Chapter 456 - 456: Five Years
Time passed quickly.
Five years had passed in the Ninja World since Kitazawa defeated Ōtsutsuki Isshiki.
During these five years, the Ninja World had remained peaceful. This stable environment allowed the entire world to enter a period of rapid development.
It was no exaggeration to say that the current Ninja World had essentially achieved modernization.
The leading industries were computers, the internet, games, and film. The Ninjas and residents of the Ninja World adapted quickly.
Although they were unfamiliar at first, over time, they came to appreciate the convenience and efficiency of this new way of life and gradually embraced it.
The Hokage Office in the Capital of the Land of Fire. Compared to five years ago, not much had changed.
The most noticeable difference was the addition of a computer on the Hokage's desk.
The piles of paper documents that once filled the desk had completely disappeared, replaced by electronic files.
Of course, paper documents were still used for particularly important matters.
However, most daily tasks were now handled through the internet, greatly saving both time and resources.
"Lord Supreme." Konan knocked on the door and entered after receiving permission.
Kitazawa looked up at her.
Due to the effect of the Yang Seal, she remained as beautiful and composed as she had been five years ago, with no visible trace of aging.
"This is the latest novel released by Master Jiraiya." Konan took out a book and handed it over. "He asked me to deliver a copy to you."
"Is it Make-Out Paradise again?" Kitazawa asked with a light chuckle.
"No." Konan shook her head.
Hearing this, Kitazawa showed a bit of interest. He took the novel and looked at the cover.
Four bold characters were written across it: Child of Prophecy.
Kitazawa paused slightly, already having a rough idea of its contents.
After the defeat of Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku had suddenly changed its attitude.
Not only had it allowed the toads to join Konoha's Summoning Beast unit, but it had also informed Jiraiya that Kitazawa was the true Child of Prophecy.
Kitazawa had been somewhat surprised upon hearing this. After all, for Tsunade's sake, he had not gone to Mount Myōboku to exert any pressure.
However, the reason was easy to understand. In the end, it came down to one principle: Strength
Looking back at the original story, the Great Toad Sage's prophecies had always carried a certain degree of accuracy.
It had likely seen something significant. Moreover, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya was currently in the Capital of the Land of Fire.
Although she usually wore an ANBU mask, such disguises could not deceive the Great Toad Sage.
Back when Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo and Ōtsutsuki Hamura opposed their mother for the greater good, the Great Toad Sage had played an important role.
It was naturally very familiar with Kaguya.
Now that Kaguya had become an ANBU member, Mount Myōboku had little choice but to adapt.
After all, Ryūchi Cave had already set a precedent.
Kitazawa did not concern himself with this. With his current strength, there was no need to worry about Mount Myōboku.
As long as it remained cooperative, he had no intention of interfering. The one most affected by this sudden change was Jiraiya.
He had spent most of his life searching for the Child of Prophecy. Only to be told in the end that it was Kitazawa.
Still, there was nothing he could do. After learning the truth, he followed Tsunade's example and chose to retire.
Now, he spends his days traveling across the Ninja World, gathering material for his writing.
Kitazawa casually flipped open the novel. He skimmed through the table of contents.
Although it was titled Child of Prophecy, it mainly recorded events from the past ten years in the Ninja World.
And most of those events were centered around him.
Kitazawa shook his head slightly. He suspected Jiraiya was making use of his reputation to boost sales.
That said, the content itself was decent. It could potentially be adapted into a production by the Film and Television Department.
That department was responsible for occasionally producing works related to Konoha or the Land of Fire.
"Konan." Kitazawa continued reading as he spoke. "Do I have any upcoming events?"
"The Ninja Academy graduation ceremony," Konan answered immediately.
"In the blink of an eye, Naruto and Sasuke are graduating again." Kitazawa paused for a moment and let out a quiet sigh.
Naruto, Sasuke, and the others had originally graduated at the age of twelve.
However, after the reform of the Ninja Academy, the curriculum had been extended from six years to twelve.
Kitazawa had required them to continue their studies.
The reason was simple. They were no longer just combat-oriented Ninja. They needed to become multi-skilled Ninjas.
In addition to Ninjutsu, they had to master a wide range of other knowledge. Pure combat Ninjas were now primarily limited to the five major Ninja divisions.
This was especially true for Hinata and Ino.
As members of the Hokage Secretariat and the Supreme's administrative staff, they required comprehensive knowledge to carry out their duties effectively.
Moreover, with their strength and the use of the Shadow Clone Technique, balancing work and study was not difficult.
Now, five years had passed. They were all eighteen. It was time for them to graduate.
"The Ninja Academy graduation ceremony is this Sunday." Konan reminded him.
Kitazawa nodded.
Today was Friday. That meant the ceremony would take place the day after tomorrow.
He fell into thought. With Naruto, Sasuke, and the others graduating, it was time to adjust their roles.
In particular, the Supreme Guard had gradually become more symbolic than functional.
Naruto and Sasuke were now eighteen and fully capable of taking on major responsibilities.
After all, in the original timeline, they had already become key figures in saving the Ninja World at seventeen.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in." Kitazawa returned to his senses and spoke.
Konan stepped back quietly and moved into the duty room behind the bookshelf. Although called a duty room, it only contained a simple bed.
The door opened.
"Teacher Kitazawa." Ino leaned in slightly and greeted him.
Her blonde ponytail rested neatly over her shoulder, swaying lightly as she moved.
"Why are you being so cautious?" Kitazawa asked calmly.
"I was just making sure I wouldn't interrupt your work." Ino straightened up and walked into the office.
She wore a tight-fitted outfit similar to her usual attire in the anime, revealing her flat belly and long, fair legs. She looked youthful, beautiful, and tall.
"What do you need?" Kitazawa asked.
"I'm here on behalf of the Genius Class," Ino spoke in a playful tone. "We'd like to invite you to attend tomorrow's graduation photo session."
"I'll be there," Kitazawa replied without hesitation.
"The session starts at nine in the morning," Ino added.
"I'll arrive on time." Kitazawa nodded.
The Ninja World had already stabilized. As the Supreme, his workload had significantly decreased.
Most matters were handled efficiently by the Hokage Secretariat, allowing the system to operate smoothly without constant intervention.
"Then I'll head out… Teacher Kitazawa." Ino left the office.
---
She returned to the Ninja Academy with a thoughtful expression.
"Ino, why that face? Did Teacher Kitazawa not agree?" Yakumo asked, puzzled.
"It's normal if Teacher Kitazawa didn't agree," Shikamaru said lazily with his hands behind his head. "After all, he's very busy."
"It would be a shame if Teacher Kitazawa didn't come." Kiba shook his head.
"It would feel like something important is missing." Naruto scratched his head.
Hinata also fell silent for a moment. She had been wondering whether to ask Kitazawa for a photo together.
"I never said Teacher Kitazawa wasn't coming." Ino came back to her senses and replied.
Hinata looked up immediately, a hint of relief appearing in her expression.
"Huh?" Yakumo blinked. "Then what was that expression just now?"
"I was just thinking about something else," Ino said, a little embarrassed.
"As long as Teacher Kitazawa can come, that's enough." Sakura smiled. "If he didn't come, our Genius Class wouldn't feel complete."
"Even though Teacher Kitazawa hasn't taught us directly for a long time, he has influenced us the most." Shino Aburame adjusted his glasses.
"The reason we have our current strength is largely because of him."
Tenten nodded in agreement. Sasuke, Hyuga Neji, Karin, and the others also expressed their agreement.
"The only pity is that there's no combat in the graduation exam," Naruto said with some regret.
"Combat isn't necessary." Kiba immediately complained. "No one here can beat you and Sasuke anyway."
Over the past five years, the gap between them had not narrowed—it had widened further.
"If you want to spar, I can arrange it," Sasuke said calmly.
He and Naruto had fought many times, and they were generally evenly matched.
"I suggest asking Teacher Kitazawa tomorrow." Kimimaro thought for a moment and said.
"That's a good idea." Naruto grinned. "It's been five years since Teacher Kitazawa last oversaw our sparring."
---
The next day arrived.
Kitazawa woke up and got out of bed. After washing up and having breakfast, he headed to the Hokage Office.
To his surprise, Konan was not there. Instead, he saw Hinata.
Hinata's appearance was similar to how she looked in the original story. Her long hair reached her waist, and a Konoha forehead protector rested around her neck.
She wore long-sleeved clothing and pants, giving her a modest and composed appearance.
"Teacher Kitazawa." Hinata stood up as soon as she saw him.
"Hinata, good morning." Kitazawa nodded and greeted her.
"Good morning, Teacher Kitazawa," Hinata replied politely.
"Is there something you need?" Kitazawa asked.
Hinata quickly took out a bento box. "I prepared this bento." She held it out with both hands.
Kitazawa accepted it. "Thank you."
"Today is the graduation photo session." She gathered her thoughts and said, "Teacher Kitazawa, could you take a photo with me?"
"You can take as many as needed," Kitazawa replied.
"Thank you, Teacher Kitazawa." Hinata showed a small smile.
"Let's go. We're heading to the Ninja Academy." Kitazawa said.
He then used the Flying Thunder God Technique. In the next instant, they appeared at the Ninja Academy training ground.
Kitazawa looked around.
He had not visited in quite some time. Compared to five years ago, the current Ninja Academy has expanded many times over.
Students now came from across the entire Ninja World.
Hinata stood quietly to the side.
Soon, Sasuke, Ino, and the others noticed them.
"Teacher Kitazawa!" Naruto and Kiba waved energetically.
The others also showed their excitement, though in a more restrained manner.
"Lord Supreme." Iruka, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and the other instructors approached.
"It's about time. Let's begin the graduation photos." Kitazawa nodded.
The process was simple. The class gathered together, and the photographer took group photos.
Cameras already existed before, but after development, they had become much more advanced.
"I want to stand next to Teacher Kitazawa!" Ino quickly stepped forward and took a position beside him. Hinata moved to the other side.
The rest of the class arranged themselves accordingly. After the group photo, it was time for individual and small group photos.
Kitazawa was the most requested. He took photos with each student in turn.
When it was Hinata's turn, she stepped forward and stood beside him. The photographer quickly captured the moment.
The session continued smoothly as everyone completed their photos.
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Read the complete novel on P@treon: P@treon / Arvinstorm
Check out my other novels:
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