"Kakashi, Minamoto, you're here."
In the Hokage's office, Kitagawa Minamoto and Kakashi had just arrived when Asuma greeted them with a smile.
The other Jōnin nodded in acknowledgment, but Hiruzen Sarutobi's face looked a bit stiff.
He still remembered the words Karin had said to him back then—words that had sent him straight to the hospital.
While Kusagakure's methods were despicable, the development model of small ninja villages was something they couldn't control. Besides, Kusagakure was technically an ally.
But then Kitagawa Minamoto and Nagato had swept through the village, causing significant losses.
Even though Kitagawa Minamoto wasn't to blame for the situation, the losses were still devastating.
"You're here. Let's get started."
Hiruzen Sarutobi eventually refrained from saying much more. There were still plenty of pressing matters to address.
"I've gathered everyone here today for two reasons. The first concerns the Genin graduation exam. This time, Iruka and Mizuki will oversee it, and they've decided on the test: the Clone Technique."
The Clone Technique wasn't particularly difficult.
Typically, the graduation exam alternated between the three basic techniques. These were the foundation for civilian ninjas to step into the world of shinobi, while also highlighting the gap between them and clan-born ninjas.
Without these basics, civilian ninjas would struggle to graduate.
Of course, there were exceptions—civilian geniuses like Kitagawa Minamoto.
But such cases were the responsibility of the assigned Jōnin. For those with little talent who somehow graduated, their Jōnin leaders often sent them back.
"I hope you all take this seriously and properly guide your future subordinates and students. Understood?"
"Yes."
Everyone nodded, but Kitagawa Minamoto's expression was a bit odd. He felt like Hiruzen Sarutobi had been glancing at him the entire time.
"That's strange. Kakashi-sensei, aren't you usually quite responsible? Why does the Hokage seem so worried about you?"
"..."
Kakashi didn't want to respond. He wanted to ask if Kitagawa Minamoto had any self-awareness.
But ultimately, he held his tongue, especially since Hiruzen Sarutobi continued speaking.
"There's another matter I need you to pay attention to. Mizuki has been acting suspiciously."
"Mizuki? One of the exam instructors this time?"
Guy asked curiously. Although he wasn't taking on students this year, the meeting wasn't solely about Genin.
"Yes. Because this year's Chūnin Exams are particularly special, I've been making preparations in advance. During this process, I noticed Mizuki's odd behavior."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, calmly puffing on his pipe.
"He's been appearing near my residence occasionally, and I've noticed him investigating the Scroll of Seals. This caught my attention.
Moreover, Mizuki seems overly eager for power. I've also discovered that he's been observing Naruto at the academy."
"Naruto?"
The Jōnin present visibly tensed. After a moment, Asuma asked, "Why haven't you detained him yet? Are you trying to uncover who's behind him?"
"Exactly."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, his expression growing serious.
"This is a critical matter, and we can't afford to be careless. It's not just about Naruto himself but also the upcoming Chūnin Exams. That's why I haven't made a move yet. However..."
At this point, he turned his gaze to Kitagawa Minamoto.
"Minamoto, you're the youngest here and have a good relationship with Naruto. I'd like you to investigate Mizuki and figure out what he's planning."
[New Side Quest Unlocked]
[As the White-Haired Protagonist, it's Only Natural to Clean Up!]
[Eliminate the Mizuki Threat and Investigate His Secrets]
"Understood."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded, glancing at the newly appeared quest. He wasn't particularly surprised.
Ever since he'd angered Hiruzen Sarutobi into a hospital stay, he'd been keeping a low profile, declining numerous absurd tasks.
For instance, Ino's [Golden Bud, Ready to Bloom], or Shikamaru's [Your Family's Deer: Antlers and Meat, Both are Profitable]—none of them were remotely reliable.
This time, however, the task seemed reasonable, so he didn't hesitate.
"Too bad I can't just wait for Naruto's exclusive quest to drop into my lap."
Though it was a shame he couldn't slack off, the Mizuki situation seemed manageable.
If he remembered correctly, Mizuki had once killed a teammate during a mission, which Orochimaru had noticed.
Orochimaru had left Mizuki with a Cursed Seal and told him to seek him out in the future.
However, Mizuki hadn't fled. His sloppy assassination attempt had caught Hiruzen Sarutobi's attention, shattering Mizuki's dreams of "advancement." Now, he was full of resentment.
"Perfect opportunity to use him to draw out Orochimaru."
Although the specifics of this year's Chūnin Exams were uncertain, with all five major villages gathering—along with their respective Kage—Kitagawa Minamoto doubted things would remain peaceful.
"Even without Orochimaru, do you think the Fourth Raikage will just sit back and watch?"
Remembering the Fourth Raikage's reaction back then, Kitagawa Minamoto shook his head. Still, he felt this might not be a bad thing.
In fact, he hoped for as much chaos as possible. After all...
"With all these preparations, Konoha won't take long to respond."
As Hiruzen Sarutobi shifted the discussion to the second major topic—defensive measures for the Chūnin Exams—Kitagawa Minamoto let his mind wander.
With such thorough precautions, Konoha would undoubtedly react swiftly to any incidents.
"And once the evacuation begins, I can finally let 'Ōtsutsuki Minamoto' make an appearance. After all..."
Over the past few weeks, he'd been lying low—not just to avoid trouble but also to quietly adapt to the changes from his recent power boost.
After his bloodline development reached 40%, he could feel significant changes in himself.
Aside from his skin becoming even paler, he felt something forming on his forehead.
"Especially around my brow—it feels strange."
He suspected his "crow's mouth" might have come true. Was he really growing a horn?
"Or maybe, like Madara Uchiha, I'm developing a new eye?"
Ōtsutsuki bloodlines were truly peculiar, especially for someone like him starting from scratch. It wasn't exactly user-friendly.
Regardless, he planned to put his newfound abilities to good use this time.
"Think of it as getting used to the power of my alternate identity."
"Finally, we're about to graduate!"
While Kitagawa Minamoto attended the meeting in the Hokage's office, the students at the Ninja Academy were in high spirits.
This year's class was larger than usual and particularly notable.
It included the heirs of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio, a genius from the Aburame Clan, the Inuzuka family's young master, the last Uchiha, the Hyūga clan's heiress, and the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
To put it bluntly, this was the most "elite" batch of "second-generation" Konoha ninjas in years.
"Yeah, we're finally graduating. I wonder what the exam will be this year."
Leaning against the window, Ino glanced at the lazy Shikamaru and asked curiously, "Shikamaru, do you know?"
"How would I know?"
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. Even if he did know, he couldn't just blurt it out. Troublesome.
"Don't worry. The exam won't be difficult. You guys won't fail, will you?"
"Tch! I'm going to be Hokage! A mere exam is nothing!"
Naruto clenched his fists and shouted, drawing everyone's attention.
"You idiot, keep it down!"
Sakura couldn't hold back and scolded him. Then, realizing Sasuke was nearby, she softened her tone and smiled sweetly.
"Honestly, he's so over the top."
"Stupid Sasuke..."
Naruto gritted his teeth at the sight, but Sasuke merely scoffed.
"Idiot."
"Hey, you wanna fight?"
"I don't have time to waste on you. Focus on the exam instead."
Having spent considerable time with Kitagawa Minamoto and not yet experiencing Itachi's Tsukuyomi "crit," Sasuke's mental state was relatively stable.
Seeing Naruto's frustration, Sasuke ignored him and instead grew serious.
"Rather than worrying about that, think about who the examiner will be. If it's him..."
"Uh..."
Naruto's eyes widened at Sasuke's words.
He knew exactly who Sasuke was referring to. Even with his dream of becoming Hokage, the thought of Kitagawa Minamoto as the examiner made him nervous.
"What are you guys so worried about?"
Hinata, who had been quiet, finally spoke up, her curiosity piqued by Naruto and Sasuke's serious expressions.
"Yeah, what's the big deal?"
Kiba asked while petting Akamaru, looking puzzled.
"Exactly. It's just a graduation exam. Nothing to worry about," Chōji said, munching on chips.
His words reassured Ino and Sakura, though they still seemed a bit nervous. Shikamaru, meanwhile, yawned lazily.
But when Naruto finally spoke, even Shikamaru couldn't stay calm.
"I'm worried about that jerk Minamoto."
Naruto swallowed nervously, and Sasuke added, "While Minamoto-senpai is a good person, his personality... Now that he's a Jōnin, if he volunteers to oversee the exam..."
Their words left everyone silent.
While Jōnin didn't usually oversee Genin exams, considering Kitagawa Minamoto's personality, it wasn't out of the question.
"If that's the case, we're doomed..."
"This is bad. I'm in trouble if I mess up!"
"No wonder he sent his peers to the hospital. Terrifying..."
Even Hinata's eyes widened at the thought.
Unnoticed by the group, Mizuki stood outside the classroom, his gaze fixed on Naruto.
"The Nine-Tails brat..."
"This time, it all depends on you!"
(End of Chapter)
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