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"This is..."
Kitagawa Gen felt a wave of heat rising through his entire body, a sensation so intense that even he was left a little dumbfounded.
He knew very well what was happening, for he had experienced this several times before.
"Spatial abilities... are they truly bound to the bloodline?"
Although he had long suspected such a connection, actually feeling the changes it brought left him dazed and disoriented.
Was there anything this bloodline didn't come with by default?
"Come to think of it, their bodies can travel through space unaided, seeking out planets with life. Their spatial powers must be just like their flight—something they're born with, not learned."
At that thought, Kitagawa Gen was at a loss for words.
But it did help him understand, more and more clearly, why the Ōtsutsuki clan had grown so powerful, yet ended up being toyed with by a bunch of "skinny monkeys" they looked down on.
"The truth is, they were too strong. They never had to think much, just bulldozed their way through everything. But then they ran into enemies who relied on strategy and intelligence..."
It was like the dinosaurs, which were already at the top of the food chain, feasting endlessly and spending their days doing nothing but fighting other dinosaurs. There was no need to evolve bigger brains or waste energy on thought. The Ōtsutsuki could effortlessly crush all in their path, so why would they bother researching anything?
He shook his head. After waiting for the heat in his body to slowly subside, Gen immediately opened his status panel.
◇◆────────────────◆◇
[Name: Kitagawa Gen]
[Age: 13]
[Bloodline: Ōtsutsuki (Development: 10%)]
[Chakra Capacity: S Rank (Average Kage level)]
◇◆────────────────◆◇
Staring at the changes on the panel, he unconsciously pursed his lips.
"Just by gaining insight into spatial power, I've gained another two percent... I guess I've finally graduated from cannon fodder to 'Ten-and-a-Halfsutsuki,' huh?"
Still, if just ten percent of the bloodline grants this much chakra, he could hardly imagine what lay ahead. The possibilities thrilled him.
He also understood that, in terms of ninjas—or rather, humans—chakra levels were generally not all that high.
Only a rare few possessed chakra reserves that defied comprehension. Kisame, for instance, was practically on par with a Tailed Beast.
"And Senju Hashirama, along with Uchiha Madara, may very well have reached or even surpassed the level of the Tailed Beasts."
Hashirama, in particular, was utterly beyond reason. His uniqueness defied belief.
During the millennium-long conflict between Indra and Asura's lineages, the usual course of battle would see Asura's descendants rely on the Tailed Beasts and unite everyone to resist Indra's faction.
But when it came to Hashirama...
Yes, he did unite others—but he also beat Uchiha Madara by himself.
As for the Tailed Beasts, he sealed them away and even distributed them like merchandise. He never needed them for himself.
It wasn't until Naruto's generation that the battle followed the so-called "normal" process again.
If someone said Hashirama had surpassed Asura, Kitagawa Gen would absolutely believe it.
And Madara... he was the only one who had ever left Hashirama gasping for breath, drained and weary.
"So then, is the system evaluating me as a human, or using some other standard?"
He gave the question a moment's thought, then dismissed it. As long as he could keep unlocking more of his potential, that was all that mattered.
"The more I unlock, the greater the benefits to my body. My sensory abilities and physical strength have both improved significantly—especially my eyes..."
He rubbed them gently. With the latest breakthrough, he could feel chakra surging more rapidly into them.
Perhaps, before long, he would truly awaken a new pair of eyes.
"Hey, Gen? What are you doing here?"
Just as he was lost in thought, a voice suddenly rang out. Gen didn't even look up as he casually replied.
"I noticed you ages ago. I was wondering why you were here too, Naruto."
Turning his head, he saw Naruto's face, round and curious, staring intently at him.
"Aren't you supposed to be in class?"
"Come on, class is already over."
Naruto shot him an annoyed look but still seemed rather curious.
"What exactly were you doing? Did you completely lose track of time or something?"
"I was training hard, unlike you."
Gen got to his feet and walked over with a relaxed smile.
"But since class is over, why don't we grab some ramen? I'm starving."
"You bastard, trying to scam me again."
Naruto immediately felt a wave of irritation. That lousy excuse again? How many times had he used it already?
Still, he naturally followed along. But the moment he remembered something related to training, his forehead began to throb.
"And you, you damn bastard! What kind of training did you teach me? That jerk Sasuke actually called me a pervert. Dammit!"
"Huh?"
Kitagawa Gen was momentarily taken aback, a puzzled look spreading across his face.
"Sasuke? What does he have to do with you practicing the Sexy Jutsu?"
"Sexy Jutsu? Oh, so you even gave it a name already? You really are a pervert!"
"Just tell me what happened."
"How should I know what's wrong with him? He kept following me around, wanting to see what I was doing. I tried it a few times and he just started cursing me out, then ran off in a huff."
"..."
Watching Naruto's aggrieved expression, Kitagawa Gen found himself at a loss for words.
This guy... just because he liked playing pranks didn't mean others would tolerate it, especially something like the Sexy Jutsu...
"Wait a second—you said you tried it a few times. That means you actually succeeded?"
Kitagawa Gen suddenly caught on, eyes narrowing curiously at Naruto.
"Not exactly. It still needs some fine-tuning,"
Naruto muttered, clearly annoyed.
"Seriously, I can't believe I fell for your nonsense."
"Seems like it's working pretty well though."
Kitagawa Gen blinked and gave Naruto a friendly pat on the shoulder, chuckling.
"My treat today. Once we're there, show me the results. I'll give you some professional feedback."
"Why do I get the feeling you're up to something shady…"
"Don't be ridiculous. I've been training with Lord Jiraiya for days. I know exactly what kind of stuff he likes. Just trust my judgment."
Kitagawa Gen made a mental note to see if he could get his hands on a camera later.
A live performance of the Seventh Hokage using the Sexy Jutsu would be explosive. It would make for an excellent piece of blackmail in the future.
If Naruto ever gave him trouble, all he'd have to do was pull out those photos and say, "You wouldn't want these to get out, would you?"
The two of them bickered and joked all the way toward Ichiraku Ramen. But just as they were about to arrive, Kitagawa Gen suddenly frowned.
A strange feeling had crept over him.
Turning his head, he saw a young girl with pale white eyes staring at him with the same puzzled expression.
---
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"Old man, leave this to me. I'll handle the investigation!"
In the Hokage's office, Jiraiya's voice rang out, slightly too loud and brimming with emotion. He slammed both hands on the desk and declared forcefully.
"I was already planning to give this to you."
Hiruzen Sarutobi scratched his ear, clearly startled by the volume of Jiraiya's outburst.
"But don't get ahead of yourself. I have one condition."
"Name it."
"Take that boy, Gen, with you."
"What?"
Jiraiya blinked, baffled, as he looked at Sarutobi. He was going to investigate Orochimaru, so what was the point of bringing that kid along?
But Jiraiya wasn't stupid. After thinking it through for a moment, he seemed to grasp what Hiruzen was getting at.
"You want me to bring him along so that I wouldn't mess around, is that it?"
"Exactly."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded without a trace of concealment.
"I know you've matured a great deal, but right now our top priority lies with Kirigakure. As for Orochimaru, I prefer we focus on gathering information first. I understand the bond between you and him. That is precisely why I want Gen by your side."
"With him there, you'll be forced to consider his safety before acting. It'll keep you from doing anything rash. Besides, Gen isn't useless. The fact that he held his own against Jūzō Biwai proves he's capable."
"His combat experience may still be shallow, but he can serve as your aide and assist with intelligence analysis as well. Don't you agree?"
This matter was something Hiruzen Sarutobi had carefully considered from every angle.
Bringing Kitagawa Gen along would not only make Jiraiya think more deeply about the consequences of his actions, but it would also serve as a valuable experience for Kitagawa Gen himself.
He genuinely held high hopes for that boy and naturally wished for him to grow into someone strong and dependable.
Though Hiruzen Sarutobi had his fair share of flaws and shortcomings, and even bore the stain of that infamous incident during the Chūnin Exams when everyone fled and left him to face the battle alone, there were certain truths that could not be denied.
During his time in office, he had truly shown great effort in promoting ninja from civilian backgrounds.
Jiraiya and Orochimaru were both his students, and both were born to ordinary families with no clan backing.
Even Namikaze Minato had followed that same path.
"Fine, I understand."
After a moment of thought, Jiraiya gave a small nod, having no choice but to accept.
"I will take him with me, and I will make sure he is protected."
"Then that's enough."
Sarutobi smiled warmly.
"By the way, how's his training with the Flying Thunder God progressing?"
"That, well…"
Jiraiya scratched his head, his expression turning sheepish.
"That's going to take a bit more time, I'm afraid."
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[Chapter End's]
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