"This is…"
Kitagawa Gen felt his entire body heating up, and the sensation left him momentarily stunned.
He knew exactly what was happening—he'd experienced it many times before.
"So space-time abilities really are linked to bloodline?"
He had long suspected this, but truly feeling the transformation firsthand left him dazed.
What doesn't this bloodline come with?
"Come to think of it, they can travel through the cosmos with just their bodies, searching for planets with life. So it stands to reason that spatial abilities are inherent—just like their flight."
Thinking about that, Gen didn't even know what to say anymore.
But he was starting to understand why the Ōtsutsuki were so overwhelmingly powerful, yet ended up being played for fools by the very 'scrawny monkey folk' they looked down on.
"Really, it's because they were too strong. They never had to think—they could just bulldoze their way through everything. But the moment they ran into someone who relied on tactics and intelligence…"
It was like dinosaurs—sitting at the top of the food chain, chomping down on anything in sight. Fighting dragons by day, and dragons by night.
Why waste energy growing a brain when brute force did the job just fine? The Ōtsutsuki could steamroll over everything with ease. Why bother studying anything?
Shaking his head, Gen waited for the heat surging through his body to gradually fade. As soon as it did, he opened his status panel.
[Name: Kitagawa Gen]
[Age: 13]
[Bloodline: Ōtsutsuki Clan (Development Level: 10%)]
[Total Chakra Reserves: S (Average Kage-level)]
Looking at the changes displayed on the panel, he pursed his lips.
"Gaining insight into spatial power gave me a two percent boost? I've finally evolved from a trash-tier fighter to a 'Ten Percent Ōtsutsuki,' huh?"
Still, if just ten percent could provide chakra reserves this high, he was truly beginning to look forward to what further development might bring.
He understood one thing: when it came to ninja—or rather, to humans in general—their chakra levels weren't especially high.
Only a rare few could reach levels beyond imagination. Take Kisame, for instance—his chakra reserves were nearly on par with a Tailed Beast.
"And Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara likely did reach—or even surpass—Tailed Beast levels."
Hashirama really was something else. His uniqueness was mind-boggling.
In the thousand-year war between Indra and Asura's descendants, the usual route was for the Asura side to rely on the Tailed Beasts and unite the rest of the world against Indra's people.
But in Hashirama's case…
Sure, he united people—but he also took down Uchiha Madara all by himself.
As for the Tailed Beasts, he sealed them away and even sold them off. He never needed them in the first place!
Things didn't return to the usual pattern until Naruto came along.
Saying he surpassed Asura? Gen actually believed it.
And Uchiha Madara—he was the only one who'd ever left even Hashirama exhausted and out of breath.
"So… is the system's evaluation based on humans, or some other standard?"
After thinking about it for a moment, he shrugged it off. As long as he could keep developing, that's all that mattered!
"Besides, the more I unlock, the more benefits I gain—my sensory perception, physical strength, everything's noticeably improving. Especially my eyes…"
He rubbed them gently. With this latest upgrade, the surge of chakra flowing into his eyes had intensified once again.
Maybe it wouldn't be long before he truly gave birth to new eyes!
"Hey, Gen? What are you doing here?"
Just as he was lost in thought, a voice suddenly called out. Gen didn't bother getting up—he just replied casually.
"I noticed you ages ago. I was wondering what you were doing here too, Naruto."
He turned his head and saw Naruto staring at him with wide, curious eyes.
"You're not in class?"
"Come on, class is already over!"
Naruto gave him a look of disdain—but also one of intense curiosity.
"What are you even doing here? Did you lose track of time?"
"I'm training hard—unlike you."
Gen stood up and walked over, flashing a relaxed smile.
"But since class is over, how about we go grab some ramen? I'm starving."
"You bastard, trying to scam me again!"
Naruto instantly bristled with irritation—this lousy excuse again? How many times had he heard it already?
Still, he followed along without much resistance. But just thinking about that training made a vein twitch on his forehead.
"And that technique you taught me—what the hell even is that? Sasuke called me a pervert! Dammit!"
"Huh?"
Kitagawa Gen froze for a second, confused.
"Sasuke? Why's he involved? You were practicing the Sexy Jutsu—how did he get dragged into it?"
"Sexy Jutsu? Great! So you even had a name ready for it? You're a real pervert!"
"Get to the point."
"How should I know what his problem was? He kept following me around trying to see what I was up to. I tested it a few times, and he called me a freak and ran off."
"…"
Looking at Naruto's disgruntled face, Gen didn't even know what to say.
This guy… Just because he enjoyed pranks didn't mean everyone else could tolerate them—especially the Sexy Jutsu.
"Wait, did you say you tried it a few times… and it actually worked?"
Gen suddenly caught something and looked at Naruto in surprise.
"Not exactly. It still needs fine-tuning," Naruto grumbled.
"Seriously, I don't know why I ever trusted your nonsense."
"Sounds like it's working pretty well, actually."
Gen blinked and gave Naruto a friendly slap on the shoulder, chuckling.
"Ramen's on me today. When we're done, give me a demo—I'll give you some professional critique."
"Why do I get the feeling you're up to no good?"
"Nonsense! I've been training with Jiraiya-sama for days. I know his tastes. Trust my judgment."
Kitagawa Gen made a mental note—maybe he could find a camera later.
A Sexy Jutsu performance by the future Seventh Hokage? Now that was gold. Perfect blackmail material!
If Naruto ever crossed him, he'd just flash the kid a grin and say: "You wouldn't want these pictures getting out, would you?"
The two continued bickering all the way to Ichiraku Ramen. But just as they were about to arrive, Gen suddenly frowned.
He had a strange feeling.
Turning his head, he saw a pale-eyed girl also looking his way, her expression just as puzzled.
...
"Old man, let me handle this investigation!"
Inside the Hokage's office, Jiraiya was visibly agitated, hands planted firmly on the desk as he shouted.
"I was already planning to assign it to you."
Sarutobi Hiruzen scratched his ear, clearly startled by Jiraiya's outburst.
"But don't get ahead of yourself. I have one condition."
"Name it."
"Take Gen with you."
"What?"
Jiraiya stared at Hiruzen, completely baffled. Why bring that kid along for an investigation into Orochimaru?
But Jiraiya wasn't stupid. After a moment of thought, the reasoning became clear.
"You're making me bring him… to keep me from going overboard?"
"Exactly."
Hiruzen nodded without the slightest attempt to hide it.
"I know you've matured. But right now, our top priority is the situation in Kirigakure. As for Orochimaru… I want the focus to be on investigation. I know the bond you share with him. That's precisely why I want Gen with you."
"With him there, you'll have to be more mindful—and besides, Gen's no slouch. The fact that he held his own against Biwa Jūzō already proves his capability."
"His combat experience may still be lacking, but he can assist you and help analyze intel. Isn't that so?"
This decision had been carefully considered by Hiruzen.
Taking Kitagawa Gen wouldn't just help temper Jiraiya's impulses—it was also a valuable training opportunity for the boy.
Hiruzen truly believed in Gen's potential, and he wanted to give him the right experiences to grow.
Sure, Hiruzen had plenty of flaws—even the infamous incident during the Chūnin Exams where everyone bailed and left him to fight alone—but still, his efforts to promote non-clan ninjas had been significant.
Jiraiya and Orochimaru were both his students—and both from civilian backgrounds.
Even Namikaze Minato had been the same.
"…Alright, I understand."
After a moment of thought, Jiraiya nodded.
"I'll take him—and I'll keep him safe."
"Good."
Hiruzen smiled.
"By the way, how's his Flying Thunder God training coming along?"
"Oh… that…"
Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly.
"Still needs time, I'm afraid."
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