[{"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-338":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},1819389,2309,"Chapter 338 338: 338 - Sasuke Returns!!","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-338",338,"\u003Cp>A new week arrived—Monday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only two weeks remained until the final exams in early April.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At ten in the morning, Kitazawa stepped into the ANBU Base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan rose to her feet and handed him a document. \"This is the list of ninja who meet your criteria.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thanks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa sat beside her and opened the file.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed to select eighteen Ninja for the Genius Class's final exam sparring matches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were three conditions:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, their strength couldn't be too high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jonin like Kakashi, Gai, or Itachi were out of the question—pitting them against children wouldn't be sparring; it'd be slaughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, they needed to be well-known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing boosted a student's reputation faster than defeating a familiar name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third, their personalities needed to be stable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No unhinged, trauma-inducing, PTSD-delivering personalities allowed. Kitazawa wasn't about to let some deranged ninja traumatize his students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though realistically, anyone who dared retaliate outside the exam would face the wrath of Konoha's entire leadership. Everyone knew how important the Genius Class was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are a lot of candidates,\" Kitazawa murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than three hundred names filled the list.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selecting eighteen would take time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flipped through the pages and quickly spotted familiar names—Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both were Chunin, and with the Earth Curse Mark, they could temporarily reach Special Jonin level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He circled their names without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An hour later, Kitazawa had filled all but the top seven slots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused over the remaining list.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The top seven students—Naruto, Yakumo, Sasuke, Kimimaro, Hinata, Neji, and Shino—were in a league of their own now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata and Neji had skyrocketed in strength after receiving their bows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shino's growth after mastering the Jōryū Clan's secret techniques was startling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These seven would need special Jonin or even Jonin opponents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only could they handle it, but defeating a Jonin would also build the momentum the \"New Konoha Three Sannin\" needed to someday exist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's lunchtime.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan's soft voice pulled him back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had checked the wall clock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa set the documents aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I made a bento,\" Konan said, producing a lunchbox.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You cooked this?\" Kitazawa blinked, surprised by the non-ANBU-style box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thanks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He opened it—grilled fish, rice, and vegetables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a bite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Delicious,\" he said honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan simply removed her mask and ate quietly beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After they finished, Kitazawa handed the empty box back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He resumed making his selections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan stood, stepped behind him, and gently began massaging his shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Thank you,\" Kitazawa said after a brief pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later, Kitazawa finished selecting the remaining six Ninja.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything was ready. Now they only had to wait for April tenth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Konan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He held out the final list. \"Notify them to be at the Ninja Academy at nine in the morning on April tenth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan accepted the document and silently left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa watched her go, then headed home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half a month later—April 9th\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The theoretical final exam of the Genius Class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At 8:30 a.m., even though thirty minutes remained, most students had already gathered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shikamaru, are you trying for first place again?\" Sakura asked, watching him sprawled lazily across his desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll try,\" Shikamaru muttered. \"But I might not get it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You say that every time!\" Sakura puffed her cheeks. \"That's exactly what someone who will get first place says!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rankings aren't that important,\" Choji said between crunches of chips. \"We won't beat Neji or Sasuke anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I only care about one thing,\" Ino said proudly. \"Finishing higher than Sakura.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I beat you last time, remember?\" Sakura smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was the last time!\" Ino snapped, hands on hips. \"Last time doesn't count now!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sasuke-kun?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sakura suddenly froze, eyes sparkling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sasuke!\" Naruto shouted, waving wildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sasuke-kun!\" Sakura sprinted to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You finally made it,\" Kiba said with relief. \"I thought you'd miss the exam.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I returned for one reason,\" Sasuke said coolly as he walked past them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To take first place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sasuke-kun has activated his Three-Tomoe Sharingan—he'll definitely get first place this time!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sakura announced proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You really haven't changed at all,\" Kiba muttered, rolling his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They're back… all of them,\" Shikamaru sighed, already anticipating the chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is so arrogant,\" Tayuya complained from the back row, annoyance written across her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He does have the power for it,\" Jugo said, staring at Sasuke with reluctant admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with the Earth Seal's inoculation, he still couldn't defeat Sasuke—and Kimimaro had lost even after using Cursed Seal, State Two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Strength is everything. It's only natural,\" Kimimaro added calmly, still carrying his old Otogakure mindset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sasuke, does that mean your strength is basically at the Jonin level now?\" Tenten asked, unable to suppress her curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"More or less,\" Sasuke replied with cool indifference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ripple of gasps spread across the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An eight-year-old Jonin—That was unprecedented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in the Genius Class, where monsters were common, reaching Jonin-level was an entirely different realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jonin were the pillars of a village—war-ready commanders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As expected of my eternal rival!\" Naruto grinned, giving a thumbs up. \"Tomorrow I'm challenging you to a youthful showdown!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lost last time when Sasuke was possessed by Satori—this time he was eager for a rematch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You'll lose,\" Sasuke declared confidently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his gaze drifted to Yakumo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides Naruto, she was his other target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his fully awakened Three-Tomoe Sharingan, he was certain he could surpass Yakumo in Genjutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would defeat Naruto, then Yakumo, and become the unquestioned number one of the Genius Class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the Three Tomoe activated… He felt invincible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yakumo watched him quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had heard the legendary reputation of the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But how would it fare against her own Kekkei Genkai?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neji also sensed Sasuke's dismissive attitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realistically, he knew he couldn't beat Three-Tomoe Sasuke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now… he had Meiha, the bow Kitazawa gifted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A symbol of his determination to break free from the \"bird in the cage\" fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jonin, huh…\" Kimimaro murmured, a flicker of frustration crossing his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To surpass Sasuke, he needed his Shikotsumyaku to evolve—but there was a limit to how fast someone their age could grow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's everyone talking about? Sounds lively.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar voice drifted in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata's head snapped toward the door instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa-sensei! Good morning!\" Ino greeted happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're talking about tomorrow's practical exam!\" Naruto said excitedly. \"Sasuke and I are going to have a blazing battle of youth!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You two can fight,\" Kitazawa said with a small smile, \"but you'll have to postpone it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course Sasuke came back with the intention of fighting Naruto and Yakumo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was practically in his blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But reality was cruel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Three-Tomoe Sharingan was powerful, yes—but Sasuke was still far too young to wield its full potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with full power, he wasn't guaranteed victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yakumo? Impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto? A toss-up—about fifty-fifty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why do we have to postpone it?\" Naruto blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, they didn't even participate in practical exams—they just completed missions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because tomorrow's exam won't be a mission,\" Kitazawa said cheerfully. \"The top eighteen students of the Genius Class will face… mysterious challengers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mysterious challengers?\" Sakura echoed. \"From other classes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could they match us?\" Ino huffed, then turned to Kitazawa with sparkling eyes. \"Are they Ninja who already graduated?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Correct. But no prize for guessing right,\" Kitazawa said, patting her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ino immediately shot Sakura a smug look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata hesitated—she had figured it out too… just not fast enough to say it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Actual ninja?\" Shikamaru murmured, stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even he hadn't expected Kitazawa to arrange spars between real ninja and students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounded absurdly unfair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Will Gai-sensei be there?!\" Lee practically vibrated with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could there be a Jonin?\" Tenten groaned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Guy's power, they'd be flattened in a blink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was sure the opponents would be Chunin at most—not Jonin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not afraid of Jonin,\" Sasuke said suddenly, voice cool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tenten had no retort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As arrogant as that sounded… With a Three-Tomoe Sharingan, it wasn't wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sasuke is right!\" Naruto declared, flashing a grin. \"It doesn't matter who the opponent is—just give it everything you've got! That's youth!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You'll find out tomorrow,\" Kitazawa said with a teasing smile. \"For now, it stays a secret.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa-sensei, whisper it to me~.\" Ino leaned in and grabbed his arm with theatrical sweetness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ino, we heard that,\" Sakura snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, everyone, back to your seats.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa flicked Ino lightly on the forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ow—yes, Kitazawa-sensei…\" Ino rubbed her head and retreated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others scattered back to their seats as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bell rang—nine o'clock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The written exam began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa left a Shadow Clone to invigilate and slipped out of the Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After mastering Wood Release: Consecutive Connecting Houses, he had moved on to Wood Release: Four Pillar Prison—same naming pattern, completely different purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four Pillar House builds a cozy little home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four Pillar Prison builds… a giant wooden jail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perfect for trapping enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By eleven, the written exam had ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa wrapped up his training and returned to the office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, the written rankings barely shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No surprise there—most students invested their time in battle skills, not test prep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Next Day\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Izumo, any idea why Lord Kitazawa wants us at the Academy?\" Kotetsu muttered as they walked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No clue,\" Izumo sighed. \"Lord Kitazawa is always five steps ahead of everyone else.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"True,\" Kotetsu chuckled. \"Just like when he suddenly stuck us in the Curse Mark Unit. Didn't see THAT coming.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Izumo nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Joining that unit had rocketed them from ordinary Chunin to Special Jonin—squad captains, even.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their status had skyrocketed overnight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Asuma-senpai!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kotetsu spotted a familiar figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, it's you two,\" Asuma greeted with a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Asuma-senpai, why aren't you at ANBU today?\" Kotetsu asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have something to handle at the Academy,\" Asuma replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're headed there too! Kitazawa-sama summoned us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You too?\" Asuma blinked. \"What is that guy planning?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you don't know, then no way we would,\" Izumo sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's just get there. We'll find out,\" Asuma said, picking up pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they arrived—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Why are there so many people?\" Izumo blurted out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seriously, what's going on?\" Asuma murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire high command of Konoha was present—Tsunade, Fugaku, Hiashi, Shikaku… practically every clan head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It looks like they're all here to watch the practical exam,\" Kotetsu guessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Has to be,\" Asuma said as realization dawned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stands around the training ground were already filled with Konoha's elites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Asuma.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kakashi,\" Asuma nodded back. \"How's teaching?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi pointed. \"Your positions are over there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The… Combat Ninja Area?\" Asuma repeated. \"What does that mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa didn't tell you?\" Kakashi tilted his head. \"You're sparring with the Genius Class.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asuma's voice jumped an octave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could your students possibly be my opponents?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's… debatable,\" Kakashi said after a moment's thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asuma stared at him, utterly confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no universe where a seasoned Jonin like him could lose to a bunch of eight-year-olds… right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You'll see soon,\" Kakashi said, waving him off. \"Go on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph. Just don't get mad when I rough up your students,\" Asuma grumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He headed to the Combat Ninja Area with Izumo and Kotetsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lineup waiting for them made Asuma freeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uchiha Tekka—Jonin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uchiha Inabi—Jonin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Hizashi—elite Jonin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uzuki Yugao—an ANBU-level Kenjutsu specialist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asuma's mouth twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This roster could topple a small village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they were here… for a Ninja Academy final exam?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You two came as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man in sunglasses approached—Ebisu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ebisu-senpai, long time,\" Izumo and Kotetsu greeted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm no senpai anymore,\" Ebisu said with a wry smile concealing his jealousy. \"You two outrank me now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had applied to the Curse Mark Unit too, but hadn't qualified to receive it.\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>",1940,"2026-06-09T05:35:56.024Z",1,"novelbin.me","bda00331ab7cf41ee7271d3d795cd73f980d500d3b70f54b3d5f4fc1da3bf415","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-339","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-337",444,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnaruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-cover.jpg"]