[{"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-408":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},1819265,2309,"Chapter 408 - Enma’s Successor!!","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-408",408,"\u003Cp>A soft warmth pressed against his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instinctively, Kitazawa inhaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fragrant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dangerously comfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a fleeting moment, he enjoyed the same privileged position as Tsunade’s necklace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The privilege lasted less than a minute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade shoved him away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s enough. I still have work to do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the faint dissatisfaction on his face, she lightly kicked him under the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood. Thank you, Tsunade-sensei.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He answered with exaggerated solemnity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shot him a sidelong glance but said nothing, already returning to the stack of documents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa left the Hokage Office in high spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>ANBU Base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He entered his office, glanced around, and casually engraved a Flying Thunder God mark inside his desk drawer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Insurance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mobility meant safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he closed the drawer, his gaze lifted—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And met Konan’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a subtle curl of his finger, he beckoned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan walked over silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then leaned forward—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And buried his face in her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan stiffened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She felt his warm breath through the fabric of her cloak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint blush crept across her pale cheeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t push him away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her arms came up, somewhat stiff at first, cradling his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few seconds, her posture relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She adapted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As always.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa thought inwardly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan was obedient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade, however...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was more deserving of the word \"broad-minded.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan was more than sufficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted his head, vision clearing again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a gentle touch to her cheek, he left for the Ninja Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Genius Class theory exam was nearly finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa didn’t interrupt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iruka would handle grading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he left discreet Flying Thunder God marks on the Academy training field—and inside his own office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forest of Death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Learning Flying Thunder God was only the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>True mastery required Second Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Guiding Thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa drew a kunai and carefully engraved his formula upon it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every user’s formula differed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tobirama used complex patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato used stylized characters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa chose simplicity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minimal. Clean. Direct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The true essence of Flying Thunder God: Second Step wasn’t teleportation—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was what you did the instant you arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato used Rasengan because it required no hand seals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strike immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No delay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa had far more options.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sharingan Genjutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Byakugan: pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shikotsumyaku.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chakra-Enhanced Strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At full output, his punch would eclipse Rasengan in sheer destructive force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second Step plus Chakra Enhanced Strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be his version.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ninja Academy Training Ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I didn’t expect the final exam to be individual battles this time,\" Tenten remarked in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s probably because of the new students,\" Shikamaru said lazily, glancing at Shion, Chino, and Hotaru.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rankings are definitely shifting again,\" Ino agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even without them, I’d climb higher!\" Kiba declared proudly. \"With Akamaru, this great lord’s ranking is bound to rise!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t celebrate too early,\" Tayuya scoffed. \"You’re not the only one improving.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The newcomers are strong too,\" Ino added thoughtfully. \"Especially Chino. That Ketsuryugan of hers rivals the Sharingan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She’s nowhere near Sasuke-kun!\" Sakura shot back instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chino smiled gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She’s right. I’m not on Sasuke’s level.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone was calm, not self-deprecating—just honest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d observed enough during training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially recently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Taiji Rasengan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even from a distance, its power was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t need to test it firsthand to know she couldn’t withstand it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sakura blinked, caught off guard by the lack of argument.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Well. That’s obvious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aren’t you curious what Naruto’s been training lately?\" Shino asked, adjusting his glasses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto had been disappearing to the Forest of Death almost daily with Kitazawa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Training filled with youth, of course!\" Lee declared passionately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly!\" Naruto grinned widely. \"You’ll soon witness the blazing power of my youth!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke glanced sideways at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint unease stirred in his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too confident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had Naruto improved again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was already juggling Yang Release: Rasengan and Taiji Rasengan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There shouldn’t be room for something else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...Right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It doesn’t matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shikamaru laced his fingers behind his head and sighed toward the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can’t beat you guys anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That doesn’t include Sasuke-kun!\" Sakura snapped, hands planted firmly on her hips. \"I think—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’ll only know after we fight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke cut her off calmly, stopping her before she could jinx the outcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ino, don’t start celebrating early either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sak—look! Kitazawa-sensei is here!\" Ino suddenly waved excitedly toward the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata turned instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa and Kurenai stepped onto the Training Ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiruzen, Kakashi, Chen, and Kosuke were already waiting near the edge, chatting quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa-senpai.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iruka hurried over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Iruka, draw the lots.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no system mission tied to this final exam. No need to manipulate anything behind the scenes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iruka stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Kitazawa and Kurenai joined the others at the sidelines, exchanging brief greetings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six instructors stood watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First round, first match—Chino versus Haku!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iruka announced clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chino’s Ketsuryugan somewhat counters Haku,\" Maruboshi Kosuke observed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not exactly counters,\" Hiruzen corrected with a chuckle. \"At this stage, the Ketsuryugan’s genjutsu simply has a natural advantage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all, it rivaled the Sharingan during the Warring States era,\" Chen added thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hard to say,\" Kurenai disagreed. \"Haku also possesses a Bloodline Limit—Ice Release.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Both of them are strong,\" Kitazawa said, watching the two step forward. \"Top fifteen won’t be a problem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speaking of which,\" Kurenai mused, \"shouldn’t the Genius Class recruit another teacher? We can form seven full teams now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Agreed,\" Kosuke nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new additions—Chino, Shion, Hotaru—each had the strength to enter the top eighteen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve considered it,\" Kitazawa said. \"Any recommendations?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jonin-level at minimum,\" Kakashi answered immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Chunin wouldn’t even make the rankings here—let alone teach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gai?\" Chen suggested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi and Hiruzen both stiffened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gai has the strength,\" Hiruzen coughed lightly, \"but his personality...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If more students followed the \"Power of Youth\" doctrine, Konoha’s future might truly become chaotic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most elite Jonin already hold critical positions,\" Kosuke said with a frown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tenzo.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa spoke decisively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tenzo?\" Kakashi blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiruzen’s eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who’s Tenzo?\" Kosuke asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"ANBU,\" Kitazawa replied calmly. \"Proficient in Earth and Water Release.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And Wood Release.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Another Wood Release user?\" Chen’s voice rose in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kurenai looked stunned as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His Wood Release is far inferior to Kitazawa’s,\" Hiruzen clarified. \"That’s why he remained in ANBU.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Kitazawa’s existence no longer secret, there was no reason to continue hiding Tenzo completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s my former junior in ANBU,\" Kakashi added. \"Solid strength.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then he qualifies,\" Kosuke nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After the practical exams, I’ll inform him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Decision made.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Begin!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iruka’s voice rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Water Release: Water Bullet Technique!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chino and Haku formed seals simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two torrents of water collided midair—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spray exploded outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Same technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But power depended on control and chakra quality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haku’s stream pressed forward slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chino narrowed her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ice Release: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, Haku formed a new set of seals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow-white mirrors materialized in an instant, encircling Chino.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The temperature dropped sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chino’s heart tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ketsuryugan—activate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her scarlet pupils shimmered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was her first time witnessing Ice Release firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haku’s figure vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spun—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mirrors reflected only her own image.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cold realization settled in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had lost initiative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chino’s at a disadvantage now,\" Hiruzen said quietly. \"Haku’s chances are higher.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had expected the Ketsuryugan to dominate early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Haku hadn’t allowed her space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals, she couldn’t even see his true body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No eye contact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No genjutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Information gap,\" Kosuke summarized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She just joined,\" Kitazawa said lightly. \"She doesn’t know everyone’s abilities yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the mirrors—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ice senbon shot from every direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chino reacted instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Water Release: Flowing Shield!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water spiraled around her—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the needles slipped through gaps in her defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood splashed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her sleeve tore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She grit her teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her Ketsuryugan tracked the reflections—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint distortion in one mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She locked onto it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Genjutsu: Crimson Mirage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haku’s body flickered—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a split second, his movements slowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That split second was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water surged violently upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haku shattered his own mirror to escape, landing outside the formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mirrors dissolved into frost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both stood breathing lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thin cut marked Haku’s cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chino’s shoulder bled steadily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now this is interesting,\" Kakashi murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chino had adapted mid-battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She’s sharp,\" Kurenai said approvingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talent wasn’t just power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the ability to survive your first disadvantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp whistle of wind split the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haku appeared atop one of the ice mirrors, sleeves fluttering. With a flick of both wrists—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senbon rained down at cruel, unpredictable angles, sealing every possible escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chino’s pupils constricted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her Ketsuryugan might not rival the Sharingan in perception, but it far surpassed ordinary sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water Release: Water Formation Wall!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A surge of water spiraled upward around her, forming a rotating cylindrical barrier. The technique—originally created by Senju Tobirama—was flawless in lateral defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The senbon struck—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clink. Clink. Clink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were repelled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But only from the sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shadow fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chino looked up—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another storm of senbon descended from directly overhead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haku had already shifted to a high-positioned ice mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water Release: Rain Sleet!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chino countered instantly, summoning a dense cloud of water droplets above her. The needles tore through the suspended droplets, scattering them in glittering sprays.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her breathing quickened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She released the water formation wall and dashed forward, attempting to close the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Halfway—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haku vanished again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chino skidded to a halt, frustration flashing across her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hand seals flew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her strongest Water Release to date.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A roaring water dragon surged forth, smashing into one of the ice mirrors—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mirror trembled violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haku reappeared within another mirror and quickly formed seals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water Release: Water Formation Wall!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A defensive curtain of water rose before him, blocking the dragon’s impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chino’s eyes locked onto him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Genjutsu was about to activate—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Haku disappeared once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Absolute disadvantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as the mirrors remained intact, her Ketsuryugan was effectively crippled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Haku could move freely between reflections, wearing her down bit by bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching from the sidelines, Kitazawa couldn’t help recalling Haku’s battle against Sasuke in the original timeline. The situation was eerily similar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Naruto hadn’t erupted with Kyuubi’s chakra that day—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Naruto and Sasuke would have lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two more minutes passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chino’s movements slowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her chakra thinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, she exhaled and lowered her hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I concede.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The winner—Haku!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iruka announced clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Genius Class immediately burst into discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haku’s gotten way stronger...\" Kiba muttered seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t even sure if his attacks could break those mirrors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haku’s growth really is impressive,\" Yakumo nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That Ice Release technique is terrifying,\" Ino agreed. \"If you’re trapped inside, you’re automatically at a disadvantage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It counters control-type secret techniques completely,\" Shikamaru sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My Summoning Beasts aren’t afraid of him!\" Tayuya declared proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke, Kimimaro, and Neji remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three were confident they could shatter the mirrors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chino underestimated him,\" Sakura analyzed. \"She should’ve activated her Ketsuryugan from the start—like Sasuke-kun does.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"True,\" Shikamaru nodded. \"That genjutsu is no joke.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s basically a crisis for us seniors!\" Kiba scratched his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Genius Class doesn’t have seniors and juniors,\" Tenten said with a bright smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First round, second match: Tenten versus Akimichi Choji!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iruka announced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The match ended even faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tenten won cleanly using theShuriken Shadow Clone Technique, overwhelming Choji with sheer volume.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the sidelines, Hiruzen watched her thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t help thinking of his summoning partner—Enma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enma possessed an indestructible body and could transform into the Adamantine Staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tenten had mastered the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique and was skilled in summoning...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her taijutsu was average.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not quite suited for Enma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiruzen’s gaze drifted toward Naruto.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Naruto already wielded Samehada and possessed monstrous chakra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hardly needed Enma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lee. Jugo. Perhaps even Karin or Shion in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konohamaru.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konohamaru would turn six on December 20th.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next year, he could enter the Genius Class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps then, Hiruzen would know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was getting old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enma needed a successor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First round, third match: Hyuga Hinata versus Hotaru!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iruka called out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hotaru stepped forward nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew Water Release—but only basic techniques: Water Bullet and Water Formation Wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pale Yin Release arrow shot forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hotaru reacted quickly, raising a water wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The arrow curved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It bent mid-flight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bypassed the barrier entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hotaru froze—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before it struck, Kitazawa flickered forward and carried her out of harm’s way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How did that arrow turn?!\" Sakura gasped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s the Void Arc Arrow Kitazawa-sensei taught us,\" Neji explained. \"It allows directional control.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke and Kimimaro exchanged subtle glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An arrow that could curve midair—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harder to predict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harder to defend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neji’s lips curved faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they knew about theWorld-Destroying Arrow, their jaws would drop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a real life-and-death battle...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He believed he could defeat even Sasuke or Naruto with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The winner—Hyuga Hinata!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iruka continued without pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First round, fourth match: Karin versus Shion!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two were similar—both specialized in Sealing Techniques, both destined to study Medical Ninjutsu and taijutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seals weren’t ideal in open combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So they clashed usingKonoha-Style Taijutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The exchange was swift and clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ultimately, Karin’s experience proved superior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She secured the win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, all three new students had completed their first matches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa evaluated silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chino and Haku could enter the top fifteen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shion and Hotaru...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Likely hovering near the bottom of the top twenty-one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For newcomers—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was already impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the real battles were only just beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>AN: Check out my P@treon For +80 extra Chapters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank You For your Support!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[email protected]\u002Fnoviceauthor777\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-----------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To keep the Chapters coming - Support with POWER STONES.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Every 100 power stones - 1 BONUS Chapter.\u003C\u002Fp>",2291,"2026-06-09T05:35:56.025Z",1,"novelbin.me","d13997564f7056b7e9abc4487a7c685511830fb9502db2b4101c3a0e365f419e","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-409","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-407",444,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnaruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-cover.jpg"]