Chapter 41: 《Naruto: The Ōtsutsuki Bloodline》Chapter 41: He's Not Like You, But He's Very Much Like You
Kitagawa Minamoto might not have contemplated it previously, but now realization dawned upon him.
"The eyes that are brewing, and the bones slowly beginning to develop, all these combined..."
Not to suggest he resembles Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, since he lacks a forehead eye, but Hamura Ōtsutsuki seems plausible.
Even if it's merely a miniature version, he can only be described as a 'complete version Hinata'...
But he's definitely progressing in that direction!
"Even those moon-dwelling individuals aren't as complete as I am, are they?"
Minamoto couldn't help but mutter to himself. He remained uncertain about the moon people, but based on Toneri Ōtsutsuki, it appeared he lacked significant Shikotsumyaku traits.
"Could Hamura Ōtsutsuki have also fathered two sons, one who ascended to the moon, while another remained in the shinobi world?"
On the return journey to Konohagakure, Minamoto followed behind Jiraiya, unable to cease his pondering.
He also observed something else: his Yin Release originated from Obito Uchiha and his Yang Release from Kimimaro, but ultimately, they seemed to converge toward identical path.
Perhaps, for the Ōtsutsuki, these were all quite similar, without substantial difference?
"Kid, what occupies your thoughts?"
His silence aroused Jiraiya's curiosity, prompting inquiry with tilted head.
"You've maintained unusual silence throughout our journey."
"I'm contemplating a hot spring soak upon returning to Konohagakure."
Minamoto gathered his thoughts, implemented shoulder elevation and depression, and sighed.
"After all, I never entered a single hot spring in the Land of Hot Water."
"Hey, hey, hey, that's their regulation, not my restriction."
Jiraiya chuckled lightly, then swiftly redirected conversation.
"Alright, enough of that. You truly are remarkable, kid. That Purple Electricity is indeed impressive, with its extreme transformation and quality alteration...
Such powerful control, even this great sage and Minato might not surpass you. Now I genuinely believe you might master the Flying Thunder God Technique."
Jiraiya had witnessed Minamoto's Purple Electricity previously, but that instance against Obito Uchiha concluded instantaneously.
This time, although battling Orochimaru, he also observed Minamoto's combat, naturally developing deeper appreciation.
The exceptional control inspired his admiration, and now he truly believed this youth possessed the capability!
"Your topic transition lacks subtlety..."
Minamoto raised an eyebrow, deciding to accommodate Jiraiya's direction.
"Perhaps I can, but the Flying Thunder God Technique demands more than superior Chakra control; it also imposes significant physical requirements."
"It appears you've grasped key principles."
Jiraiya smiled indifferently, then proceeded with serious explanation.
"Indeed, this technique requires extraordinarily rapid reflexes and bodily coordination, as it's designed for launching lethal attacks after teleporting beside enemies.
If your bodily coordination and reflexes prove insufficient, you'll either fail to react post-teleportation, or struggle maintaining balance.
You might collapse or impale yourself on someone else's Kunai, essentially committing suicide, wouldn't you agree?"
Minamoto couldn't help but implement cranial affirmation. Without such powerful bodily coordination and reflexes, the Flying Thunder God Technique would indeed resemble suicide.
"But physical qualities can be developed, and even reflexes can be enhanced subsequently."
At this moment, Jiraiya continued.
"But regarding Chakra control, training presents greater challenge. It's not impossible, but concerns sensitivity.
Distinction exists between innate and acquired abilities. The precision demanded for space-time teleportation is extremely high, and any slight error can prove fatal.
You possess innate advantage in this domain, so ensure diligent application."
"Is that so?"
Minamoto nodded humbly, though Chakra control likely represented his least significant concern.
Especially since discovering spatial perception sense, perhaps soon after returning, he could commence experimentation.
"But I recall, the Fourth Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique differs substantially from the Second Hokage's..."
Though both constituted Flying Thunder God Techniques, the Fourth Hokage had clearly implemented significant improvements upon the Second Hokage's foundation.
In the Fourth Hokage's hands, the Flying Thunder God Technique no longer functioned merely as a 'transportation device'; it could even be considered a specialized space-time barrier!
"Incidentally, why didn't you previously share this information?"
The Flying Thunder God Technique presented extensive future research opportunities, so Minamoto ceased contemplation and regarded Jiraiya with curiosity.
"Is this information bequeathed by the Fourth Hokage?"
"Naturally, I lack personal knowledge of the technique."
Jiraiya implemented cranial affirmation, displaying no displeasure regarding his unfamiliarity with the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"I withheld earlier mention fearing potential distraction. Learning any technique requires methodical progression.
Advance incrementally, master scroll knowledge before proceeding to additional elements.
See, I'm disclosing it now."
"Tch, had you informed me earlier, perhaps I would have mastered it by now."
"You little brat, constantly boasting. Do you consider this some rudimentary technique?"
"And, Lord Jiraiya, didn't you promise to teach special techniques? Yet nothing particularly special has materialized?"
"Hey, hey, hey, that's not my responsibility. You rejected Mount Myōboku's summoning technique, preventing my instruction."
The two engaged in continuous banter, rendering the return journey particularly lighthearted.
Several days later, they finally reached Konohagakure, and with Jiraiya's reputation, they entered the village without incident.
"Finally returned, I hadn't realized our absence spanned nearly half a month."
Observing familiar surroundings, Jiraiya wore bitter expression, as if freedom had eluded him.
"You should rest first, or visit your teacher Kakashi. I'll report to the old man. Such inconvenience."
"Yes, yes, yes."
Minamoto implemented shoulder elevation and depression, enjoying the benefit of traveling with these Jōnin.
He avoided personal reporting; the Jōnin handled all administrative matters, leaving him unburdened.
But as Jiraiya prepared to depart, Minamoto suddenly recalled something and spoke.
"Incidentally, Lord Jiraiya, may I apply for the Chūnin exam?"
"Huh? Chūnin?"
Jiraiya appeared startled, only then remembering this youth represented a recent Genin academy graduate.
"Why not discuss this with Kakashi? He bears direct responsibility for you, let him manage it. Regardless, I believe you needn't take the exam; why intimidate others?"
Jiraiya spoke truthfully. At least from his perspective, Minamoto didn't require examination to attain Chūnin rank.
Although Minamoto exhibited certain flaws, and his leadership abilities remained debatable, becoming a Chūnin while continuing under Kakashi's tutelage presented no issue.
Chūnin required extensive mission experience and leadership skills, but no regulation mandated Chūnin departure from original teams.
Even Jōnin could maintain teamwork if desired!
"Is that so? I understand. Thank you, Lord Jiraiya."
Hearing this news, Minamoto naturally felt pleased, but decided to consult Kakashi first.
After all, in his recollection, Naruto had become savior, yet still participated in the Chūnin exam.
Ultimately, during his match with Konohamaru, he was disqualified for employing Sage Mode.
"The Main Quest involves becoming Jōnin. I wonder what reward awaits, and I'm curious whether I might proctor Naruto and the others..."
Minamoto smiled and implemented slight forward trunk flexion toward Jiraiya before departing.
But as he walked, sudden realization struck.
"This time, while seeking Orochimaru, I never encountered Kabuto Yakushi. He should be in Konohagakure, so..."
Would he participate in the Chūnin exam commencing this year?
"This kid..."
Observing Minamoto's retreating figure, Jiraiya couldn't suppress a smile. Then he directed his gaze toward the Hokage Rock.
Under sunlight, the four faces appeared majestic and radiant.
His gaze swept across them, finally resting on the last youthful visage, and after prolonged observation, he revealed a smile.
"Minato, this kid isn't like you, but he's very much like you..."
...
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