Growing horns.
In the vast environment of the ninja world, this isn't particularly unusual.
Kumogakure once had a pair of horned brothers—Kinkaku and Ginkaku.
"But the most iconic horned figures are the Ōtsutsuki."
In Kitagawa Minamoto's memory, all the Ōtsutsuki seemed to have horns.
Even Toneri Ōtsutsuki, who didn't have horns in his normal state, grew a single horn on his forehead when he entered the 'Tenseigan Chakra Mode.'
"And then there's Uchiha Madara and Obito Uchiha. They grew horns after becoming the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki. So, it seems like it's not a big deal?"
Kitagawa Minamoto rubbed his chin, though he still felt something was off.
"I'd rather be like Indra and Asura."
Perhaps due to their mixed heritage, Indra and Asura never grew horns, yet their strength was undeniable.
Kitagawa Minamoto believed that if they faced those who relied solely on brute force like the Ōtsutsuki, they might have a good chance of winning.
"What would happen if I faced them now?"
He wasn't one to overly romanticize the past, but he couldn't deny that ancient ninjas seemed stronger in individual combat.
In the past, ninjas focused on maximizing their combat power. However, as time progressed, even though ninjas continued to pursue individual strength, their combat methods evolved.
The emergence of ninja villages consolidated the strengths of various clans, and with the changes in warfare, casualty rates became more exaggerated.
As a result, cooperative strategies replaced reckless solo charges.
"Forget about those two; even Uchiha Madara and Hashirama Senju—modern ninjas have no idea how strong they really were."
After pondering for a while, he realized he wouldn't find an answer.
Ninja combat is all about responding to challenges as they arise, so there was no point in dwelling on it.
Besides, his foundation was already there; what he lacked was combat experience and tactical skills.
"As for everything else, I'll only get stronger. Even if there's a gap now, my bloodline will continue to evolve until I surpass them!"
With that, he refocused on his own transformation, contemplating his future path.
"The Tailed Beast Chakra still needs attention, and then there's the matter of Kekkei Genkai. I only have two so far, which is too few."
He wasn't too concerned about the Tailed Beast Chakra; after all, it would be abundant in the future.
In the worst-case scenario, he could act himself—'Ōtsutsuki Minamoto' wouldn't rest!
But he needed to carefully consider the fusion of Kekkei Genkai.
Currently, he possessed Magnet Release and Ice Release, involving Wind, Water, and Earth Chakra. He still lacked Lightning and Fire Release, and most importantly...
"The crucial Yin-Yang Release!"
However, the fusion of Yin-Yang Release wasn't going smoothly, and he had no concrete reference, which frustrated him.
Even for the Ōtsutsuki, Yin-Yang Release was a supreme power, and their combat methods largely revolved around it.
Progressing slowly wasn't a big issue; he believed that as his strength increased, he would gradually achieve what he desired.
"I need to accelerate the fusion of other bloodlines too. For Fire Release, I naturally hope for Dust Release, and for Lightning Release, Storm Release is ideal."
He had a clear plan for himself and knew exactly how to proceed.
"Mm?"
Suddenly, he felt the changes in his body accelerating, prompting him to calm his mind and focus on the present.
"Let's see what the outcome will be this time."
"Kakashi, you're back?"
While Kitagawa Minamoto was deep in concentration, Kakashi had arrived at the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had already received news of their return, and he was in a good mood, as there seemed to be no issues so far.
He had also called Tsunade and Jiraiya over, needing their input on the matter involving Hanzo the Salamander.
However, he was curious and couldn't help but ask.
"Where's Minamoto? And the child outside is..."
"Lord Hokage, Minamoto went home first; he wanted to rest," Kakashi replied, nodding to Tsunade and Jiraiya in greeting before continuing.
"The child is Karin Uzumaki. We encountered some trouble this time."
"Trouble?"
Jiraiya wasn't surprised; he rubbed his chin curiously.
"What kind of trouble? With Hanzo the Salamander? Was this girl originally from the Land of Rain?"
"Tsk, it doesn't seem like you had much trouble."
Upon hearing Karin's name, Tsunade raised an eyebrow but quickly focused on Kakashi.
"You didn't get hurt this time, did you? Or was Minamoto injured?"
"No," Kakashi shook his head. They were both fine.
"In the Land of Rain, we met Hanzo the Salamander, but Minamoto felt something was off about him."
"Oh?"
At the mention of Hanzo, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya, and Tsunade all became serious.
"Minamoto's sensory abilities aren't weak; he immediately sensed something was off about Hanzo."
Kakashi continued, his expression serious.
"He told me Hanzo might be a fake because he didn't have much Chakra, nor did he show signs of aging, suggesting he was a substitute."
"A substitute?"
This response made the three of them pause, and they subtly sighed.
Once a demigod, capable of challenging great nations from a small village, had he fallen so low?
"In addition, he provided us with some information, though some aspects require further discussion."
"What did he say?"
"He told us the Akatsuki have been keeping an eye on Amegakure, and he also mentioned that someone in Konoha might be providing the Akatsuki with information."
At this, Kakashi paused, allowing the three leaders time to ponder.
"Someone in Konoha providing information to the Akatsuki?"
As expected, this statement plunged the three into silence, especially Hiruzen Sarutobi, who furrowed his brows deeply.
"Don't spread this around; it might be Hanzo's ploy. But I'll investigate thoroughly. Now, tell me about your mission."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Kakashi nodded, suspecting Hanzo's intent to sow discord, but he had to report truthfully.
"We later encountered members of the Akatsuki. They tracked us to the Land of Grass, and we fought."
"Akatsuki members actually came?"
"Yes, one was Obito Uchiha, another was Raiga Kurosuki from the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, and the third... was Jiraiya's disciple."
"Nagato?"
Jiraiya frowned and immediately asked for details.
"What happened? Tell me everything."
"Understood."
Kakashi nodded and briefly recounted the battle.
Most of his account focused on his fight with Obito Uchiha, with little mention of Kitagawa Minamoto's side.
"In the end, Obito Uchiha was forced to retreat and was injured by Minamoto, leaving behind some items."
Kakashi produced a scroll, and with a puff of smoke, a pair of swords and a piece of white tissue appeared before them.
"These are Minamoto's spoils, and Nagato was also severely injured by him."
"That impressive?"
Even hearing fragments of the story was enough to astonish the three leaders.
Whether it was the enormous sphere blocking out the sun or Minamoto shattering it with a single blow, it was beyond their imagination!
They were now more curious about what Minamoto had done and how he was faring.
"Is he really unharmed?"
The Third Hokage asked anxiously, and Kakashi shook his head.
"Rest assured, Minamoto is fine. As for the details, Karin can explain."
"Mm? What's this..."
Just as the Third Hokage was about to speak, Tsunade seemed to sense something.
She quickly approached the piece of tissue, examining it closely. Moments later, her expression changed completely.
"There seems to be a unique power here. This power... might be the reason why Obito Uchiha can use Wood Release!"
"What?"
At the mention of Wood Release, the Third Hokage's face turned serious.
"Are you saying this is the key? Can you confirm it?"
"I can't say for sure, but I have a strong feeling. I need to study it closely."
Tsunade spoke gravely, and Kakashi couldn't help but add.
"Minamoto also mentioned that he felt something was off about this piece of flesh, which is why he kept it and asked me to give it to the Hokage. It seems there's indeed a significant issue here."
"This is more than just an issue..."
The Third Hokage's expression darkened as he recalled Hanzo's words. Even if Hanzo was a substitute, he must have been instructed by the real Hanzo.
Obito Uchiha's Wood Release had been a mystery Konoha had been trying to solve, but they had never found any leads.
Now, he felt like he had found a direction.
Hanzo mentioned someone in Konoha leaking information to the Akatsuki, and although Konoha had stopped its Wood Release experiments years ago...
"Danzo and Orochimaru continued their research, could it be?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi dared not continue the thought, feeling the gravity of the situation intensifying.
Suddenly, he felt a tightness in his chest and rubbed his temples before speaking.
"Tsunade, you need to study this carefully, but keep it confidential. Apart from us, not a word should be leaked!"
"Understood."
"Let the girl in. Kakashi, why bring her here, and why let her explain?"
"Because... she witnessed everything, and she's quite special with exceptional sensory abilities and reportedly has blood with strong healing properties. Minamoto suggested bringing her back."
Regarding Karin, Kakashi couldn't say much more, offering only a vague explanation.
He glanced at Tsunade, relieved, as the Anbu brought Karin in.
"Don't be nervous."
Karin appeared tense, but Hiruzen Sarutobi had managed to regain his 'kindly' demeanor, speaking with a smile.
"I know your name, Karin. I'm the Third Hokage of Konohagakure. Can you tell me what you saw?"
"Someone intentionally tried to destroy Kusagakure, but the Konoha ninjas saved it!"
Karin's nervousness made her blurt out, causing the Third Hokage's face to stiffen, while Kakashi quietly retreated behind Jiraiya and Tsunade.
"...Kusagakure?"
"Yes, Kusagakure. It was those bad guys who caused it!"
"What happened to Kusagakure?"
"..."
While Kakashi and the others were discussing in the Hokage's office, Kitagawa Minamoto, at home, slowly opened his eyes.
In that instant, he vanished from his house, while a surge of energy seemed to stir in the sky.
An invisible force resonated in the air, quietly settling in a hidden corner of the Land of Fire.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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