[{"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-412":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},1819269,2309,"Chapter 412 - Birthday Special Reward!!!","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-412",412,"\u003Cp>The first week of winter break slipped by in the blink of an eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>December 20th. Saturday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa stood quietly at the edge of the training ground, watching the Genius Class spar beneath the pale winter sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rubbed his chin, eyes thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow was his birthday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things were different now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t just an instructor anymore. He was head of the ANBU, a core pillar of Konoha. Even if he kept silent, invitations unspoken, people would still show up with gifts and smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that was the case—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He might as well host it properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lunch tomorrow. A formal banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the evening? No need for grand gestures. Just a simple dinner next door with Tsunade, Shizune, and a few close ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about the guest list made his head throb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Genius Class students were obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then there were relatives. Close friends. The heads of the major clans. Senior officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But once he decided to do it seriously, hesitation vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Invite them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If word spread, it would only strengthen bonds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for delivering invitations—ANBU could handle it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strictly speaking, ANBU weren’t errand boys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But would Tsunade object?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, she still owed him a \"special reward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow, that promise would be fulfilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And along with it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A system mission reward he still hadn’t uncovered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa’s lips curved faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that was something worth anticipating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook off his thoughts and returned to teaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Winter break didn’t mean stagnation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several students, it was time to elevate their training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First: Tayuya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had already mastered Fox Heart Technique and Demonic Illusion: Place Transfer Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now she was ready for something heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A B-rank genjutsu:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If executed well, it could immobilize and psychologically crush an opponent in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next: Hotaru.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her Water Release foundation was shallow—only Water Bullet Technique and Water Formation Wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time to step up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa decided to teach her one of Senju Tobirama’s classics:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Powerful. Majestic. A true test of Chakra control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then: Nara Shikamaru.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He now possessed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shadow Exchange Jutsu\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konoha Body Flicker Technique\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shadow Wall\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His survival tools were solid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His clan techniques provided unparalleled control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What he lacked—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was killing power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After careful thought, Kitazawa settled on:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Technically non-elemental.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In theory, Shikamaru could learn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In practice?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if he succeeded—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His combat ceiling would rise dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, when Tenten mastered it, her ranking skyrocketed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shikamaru’s intellect combined with multiplied projectiles?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Troublesome would no longer describe him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last: Yamanaka Ino.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had recently completed training and mastered Mind Transmission Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mental control had stabilized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa made a bold decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would attempt to teach her an A-rank genjutsu:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bringer-of-Darkness Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A battlefield-level illusion that plunged targets into absolute darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was ambitious for her age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her foundation was solid enough to try.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, more than four students needed refinement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the rest didn’t require his direct intervention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take Rock Lee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t appeared at the Academy all week.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he trained under Might Gai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guy had begun preparing him for theEight Gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rock Lee was already ten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the original timeline, he opened five gates by thirteen during the joint Chunin Exams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His potential was unquestionable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then there were students who needed no change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Neji and Hyuga Hinata were progressing steadily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After mastering Void Arc Arrow, their next goal was the devastating World-Ending Arrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Winter break or not—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were climbing fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time slipped by.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun dipped toward the horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Genius Class gathered after training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sakura instinctively looked toward Sasuke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold. Silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp aura radiated from him—keep your distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke had always been aloof.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before, it felt intentional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The change began last week.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right after he started Kitazawa’s \"special training.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sakura wanted to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to know what he was going through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But one look at his expression—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the words died in her throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn’t the only one who noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shikamaru had noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ino had noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Kiba had noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But none of them asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because they trusted Kitazawa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would never harm Sasuke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tomorrow’s Sunday. One day off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa clapped his hands lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At noon, I’m treating everyone to a meal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Great!\" Naruto shouted immediately. \"Ichiraku Ramen!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Naruto.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shikamaru sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you even remember what tomorrow is?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Oh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa’s birthday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He scratched his head sheepishly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ichiraku Ramen... probably wasn’t appropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, the shop couldn’t fit half the class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Be on time,\" Kitazawa said with a smile. \"No excuses.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students called out and dispersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa turned toward the elders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Third Hokage. If you’re free, please join us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiruzen chuckled warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. It’s your birthday.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May I bring family?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I’ll bring Asuma and Konohamaru,\" Hiruzen said thoughtfully. \"Konohamaru will enter the Academy next year. Let him get familiar with the Genius Class.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With Naruto around, he’ll fit in just fine.\" Kitazawa smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konohamaru Sarutobi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered him well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the original timeline, Konohamaru had shocking potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that he learned Rasengan from Naruto—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite Naruto’s near-zero teaching ability—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spoke volumes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later he even mastered Big Ball Rasengan and sealing techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A true prodigy hidden behind mischief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa also recalled Konohamaru’s teammates:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ise Udon—steady, eventually a capable Jonin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Moegi Kazamatsuri.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moegi was interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She awakened Wood Release.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not through Hashirama-cell transplants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her Wood Release was weak—far inferior to Senju Hashirama, even below Tenzo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was genuine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most likely faint Senju blood ran through her veins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not enough for greatness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But enough for potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And potential—Was exactly what the Genius Class thrived on\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Ise Udon, joining the Genius Class in his very first semester would be difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then we’ll take our leave. See you tomorrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiruzen and the others said their farewells and departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kurenai, you head home first. I’m going to the ANBU Base,\" Kitazawa explained. \"I’ll have ANBU deliver the invitations for tomorrow’s lunch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm.\" Kurenai nodded softly. \"I’ll cook and wait for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa watched her figure disappear down the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If only he had already mastered Flying Thunder God: Guiding Thunder—he could’ve taken her home instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current version of the Flying Thunder God Technique only transported himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still... another month or two at most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a flicker of space, Kitazawa vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reappeared inside the ANBU Base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding Antelope, he calmly issued orders to dispatch ANBU members to deliver invitations to the major clans and familiar shinobi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Efficient. Precise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, he teleported again—this time to the entrance of the Hokage Building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t warp directly into the office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade was Hokage. Barging in unannounced would be improper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What brings you here?\" Tsunade set down her documents and looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you remember what tomorrow is?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He approached the desk. From this angle, he could see the smooth line of her collarbone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course I remember.\" Tsunade rolled her eyes. \"You think I’d forget a day like that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa chuckled and explained the birthday arrangements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After listening quietly, Tsunade paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about the afternoon?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing planned,\" he admitted, slightly confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good. You’re spending it with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said it like it was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t feel like working.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To the casino again?\" he teased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Back to the Senju residence,\" she corrected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He blinked. \"Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why so many questions?\" She snorted. \"Just come.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Tsunade-sensei.\" He bowed slightly. \"Wherever you command.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s better.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smirked faintly. \"Anything else? If not, stop distracting me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is one more thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaned down and kissed her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade shot him a warning glare—but didn’t push him away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"See you tomorrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled and vanished in a flicker of space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade touched her lips unconsciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Flying Thunder God really is convenient.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did she realize what she’d just done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Next Day\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konoha’s largest izakaya was bustling by nine in the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guests arrived one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wow! So many people!\" Naruto exclaimed, spinning in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa really does have influence in Konoha,\" Asuma chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My birthdays will be this grand too!\" Konohamaru puffed out his chest proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then you’ll have to work hard,\" Hiruzen said, patting his grandson’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Big brother Naruto can definitely do it!\" Konohamaru declared confidently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Naruto! Over here!\" Kiba shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Konohamaru, go meet the Genius Class,\" Hiruzen instructed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy nodded and followed Naruto eagerly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Genius Class tables, laughter filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey everyone! I’m Konohamaru Sarutobi! My dream’s the same as big brother Naruto’s—to become Hokage!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, the confidence of freshmen,\" Tenten laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does that have to do with being a freshman?\" Konohamaru frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because freshmen haven’t been crushed by the Genius Class yet,\" she replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After you experience the practical exams, you’ll realize becoming Hokage is hard,\" Kiba sighed dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m not afraid!\" Konohamaru gave Naruto’s signature thumbs-up. \"Youth is about overcoming hardship!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’re doomed,\" Ino Yamanaka muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noon\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doors opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa entered alongside Tsunade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The banquet officially began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the central table sat Konoha’s pillars—Hiruzen, Fugaku Uchiha, Hiashi Hyuga, and others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hokage-sama.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They rose respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No formalities.\" Tsunade waved them down. \"Today I’m just a guest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes slid toward Kitazawa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll keep it short,\" he said with a relaxed smile. \"Thank you all for coming. Please enjoy yourselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You and Tsunade really dislike speeches,\" Hiruzen chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph. Not everyone rambles like you,\" Tsunade shot back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well.\" Hiruzen raised his cup. \"To Kitazawa. Happy birthday.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cups clinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The feast lasted nearly two hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsunade-sensei, are you alright?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa noticed her cheeks were flushed crimson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I—I’m fine.\" She swayed slightly. \"You’re coming with me to the... to the casino this afternoon!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She noticed Shizune and Kurenai nearby and quickly corrected herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"—to the Senju residence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shizune frowned. \"Lady Tsunade, you’re drunk. You still want to gamble?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This little alcohol is nothing.\" Tsunade straightened. \"I have the Yin Seal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The violet diamond mark on her forehead shimmered faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The redness faded instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her posture stabilized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes cleared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In seconds—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The legendary Sannin stood there again, perfectly sober.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shizune-senpai,\" Kitazawa cleared his throat lightly. \"It’s my birthday. Let Tsunade-sensei take the afternoon off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine. Just this once—for your sake,\" Shizune relented, though her tone remained firm. \"But don’t let her gamble until midnight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Absolutely not,\" Kitazawa said with an innocent smile. \"We still have dinner plans tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You keep Lady Tsunade company. Dinner’s on me and Shizune,\" Kurenai declared confidently. \"We’ll make it special.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thanks.\" He nodded sincerely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then we’ll head back first. Don’t come home too late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shizune left with Kurenai and Uzumaki Rina, casting one last warning glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsunade-sensei, yesterday you said we were going to the Senju compound?\" Kitazawa asked, smiling faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We are,\" Tsunade replied, standing up. \"I just... misspoke earlier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Misspoke?\" He arched a brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She offered no further explanation and walked ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppressing his curiosity, Kitazawa followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Senju Clan compound stood quiet and dignified, steeped in history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll unlock it,\" Kitazawa said, stepping forward with the key Tsunade had once given him for studying Wood Release scrolls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He opened the door and gestured politely. \"After you, Tsunade-sensei.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, everything was spotless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve been cleaning?\" she asked, surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whenever I came to review Wood Release techniques, I tidied up a little,\" he replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade stretched lazily. \"I smell like sake. I’m going to shower.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s hot water ready.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes lingered for a second too long on her graceful figure before she disappeared into the bath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Left alone, Kitazawa sat on the sofa, still unsure what this visit truly meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the door opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned instinctively—and froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade stepped out wrapped in a single white towel. Her damp hair clung softly to her shoulders; droplets traced slow paths along pale skin. The fabric, barely secured, hinted more than it concealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Barefoot against the polished floor, she seemed almost unreal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you staring at?\" she asked, though her gaze was anything but cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At my beautiful Tsunade-sensei,\" Kitazawa replied honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint blush rose to her cheeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you have any thoughts?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"None,\" he answered too quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Liar.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stepped closer. The air between them grew warm, charged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And now?\" she murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers loosened their hold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The towel slipped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a heartbeat, the world stilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa’s breath caught. His usual composure shattered beneath the sight before him—not merely beauty, but vulnerability... trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward and pulled her into his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, there was nothing between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade stiffened briefly at the sudden closeness, then her hands rose instinctively, fingers threading into his hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her toward the bedroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door closed softly behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He laid her gently on the bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, neither spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade’s confident exterior faltered just slightly; a delicate blush colored her face as she looked up at him—not as Hokage, not as the legendary Sannin... but simply as a woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa brushed a hand along her back, careful, reverent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flicker of pride stirred in him—this formidable woman, feared across nations, had chosen him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade’s breath steadied. The faint mark of the Yin Seal shimmered briefly on her forehead, her strength as steady as ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Feeling smug?\" she teased, though her voice carried warmth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, she flipped their positions with startling force, pressing him down instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa laughed softly, gripping her waist as he met her strength head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bore the Yin Seal as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>--------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>AN : There is a JACKPOT discount running on my Patreon page. Check it out and enjoy the story further!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa is Fighting ---- KAGUYA ------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CODE - C15DF!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>AN: Check out my P@treon For +90 extra Chapters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank You For your Support!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[email protected]\u002Fnoviceauthor777\u003C\u002Fp>",2325,"2026-06-09T05:35:56.025Z",1,"novelbin.me","845cef89a49ab6ebeff72ff9de183d351a7a76d9e886d4565443e47f5b5d06ee","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-413","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-411",444,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnaruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-cover.jpg"]