I’m Not Naruto, But I Got a Better Bloodline

"Wait, this is a real mission?"

Back in Konoha, inside the Hokage's office, Kitagawa Gen stood beside Jiraiya and Kakashi, looking at Hiruzen with a puzzled expression.

Gen did want to go out on a mission—that's why he had asked Jiraiya to inquire about it.

He just hadn't expected that within a single day, it would actually happen.

"This mission is urgent. You all need to be ready," said Hiruzen seriously, his voice grave.

"Our investigations indicate that the mysterious organization is currently active near Iwagakure."

"Iwagakure?"

Both Jiraiya and Kakashi frowned slightly. Iwagakure had never been friendly with Konoha.

"Iwagakure, huh?"

Gen didn't react much to the name. He hadn't fought in the war, but he had a rough idea of how things went.

'Judging by the timeline, it's about time for Deidara to make his debut.'

Deidara was a boy with an artistic temperament. To prove the value of his art, he had even taken on numerous terrorist missions.

But he was so much trouble that even as Ōnoki's disciple, people couldn't tolerate him. In the end, he ended up living alone outside Iwagakure.

"Yes, Iwagakure," Hiruzen confirmed with a nod. He took a long drag on his pipe and spoke in a deep voice.

"They've been operating near the border. We haven't figured out exactly what they're doing yet."

"Ōnoki hasn't noticed?" Jiraiya asked, somewhat puzzled. He remembered Ōnoki as being highly alert.

"There's intel from Danzō's side suggesting that Iwagakure might actually be hiring that mysterious organization," Hiruzen said with some resignation. He just hoped Iwagakure wouldn't pull a stunt like Kirigakure did.

"So, as long as they don't officially enter the Land of Earth, Ōnoki may not interfere. For now, we're on our own."

"Is that so..."

Even Jiraiya's lips twitched slightly now. All they'd wanted was a mission, and it had to be this much trouble. Still, he nodded seriously.

"Understood. We'll make preparations and depart soon. Just the three of us?"

"There's a chance you'll have to enter the Land of Earth, so as for Guy…"

Hiruzen paused, pipe at his lips, as if about to say something. But he quickly shook his head and offered only a warning.

"Don't worry. I'll assign an ANBU unit to support you. Also, remember this—if you do cross into the Land of Earth, avoid drawing the attention of the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, at all costs."

That old man Ōnoki was still terrifying. His Dust Release was far more dangerous than any ordinary kekkei genkai.

"Got it, old man. We'll be ready."

Jiraiya thought for a moment about Guy's usual combat style, then nodded and promptly led Kakashi and Kitagawa Gen out of the Hokage building.

"Seriously, who would've thought finding a mission would turn into such a hassle," Jiraiya grumbled once they were outside. He turned to glance at Kakashi. "You all right, Kakashi? Dragging you out here right after you got out of the hospital…"

"No worries."

Kakashi shook his head and smiled.

"I've actually been fine for a while. The doctors just wouldn't let me leave."

"That's true," Gen chimed in from behind. "When I visited Kakashi-sensei in the hospital, I caught him sneaking up to the rooftop to train."

Over the past month and a half, Kakashi had spent time in the hospital, yes—but he definitely hadn't been slacking.

Gen was still curious, though. He had no idea what Kakashi's Mangekyō Sharingan was truly capable of.

According to his memories, it wouldn't be until three years later that Kamui, the space-warping technique, would fully manifest.

But this was Kakashi—and the moment he'd acquired the complete Kamui, he was already pulling off things like 'Kamui Shuriken' and 'Kamui Lightning Blade'.

Maybe there'd be some real surprises?

"By the way, Iwagakure is kind of far. Which route are we taking?" Gen asked after a brief pause, shaking his head as he considered the options.

"There are three routes—through the Land of Waterfalls, the Land of Grass, or the Land of Rain."

"Let's pick the closest one. Grass—"

Kakashi trailed off as he began to answer. The mention of Iwagakure clearly weighed on him, but he had already decided to face the place where he carried painful memories.

"We'll go through the Land of Rain!"

Before he could finish, Jiraiya cut him off with a loud laugh, waving one hand as he declared: "The Land of Rain is my lucky place! Back in the day, I fought that old geezer Hanzō there, and—"

At that point, even Jiraiya paused briefly. He shook his head and continued, voice quieter now.

"I also had three disciples there. Unfortunately, endless war buried them... and I was never much of a qualified sensei."

"This time, let's take the Rain route. I'd like to pay my respects."

Jiraiya spoke lightly, but the heaviness in his voice was unmistakable. Even Gen couldn't help but shake his head in silence.

He had actually been leaning toward the Land of Waterfalls route—but with Jiraiya this insistent, there wasn't much room to argue.

'That place really isn't your lucky land...' Gen thought to himself silently.

Just then, his system interface popped up:

[Jiraiya Exclusive Side Quest 2 Acquired]

[Life or Death.]

[Assist Jiraiya in investigating intel related to the Akatsuki Organization

This exclusive side quest will not affect the progression of standard side quests.]

[Accept?]

[Yes/No]

"…"

...

Early the next morning.

Kitagawa Gen was up bright and early. After a quick wash, he didn't forget to run over to Naruto's window and shout inside at the top of his lungs.

"Hey, Naruto! I'm heading out on a mission—don't forget to water my plants!"

"Damn it, what time is it!?"

Naruto jolted awake from the sudden shout, but when he opened the window, Gen was already gone.

"Seriously..."

Rubbing his bleary eyes, Naruto sighed helplessly.

"That bastard! Why's he going on another mission again? Man, I'm so jealous…"

While Naruto kept muttering to himself, Gen had already made his way to the flower shop in Konohagakure. It was still early, but he had made an appointment yesterday.

Sure enough, as he arrived, he spotted Ino waiting at the shop.

"Morning, Ino."

"Good morning, Gen-senpai."

Ino greeted him right away upon seeing him.

"Sorry to make you get up so early."

Gen smiled as he walked over, while Ino returned the smile and handed him a bouquet she was holding.

"It's no trouble, senpai. I've already prepared the flowers you asked for—all chrysanthemums."

"Thanks."

Gen nodded as he took the bouquet. He didn't know much about the language of flowers, but chrysanthemums were a traditional choice, symbolizing mourning and respect.

Yellow ones in particular were said to represent remembrance.

Either way, he figured it was a safe bet—he couldn't go wrong with these.

"Senpai, are you going to pay respects to someone?"

Seeing Gen quietly examining the flowers, Ino couldn't help but ask curiously. But she quickly added: "Sorry, I hope that wasn't out of line."

"It's fine. They're not for me."

Gen shook his head, then pulled out a scroll and sealed the bouquet inside before smiling.

"They're for a senior—he's paying respects to his disciples. Personally, I think it's unnecessary, but since he brought it up, I figured I'd prepare something just in case."

He still remembered what Jiraiya had said yesterday. Even though he knew Nagato and Konan were still alive, Yahiko was definitely gone.

So helping that old guy pick up some flowers for the occasion didn't seem like a bad idea.

Still, he couldn't help but wonder—if it had been Kakashi who decided to go to the Land of Grass yesterday instead, would that have triggered a different side quest?

'Why is everyone around me a tragic widower?'

"Thanks again, Ino. I'll be off now."

Shaking his head, Gen tucked away the scroll and gave Ino a quick farewell. In the next moment, his figure vanished from sight.

"Hey, wait! You're supposed to take care of the flowers!"

Ino cried out, flustered by his sudden disappearance. But it was too late—he was long gone.

"Geez, at least give me a second…"

But soon, a flicker of curiosity lit up in her eyes.

"He's… gentle. And kind of handsome too. Doesn't seem at all like the rumors say—about him putting all his teammates in the hospital…"

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