[{"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-425":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},1819282,2309,"Chapter 425 - Start Tsuki no me plan!!!","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-425",425,"\u003Cp>Time slipped quietly into October.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint chill had already settled over Konoha Village, carrying with it the first hints of winter. The air had grown noticeably colder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the Ninja Academy’s training grounds remained lively as ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students of the Genius Class trained with relentless focus, the sounds of combat drills and ninjutsu echoing across the field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to previous years, their dedication had grown far more intense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the coming year passed, most of them would graduate and officially become shinobi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although they had already experienced aspects of ninja life—such as performing missions—they were not yet truly independent ninja.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after graduation...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding instructors as formidable as Hiruzen, Kitazawa, Kosuke, or Kakashi would be nearly impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing quietly on the edge of the training field, Kitazawa observed Neji and Hinata.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind drifted into thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After months of training, their World-Ending Arrow had become quite refined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What they lacked now was real combat experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, a technique powerful enough to rival a Tailed Beast Ball could hardly be fired casually during training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa found himself pondering two key questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should he allow them to use World-Ending Arrow in an actual battle?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Firing such a technique randomly would be wasteful. Ideally, it should be used in a situation where it could produce real strategic value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What should he teach them next?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could continue developing new archery techniques, or they could shift focus toward Gentle Fist, perhaps learning Eight Trigrams Palms: Revolving Heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Kitazawa suddenly remembered a system mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its reward had been Sage Art: Wood Release—True Several Thousand Hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mission requirement—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Create a new generation of the Konoha Sannin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about it carefully, Kitazawa realized the timing might already be right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At present, Sasuke and Naruto clearly met the qualifications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke was on the verge of awakening his Mangekyō Sharingan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto could already perform a partial Tailed Beast transformation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simply put—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their strength was already comparable to Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru at the time those three first received the title of Konoha Sannin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the third member...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were many possible candidates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With their World-Ending Arrow, both Neji and Hinata qualified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yakumo was another possibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her genjutsu abilities were practically on par with the Mangekyō Sharingan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the team composition required a medical ninja, then Sakura, Karin, or Shion would all be suitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because they specialized in medical ninjutsu, their combat requirements could be slightly lower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most people believed medical ninja lacked combat ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across the entire ninja world, fewer than five individuals were both elite medical ninja and top-tier fighters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa rubbed his chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too many choices could sometimes be troublesome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could start building their reputation first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fastest method would be simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Have them defeat a famous shinobi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto, who could already partially manifest the Nine-Tails, could easily defeat a well-known ninja.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Kitazawa’s support and publicity, Naruto’s reputation would skyrocket overnight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Similarly, once Sasuke awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan, the same strategy could be used.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once all three candidates gained enough fame—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The idea of a new-generation Konoha Sannin could naturally emerge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if someone like Tsunade publicly praised them...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The title would quickly gain recognition across the ninja world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hinata.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa snapped back to reality and called out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Neji.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa-sensei,\" Hinata said, arriving first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa-sensei,\" Neji followed shortly after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa nodded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your World-Ending Arrow has reached a sufficient level. We can pause its training for now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reached out and gently patted Hinata’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When the opportunity arises, you’ll fire it in real combat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei,\" Neji replied calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata looked up at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sensei... what should we learn next?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eight Trigrams: Revolving Heaven.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa explained patiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although you specialize in archery, Revolving Heaven will compensate for your weakness in close range ninjutsu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In historical records, this technique had once been praised as an absolute defense, capable of repelling nearly any physical attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anything labeled \"absolute defense\" rarely remained absolute forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, against the vast majority of ninja, Revolving Heaven remained extremely reliable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only monsters on the level of Uchiha Madara could break through it with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take a week off,\" Kitazawa said after a moment of thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Return once you’ve mastered Revolving Heaven.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood,\" Hinata nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re dismissed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa lowered his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the two Hyuga siblings left, he prepared to find a quiet place to continue his own training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three lines of text appeared before his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Current Mission: Fuse Five-Element Kikaichū]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Reward: Hashirama’s Wood Release]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Mission Complete. Reward Issued.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa froze for a brief moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa stopped in his tracks instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Did Shino’s mutation experiment succeed?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly checked his body from within but found no obvious change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So... Hashirama’s Wood Release really only differed from Yamato’s in terms of chakra nature?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa tugged at the corner of his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, he felt the mission reward had been completely pointless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had gained nothing at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>New lines of text appeared before his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Congratulations. Host has acquired Master-Level Wood Release Chakra Nature Transformation.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa let out a small exclamation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well... in that case, the reward wasn’t bad at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, the abilities he had gained were single-element masteries—Lightning Release, Water Release, and so on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wood Release was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a multi-element chakra nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This meant he could now comprehend and train Wood Release techniques at a dramatically faster pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In practical terms, learning Wood Release ninjutsu would become far easier for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That alone saved him an enormous amount of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa-sensei.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While he was still thinking about it, Shino quietly appeared in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his palm rested a strange Kikaichū insect, its body covered in bizarre colors as though paint had been spilled across it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Congratulations,\" Kitazawa said with a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s all thanks to you, sensei,\" Shino replied immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without Kitazawa’s earlier suggestion, he would never have attempted the mutation experiment in the first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa studied him for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think it’s time for you to pause this line of research and begin studying your clan’s secret techniques.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shino tilted his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You mean...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Parasitic Giant Insect,\" Kitazawa said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You remember it, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shino nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That technique exists, but its difficulty is extremely high. I’ve never attempted to learn it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t surprised that Kitazawa knew about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As someone who held authority in Konoha’s leadership, familiarity with clan techniques wasn’t unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your strength is already sufficient,\" Kitazawa said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should give it a try.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll give you a week off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the original, Parasitic Giant Insect was Shino’s strongest technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The insects burrowed directly into the enemy’s body and devoured their chakra from the inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Ten-Tails’ clones had been unable to withstand it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand, sensei.\" Shino nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll return to train immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After watching Shino leave, Kitazawa walked deeper into the Forest of Death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, he had planned to continue training Sage Art: Myōjinmon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after receiving the new reward, he decided to switch his focus to Wood Release: Wood Golem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After only a short period of practice—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could already feel the difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His learning speed had clearly improved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If mastering Wood Golem would previously have taken a full year, now it would likely take six months at most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another day of training soon passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dismissing the Genius Class, Kitazawa left the Ninja Academy together with Kurenai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The midterm exams are coming up soon,\" Kurenai said as they walked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are there any new arrangements this time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"None,\" Kitazawa replied with a shake of his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Same as before. Just have them complete a mission.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he fell into thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, he had planned to let Naruto defeat a well-known ninja as a stepping stone to fame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after thinking about it carefully...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He realized there were no suitable candidates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only suitable ones were all located within the Five Great Villages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And during a time of peace, targeting them would create unnecessary trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for shinobi outside the great villages...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of them were simply unknown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the members of the Akatsuki Organization had yet to become famous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although every Akatsuki member possessed terrifying strength, they had not yet made their presence known to the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after they began hunting Tailed Beasts would the Five Great Villages finally realize how many elite ninja had gathered under that organization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually, an idea formed in Kitazawa’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Wait until Akatsuki becomes famous...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then let Naruto and Sasuke defeat them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be the perfect stage to elevate their reputations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he reached that conclusion, Kitazawa stopped worrying about the midterm exam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any ordinary mission would suffice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time December arrived, Konoha experienced its first heavy snowfall of the year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>North of the Forest of Death, an open field lay blanketed in white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing alone in the snow, Kitazawa formed a series of hand seals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An immense surge of chakra erupted from his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The falling snow was swept violently into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive red torii gate descended from above, slamming into the ground with overwhelming force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The earth trembled as it embedded itself deep into the soil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sage Art: Myōjinmon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crimson torii resembled the sacred gates found at shrine entrances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa slowly exhaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After such a long period of training...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had finally mastered the technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Myōjinmon had two main applications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One version summoned a single torii gate, aimed directly at the opponent’s head to seal them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second version summoned multiple torii gates, sealing the enemy’s entire body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the original, Hashirama had once summoned several of them simultaneously to suppress all ten tails of the Ten-Tails.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa waved his hand lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The torii gate dissolved instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he had mastered Sage Art: Myōjinmon, he could fully focus on training Wood Release: Wood Golem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In terms of sheer power, that technique ranked second only to Sage Art: Wood Release—True Several Thousand Hands among all Wood Release techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade’s earlier comment suddenly came to mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He really was becoming more and more like Hashirama.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about it was almost absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with the advantage of his system, it had taken him this long to reach this level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hashirama sometimes felt more like the true protagonist of the ninja world than Naruto or Sasuke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for the existence of the alien Ōtsutsuki Clan, Hashirama might have stood forever at the absolute pinnacle of the ninja world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa himself also carried Ōtsutsuki blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaking his head, he dismissed the wandering thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he turned and walked deeper into the Forest of Death to continue training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he even reached the Forest of Death, Kitazawa sensed a familiar surge of chakra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyuubi’s chakra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was roaring through the air like a raging tide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, he arrived at the battlefield and saw Naruto and Sasuke locked in fierce combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sight before him was... overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto stood at the center of the field while hundreds of Shadow Clones swarmed across the hills like a moving army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke was being forced back step by step, barely keeping up as he fought his way through the endless assault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa couldn’t help but think of a phrase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’The beauty of overwhelming numbers.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke himself was already a stat monster by normal standards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately for him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had run into someone even more outrageous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, the reincarnations of Indra and Ashura were supposed to be evenly matched, with Indra’s line holding a slight edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Ashura lineage had produced two absolute anomalies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senju Hashirama.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uzumaki Naruto.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa rubbed his chin thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wonder when Sasuke will awaken his Mangekyō Sharingan...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From what he could sense, Sasuke had already reached the limit of the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The breakthrough could happen at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa hoped it would happen sooner rather than later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still had a system mission waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Sasuke awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, the mission reward would be his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hopefully before the New Year,\" Kitazawa murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After watching for a moment longer, he withdrew his gaze, found a quiet place nearby, and began training without interrupting the battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>December 15th.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Genius Class held its end-of-semester Final Exams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The format remained unchanged—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Restricted Team Battles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Naruto’s squad once again claimed victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the exams concluded, winter break officially began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For most ninja in Konoha, however, the break itself wasn’t the highlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The real celebration was New Year’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was practically the only time during the year when shinobi could truly relax.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the first day of winter break, Kitazawa quietly climbed out of his warm bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He headed toward the Academy alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Kurenai...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was still asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, she had been thoroughly exhausted the previous night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was precisely why Kitazawa’s occasional late-night visits to Tsunade had remained undiscovered for so long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ahem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Kitazawa arrived at the Academy training grounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had come because several students’ training plans needed to be updated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four newest members of the Genius Class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moegi and Udon had finally mastered the Three Basic Techniques and Konoha-style Taijutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could now begin chakra control training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Hanabi and Konohamaru had already completed their chakra control stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time for them to learn actual ninjutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hanabi would naturally begin with Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Konohamaru—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would study the Sarutobi Clan technique, Fire Release: Ash Pile Burning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next came Haku, Chino, and Hotaru, who were focusing on Water Release.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haku and Chino would learn Water Release: Instant Water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hotaru would train in Water Release: Water Blade Slash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kurama Yakumo and Yamanaka Ino.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa grouped them together because he intended to teach them Super Beast Imitating Drawing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the technique looked similar to Water Release techniques, it was fundamentally a Yin Release secret technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Yakumo, the technique was an obvious fit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, Super Beast Imitating Drawing shared some similarities with Illusion Technique: True Life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, it had one major advantage—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The technique could be drawn and activated instantly during battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was simply no downside to learning it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Ino—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While her artistic skills weren’t quite on Yakumo’s level, she possessed strong talent for Yin Release techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Super Beast Imitating Drawing would greatly enhance her combat versatility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both offensively and as support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When combined with Shikamaru and Choji, her effectiveness within the team would increase dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Kitazawa was organizing these thoughts—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly sensed a burst of extremely violent chakra nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced toward the source.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There stood Rock Lee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that... the Eight Gates?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the First Gate had opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even so—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Lee, it was an enormous step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a sense, he now had a real chance of catching up to Neji and Shino.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if he could one day open the Eighth Gate...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He might even rival Naruto or Sasuke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Kitazawa only glanced once before losing interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Lee’s instructors had always been Might Gai and Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, Naruto should have trained in the Eight Gates alongside Lee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But compared to that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Becoming a Perfect Jinchūriki offered far greater potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, learning the Eight Gates wouldn’t hurt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto could always pick it up later if he had spare time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa called Hanabi, Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon over and began instructing them in their winter training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After completing their lessons, he started heading toward the Forest of Death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar voice suddenly called out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan appeared in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You needed me?\" Kitazawa asked, stopping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll be returning to the Land of Rain for a while,\" Konan replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa was slightly surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Has something changed in the war with Sunagakure?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conflict between the Hidden Rain Village and Sunagakure had been closely monitored by Konoha’s ANBU.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He received reports on the situation almost every day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So far, however, the war had remained a stalemate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides were clashing, but only within limited borders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No,\" Konan said, shaking her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t know the details either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa thought for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The New Year is coming soon anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll give you a month off. Come back after the holiday.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, the two of them understood each other extremely well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the final step in their relationship remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Konan wanted to visit home, Kitazawa saw no reason to deny her some leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan gave a small nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Want me to escort you to the Land of Rain?\" Kitazawa asked with a chuckle. \"I’ve already mastered the Flying Thunder God. It’ll save you quite a bit of time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan naturally knew this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, she had been by his side the entire time he learned it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she first discovered that he had mastered the legendary space–time technique, even she had been stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...There’s no need.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan hesitated briefly before shaking her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It won’t take me long to fly back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, she was worried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Nagato or White Zetsu happened to notice Kitazawa’s presence, explaining things would become impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa didn’t insist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go and come back soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan responded softly before turning away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the bright sky gradually faded into endless drizzle, she had already arrived in the Land of Rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan descended from the clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking down at the familiar country beneath her feet, a strange sense of distance rose in her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After spending so long in Konoha, where the seasons shifted clearly from spring to winter—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to this land of endless rain suddenly felt unfamiliar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what changed, the Land of Rain was still her home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon she arrived at Amegakure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan landed lightly atop one of the village’s towering metal structures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This return had been requested directly by Nagato, through White Zetsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in truth—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She still didn’t know the reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Konan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering the tower, she soon saw Nagato.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather—Pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without saying a word, Pain simply handed her a scroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan felt a flicker of doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced briefly at him before unrolling it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she read the contents, her expression sharpened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scroll recorded the profits from two businesses:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The water trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the silver jewelry trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This came from Kakuzu,\" Pain said calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Judging by the numbers, both businesses are performing very well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan slowly lowered the scroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Why show this to me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The funds required for the Eye of the Moon Plan are nearly complete.\" Pain raised his hand slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can begin next year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused before continuing in a cold voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is time for the ninja world to know...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...that a god has descended.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan’s pupils shrank slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers tightened unconsciously around the scroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For years, she had devoted herself to the Eye of the Moon Plan without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet at this moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A rare sense of unease surfaced in her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the plan began, the Akatsuki Organization would stand against the entire ninja world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Including—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konoha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant that one day...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She and Kitazawa would inevitably become enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We will start with Sunagakure.\" Pain continued calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prerequisite for the Eye of the Moon Plan was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The revival of the Ten-Tails.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Gedo Statue, the empty shell of the Ten-Tails, had to absorb the chakra of all nine Tailed Beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the process had to follow the correct order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Starting with—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One-Tail Shukaku.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Sunagakure’s competition in the water trade had also irritated him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, since the plan had not yet begun, he had tolerated their actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no longer any need for restraint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sunagakure would become the first target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Konan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After the New Year, summon every Akatsuki member back to Amegakure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pain continued, \"We will hold a meeting to assign the Tailed Beast capture missions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan nodded instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Nine-Tails...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will capture it personally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pain spoke as if the matter had already been decided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were two reasons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Nine-Tails was far too powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Few Akatsuki members could confidently defeat its Jinchūriki.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nagato had a personal score to settle with Konoha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan’s heart tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t bring herself to persuade Nagato otherwise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing that comforted her slightly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was that Kitazawa possessed the Flying Thunder God Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Konoha were destroyed...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would still be able to survive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My legs have already recovered.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deva Path Pain looked at her calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa made no move against me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don’t need to return to Konoha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you still have unfinished business in Konoha?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deva Path Pain asked, somewhat puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan quickly regained her composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve almost confirmed the identity of the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I only need a little more time to verify it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How long?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Half a year at most.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pain thought for a moment before nodding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That should be enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The identities of Jinchūriki were closely guarded secrets in every hidden village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a handful of people knew them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, some Jinchūriki had already left their villages and wandered the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And even after locating them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Capturing them might still fail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking half a year was entirely reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once you confirm the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki’s identity, leave immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deva Path Pain warned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once the Eye of the Moon Plan begins, the Akatsuki will become enemies of the entire world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Remaining in Konoha will be dangerous.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If danger appears, White Zetsu will warn me in advance.\"\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>\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>",3648,"2026-06-09T05:35:56.025Z",1,"novelbin.me","3ba70aaa0756c099ff3216f2392b2b5d6048b7980edd6e28a09dcba17561a03d","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-426","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-424",444,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnaruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-cover.jpg"]