Naruto: The Ōtsutsuki Bloodline Development Manual

A few days later.

Konohagakure, Hokage's Office.

"I didn't expect things to be this complicated..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi, with a pipe in his mouth, looked solemnly at Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Kitagawa Minamoto. He was beginning to feel overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation.

The news these three had brought back left him visibly shaken.

"Indeed, we didn't expect it either."

Jiraiya nodded seriously.

"That guy is indeed Obito Uchiha, and he is indeed the one responsible for Minato's death.

Based on what we've uncovered, his malice isn't just directed at Konoha—it's towards the entire ninja world."

"That's right. He's completely lost his sanity now," Kakashi added from the side.

"The organization he's part of seems to be encouraging him to act this way. They're incredibly dangerous!"

Dangerous?

This was far more than just dangerous!

Hiruzen took a deep drag from his pipe. The Kirigakure operation had yielded significant results, uncovering an astonishing amount of information.

But knowing too much had its downsides—it was terrifying.

The Mizukage being controlled, the truth behind Minato's death, and that mysterious organization...

Even Hiruzen, who had weathered countless storms, felt a chill run down his spine.

And this was likely only the tip of the iceberg. They still didn't know who was behind Obito Uchiha or how he had gained access to Wood Release.

But even this much information was enough to cause a headache...

"Summon Danzo."

After a long pause, Hiruzen rubbed his temples and spoke to an Anbu hidden in the shadows. Then, he continued:

"I'll have Danzo follow up on this matter. Although Root... has its issues, their intelligence capabilities are still unparalleled.

I will also send envoys to Kirigakure to establish communication, while testing the waters with the other villages to gauge their reactions."

If the Mizukage could be controlled, what about the other Kage?

These matters needed to be handled carefully!

"In addition, I'll issue a wanted notice for Obito Uchiha.

But I hope you understand—some things cannot be made public.

Given our need to engage with Kirigakure, I..."

"We understand."

Both Kakashi and Jiraiya nodded. They understood the delicate nature of the situation and its far-reaching implications.

"Good."

Hiruzen nodded, then turned to Kitagawa Minamoto, who had been lost in thought, and spoke with a tone of admiration.

"Minamoto, what you accomplished this time... is truly remarkable!"

Hiruzen had always known Minamoto was talented. He had heard Kakashi and Jiraiya praise the young man's learning ability on numerous occasions.

Though he had been surprised by Minamoto's exceptional performance in school, he hadn't thought much of it.

Some people only truly shine after becoming ninja, showcasing their unique talents.

Even so...

Minamoto's achievements were nothing short of extraordinary!

"But this is good—after all, he's a child of Konoha..."

The feats Minamoto had accomplished during the Kirigakure mission were astonishing.

It was his idea that allowed them to infiltrate Kirigakure smoothly. He had confirmed Obito Uchiha as the culprit behind Minato's death and used Minato's Cursed Seal to defeat him once again.

He had also led the team to safety, securing critical intelligence in the process.

Minamoto had delivered surprises and shocks beyond Hiruzen's imagination.

"Uh, thank you, Lord Hokage."

Minamoto, who had been preoccupied with other thoughts, quickly snapped back to attention.

Normally, he wouldn't even qualify to attend such a meeting, but his deep involvement in the mission had granted him this opportunity.

He hadn't expected to be addressed directly, but he quickly composed himself.

"This is what I should do. After all, I'm a member of Konoha's ninja."

"You don't need to be so modest..."

Hiruzen's mood improved upon hearing this, though he couldn't help but recall how Minamoto had tricked him into paying for ramen before leaving Konoha...

Shaking his head, Hiruzen adopted a more serious tone.

"However, Minamoto, while you are indeed outstanding, there is still much for you to learn.

The best ninja are those who remain humble and continue to grow.

The enemies and organizations we're dealing with this time are terrifying, and you've caused them significant disruption. I'm concerned...

So I hope you can take some time to focus on your training here in Konoha.

This will not only ensure your safety but also help you improve yourself."

Hiruzen spoke cautiously, worried that Minamoto might resist the idea. After all, most geniuses were proud and ambitious.

After some thought, he decided to sweeten the deal.

"Additionally, your performance was exceptional this time. The mission will be classified as S-rank.

If you have any requests for a reward, feel free to ask—I'll do my best to fulfill them."

"Really?"

Minamoto's eyes lit up. He had already planned to stay in Konoha for a while to study his rewards.

His eyes were nearing their limit, possibly on the verge of evolving, and he needed to be cautious about any drastic changes.

As for leaving the village, mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique would make that easy enough...

Considering the reward, he hesitated for a moment before carefully asking:

"Could I be promoted directly to Jōnin?"

"..."

"Lord Hokage, I know I still have room for improvement, but I'm willing to learn.

And I believe I'm capable enough for the role, right?"

"..."

"Besides, Kakashi-sensei was promoted to Jōnin at my age, so..."

Hiruzen's forehead twitched. He began to wonder if he had misspoken earlier.

What was a Jōnin?

Jōnin were the elite of the village, often considered candidates for Hokage.

Although becoming Hokage wasn't easy, without being a Jōnin, one couldn't even be considered.

Konoha had a population of over 100,000, with tens of thousands of ninja, but how many were Jōnin?

And this wasn't wartime—promotions couldn't be handed out lightly, as it could lead to negative repercussions...

"Jōnin... must be carefully selected. They need extensive knowledge and the ability to lead independently."

Hiruzen rubbed his temples, trying to reason with Minamoto.

"Also, becoming a Jōnin means you'll have to lead a team on your own. You wouldn't want to leave Kakashi now, would you?"

"Hmm..."

Minamoto glanced at Kakashi, then asked curiously:

"But I heard that even after Kakashi-sensei became a Jōnin, he still..."

"Your Chūnin rank has been approved!"

"But..."

"You're exceptional enough to skip further assessments. Now, go get some rest—you've earned it."

Hiruzen quickly dismissed Minamoto, wanting to avoid further debate.

"Then, Lord Hokage, I'll take my leave as well."

Kakashi shrugged, draping an arm around Minamoto's shoulder as they headed out.

"Dinner's on me tonight. Rest up and recharge—we're leaving."

"Tch..."

Minamoto pouted. He had hoped to push for progress on his main quest.

But Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, was proving to be quite stingy.

Still, he couldn't complain too much—the rewards this time were nothing short of amazing!

In addition to the Chakra of the Three-Tails, he had also received something intriguing.

[Exclusive Side Quest for Kakashi Completed]

[The Disillusioned Obito, His Shattered Self]

[Reward: White Zetsu's Special Yang Chakra]

"Another Yang Chakra, huh..."

Minamoto had already obtained Kimimaro's Yang Chakra, which was linked to the "Hamura Ōtsutsuki" lineage.

Now, with this new reward, it seemed he had also completed the "Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki" lineage!

"Though it's not the true Indra and Asura lineage..."

Feeling a slight twinge of regret, Minamoto still found the rewards more than satisfactory.

With the Chakra of the Three-Tails and his other gains, he was poised for a significant breakthrough!

"I'll definitely achieve a major power-up!"

Eager to test his new abilities, Minamoto quickened his pace, heading home to experiment.

"That kid..."

Back in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen watched the departing figures of Kakashi and Minamoto, shaking his head with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

"What a remarkable child."

"Indeed. Though his personality... leaves something to be desired, he's undeniably exceptional."

Jiraiya nodded, a grin spreading across his face.

"Each generation surpasses the last—it's only natural."

"True. Watching him makes me feel old."

Hiruzen nodded in agreement, his tone tinged with nostalgia. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he turned to Jiraiya with a smile.

"Jiraiya, how about taking over as Hokage? What do you say?"

But before Jiraiya could respond, Hiruzen noticed Danzo standing at the doorway, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"?!"

"..."

~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~

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