SWNOVELXO Chapter 43: Blood Coagulation
Kitazawa looked at it for a while and nodded slightly. Uchiha Sasuke truly lived up to being one of the main male leads of the original work—he was indeed talented.
He had already grasped the basic method of practicing chakra nature transformation; success was only a matter of time.
Kitazawa formed a hand seal and created a shadow clone. The shadow clone remained to supervise Uchiha Sasuke, while the original body returned to his office.
"Teacher Kitazawa." Hinata stopped writing and greeted him.
"Your speech—what are you planning to write?" Kitazawa walked behind her and asked with a smile.
"I'm planning to share some of my study methods," Hinata turned her head and looked at him cautiously. "Is that okay?"
"Of course." Kitazawa patted her head and said gently, "Hinata, you're now ranked first in the entire grade. You must have confidence in yourself."
"Mm." Hinata felt warmth bloom in her chest, and her motivation surged.
"You go ahead and write first. Once you're done, I'll help you refine it," Kitazawa said as he returned to his desk.
Crossing his arms, he fell into deep thought. Uzumaki Naruto's goal was to enter the top ten in the upcoming monthly exam.
Theoretically, it was a long shot. The only viable option was rote memorization—to have him learn in advance the scope of topics likely to be covered.
As for the practical portion, there was a good chance of breaking into the top ten.
Naruto could easily take first in the physical fitness test, and with improvement in clone technique and ninja tool throwing, there would be no problem.
Kitazawa pulled out a scroll and began preparing exercises. He had considered letting Naruto skip class to focus on training, but Naruto hadn't fully grasped the classroom material yet—skipping classes now would only backfire.
The only solution was for Naruto to do extra work after school.
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Time passed into the afternoon.
"I'm done, Teacher Kitazawa." Hinata walked over, visibly nervous.
Kitazawa took the speech and read through it. As she had said earlier, it was entirely focused on study methods.
"It's missing something at the end," Kitazawa met her gaze with a smile. "It needs to include something more meaningful—something with higher value."
Hinata looked puzzled.
"Don't worry, I'll teach you." Kitazawa picked up a pen and began writing: "Under the leadership of Lord Hokage, we must carry on the Will of Fire…"
Hinata leaned forward, standing on tiptoe to see clearly. She tilted her head and read silently, her expression becoming thoughtful.
"Alright, just polish it up tomorrow." Kitazawa put down the pen and said, "Let's go to class."
"Okay… okay." Hinata followed Kitazawa to the training field.
She had already missed a day due to working on her speech, and only one class remained—practical training.
"Today's class will still focus on the Clone Technique. Students who failed the last monthly exam will receive intensive guidance," Kitazawa announced in front of Class A.
Many students groaned in dismay.
"Those who have already mastered the Clone Technique can move freely," Kitazawa continued, forming hand seals and creating a shadow clone. "Those who haven't—follow my shadow clone."
Class A quickly split into two groups.
"Ino, can I train with you?" Sakura clutched Ino's arm, asking earnestly.
"You want to do special training? You'd better not be dragging me down," Ino replied sarcastically.
Sakura's reason for training wasn't a secret—she had already mastered the Clone Technique, and more importantly, she wanted to see Uchiha Sasuke.
"Let me warn you now." Ino's expression turned serious. "No matter your reason, if you want to train together, you need to be fully committed."
Sakura was stunned. At that moment, she felt Ino had changed—more mature, more composed.
"I understand. I'll train seriously." Sakura gritted her teeth. Even if it meant suffering, she'd do it—just to see Uchiha Sasuke.
"I'll take you to see Teacher Kitazawa." Ino pulled her along to where Kitazawa was standing.
"Teacher Kitazawa!" Sakura asked with anticipation, "May I join the special training?"
Kitazawa paused for a moment, then nodded. One more student wouldn't make a difference to him. After all, the reason he arranged these trainings was mostly to complete system tasks.
Just then, four glowing lines appeared before his eyes.
[As the class monitor, you should strive to fulfill your classmates' requests.
Current Task: Help classmate Haruno Sakura complete tree-climbing training.
Task Reward: Ketsuki Gyouko (Blood Coagulation)]
[Accept task?]
Wow, what a bonus. She really is worthy of being one of the heroines of the original work.
The Blood Coagulation Technique was a D-rank medical ninjutsu. As the name implies, it could stop bleeding from regular injuries.
"Let's head to the training ground." Kitazawa nodded.
"Thank you, Teacher Kitazawa!" Sakura cheered and pumped her fist.
The group made their way to the nearby training grounds. Along with Ino and Sakura, Hyuga Hinata also joined them.
Uzumaki Naruto wasn't present—he still hadn't mastered the Clone Technique. Kurama Yakumo was currently studying genjutsu with Yuhi Kurenai.
"Sasuke-kun!" As soon as she spotted him, Sakura called out excitedly.
But she received no reply.
"Quiet." Kitazawa reminded her, "He's practicing chakra nature transformation. Don't distract him."
"S-Sorry." Sakura quickly covered her mouth.
"Sakura, my shadow clone will guide your tree-climbing training to help improve your chakra control."
Kitazawa instructed, "Ino, Hinata—you're with me."
He led them toward the school's artificial lake. "Today's lesson is water-walking training."
Kitazawa leaped forward, channeling chakra to his feet and walking steadily across the lake's surface to the other side before returning.
"Water-walking is also chakra control training, but harder than tree-climbing," he explained. "Because water is a liquid, it can't support weight well. If your chakra control isn't precise, you'll fall right in."
Ino nodded, full of enthusiasm. Hinata, in contrast, looked worried. Although her chakra control was superior, her timid personality made her hesitate.
"Don't be afraid." Kitazawa smiled. "If you fall, I'll catch you."
"Then I'll count on you, Teacher Kitazawa." Ino smiled and stepped onto the lake.
"Go on." Kitazawa gently patted Hinata's head.
"Okay." Hinata took a deep breath and cautiously stepped forward onto the water.
Kitazawa stood nearby, watching closely. Whenever they wobbled, he was quick to move, catching them before they fell and escorting them back to the shore.
The class ended swiftly. Kitazawa called out to Naruto.
"This is for you." He handed him a scroll. "Finish these practice papers at home."
"Huh?!" Naruto stared, stunned.
"You ranked seventeenth in the last exam. Don't you want to be in the top ten next time?"
Kitazawa asked.
"I do!" Naruto stared at the test papers, gritted his teeth, and declared, "I'll do it!"
"If you reach the top ten next time, I'll give you a special reward," Kitazawa smiled. "Aside from treating you to ramen, I'll teach you a powerful ninjutsu."
"Really?!" Naruto's eyes lit up. "Carrying the name of the future Hokage—I swear, I'll make the top ten!"
Kitazawa's mouth twitched. That line again. Where have I heard it before?