Chapter 23: Transfer Student

"Your idea is indeed a good one."

After thinking for a few seconds, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "It will be difficult, but the prospects are wide‑open."

Becoming a psychological medical ninja was a path no one had ever taken.

The biggest obstacle lay in the total absence of any existing psychological ninjutsu—Kurama Yakumo would have to invent her own techniques.

Creating a complete system from scratch was not something an ordinary shinobi could do.

But if she succeeded—never mind solving the Uchiha clan's issues—even curing just Tsunade's hemophobia would make it worthwhile.

"Go ahead and do it; if you run into problems, I'll find a way to help," Hiruzen said gravely.

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

With Hiruzen's approval, Kitazawa didn't receive a formal promotion, but his standing rose noticeably.

He also gained a measure of safety—Root wouldn't be able to club him unconscious and drag him off in broad daylight.

"Psychological medical ninjutsu involves quite a bit of Yin Release theory," Hiruzen added after a pause. "I'll have Haru take you to the archives. From now on you may go in freely and read the Yin‑Release texts."

Kitazawa's eyes lit up—so this is what a pleasant surprise feels like.

"Don't mention this to anyone else. The fewer people know, the better," Hiruzen cautioned.

He was mainly worried that Danzo Shimura and Root would interfere.

If they learned about Kurama Yakumo's special nature, they would definitely try to get involved.

And since Kitazawa was also close to Naruto Uzumaki, that would just set the stage for yet another "Hokage, you regret, boom."

"Yes, sir," Kitazawa nodded.

Haru—a masked Anbu shinobi wearing a frog mask—took him to the archive room.

The Anbu were elite ninja directly under the Hokage, ready to handle any kind of job.

Guided by Haru, Kitazawa entered the archives.

After a quick scan he muttered inwardly, Just as I thought.

Many of the books recorded genjutsu.

In the future, whenever the system rewarded him with a genjutsu, he'd have a proper source and wouldn't need to worry about awkward questions.

Sadly, only ordinary genjutsu were available here.

Special techniques—like the Bringer‑of‑Darkness Technique created by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju—were absent.

On reflection that was reasonable; a jutsu that could steal away all light and perfectly counter the Uchiha clan wasn't something just anyone qualified to learn.

Kitazawa spent two full days in the archives.

Because of the system and his poor aptitude for genjutsu, he didn't actually study any illusions.

Instead, he read Yin‑Release texts and pondered how best to train Kurama Yakumo.

…

A new week

Kitazawa arrived at the Ninja Academy.

"Kitazawa‑senpai!" Iruka Umino called out.

Kitazawa stopped and looked over.

"Kitazawa‑senpai," Iruka hurried forward. "The head of the Kurama clan, Kurama Murakumo, is waiting for you in your office."

"So early?" Kitazawa chuckled. "Got it—thanks for the heads‑up."

"You…" Iruka hesitated.

Though the Kurama clan had declined, it was still a noted shinobi family, and Kurama Murakumo was a jōnin—a big deal to academy teachers.

For someone like that to ask for Kitazawa by name made Iruka very curious.

"That's a secret," Kitazawa replied with a riddle‑maker's smile.

Iruka instantly began spinning all sorts of scenarios in his head.

Bidding him farewell, Kitazawa headed to his office.

…

"Kitazawa‑sensei!"

Seeing him, Kurama Yakumo jumped up and greeted him happily.

"Good morning, Yakumo," Kitazawa answered with a warm smile.

"Kitazawa, I'll leave Yakumo in your care," Murakumo said seriously. "If there's any problem, come to me—the Kurama clan still has some pull in Konoha."

"All right," Kitazawa nodded.

Once Murakumo left, Yakumo visibly relaxed, her eyes darting everywhere in lively curiosity—until Kitazawa drew her attention again.

Yakumo edged closer, stood on tiptoe, and peered at his desk.

"I'm writing your training plan," Kitazawa explained, catching her earnest little face.

"Physical training?" Yakumo glanced over and looked surprised.

After Kitazawa's remarks on Saturday, she thought she'd abandon her body and focus solely on her mind.

"The body is your capital," Kitazawa said. "Even the strongest spirit needs physical support."

If you reached the Sage of Six Paths' level, you could discard your body—but in the ninja world, bloodlines set the ceiling, and Yakumo's chakra density wasn't high enough.

"Mm," Yakumo nodded—she wasn't opposed to physical training.

Back at Villa she trained often, which her body couldn't handle. Kitazawa's plan was far more reasonable, with modest loads and gradual steps.

Just then, a knock sounded.

"I'll get it," Yakumo said, hurrying to the door.

She opened it to find a delicate little girl with white eyes.

"Wh‑who are you?" Hinata Hyuga asked.

"I'm Kurama Yakumo," she replied. "A transfer student in Class 1‑A."

Hinata tilted her head in puzzlement—A transfer student already? And it's only been a week since term started?

"Hinata," Kitazawa called, handing her a small note. "I'm taking Yakumo to familiarize her with the school."

Before Hinata could react, they were gone.

She blinked, unfolded the note, and read two lines:

1. Eat your breakfast here at ease.

Warmth flooded Hinata's heart.

Kitazawa had taken Yakumo away to spare Hinata embarrassment—and to keep her newfound ability to eat a secret.

But Hinata felt uneasy; eating alone without Kitazawa felt like something was missing.

2. After breakfast, skip class. Come back in the afternoon.

Hinata's heart leapt into her throat. Skip class—by myself? No, Kitazawa‑sensei, I can't…

Frozen, her small face twisted with anxiety.

…

Class bell rings

Kitazawa and Yakumo entered the classroom.

He glanced at Hinata's empty seat and felt satisfied—skipping class was meant to build courage.

Of course, truancy was ultimately a crooked path; he'd already thought of a new way to boost Hinata's bravery.

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

"The Kurama clan famous for genjutsu?" Ino Yamanaka eyed Yakumo with curiosity.

"Just don't steal Sasuke‑kun from me," Sakura Haruno thought warily—Yakumo was quite pretty.

Shikamaru Nara rubbed his chin.

He recalled his father Shikaku mentioning Yakumo's frail health. Does this have to do with Kitazawa‑sensei again?

But Shikamaru soon gave up thinking—too troublesome.

~~~

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