[{"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-386":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},1819475,2309,"Chapter 386 - New Team Battles!!","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-386",386,"\u003Cp>Half an hour later, the results were announced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ha-ha! We won!\" Naruto crowed, pumping his fist. \"This is the power of youth!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke’s mouth twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d missed first place by a single minute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At best, they could only aim for second now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Next two teams,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa called out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yakumo and Neji stepped forward. The remaining squads—Hinata’s and Shino’s—waited behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you doing here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar voice cut in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa turned to see Tsunade approaching, dressed in a tea-green haori.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stopped a short distance away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what exactly areyoudoing here?\" Kitazawa asked as he walked over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why do you think?\" Tsunade shot him a glare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the Hokage Rock. I got a report and thought some suicidal spy was vandalizing it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m no spy,\" Kitazawa replied solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If a Wood Release user were a spy, Konoha would already be doomed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade rolled her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then how did this turn into graffiti on the Hokage Rock?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s like this...\" Kitazawa explained, briefly outlining the purpose of the contest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Couldn’t you have picked somewhere else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade glanced at her own defaced likeness and asked flatly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This cliff face is the largest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa cleared his throat lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade was left speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsunade-sensei,\" Kitazawa smoothly changed the topic,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tomorrow’s the Genius Class team battle. Care to come watch?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since you’re inviting me, of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused. \"Will it be over by noon?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Probably.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa thought for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But it’s the first team battle, so timing’s uncertain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I’ll take the whole day off,\" Tsunade declared casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Planning to slack off again?\" Kitazawa realized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You just said it might run long,\" Tsunade smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Any problem with me taking the day?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So you’re planning to drag me to the casino afterward?\" Kitazawa asked bluntly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Absolutely!\" Tsunade said righteously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You defaced my Hokage face—you owe me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa’s lips twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had a strong suspicion this had been her real reason for showing up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, ANBU would’ve reported the situation anyway—there was no need for the Hokage herself to intervene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa could only agree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the students weren’t present, he would’ve lectured her on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m heading back to work,\" Tsunade waved, smiling as she turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t forget to come find me early tomorrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two hours later, the graffiti contest finally ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Current Mission: Graffiti on the Hokage Rock together with Uzumaki Naruto.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Mission Reward: Super Beast Imitation Drawing.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Mission completed. Reward distributed.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa nodded to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was practically a free reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the original story,Super Beast Imitation Drawinghad been Sai’s signature technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In essence, it was drawing an animal, and it briefly came to life—capable of attacking, scouting, carrying messages, or even flying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While limited to animals, its versatility was undeniable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though labeled as a single jutsu, it was more accurately a full series of techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder it was so hard to learn—canonically, even in ROOT, only Sai had mastered it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone, follow me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa came back to himself and led the group toward the Forest of Death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, a line of boundary flags appeared before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only the area within these flags counts as the battlefield,\" Kitazawa reminded them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tomorrow, crossing the line will cost you points.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students answered in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Naruto, your team goes first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have one hour. I’ll call you when time’s up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto, Rock Lee, and Jūgo entered the forest immediately, beginning their survey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others stayed outside, peering in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the dense trees blocked much of the view, they still noticed details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are there two hills in there?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kiba frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve passed through the Forest of Death before—never saw those.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Obviously artificial,\" Shikamaru said at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa-sensei must’ve added complex terrain everywhere.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it—half an hour won’t be enough,\" Kiba slapped his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least you get half an hour,\" Ino sighed. \"We only get ten minutes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This zone isn’t that large,\" Neji said, following the boundary flags to the far end. \"Ten minutes should suffice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remembering the rules, he deliberately refrained from activating his Byakugan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s fine, I’ll draw it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yakumo spoke softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ino, Karin—each of you memorize one section. I’ll sketch everything afterward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yakumo, you’re amazing!\" Ino praised her without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Karin nodded in agreement, clearly impressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good thing we have fifty whole minutes,\" Sakura said with a smile, glancing at Ino.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is Sasuke-kun’s and my flawless teamwork!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph, don’t celebrate yet!\" Ino planted her hands on her hips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tomorrow’s the real team battle!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tomorrow it’ll still be—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sakura.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke cut her off calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ll take the left zone in a moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Sasuke-kun!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without even realizing it, Sakura’s self-jinx had been neatly shut down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students chatted casually as they waited for Naruto’s squad to finish scouting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, Kitazawa watched them in silence, deep in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Specifically, he was considering which team he should attach himself to as a supervising teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he still had a system mission tolead a team to first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From a probability standpoint, the squads led by Yakumo, Sasuke, and Naruto had the highest chances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa rubbed his chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the moment, he genuinely couldn’t tell who would come out on top.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yakumo’s genjutsu alone was Mangekyō-level in threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke, with his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, dual Fire and Lightning Release, and newly learned Hatake swordsmanship, was no less dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto, empowered by Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, had seen explosive growth in both taijutsu and Wind Release—and he’d recently masteredKonoha Dragon God, pushing his strength even higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to decide based on captains alone, Kitazawa shifted his focus to the team members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, Kimimaro stood out as the strongest by far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others were roughly on par.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his gaze landed on Jūgo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A memory surfaced—Jūgo could understand animals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If animals were used for reconnaissance, no one would notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Add to that the fact that Lee had nearly mastered Konoha Dragon God as well...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Kitazawa made his choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto’s squad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether they could truly take first, however, was still uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Genius Class continued to grow stronger, the influence of instructors naturally diminished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa could no longer quietly manipulate outcomes the way he once had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that was fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because his own power—and standing—had risen just as steadily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, exam-related system missions were becoming rarer anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dusk soon fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All six squads finished surveying the terrain and returned home to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow would be the real test.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the students dispersed, Konan reappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa looked at her, then suddenly thought of theSuper Beast Imitation Drawinghe’d just acquired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Technically speaking, humans were animals too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Sai had never drawn people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too fragile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to use ninjutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Limited to instinctive movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, most animals were the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa opened a summoning storage scroll and took out a blank scroll and brush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Super Beast Imitation Drawing was, in essence, similar to Water Release—chakra flowed through ink instead of water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he lacked artistic talent, the system reward had conveniently granted him a baseline level of skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In moments, an image took shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He handed the scroll to Konan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced at it—and froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The figure on the scroll was her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not exquisitely detailed, but unmistakable at first glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very accurate,\" Konan said quietly, nodding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The interesting part comes next.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa snapped his fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ink rippled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black lines flowed out of the scroll, rising and reshaping themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In seconds, another Konan stood before them—rendered in flowing ink-wash style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of ninjutsu is this?\" Konan asked, genuine surprise flickering across her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Super Beast Imitation Drawing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa smiled, a hint of regret in his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the limit, though. I can’t make them indistinguishable from the real thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How strong is she?\" Konan asked curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She has no true combat power,\" Kitazawa admitted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At best, she can use basic taijutsu. Your paper techniques are beyond her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan hesitated, words hovering on her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed... underwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she didn’t want to say that aloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It works better with animals,\" Kitazawa added, reading her thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough to deal with ordinary ninja. For me, though, it’s mainly for transport and communication.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Transport?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan’s heart tightened instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would he no longer need her to carry him through the sky?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can draw birds,\" Kitazawa said gently, brushing his fingers along her cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you’re ever away, I’ll just ride one instead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan pressed her lips together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her thoughts churned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One day, she and Kitazawa would inevitably part ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the Akatsuki Organization stood opposed to the entire Ninja World—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Including Konoha Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a casual wave of his hand, Kitazawa dispersed the ink-wash Konan, the figure melting back into a dark puddle that seeped into the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at the now-blank scroll, then lifted his brush again—this time without channeling any chakra—and sketched Konan once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A gift.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He handed her the scroll and added lightly, \"It’s late. Go back and get some rest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he turned and walked away, unhurried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan stood there for a long moment, staring at her own likeness on the scroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after a while did she roll it up, tuck it away, and return silently to the ANBU Base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night passed without incident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morning arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As always, the team battles were scheduled to begin at nine sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After breakfast, Kitazawa and Kurenai were the first to arrive at the Ninja Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He briefed Hiruzen and the other instructors on yesterday’s team selections, explaining that he had chosen to oversee Naruto’s squad and left the remaining assignments to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once everything was settled, Kitazawa headed straight for the Hokage Building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade, true to form, had started early—she was already in her office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa knocked, received permission, and stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shizune was there as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She blinked in surprise. \"Why are you here? Isn’t today the final exam?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade shot him a knowing look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Genius Class final has introduced a new format—team battles,\" Kitazawa replied smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since it’s the first time, I thought it’d be best if Tsunade-sensei observed and offered guidance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case,\" Tsunade said solemnly, rising to her feet,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shizune, I’ll leave today’s paperwork to you. I’m taking the day off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shizune glanced between the two of them, sensing something suspicious—but unable to prove anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...All right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"See you later, Shizune-senpai.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa closed the door behind them and followed Tsunade into the corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked positively radiant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That happy?\" Kitazawa asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Skipping work is always bliss,\" Tsunade said with the ease of long experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ll understand once you start working full-time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sounds like I should delay that for another couple of years,\" Kitazawa laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You dare?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade’s expression darkened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Two years means two years—no extensions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why so tense?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa leaned in, lightly nipping her lower lip as he murmured, \"Do I taste like a liar?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade stiffened, hurriedly checking the hallway before letting out a breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Try that again,\" she snapped, \"and I’ll kick you halfway across Konoha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa merely blinked, entirely unfazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If being Hokage tires you out so much,\" he said casually, \"you should pick a successor early.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All your students are too young,\" Tsunade shot back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Finding a successor isn’t as easy for you as it was for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next-next generation had plenty of talent—Naruto, Sasuke, Hinata, and others—but age was the issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gaara becoming Kazekage at fifteen had been an emergency measure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konoha was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was overflowing with capable candidates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Naruto, the savior of the village, wouldn’t become Hokage until nearly thirty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now that Kitazawa existed, the future was even harder to predict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fair enough,\" Tsunade shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then the capable one just has to work harder.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You give up fast,\" Kitazawa muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your problem, you fix it,\" she replied flatly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chatting as they walked, they soon reached the Ninja Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since you’re already here,\" Kitazawa said suddenly, \"why don’t you draw the lots?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no need to rig team battles—true strength would win out regardless of matchups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine,\" Tsunade agreed without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hokage-sama!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Genius Class erupted in excitement the moment they spotted her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They saw Hiruzen every day—but Tsunade was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current Hokage. Rarely seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiruzen, Kakashi, Kosuke, and the others stepped forward to greet her as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Iruka,\" Kitazawa called.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The roster.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iruka immediately handed it over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These are the six squads participating in the team battles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa passed the list to Tsunade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She scanned it, then the attached rules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This really does resemble the second stage of the Chunin Exams,\" she remarked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was my thought as well,\" Hiruzen chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In two years, once they graduate, we should hold a joint Chunin Exam.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Planning for two years from now can be left to Kitazawa,\" Tsunade said casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room went silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did that mean...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew Kitazawa was the next Hokage—butthatsoon?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade wasn’t old, and with the Yin Seal she could maintain her youth indefinitely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, Kage served for decades unless something went wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiruzen and Ōnoki were proof of that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All right,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa coughed lightly, breaking the awkward pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s head to the Forest of Death.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he led the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, they arrived at the team-battle venue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsunade-sensei,\" Kitazawa said, producing a lottery box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please draw the two squads for the first match.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded and pulled out two slips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uchiha Sasuke’s squad versus Shino Aburame’s squad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Both teams may enter the field,\" Kitazawa announced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The battle begins in fifteen minutes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those fifteen minutes were for terrain preparation and tactical discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two squads exchanged looks, then split off in opposite directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kosuke and Kurenai took their positions nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As instructors and safety officers, they would intervene the moment a life-threatening situation arose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Students could also call for help themselves—Either way meant immediate disqualification.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>--------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>AN: Check out my P@treon For +60 extra Chapters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank You For your Support!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[email protected]\u002Fnoviceauthor777\u003C\u002Fp>",2306,"2026-06-09T05:35:56.024Z",1,"novelbin.me","b4b0c57f7b569eb2d581b89df433413cf5cf92a904e2a5dc37c8ee754d67a559","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-289","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-385",444,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnaruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-cover.jpg"]