Chapter 240 – Gen and Jiraiya, Madara and Obito
"Better than I expected…"
Kitagawa Gen studied the God Tree as its strange power pulsed through the bodies hanging from it, reshaping them into new White Zetsu. A small smile tugged at his lips as he nodded.
"This change doesn't just shift the control of the White Zetsu into my hands—it's reshaping them according to my will. Seems I got lucky this time."
Still, he had his doubts. After all, these were Kaguya's White Zetsu he was tampering with.
After escorting Ino home, he had moved quickly to act.
The only question was who to use—bandits? Criminals? Or should he try a method closer to what Kaguya herself once used?
"…like the things she cultivated back then?"
Gen wasn't sure how long it truly took to create White Zetsu, nor if Infinite Tsukuyomi was truly necessary. Even if he could bypass that step, he decided to rely on half-finished vessels for now.
"Still, they're highly adaptable. And with my fragments of the Demonic Statue and Kaguya's chakra, it'll only be easier for me."
The decision was made. Finding one or two test subjects wouldn't be difficult. He could even track down Obito's army of White Zetsu, though they were of little use—far too simpleminded. Better to let Obito finish modifying them, and then consider what to do.
"Still… no matter how malleable, expecting them to stand against the Ōtsutsuki is nothing but a joke."
He saw two possible paths: infuse them with external power, like Obito had… or remake them entirely into God Tree creatures.
The latter was dangerous. Such monsters were powerful, yes, but volatile. Gen would never gamble on something so unstable.
His plan was simple: adjust his White Zetsu with careful blends of chakra nature transformation.
"Say, Yin Release… and Yang Release."
Yang Release alone was enough to echo Hashirama. But his mischievous streak pushed him further.
"When Madara revives… will he still want to 'dance' if he sees a White Zetsu modeled after Hashirama?"
A wicked grin crossed his face before he shook his head and focused again.
The real prize lay elsewhere—Ōtsutsuki Isshiki's dimension.
He had already gleaned fragments of intel from Isshiki, including details about the Ten-Tails' space. The Ten-Tails itself… and the body of "Ōtsutsuki Shibai"… both were treasures Gen coveted.
"Breaking into that space won't be easy."
Locating it was one thing, but tearing through dimensional walls was another matter entirely. Even he would need time. Perhaps when he awakened Yomi-no-Tsukuni, the crossing of realms would be possible.
"…or worst case, I can just take Obito's eyes."
After all, Kamui could pierce even the space between Pure Land and the living world. Such eyes, wasted on Obito, were practically begging to be stolen.
"Hmm?"
Just as Gen pondered, a new signal flickered at the edge of his perception.
"Kisame?"
Since falling under Gen's control, Kisame had been diligently feeding him intel about Akatsuki. Last time, most of their activity had been tied to Edo Tensei—limited information.
But this time…
"They're finally moving?"
A spark of anticipation lit his face. He'd been waiting far too long.
He needed Akatsuki's chaos. He needed their chakra to nourish his own God Tree. But they'd been paralyzed ever since he'd crushed them, as though stunned. He'd even considered sending Isshiki after them just to force a confrontation.
"Finally. And… what's this?"
His brow arched at the new report.
"Madara has been reanimated?"
A laugh slipped out.
"…Good. That saves me quite a bit of work."
If Madara was back, then Gen's modified White Zetsu wouldn't need to be revealed just yet. And Akatsuki was moving toward the Land of Earth—exactly the kind of stage Gen wanted.
After one last glance at the God Tree, he turned and departed.
---
The next morning, after a full night's rest, Gen reported to the Hokage's office early.
"Well, this is rare. You're here on time."
The familiar, easygoing voice drew his gaze. Jiraiya stood there with his usual grin.
"I thought you'd show up late again, like before."
"Tch. You're here early too, Pervy Sage."
Gen greeted him with a smile, then tilted his head curiously.
"So? You being here this early—something's up?"
"…Yeah. Something's been on my mind."
Jiraiya's tone turned serious, his eyes reflecting a weight that only a teacher carried. He trusted Gen enough to be direct.
"Naruto's doing well. Better than I hoped. But I think it's time he takes another step forward. I'm planning to discuss his Nine-Tails with the Old Man."
"Oh?"
Gen's eyes lit up. He had already been considering how to guide Naruto toward the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode. Now, Jiraiya's thoughts aligned perfectly with his own.
"You're going to undo the seal? And his parents… they're fine with this?"
"I've spoken with Minato and Kushina. It's what they want, too."
Jiraiya smiled faintly, then added:
"With you around, Naruto has fewer burdens than he might have had. But he can't stay under your shadow forever."
He paused, his grin returning.
"Besides… Minato sealed the Nine-Tails in him for a reason. He wanted Naruto to learn to use its power. I think it's about time."
Gen rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then nodded.
"I'm with you. That idiot may look like a clown, but he's got what it takes. No doubt about it."
He tilted his head again.
"But why not bring this up to Tobirama? He'd definitely back you."
"Of course he would. But right now, he's busy."
Jiraiya shrugged, looking weary.
"Don't forget—Obito stole the Senju relic. He's been working on ways to recover and reclaim it."
"…I see. So he really doesn't have the time."
"Exactly. Which means…"
Jiraiya gave Gen a sly smile.
"…you, the future Fifth Hokage, will have to lend me a hand."
Gen chuckled. "Didn't I already say I'd support you? But tell me—how do you plan to handle it? Taming a tailed beast isn't simple."
That was what intrigued him most. In the original timeline, Naruto had gone to Turtle Island (Genbu) and conquered his fear by facing the darkness within him. But now? Things were different. Relations with the Hidden Cloud weren't exactly friendly.
Not allies… more like bitter rivals.
Konoha could force Kumogakure to hand over their method and provide a training ground, but who knew what tricks the Cloud might try to pull behind the scenes?
"I've heard that to control a tailed beast, one has to confront their true self. Is that really the case?"
"It's true," Jiraiya admitted with a nod. "Kushina confirmed it as well. But for Konoha, recreating the conditions for it… is a headache."
He rubbed his temples, sighing in frustration.
"The night of the Nine-Tails destroyed a lot—including much of what the Uzumaki clan left behind. For the past three years, Kushina's been trying to piece it together, but rebuilding it is painstaking. She has to dig through old scrolls and relics… and in her current state, it's nearly impossible."
"I see."
Gen finally understood. No wonder Naruto had needed Kumogakure's help in his memories.
So that was it—Konoha's own "Falls of Truth" had been obliterated. Rebuilding it was nearly impossible, and expecting Naruto to sit down with ancient texts? Gen shook his head. Not happening.
"So then… what's your plan?"
"I'm planning to take Naruto to Iwagakure."
Jiraiya's grin returned, mischievous as ever. The words left Gen stunned.
"Iwa? They have something like this too?"
"Of course. Back in the Third War, I nearly got blown to pieces by one of their beasts launching a Tailed Beast Bomb."
The Toad Sage shuddered at the memory, then patted Gen's shoulder.
"They definitely have the means. And since they're our allies now, it won't be too hard to arrange. Plus, you've got that connection with Deidara—the brat's practically destined to be Tsuchikage one day. So…"
"So?"
"…isn't it boring to sit in the village all the time? Why don't we head out together?"
Gen fell silent.
In that instant, he realized why he kept crossing paths with Akatsuki all these years.
The root cause… was standing right in front of him.
So this is why, huh? Because in the original timeline Pain killed him… but since that changed, the universe keeps tossing me into Akatsuki's path?
Gen gave Jiraiya a long, quiet look.
The sage, misreading his silence as reluctance, leaned in and dropped his voice conspiratorially.
"…I can even take you to their best hot spring resort."
"..."
"You always said you wanted to go, right? Well, you're an adult now—you can get in. And don't worry, it's all above board~"
"..."
"If you don't want to be recognized, just Transformation Jutsu into an old man. Worst case, go as Tobirama. You two do look pretty alike!"
"..."
While Jiraiya schemed to lure Gen into a trip to Iwagakure…
---
Far away, in the Land of Earth, two figures stood atop a towering mountain range, gazing down at the world below.
Uchiha Madara.
Uchiha Obito.
"I hear you've grown considerably," Madara remarked, tilting his head as his crimson eyes studied Obito's renewed vigor. "They say you've awakened the Power of All Creation?"
He smirked faintly, testing him with a tone both curious and commanding.
"In that case… why don't I leave this battle to you? Let me see your performance."
"Of course," Obito replied calmly, confidence burning in his gaze. "I was hoping for your guidance anyway."
His lips curved into the shadow of a smile.
"Watch closely. You'll see what I can really do."