loud bang, the door was kicked open.

"Who dares—" Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up, startled, and froze. She was back. Only she would dare to kick open his door like that.

Even Danzo would merely slam it—never kick it.

"Old man," Tsunade said bluntly, "Where are Kurama Yakumo and Kitazawa? I want to see them."