"Tenseigan Chakra Mode, huh?"
Looking at the information displayed on his Status Panel, Kitagawa Minamoto wasn't particularly surprised.
When he connected to the Giant Tenseigan, a significant amount of information had already entered his mind.
Among this information was the hand seal technique for activating the "Tenseigan Chakra Mode."
The "Tenseigan Chakra Mode" was indeed a power worth anticipating, though it couldn't be used under normal circumstances.
"But Ōtsutsuki Minamoto can't rely on just a few tricks. Even with Sage Arts as a backup, getting exposed would be troublesome."
Kitagawa Minamoto had even considered pretending to implant a "Karma Seal" to smoothly transition into Ōtsutsuki Minamoto's identity.
But after careful thought, he decided the risk was too high.
"After all, Black Zetsu truly knows his stuff. If he starts spreading rumors, it'll be a real headache."
Kitagawa Minamoto preferred to develop steadily. He had always suspected that figures like Uchiha Madara might have gone too far, attracting the attention of the Ōtsutsuki.
Of course, he also worried about the existence of Isshiki Ōtsutsuki, which made him even more cautious.
As for the future?
Once his strength reached its peak, so what if he was "Ōtsutsuki Minamoto"? Who would dare say anything?
"That's a matter for later. For now, this Tenseigan Chakra Mode solves some minor issues, but..."
Even though his eyes were the "Crescent Moon Eyes," they were essentially just in the "second awakening" phase.
Normally, he wouldn't be able to use the Tenseigan Chakra Mode. However, his situation was unique.
Especially considering the massive "power bank" on the moon for him to tap into!
"In simple terms, using this mode requires assistance from that eye. But for me, that's not a problem."
Even if the Ōtsutsuki on the moon tried to interfere, he felt his authority had significantly increased.
With this authority, he believed he could ensure "output completion" even if they caused trouble.
"Still, I should figure out how to reach the moon. I can't let them keep bothering me."
Kitagawa Minamoto gazed into the distance, as if his eyes could pierce through the clouds and see the massive moon above.
Both now and in the future, that Giant Tenseigan was a treasure trove he wouldn't let slip away!
"It's time to head back. I wonder what's been happening in Konoha."
With that thought, he activated his Chakra. In an instant, he was back in his room!
With his bloodline development reaching 40%, his spatial awareness had grown significantly.
Even from a great distance, he could easily return home to Konoha.
He dispelled the barrier around his room and released his Shadow Clone, nodding in satisfaction.
"Looks like no one came looking for me. Kakashi handled things well."
He had left a Shadow Clone behind just in case Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly summoned him. For now, it seemed there were no issues.
"Huh?"
Suddenly, Kitagawa Minamoto sensed something. He walked to the window and pushed it open, only to hear Naruto's panicked cries.
"Ahhh—"
"What are you doing, you idiot?"
Before Naruto could crash to the ground, Kitagawa Minamoto grabbed him and effortlessly pulled him back up.
"Damn it! You're back and didn't even say anything. You locked your doors and windows so tightly too!"
Naruto glanced down at the ground, his face pale with lingering fear.
"You jerk! I was just here to water your plants! You're always gone for so long. If it weren't for me, your flowers would've died already!"
"..."
Kitagawa Minamoto glanced at the flowers outside his window. He was glad he had chosen plants that were nearly impossible to overwater or kill.
Otherwise, with Naruto coming by every day and occasionally watering them himself, they would've died long ago.
"Well, thanks, I guess."
"Tch, it's nothing!"
Naruto jumped into Kitagawa Minamoto's room, grinning.
"By the way, you just got back from a mission, right? You probably haven't eaten yet. Want me to treat you?"
"No, I feel like you're up to something."
"No way! I'm not like you!"
"?"
"Uh, I mean..."
"Then I definitely don't want to. You'll probably say something like, 'I treated you to so much food; why don't you cut me some slack?' Such a hassle."
Kitagawa Minamoto gave Naruto a deadpan look. This kid seemed genuinely scared of him.
His graduation depended on Iruka, Kakashi, and others. It didn't seem to have much to do with him.
Yet Naruto acted like he needed to bribe him. Was he that kind of person?
"Unless you give me half of your living allowance."
"Ahhh! You jerk!"
Naruto couldn't hold it in anymore. He genuinely felt like his life was hopeless.
How could he graduate with such a wicked guy around?
"Damn it! Are you worried I'll compete with you for the Hokage title after I graduate?"
"Huh? Me?"
Kitagawa Minamoto was baffled. He rubbed his chin before replying.
"Didn't I already tell you my dream?"
In his memory, being Hokage seemed like a thankless job. Except for Tsunade, who slacked off, the others all worked themselves to exhaustion.
Especially Naruto. His family life seemed less harmonious because he was always busy, though Kitagawa Minamoto didn't know exactly what he was busy with.
"Tch, your dream is so bland."
Naruto scratched his ear, but he quickly regained his energy.
"Whatever! I'm not afraid. My dream is to become Hokage, and I won't back down!"
"Not bad. But why are you so fixated on becoming Hokage?"
"Because becoming Hokage means earning everyone's recognition!"
Naruto snorted, clenching his fists.
"Even though no one says it, I can feel it. Except for you, Grandpa Hokage, and a few others, most people didn't like me before.
I don't know why, but I've always tried to get their attention and earn their approval.
The Hokage is the strongest person in the village. If I become Hokage, I'll gain everyone's recognition. I'll never give up on that!"
Looking at the spirited Naruto in front of him, Kitagawa Minamoto couldn't help but smile.
This kid hadn't changed at all.
Even though Kitagawa Minamoto, Kakashi, and Jiraiya had influenced him to behave better, his dreams and personality remained the same.
"Still the same kid I remember..."
Kitagawa Minamoto chuckled and stood up, patting Naruto on the shoulder.
With his recent power increase, he had better control over his strength and no longer feared the Nine-Tails acting up.
"You forgot Kakashi-sensei, Pervy Sage, and guys like Kiba and Shikamaru. They'd be upset if you left them out."
"Uh..."
"And besides, can you even graduate?"
"Ahhh! You jerk!"
"And one more thing—you've got it all wrong."
Kitagawa Minamoto shrugged, speaking nonchalantly.
"It's not becoming Hokage that earns everyone's recognition. It's earning everyone's recognition that makes you Hokage."
"Huh?"
Naruto froze at his words.
Earning everyone's recognition...
That's what makes someone Hokage?
"Otherwise, if no one recognizes you, how could you become Hokage?"
Kitagawa Minamoto crossed his arms, smirking.
"So, graduate first. Then work hard to become a respectable ninja. Only then will you have a chance at becoming Hokage."
"Is that how it is..."
Naruto fell into deep thought. But before he could dwell further, Kitagawa Minamoto spoke again.
"Want to earn your first recognition?"
"Huh?"
"From a Konoha Jōnin, Kitagawa Minamoto."
"You're not going to take half my allowance, are you?"
"Nope. Just treat me to some barbecue. Bring your friends too. I'm hungry, and you're paying."
"You jerk..."
Naruto pouted, but in the end, he smiled.
To earn everyone's recognition before becoming Hokage—that made sense.
And slowly but surely, more people were starting to recognize him.
"Wait."
As they left the room and headed toward the barbecue restaurant, Kitagawa Minamoto suddenly noticed a notification from his System.
[Exclusive Side Quest Unlocked: Naruto's Exclusive Quest]
[Naruto's grades aren't ideal.]
[Witness the transformation of the underdog.]
[Exclusive Side Quests do not interfere with regular quests.]
[Accept?]
Kitagawa Minamoto stared at the Status Panel in disbelief.
The Naruto-exclusive quest he had been waiting for had finally arrived?
"Witness his graduation?"
He muttered to himself. It seemed like he wouldn't need to do much to complete it.
Still, as he walked, he took off his forehead protector and placed it on Naruto's head.
"Underdog, you've graduated."
"Huh?"
Naruto was dumbfounded.
But Kitagawa Minamoto shook his head, slightly disappointed. This approach didn't seem to work.
Regardless, he felt hopeful. Exclusive quests didn't stop at just one.
"The Chakra of Indra and Asura... It's finally starting to unfold."
He had waited a long time for this moment.
Taking back his forehead protector, he looked at the still-confused Naruto and smiled.
"Just kidding. Let's go. I'm starving."
"Oh..."
Naruto felt both excited and disappointed. He had hoped to graduate just like that.
But that wasn't possible. Still, his goal remained unchanged.
"I don't need you to do that. I'll graduate and become Hokage on my own!"
"Tch."
Kitagawa Minamoto smirked.
Just then, he spotted Karin approaching with members of the Anbu escorting her.
"Huh? Karin? What are you doing here?"
"Uh... hi!"
Karin seemed a bit nervous. After all, she had witnessed Kitagawa Minamoto's strength firsthand.
"The higher-ups sent me to find you. They're all busy right now..."
"Busy? What's going on?"
"The Hokage... He fell ill after hearing about Kusagakure..."
"..."
"The higher-ups rushed him to the hospital, so..."
"..."
Kitagawa Minamoto remained silent, while Naruto's eyes widened in shock.
After a long pause, Kitagawa Minamoto sighed and looked at Naruto.
"Remember to buy flowers from Ino's shop for me."
"With my money? And who's this?"
"Don't worry about her. Just remember, being Hokage isn't easy..."
"..."
And so, Konoha continued its days of harmony mixed with chaos.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Grass, Black Zetsu stared at a coffin, lost in thought.
At the same time, in Otogakure within the Land of Rice Fields, Orochimaru opened a scroll.
After reading it carefully, a sly smile appeared on his pale face.
"It seems everything is almost ready. Just a few details remain."
"Konoha... I'm coming for you!"
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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