Naruto: The Ōtsutsuki Bloodline Development Manual

Hokage's Office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe intently, his eyes fixed on the image within the crystal ball.

Though age was catching up with him, he still enjoyed indulging in some "pleasing sights," considering it a harmless pastime.

"Hey, old man!"

Just as he was fully engrossed, an untimely voice interrupted him. Startled, he quickly seized a cloth and concealed the crystal ball.

Turning around, he observed Jiraiya protruding his head through the window, greeting him with a grin before climbing inside.

"You've returned?"

Hiruzen took several puffs from his pipe to calm his nerves before speaking with a hint of exasperation.

"There's a perfectly functional door, yet you insist on entering through the window. Where did you acquire such deplorable habits?"

"Don't concern yourself with trivialities."

Jiraiya dismissed it nonchalantly, striding in with a mischievous smirk.

"What were you doing? Peeping again—"

"Cease this nonsense! I was merely monitoring Konohagakure's stability!"

Hiruzen's face flushed with embarrassment. Though his student shared his questionable proclivities, he still maintained his dignity.

"Very well, report on your mission. Did you discover anything?"

"Indeed. The situation is far more intricate than anticipated."

Jiraiya pursed his lips but quickly adopted a serious tone, recognizing the matter's significance.

"This time, fortune favored us. It required minimal time in the Land of Hot Water to uncover promising leads..."

Jiraiya recounted events meticulously, omitting superfluous details but emphasizing Kitagawa Minamoto's contributions and intelligence extracted from Orochimaru.

Hiruzen listened silently, drawing on his pipe as Jiraiya spoke. When the narrative concluded, he displayed a slight frown.

"It appears this situation is indeed troublesome. However, it corresponds with intelligence provided by Danzo. But do you trust Orochimaru's assertions?"

The Mizukage's employment of this mysterious organization indicated significant internal discord within Kirigakure—so severe that the Mizukage required external forces to eliminate internal threats.

This represented favorable news for Konohagakure, as no one harbored affection for Kirigakure's operatives. However, it complicated investigation into the mysterious organization.

"I don't consider it a significant concern."

Jiraiya nodded gravely.

"Even if Orochimaru withheld certain information, that's expected. At minimum, we acquired critical intelligence."

Hiruzen remained silent. Truthfully, he also believed Orochimaru's revelations were likely reliable.

He understood Orochimaru thoroughly. While the man could deceive, his pride frequently dictated his actions.

"I see. It appears a journey to Kirigakure will be necessary."

Hiruzen sighed. Though reluctant to undertake risks, the mysterious organization was too alarming to disregard.

Especially with Obito Uchiha's involvement—a man seemingly consumed by hatred, wielding the Mangekyō Sharingan and possessing Wood Release.

This matter demanded investigation...

"Come now, old man, avoid excessive contemplation."

Observing Hiruzen's troubled expression, Jiraiya felt compelled to offer reassurance.

"Some matters require clarification. This organization represents an obstacle we must overcome, correct? Don't worry, we'll address it."

"You impudent youth, do I require your consolation?"

Hiruzen regarded Jiraiya with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. Jiraiya, however, remained unperturbed and added with a grin,

"Incidentally, ensure this mission receives S-rank classification. That young Minamoto appears eager for Chūnin promotion, so let's enhance his record."

"Does he truly require an improved record?"

Contemplating Kitagawa Minamoto, Hiruzen's mood visibly brightened.

Though the youth had only recently graduated, his missions—while few—involved considerable difficulty, and his performance had proven exceptional.

Whether confronting Jūzō Biwa and Itachi Uchiha or, as Jiraiya described, his contributions during this mission, Minamoto had consistently demonstrated excellence.

"Perhaps this youth will become Konohagakure's next 'Minato Namikaze'..."

The thought elicited a smile from Hiruzen, though he refrained from definitive pronouncements.

"Very well, I understand. I'll consider it."

"Excellent."

Jiraiya chuckled, then mischievously approached the crystal ball, extending his hand to lift the concealing cloth.

"Hey, you scoundrel, what are you attempting?"

Hiruzen appeared startled, but Jiraiya remained undeterred.

"The serious matters are concluded, and remaining issues can wait. It's time for relaxation. Don't monopolize the entertainment, old man."

"What absurdity are you uttering? And it's called official duties, understand?"

"Yes, yes. Let's simply examine it."

"You scoundrel, remove yourself from here..."

Konohagakure Hospital.

"Thank you for the information, senior. I'll take my leave now."

"You're welcome."

At the hospital, Kitagawa Minamoto smiled warmly at the medical staff before departing.

However, once outside, he experienced slight dejection, realizing his journey had been futile.

"So he's already discharged? Recovering well, apparently..."

Following Jiraiya's reminder, Minamoto had come to visit Kakashi, only to discover he had already departed.

"Well, early recovery surpasses prolonged illness."

Unable to locate Kakashi, Minamoto decided to return home for rest, planning tomorrow's meeting instead.

"I must also carefully consider the situation with Obito Uchiha."

Since outmaneuvering Obito, events had descended into chaos.

Moreover, he had provided Jiraiya certain hints, indirectly creating complications for the masked man.

But determining subsequent actions required careful deliberation.

Of course, he already possessed some concepts—they merely required refinement.

"After all, there's Kakashi's exclusive quest's second phase. I cannot allow that opportunity to escape!"

Obito Uchiha possessed numerous valuable assets. Even if Minamoto felt his skills remained underdeveloped, the sheer quantity of resources made Obito a prime target.

Given opportunity, Minamoto wouldn't hesitate!

"Sigh, Minamoto? You've returned?"

As Minamoto contemplated, a familiar voice called from behind.

"Hmm."

Turning around, he observed Naruto approaching, carrying a bag in one hand and a basket in the other.

"What circumstances bring you here?"

Noticing Naruto's peculiar appearance, Minamoto couldn't resist inquiring. But glimpsing the bag's contents, his mouth involuntarily twitched.

"More packaged ramen... Haven't you consumed sufficient quantities at Ichiraku? Why purchase such abundance?"

"Hehe, this represents limited edition!"

Naruto grinned enthusiastically.

"Thanks to my rapid reflexes, I secured this quantity. Otherwise, it would have sold out completely!"

"This hardly constitutes gourmet cuisine. Didn't you already possess ample supply at home?"

"Limited! Limited! Missing this opportunity would constitute genuine loss!"

"..."

Minamoto found himself speechless. He couldn't comprehend why this product commanded such premium or generated such appeal.

Ultimately, he chose to "respect Naruto's fate" and refrained from further comment. However, his curiosity shifted toward Naruto's basket.

"And what does that contain?"

"This... this represents something extraordinary!"

Naruto suddenly adopted secretive demeanor, glancing furtively around like a thief before whispering,

"I discovered an exceptional location. There's abundant food there, completely free!"

"... Are you engaging in theft?"

"Absurd! I don't steal!"

"Then what about your allowance?"

"I utilized it purchasing limited ramen!"

Observing Naruto's righteous demeanor, Minamoto sighed in defeat.

He finally understood—Hiruzen Sarutobi might have provided sufficient funds for Naruto, but clearly hadn't instructed him in financial management.

Considering the Hokage's responsibilities, perhaps this was understandable...

"Hehe, shall we feast tonight? My treat."

As Minamoto remained speechless, Naruto grinned and offered suggestion.

"I'll share my discovery with you. Additionally, the jutsu you suggested I develop approaches completion."

"Is that so?"

Minamoto's interest was piqued. He contemplated acquiring a camera for documentation, but curiosity regarding the basket persisted.

"So, what does it contain?"

"Here, observe."

Naruto displayed no hesitation. He casually lifted the cloth covering the basket, and Minamoto's complexion instantly paled.

Inside lay vibrant, colorful mushrooms of various shapes and sizes, appearing almost too enticing for authenticity.

A chill traversed Minamoto's spine as he turned toward Naruto, expression serious.

"Naruto..."

"Huh?"

"You should respect the elderly and care for the young."

"Uh? What meaning do you convey?"

"Take these mushrooms, prepare a stew, and deliver it to Lord Hokage..."

...

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