The battle had ended, but the gathered Jōnin remained silent, their eyes wide with disbelief.
It wasn't particularly shocking that Jiraiya had lost.
After all, it was a sparring-based exam, and it was hard to say how seriously either side had fought. Moreover, some of the Jōnin had witnessed Jiraiya's full power before.
The limitations of the arena also prevented Jiraiya from fully utilizing many of his techniques.
But what truly stunned everyone was Minamoto's final move—breaking through the spatial barrier in an instant to appear right beside Jiraiya.
"Are you kidding me? Was that the Flying Thunder God Technique?"
"Incredible. Absolutely incredible..."
"Unbelievable!"
Gradually, murmurs began to spread among the spectators.
At first, the voices were soft, but as more and more people joined the discussion, the noise grew louder.
Soon, cheers erupted across the stands.
To them, the significance of the Flying Thunder God Technique was almost on par with Wood Release.
Most of them had never seen the true power of Wood Release, but many had witnessed the Flying Thunder God Technique in action.
During the Third Shinobi World War and the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha, the Flying Thunder God Technique had played a pivotal role.
When the rampaging Nine-Tails was about to unleash a Tailed Beast Bomb on Konoha, it was the Fourth Hokage who used the Flying Thunder God Technique to teleport it away, preventing catastrophic destruction.
And if not for the Fourth Hokage's ability to relocate the entire Nine-Tails outside the village, the losses that night would have been unimaginable.
"Incredible, Kakashi."
Asuma, despite already knowing about it, couldn't help but murmur in awe.
"You've truly found yourself an exceptional student."
"Indeed, Kakashi-senpai," Ebisu and Genma Shiranui nodded in agreement, their voices filled with admiration and astonishment.
Especially Genma, who had once served in the Fourth Hokage's personal guard, couldn't help but marvel.
"That's the Flying Thunder God Technique... Truly unbelievable!"
"Congratulations, Kakashi. You've struck gold this time."
Guy patted Kakashi on the shoulder, prompting a rare smile from him.
"Just lucky, I guess."
"But now that Minamoto is a Jōnin, he can lead his own team, can't he?"
"..."
"Wait, does that mean he'll be leaving our team?"
"..."
Kakashi's smile faltered as he met Guy's curious gaze. Even though Guy was notoriously dense, Kakashi couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated.
Still, he quickly regained his composure. Such matters would depend on the situation.
After all, when he became a Jōnin, he had continued working under Minato for a time.
The cheers grew louder, and the battle was unanimously deemed a spectacular display—especially Minamoto's use of the Flying Thunder God Technique, which left the Jōnin of Konoha thrilled.
"You did well this time, kid."
Jiraiya, hearing the cheers from outside, patted Minamoto on the shoulder with a smile.
"Let's go. It's time to leave, Minamoto, the new Jōnin."
"Thanks to you holding back, Pervy Sage."
Minamoto's mood was equally cheerful as he replied with a grin, though his words made Jiraiya roll his eyes.
Jiraiya knew Minamoto's capabilities all too well. Even if he had gone all out, he doubted the outcome would've been much different.
After all, Minamoto hadn't used many of his own techniques either. Not to mention his Sage Art or Ice Release, which hadn't even made an appearance.
"Well done."
When the two reached the main viewing platform, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but pat Minamoto on the shoulder.
"It's been a long time since I've seen such impressive Water Release techniques. Truly remarkable."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Minamoto smiled and nodded, though he couldn't help but notice the complex expression in Hiruzen's eyes.
It wasn't just Hiruzen. Tsunade, standing nearby, also wore a peculiar expression, which made Minamoto realize something.
It was likely that his performance had reminded both of them of someone from the past.
Whether it was his Water Release or his final use of Lightning Release...
"By the way, Lord Hokage, when I came in earlier, Kakashi-sensei mentioned something about a mission. Is it true?"
Shaking his head, Minamoto deliberately changed the subject, his curiosity piqued.
"Is it to Amegakure?"
"Kakashi told you?"
Hiruzen glanced at Kakashi, who was chatting happily with Guy and the others in the distance, and nodded.
"Indeed. The mission to Amegakure has been in the works for some time. This time, I've assigned Kakashi to lead the team, with the added task of investigating Hanzo of the Salamander's situation.
"It's a dangerous and complicated mission. I had planned for it to be your first assignment after becoming a Jōnin, but I see Kakashi has already informed you."
"Kakashi-sensei only wanted to remind me to stay prepared. Besides, he knows I've been eager to take on missions."
Minamoto smiled earnestly.
"After all, as a ninja, gaining practical experience is essential. Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would've applied for a mission myself."
"That's the right attitude."
Hiruzen was pleased. With such a mindset, there was no doubt Minamoto would continue to grow.
"Then prepare yourself. You'll set out in a few days. Also, I'll arrange a reward for you. Is there any particular technique you'd like?"
"A reward?"
Minamoto was momentarily surprised. He hadn't expected a reward, especially since the sparring match with Jiraiya had felt more like a demonstration.
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, glancing at Tsunade. An idea quickly formed in his mind.
"The Spirit Transformation Technique might be nice."
The Spirit Transformation Technique allowed the user's soul to leave their body and attack.
While Minamoto wasn't particularly interested in the technique itself, its connection to Yin Release intrigued him.
Yin Release techniques were rare, and he was eager to explore their potential.
"Actually, I haven't decided yet. May I take some time to think it over?"
Still, Minamoto refrained from mentioning it in Tsunade's presence. After all, as a fellow white-haired ninja, he didn't want to risk any misunderstandings.
"Very well. Take your time."
Hiruzen nodded with a smile, patting Minamoto on the shoulder once more.
"Congratulations, Minamoto—or should I say, Jōnin Minamoto."
"Thank you."
Minamoto bowed slightly, though he was momentarily distracted by a notification from his System.
"Lord Hokage, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to rest and prepare."
"Go ahead. Rest well; there are more important missions ahead."
Hiruzen nodded, and Minamoto turned to Jiraiya.
"Pervy Sage, let's gather tonight. Could you let Kakashi-sensei know for me?"
"Of course. This is a big deal; we'll celebrate properly."
Jiraiya grinned but looked slightly puzzled.
"Why the rush? Something on your mind?"
"I had some insights during the battle. I need to reflect on them."
Minamoto casually offered an excuse before vanishing in a flash.
"More insights?"
Jiraiya sighed in admiration, while Hiruzen nodded slightly.
"Perhaps this is what it means to be a genius."
He couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
Konoha was truly flourishing.
Meanwhile, Minamoto returned home, leaving a Shadow Clone behind before heading to a secluded canyon outside the village.
There, he opened his Status Panel and examined his reward.
[Calculation Complete]
[Main Quest Phase Two Completed: Become a Jōnin]
[Reward Obtained: Source of the Divine Tree (Empty)]
"The Source of the Divine Tree?"
Minamoto raised an eyebrow, curious about what this reward entailed.
As he focused on it, he quickly understood.
"It works like this?"
A strange expression crossed his face. This was far more powerful than he had anticipated.
Unlike the typical Ōtsutsuki method of planting a Divine Tree to absorb the planet's Chakra and produce a Chakra Fruit, his reward functioned differently.
Instead of draining a planet's life force, the Source of the Divine Tree resided within his body, drawing power from Tailed Beast Chakra to "cultivate" the tree.
"Hmm, but without planetary Chakra, can it really bear fruit?"
He frowned slightly, recalling that the Ōtsutsuki typically sacrificed one of their own to nurture the tree.
"Still, this aligns with my bloodline's mysteries. Let's see..."
Taking a deep breath, Minamoto issued the command.
"Activate the Source of the Divine Tree."
In an instant, he felt a tree-like Chakra structure take root within him.
The Chakra of the Three-Tails, Seven-Tails, and Nine-Tails within him was immediately drawn into the tree, along with the energy of the Dragon Vein.
Buzz—
As the process completed, he felt a surge of energy in his eyes, as if new abilities were awakening.
"New abilities? And..."
He had worried that the tree would prioritize itself over his body, but it seemed everything remained centered on him.
"More importantly..."
Minamoto looked down at the ground, a realization dawning on him.
"I think I finally understand what planetary Chakra truly is!"
(End of Chapter)
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