Naruto: The Ōtsutsuki Bloodline Development Manual

"They're... all dead?"

Danzō Shimura stared at the report in his hand, feeling as though his heart was hemorrhaging.

Ever since more than a decade ago, when he had led a contingent of Root ninjas to the Land of Rain to ally with the "Demi-God" Hanzō of the Salamander in an effort to bolster his prospects of becoming Hokage...

Well, there had been no "ever since."

Every single one of Root's elite operatives had perished there, and even Danzō himself had narrowly escaped with his life.

Forced to "start anew," Danzō had meticulously cultivated a fresh strategy, eventually creating "Subject A," a child with the capacity to utilize Wood Release.

He had invested all his aspirations in this boy, convinced that he could guide Root to resurgence and pave the way for Danzō's ascension to the Hokage position.

But not only did the assassination attempt on Hiruzen Sarutobi fail, "Subject A" ultimately fell under the influence of Kakashi Hatake's personal sentiments!

To compound matters, Hiruzen had personally arrived to demand custody of the boy.

Confronted with such circumstances, Danzō had no recourse but to yield.

What alternative existed when Hiruzen brought a squad of ANBU to encircle Root's headquarters?

Thus, "Subject A" was gone, now rechristened "Yamato."

Despite this devastating setback, Danzō remained undeterred. Clandestinely, he collaborated with Orochimaru to further investigate the power of Wood Release. Subsequently, he even fulfilled his sensei's unspoken wish by orchestrating the downfall of the Uchiha Clan.

He believed such achievements would surely garner recognition. Yet, instead, Hiruzen Sarutobi, that cunning veteran, had reversed course and removed him from power, disbanding Root and temporarily suspending him from duty.

Although he retained some loyal subordinates and a handful of elite members, Root now existed as merely a shadow of its former self.

And now, after being reinstated with limited authority for "special reasons," Danzō had dispatched Root's remaining elite operatives to Kirigakure, hoping to gather intelligence on Obito Uchiha or potentially acquire a Mangekyō Sharingan.

But his men—his invaluable, rigorously trained elites—had vanished without a trace, as if they were nothing more substantial than roadside weeds.

And not merely a few of them—all of them!

"Those accursed Uchiha..."

Danzō cursed under his breath, the veins in his forehead pulsating as he clenched the report tightly in his hand.

Root's remaining manpower was already depleted. Apart from his personal guards and a few skilled individuals, the remainder consisted of novices still undergoing training.

"Root requires new blood... urgently."

Danzō was consumed with frustration, but at that moment, Yamanaka Fū approached him cautiously and whispered,

"Danzō-sama, the Hokage has sent another emissary..."

"Another summons?"

Danzō furrowed his brow, tempted to curse aloud. However, glancing at the scroll in his hand, he ultimately opted for restraint.

With no strategic options remaining and his plans in disarray, the time had come to provide Hiruzen Sarutobi with an explanation.

"If they're so impatient, let them witness firsthand the developments in Kirigakure."

With that thought, Danzō turned to Yamanaka Fū and spoke in a subdued voice,

"Relay this message to that individual:

'Root has fulfilled its mission and has secured sufficient intelligence.'"

Meanwhile, in Konohagakure, at a training ground...

Kitagawa Minamoto had just arrived for training, only to find Kakashi Hatake and Jiraiya standing together.

"Kakashi-sensei."

Minamoto greeted Kakashi with a nod before turning to Jiraiya with a puzzled expression.

"Oh, Jiraiya-sama, you're here as well?"

"What's with that tone, brat? Am I not permitted to check on your progress?"

Jiraiya huffed twice before continuing,

"You little rascal, thanks to you, Kakashi and I have been enduring constant reprimands from the old man lately. You're quite something, aren't you?"

"Ha..."

Minamoto chuckled nonchalantly. But reflecting on how Naruto had been returning from school looking utterly dejected recently, he couldn't help but find it amusing.

Evidently, the boy was likely receiving severe scoldings from Iruka at the academy...

And not just Naruto—probably every student was experiencing similar treatment.

"Minamoto, here."

At this moment, Kakashi produced a short sword and presented it to Minamoto.

"Successfully graduating, completing your first mission—these are milestones deserving commemoration.

But I never provided you with a proper gift. So this time, consider it my way of rectifying that oversight.

This sword... it once belonged to my father. I wielded it for a period as well, but I no longer have use for it.

Since you've mastered my swordsmanship, I believe it's only fitting to entrust it to you. I hope you'll employ it effectively."

"Sakumo's sword?"

Jiraiya blinked, his mind flashing back to the era of the renowned "White Fang of the Leaf," a man brimming with vigor and promise.

Unfortunately, numerous events had transpired since then, leaving Jiraiya uncertain of his emotional response.

He had always concurred with Sakumo's philosophy—that comrades represented the most precious treasure for a ninja to cherish.

But during periods of conflict, missions took precedence. Sacrificing a critical objective to rescue a comrade could precipitate even greater casualties.

All Jiraiya could do was sigh before teasing in a lighthearted manner,

"Really? You're bestowing this sword upon this youngster?"

"Yes."

Kakashi nodded, his visible eye curving into a crescent shape.

"I no longer employ it. Rather than allowing it to accumulate dust at home, I'd prefer to entrust it to someone better suited for it."

"Thank you, Kakashi-sensei."

Minamoto accepted the sword with a solemn nod before gradually extracting it from its sheath.

The blade was compact but incredibly keen, gleaming subtly in the sunlight.

It was evident that Kakashi had invested time in having it repaired and polished.

Moreover, Minamoto could perceive that the sword possessed exceptional Chakra conductivity. Intrigued, he channeled a measure of Chakra into it.

Zzzzzz!

Instantaneously, the blade became enveloped in a layer of purple lightning!

"So it enhances sharpness and durability proportionate to the Chakra infused?"

Minamoto contemplated as he examined the blade. He even began to suspect that the sword had fractured previously due to insufficient Chakra infusion.

Shaking his head, he withdrew his Chakra and resheathed the sword. Bowing slightly to Kakashi, he said,

"I shall ensure this sword does not go to waste, Kakashi-sensei."

"Alright, alright, you two. This is becoming excessively sentimental."

Jiraiya waved his hand, interrupting the moment with a grin.

"Wield that sword effectively, kid. Just don't disgrace yourself. After all, its previous owner... was a hero."

"Understood."

Minamoto nodded before regarding Jiraiya with a hint of curiosity.

"Incidentally, Jiraiya-sama, did you come here to present me with a gift as well?"

"Tch, perhaps when you attain Chūnin or Jōnin rank."

Jiraiya rolled his eyes before continuing,

"The old man requested that I assess your training progress. Seriously, we're discussing the Flying Thunder God Technique. If it were that straightforward, then—"

"I've made some progress."

Before Jiraiya could conclude, Minamoto interjected.

"Hm?"

Both Jiraiya and Kakashi widened their eyes in astonishment.

"Progress? You mean..."

"Jiraiya-sama mentioned that the complexity of the Flying Thunder God Technique resides in Chakra control and spatial awareness."

Minamoto smiled as he extracted a kunai. Gripping it firmly, he began channeling his Chakra.

"Admittedly, it's an enigmatic and perplexing concept. But I've been fortunate enough to grasp something of that sensation."

As he spoke, he held the kunai upright. To Jiraiya and Kakashi's amazement, a distinctive Cursed Seal materialized on the kunai!

"So..."

The next instant, Minamoto hurled the kunai behind them.

With a surge of Chakra, Minamoto's figure vanished from their sight. His voice, however, emanated from behind them.

"I believe I can employ this technique, even if only at a rudimentary level!"

"...!"

Minamoto's voice wasn't loud, but it rendered the two men speechless.

They turned around in stunned silence, only to behold Minamoto standing there, holding the kunai he had just thrown.

In that moment, both of their minds conjured the image of a golden-haired figure.

"Minato..."

"Sensei..."

They murmured softly, their eyes filled with nostalgia, admiration, and disbelief.

Just then, an ANBU operative arrived in haste...

...

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