[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch":3,"chapter-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-321":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Naruto: Strongest Shinobi System With a Glitch",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1819372,2309,"Chapter 321: Revealing Wood Release | Tsunade’s reward!","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-321",321,"\u003Cp>The Training Ground of the Academy buzzed with activity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Genius Class students were scattered across their stations, each absorbed in their own specialized drills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa’s eyes drifted to Kimimaro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>October was already halfway through. It was time to plan ahead—specifically, the next monthly exam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kimimaro still had a pending system mission: earn first place in a practical combat exam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And realistically, that wasn’t happening through a normal exam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how gifted Kimimaro was—no matter that he had Kage-level potential—he simply couldn’t defeat or even keep up with two little monsters: Naruto and Sasuke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some kids fought with talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some fought with training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And some had cheats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kimimaro’s only hope was to achieve first place through a mission evaluation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, Kitazawa had considered taking him along for the Box of Paradise mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Satori was overwhelmingly strong, and dealing with it would require more than what Kimimaro could safely handle. On top of that, Kitazawa wouldn’t be able to reasonably justify a high score if Kimimaro couldn’t contribute meaningfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, that option was out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looks like he would have to head to the mission hall and arrange something else instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the Box of Paradise—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would wait until after the New Year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke was still too young, still lacking foundational training. Forcing the mission early could do more harm than good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought, Kitazawa sought out Kakashi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In terms of fundamentals,\" Kakashi said after a moment, \"Sasuke is already top-tier among his age group. Improving him further isn’t easy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He can try Lightning Release activation,\" Kitazawa suggested. \"It’ll deepen his Lightning Release nature transformation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chidori was technically Lightning Release activation—but limited to the hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Fourth Raikage’s Lightning Release Chakra Mode, however, was full-body activation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A different league entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And if possible,\" Kitazawa added, \"get him into Gai’s physical conditioning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the end of the day, a shinobi’s foundation was chakra capacity and physical ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Increase both, and everything else followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What exactly are you trying to do?\" Kakashi asked, suspicion creeping into his tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Help Sasuke awaken his Three-Tomoe Sharingan,\" Kitazawa answered plainly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did this man hear himself?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke was seven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the more Kakashi thought about it, the more the possibility gnawed at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His famed record—Jonin at twelve—was crumbling before his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Sasuke awakened his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, he’d basically be Jonin-level in combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the worst part?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldn’t be the only one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yakumo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several students were creeping up the ladder behind him—fast enough to topple decades-old records.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reality truly was stranger than Jiraiya’s novels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sasuke’s Lightning Release training has hit a bottleneck anyway,\" Kakashi admitted. \"This might be the right time for something new.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thanks, Kakashi,\" Kitazawa said, then added, \"And don’t tell Sasuke. I don’t want him overthinking it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know,\" Kakashi sighed, walking toward Sasuke with the weariness of a man watching the next generation erase him from history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa walked toward the Taijutsu training grounds next but didn’t interrupt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the sidelines, he observed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students were neatly divided into two groups:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto and Rock Lee\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone else\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto had already reached near-master-level in Leaf-Style Kenjutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa had been debating what to teach him next...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with Chen’s arrival, that dilemma vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now both Naruto and Lee were learning Konoha Gale—three consecutive spinning kicks that demanded perfect balance, momentum, and explosive force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen had once used this very technique to overwhelm Gai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, it wasn’t easy to learn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Satisfied with their progress, Kitazawa left for the adjacent training ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This area was lined with dense rows of targets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata stood there with a bow in hand, Byakugan activated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her form was perfect—smooth draw, steady aim, controlled breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She released.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The arrow tore through the air and struck the bullseye with precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the Byakugan’s absurd field of vision and range, becoming a marksman was child’s play for her. In the original timeline, she could see ten kilometers away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combined with a powerful enough bow, she would be a terrifying sniper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa had even assigned Neji the same training when he had time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the Box of Paradise was enormous—more than enough material for multiple bows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How many exactly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would remain to be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Satorit was the tricky part.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It couldn’t be \"shared,\" so only one Yin Release bow could house it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luckily, the ninja world had other Yin Release creatures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding another spiritual core wouldn’t be impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After checking in on everyone, Kitazawa began practicing Wood Release.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He estimated another half-month before he mastered it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just in time to show off in front of Tsunade—pretending, of course, that he learned it on his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But training was progressing slowly because much of his time was invested in modifying the Earth Curse Mark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the pace held, he’d complete it next month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Yang Release Chakra Mode...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would take at least two more months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another two weeks passed in a blink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was now November 1st—the day of the theoretical exam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After breakfast, Kitazawa went to the Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He and Iruka would oversee the Genius Class exam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiruzen and Kosuke wouldn’t interfere, since they handled practical lessons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iruka covered theory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Kitazawa—vice-principal and head of the Genius Class—oversaw everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why do ninja have to learn theory?\" Tayuya groaned. \"Isn’t beating enemies enough?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s a veryyouthfulquestion!\" Lee declared proudly. \"I want to know too!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tayuya gave him a side-eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How had someone who studied for two years still ranked below her, who’d only had one month?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When fighting weaker opponents, brute force is fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shikamaru yawned. \"But against stronger ones, you need strategy. That’s where theory comes in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what’s the point of learning the Will of Fire?\" Tayuya challenged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To become Hokage!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kiba pumped his fist. \"Only by understanding the Will of Fire can you lead!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m from the Sound Village,\" Tayuya said. \"I don’t want to be Hokage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But Sound is part of Konoha now,\" Ino reminded her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Konoha is Konoha. Sound is Sound!\" Tayuya insisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn’t you see the announcement?\" Sakura chimed in. \"Orochimaru officially returned as head of the Science Department.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tayuya faltered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shehadseen it—but stubborn habits died hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not that she wanted to go back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konoha had better food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as I’m with Lord Orochimaru, it doesn’t matter where I am.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kimimaro said calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough of that—it’s exam day,\" Kiba groaned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s there to think about? Shikamaru and Sakura will get first and second again,\" Ino muttered bitterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But third place can decide the final ranking,\" Kiba countered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shikamaru twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you implying I can’t get a perfect score in the practical exam?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can still get first overall!\" Sakura insisted, eyes sparkling. \"Maybe Sasuke-kun and I will tie~!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s impossible,\" Ino said instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anything’s possible! You’re my defeated rival after all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was the past! I’ll defeat you this time!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You got special training from Kitazawa-sensei again?\" Shikamaru asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes!\" Ino declared. \"This time I’ll beat Sakura!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I also have Kosuke-sensei,\" Sakura shot back, though more cautiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Kitazawa was Kitazawa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t lose to Ino.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be unforgivable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At 9 AM, Kitazawa entered the classroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chatter died instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t lecture—everyone already knew the drill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply passed out the test papers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kimimaro’s system mission didn’t involve theory, so he wouldn’t participate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa sat at the front of the classroom, staring absently at the stack of test papers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind, however, was elsewhere—still lingering on the modified cursed seal he’d been refining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just one final adjustment and it would be complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Current Mission: Modify the Curse Mark of Earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mission Reward: Cursed Seal of Heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mission completed—reward issued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three glowing lines appeared before him the moment the bell rang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, knowledge of the Cursed Seal of Heaven surged into his mind—principles, structure, side effects, inoculation thresholds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heaven Seal and Earth Seal belonged to the same lineage, yet their differences were stark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in the original timeline, the Cursed Seal of Heaven was leagues above the Earth variant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But its strength came at a price: extreme rejection rates, severe toll on the body, and a success rate so abysmally low that only Sasuke and Anko ever survived it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing Orochimaru, he must have experimented on countless young prodigies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet only two survived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa exhaled lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how he improved it, the Heaven Seal was never going to be suitable for mass use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At best, a few exceptional talents could be candidates—but those same talents didn’t really need curse marks to begin with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Overuse would cripple their bodies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A failed awakening would ruin their future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Earth Seal, however, was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Replicable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Safe enough to distribute to veteran Chunin and Jonin who had already hit their growth ceiling. With the right supervision, he could form a Cursed Seal Special Forces Unit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something like a powered-up ANBU.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Submit your papers and head home,\" Kitazawa said, standing. \"Tomorrow at nine, we start the practical exam. Team assignments will be posted then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Genius Class filed out, still buzzing with quiet competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa gathered the test papers and brought them to Iruka.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grading them himself would be tedious; Iruka handled theory better anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His destination was the Hokage Building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because today—finally—he had mastered three basic Wood Release jutsus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Shizune granted permission, Kitazawa entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa? Shouldn’t you be in the middle of the theory exam?\" Shizune asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s already over. Iruka’s taking care of the grading,\" Kitazawa replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade stretched irritably. \"So what did you come here for? Shizune and I still have work to go over.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just one minute.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa approached the desk, eyes landing on Tonton.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shizune-senpai, lend me Tonton for a moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted the bewildered pig onto the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Tonton?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pig stared at him, confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shizune tensed. \"You better not hurt it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won’t.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa formed a rapid string of hand seals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He intended to show Tsunade what he’d achieved—but Wood Locking Wall would wreck the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wood Style: Mokusatsu Shibari no Jutsuwas perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wooden tendril materialized from thin air, wrapping gently around Tonton.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wood Release?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade, whose nonchalance was legendary, jerked upright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shizune’s eyes nearly popped out of her skull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn’t I tell you?\" Kitazawa said cheerfully. \"I’ve been trying to synthesize Wood Release. I finally succeeded.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade fell silent—struck speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d dismissed his earlier comments as jokes or overconfidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wood Release wasn’t something you \"figured out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a divine bloodline, the stuff of legends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now it was right in front of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not Yamato’s diluted imitation—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Real Wood Release\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the hands of someone strong enough to wield it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can Wood Release... truly be synthesized?\" Shizune whispered, excitement trembling in her voice. \"Not even Lord Tobirama or the Third could do that...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t just Yamato’s engineered mutation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the rebirth of a bloodline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the one who achieved it was Tsunade’s own student.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve done well... better than I imagined,\" Tsunade finally murmured, collecting herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The implications were enormous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wood Release in the hands of an elite Jonin was one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wood Release in the hands of someone with Hokage-level potential...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the kind of power other nations would consider an existential threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How many Wood Release techniques do you know?\" Tsunade asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three? And you only came now?\" Tsunade shot him a glare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wanted it to be a surprise,\" Kitazawa said innocently. \"Three techniques also means I’ve fully stabilized the Kekkei Genkai.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t tell anyone yet,\" Tsunade said seriously. \"Once you’ve learned the majority of Wood Release techniques, we’ll make it public.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being targeted by other villages was the last thing he wanted...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least until he held enough power to crush such attempts casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shizune, hold down the office. Kitazawa, come with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where are we going?\" Kitazawa followed her down the corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To the Senju Clan’s compound. Some of the most important Wood Release scrolls are stored there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone softened—nostalgic, almost pained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn’t set foot in the Senju compound since returning to Konoha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too many memories waited there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too much grief—Nawaki, Dan, the end of her clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for Wood Release, she would return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They arrived at the long-silent compound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade unlocked a familiar door and stepped inside. Dust coated the furniture, but the air still carried faint traces of a home long abandoned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Basement,\" she murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They descended the stairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa immediately noticed the intricate sealing formulas carved into every wall—Uzushio-style fūinjutsu, dense and layered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bunker of sealing arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mito Uzumaki’s handiwork.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All Wood Release scrolls are kept here,\" Tsunade said, stopping before a sealed bookshelf. \"From today on, you may learn any of them.\" Tsunade said gently. \"If you want other techniques, come find me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She alone could unseal this room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s noon already. Let’s eat here today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll go buy ingredients,\" Kitazawa said as they returned upstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright. I’ll clean the living room. And the market’s on the left when you step outside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Got it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa stepped out onto the quiet street, stretching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he had revealed Wood Release, his status in Konoha was untouchable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even defection wouldn’t land him in trouble; he could return like Orochimaru did, welcomed back with open arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not that he intended to defect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone he cared about was here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He went to the nearby market and picked out a fresh chicken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade loved tender chicken dishes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief pause, he added a bottle of sake to his basket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With her tolerance, one bottle wouldn’t hurt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After buying everything, Kitazawa made his way back to the Senju compound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he opened the door, he found the living room spotless and refreshed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade had tossed aside her tea-green haori and sprawled lazily across the sofa in a completely un-Hokage-like posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That fast?\" Kitazawa asked, glancing at her fair feet propped on the coffee table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I used a Shadow Clone,\" Tsunade replied. Then she sniffed the air, eyes brightening. \"You bought sake?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can smell that?\" Kitazawa blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No sake aroma can escape my nose,\" Tsunade declared proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dinner first. Then you can drink.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa headed for the kitchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade let out a small pout, shifted her hips, tucked in her legs, and sank deeper into the cushions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being home—and witnessing Kitazawa master Wood Release—made her feel completely at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konoha was thriving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And once the Genius Class grew up, the village might enter its greatest era yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time slipped by quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since it was just the two of them, Kitazawa made only one dish: her favorite tender chicken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he stepped out carrying bowls and chopsticks, Tsunade appeared to be asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Asleep?\" Kitazawa set everything down and leaned over the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gently poked her cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade’s eyes fluttered open. She stared at him blankly for a breath. \"Dinner’s ready?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sat up immediately. Her loose sleeveless top shifted downward, collar dipping low enough to reveal a flash of skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa’s gaze instinctively shifted to the Ocean Heart necklace he’d given her—half-hidden, half-visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still staring?\" Tsunade kicked weakly in his direction before standing and heading to the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since you have work this afternoon, I only bought one bottle of sake,\" Kitazawa said, sitting opposite her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One bottle?\" Tsunade frowned. \"That’s neither here nor there. Not satisfying at all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then are you still drinking it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You already brought it home—of course I’m drinking it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade grabbed the bottle and downed two large gulps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Image, Hokage-sama,\" Kitazawa teased. \"You’re supposed to be dignified.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No outsiders here. Why bother?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She placed the bottle down, exhaled happily, and smirked. \"Besides, you’re not drinking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With how you’re drinking? I definitely shouldn’t.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why not? Drink with me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glared and thrust the bottle at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I drink, what will you drink?\" Kitazawa caught her wrist lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should’ve bought two bottles! Honestly...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade rolled her eyes. \"And don’t look down on me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that last part was the real issue?\" Kitazawa said, eyes drifting—just briefly—to her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sake had stained them a richer shade, soft and tempting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s nothing. Eat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade turned away a fraction too quickly, guilt flickering across her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Try the chicken.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa handed her a pair of chopsticks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade tasted a piece and nodded. \"Not bad. Almost as good as the izakaya’s tender chicken.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s too generous,\" Kitazawa chuckled. \"I’m perfectly aware of my cooking skills.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade leaned back, her expression turning serious. \"Your Wood Release... is it really a fusion of Yang Release, Water Release, and Earth Release like you said?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa nodded. \"Mm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then your Wood Release should surpass Yamato’s, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve seen Yamato’s techniques. Mine are stronger.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As expected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade smiled. \"From today onward, Konoha has truly regained Wood Release.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re putting pressure on me,\" Kitazawa joked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pressure breeds motivation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She held his gaze. \"And I believe in you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or you’re just eager to retire,\" Kitazawa teased again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade sighed. \"Being Hokage is exhausting—seven days a week, no breaks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"New Year’s is almost here. You can rest then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s still a month...\" Tsunade muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her thoughts shifted suddenly—Kitazawa’s birthday was on December 21.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had given her the Ocean’s Heart for her own birthday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She would need to prepare something worthy in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A month passes quickly,\" Kitazawa said. \"Konoha’s stable now. You really don’t need to overwork yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s true.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade took another sip, then asked, \"Have you heard of Sage Mode?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. It’s the superior form of the Curse Mark—true Senjutsu. Forming Sage Art requires balancing natural energy with your spiritual and physical energy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade nodded. \"Shikkotsu Forest has its own Sage Mode. Once you master Deep Forest Emergence, you can go learn it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sure,\" Kitazawa agreed easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No system notification.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he expected—he couldn’t learn Sage Mode on his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The system would need to trigger a mission for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better that way. Sage training was notoriously brutal—turning to stone was never ideal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After lunch, they returned to the Hokage Office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m full... nap time,\" Tsunade said lazily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speaking of which,\" Kitazawa said, \"I mastered Wood Release. Don’t I get a reward?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade sat on the sofa, studying him. \"What do you want?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anything?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room quieted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air shifted—charged and delicate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course not,\" Tsunade coughed, averting her gaze. \"Only what Konoha can provide.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa leaned down and kissed her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade’s eyes widened in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had kissed before, but it was usually her catching him off-guard—not the other way around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I got my reward. Good afternoon,\" Kitazawa said with a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dodged her reflexive kick and sprinted away at full speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade stared blankly at the doorway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t kissed and run.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She... simply hadn’t reacted fast enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their relationship had shifted again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could feel it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa returned home and spent the afternoon studying Deep Forest Emergence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As an S-rank Wood Release, the scroll’s complexity was no joke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At around five, Iruka arrived to deliver the results of the theory exam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The top three were unchanged—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shikamaru, Sakura, Sasuke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kimimaro’s improvement stood out the most—he’d climbed all the way to nineteenth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jugo and Tayuya were still stuck in the bottom group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After breakfast, Kitazawa and Kurenai headed to the Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other teachers—Hiruzen, Kosuke, Kakashi, and Chen—were already chatting warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re just in time,\" Kosuke said. \"We’ve decided on team assignments.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is Kimimaro available?\" Kitazawa asked. \"I plan to take him on a mission.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone shook their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine. We’ll go with your arrangements,\" Kitazawa said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At nine sharp, the Genius Class assembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Before the practical exam,\" Kitazawa announced, \"I’ll declare this month’s teams.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone perked up—team composition could make or break their ranking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Team One will be led by me,\" Kitazawa said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Members: Kimimaro, Ino Yamanaka, Sakura Haruno.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kimimaro would be the vanguard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ino would provide control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sakura—support and healing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A team built specifically to highlight Kimimaro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a shame Sakura’s in it...\" Ino muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t hold me back,\" Sakura snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s my line.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rock Lee sighed wistfully. \"Your friendship is full of youthful passion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s so wonderful about it?!\" both girls snapped in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata watched quietly—hopingnext timeshe’d be on Kitazawa’s team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Quiet,\" Kitazawa said, continuing the announcements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With six teachers now, each led one squad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kurenai’s team received Kurama Yakumo, Tenten, and Hinata—an unexpectedly strong team with built-in synergy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiruzen personally requested Naruto.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen took Rock Lee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi and Kosuke took whoever remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These are the team assignments for this month,\" Kitazawa concluded. \"Go find your team leaders and pick a mission.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Grandpa Third!\" Naruto ran straight to Hiruzen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sasuke, Shikamaru—this way,\" Kakashi said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Iruka,\" Kitazawa called, \"the remaining students are yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This arrangement would let the entire monthly exam finish in two or three days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa-sensei!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ino jogged up, bright and eager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s go,\" Kitazawa said, ruffling her hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He led Kimimaro and Sakura toward the main gate of Konoha—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the start of Kimimaro’s special mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>--------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>AN: Check out my P@treon For +40 extra Chapters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank You For your Support!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[email protected]\u002Fnoviceauthor777\u003C\u002Fp>",3487,"2026-06-09T05:35:56.024Z",1,"novelbin.me","b935ee4af39dd54868ea1f041782e069074f574e4e589ad69c057a4a670f1567","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-322","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-320",444,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnaruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-cover.jpg"]