Chapter 163: The Curtain Rises
Kitagawa Gen had made significant progress this time.
From Danzo, he had "harvested" the Yang Release inherited from Hashirama Senju. On top of that, he had independently integrated Dust Release into his arsenal.
All of this pushed his overall development progress to 46% in one go!
But more important than any of that was his deepened understanding of spatial abilities.
"Even though I haven't awakened something like Amenotejikara or Yomi-no-Kuguri, my grasp of spatial manipulation has definitely evolved."
Previously, his use of Flying Thunder God Technique was somewhat restricted to using marked seals.
But now, he could teleport using any jutsu he had cast before—or any medium that had been touched or infused with his chakra!
"Though I still need some kind of medium, at close range, just my chakra is enough. This gives me so much more versatility."
The improvement in spatial abilities genuinely delighted him. It meant his attack patterns could become far more unpredictable and varied.
"Plus, with the continued development of my bloodline, I'm getting better at using my ocular powers. Combined with gravitational and repulsion techniques, the effects will only be amplified."
His long-term goal was to create a self-defined, directional space using gravity and repulsion—a dream he was finally inching closer toward.
"And that Yang Release from Danzo? That thing is wild. I didn't expect it to have this kind of potential."
He could feel that his control over the Source of the Divine Tree had also strengthened significantly thanks to the Yang Release. Now, he could even tailor its abilities to suit his needs.
"Maybe I can create my own version of bizarre Wood Release techniques?"
Scratching his head, Kitagawa Gen made a mental note to explore that further later.
Then, his gaze fell on Gaara sitting quietly in the corner—and he couldn't help but smile.
Once they collected more and more tailed beast chakra and completed the Dragon Vein's restoration...
"My power will be limitless."
But just thinking about the Dragon Vein made him frown a little.
"I still haven't figured out the time-related powers inside it. Everything's just a bit clearer... but not usable yet."
"Guess my development's still lacking."
While Gen was busy reflecting on these issues, Naruto—who was sitting in front of him—had completely shut down.
"Crap. Why hasn't he left yet?! He's totally doing this on purpose!"
Though Naruto's grades had improved slightly thanks to Konoha's revamped education system, this exam was all about intelligence gathering, something way out of his depth. He was utterly lost.
To this point—he hadn't written a single word.
"What do I do?! I'm doomed!"
Sweating buckets, Naruto was about to consider cheating when suddenly Kitagawa Gen leaned in and whispered:
"Why aren't you writing? No answers means no score, you know."
Naruto: "…"
"Or is it that you've got something against me and you're just refusing to answer out of spite?"
Naruto: "…"
"Say something! I mean, sure—talking gets you disqualified, but ignoring me is just plain rude, don't you think?"
Naruto was frozen in place.
But even more overwhelmed than Naruto was Ibiki Morino, the proctor of the written exam.
This year's Chunin Exams were unprecedented in scale, and Konoha intended to fully leverage their "home-field advantage."
After all, what kind of village doesn't subtly tilt things in their favor during their own exam?
Talented genin—especially those like Naruto and Sasuke—were top priority for "reasonable fast-tracking."
And now, the pressure of that fell squarely on Ibiki's shoulders.
"Jonin Gen... are you pressuring your students—or pressuring us?"
Ibiki held back a sigh and rubbed his head, but then his eyes lit up with an idea.
"Looks like I'll need to throw in one more question for everyone…"
Just as Ibiki was pondering this, Kitagawa Gen suddenly narrowed his eyes.
"Hmph... Kisame just made his move?"
---
Konoha – Inside the ANBU Detention Facility
Kisame Hoshigaki, his chakra sealed and imprisoned in the deepest cell, sat unmoving—deep in thought.
Suddenly, the ground in front of him stirred slightly. A pitcher plant mask slowly emerged from the earth.
"You again? I figured it wouldn't take long before you came to bail me out."
"It wasn't easy. This place is well hidden and loaded with barriers. We had to be careful."
Kisame appeared relaxed, but Black Zetsu shook his head.
"Fortunately, we've dealt with the barriers. Everyone's in position. We're just waiting for the exam to begin."
"Even Uchiha Itachi came? I thought Gen gave him a brutal beating."
"Doesn't matter. As long as he's alive, I'll make him move. You're in better shape than him—just need some recovery. You're different."
"Is that so…"
Kisame chuckled darkly and nodded.
"Maybe. Still, if I leave, won't that alert them?"
"Don't worry. I've got it handled."
With a smirk, Black Zetsu summoned two White Zetsu clones.
One unbound Kisame and transformed into his exact double. The other cloaked Kisame with itself, fully merging into him.
"Now there's no need to worry. I'll guide you out with my clone."
"Convenient. Did you guys get intel from Konoha?"
"Something like that. We captured Orochimaru. He's cooperating now. Plus, we've acquired a high-ranking Konoha insider. Everything's proceeding smoothly."
"Is that so? Sounds like a great opportunity to get back at Konoha."
Kisame's grin widened, eyes glinting with excitement.
"Let's go. Once the time comes, we move."
"Yes," Black Zetsu nodded, his voice quiet and dangerous.
"Just waiting for the curtain to rise…"
---
Forest of Death – Phase Two of the Exam
Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke dashed through the woods, deep in the second round of the Chunin Exams.
Just thinking back to the written test made Naruto want to scream.
"Damn it, that guy almost gave me a heart attack!"
"You're the one who wasn't prepared in the first place!" Sakura snapped, still upset.
"Why can't you be more like Sasuke? That was way too close—you nearly gave me a heart attack!"
"He cheated with his Sharingan! I saw it!" Naruto folded his arms, sulking.
Sasuke gave a cold snort.
"Tch. Shut up, idiot. Be glad we passed. Focus on what's ahead."
With that, he moved on quickly. He just wanted to finish this phase.
And deep down, he was chasing more than just a passing score.
"Only if I excel… will Gen-senpai train me. Only then will I gain the strength to take revenge…"
---
Hokage's Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Kitagawa Gen, a pained expression on his face.
"Gen… I know you meant well for Naruto, but let's not do that again."
Even though Hiruzen knew full well this brat was playing innocent, he also found this kind of cunning… oddly reassuring.
But it was a pain to deal with personally.
"And what's your deal with Deidara? I thought you two got along, so why did you set him up like that?"
"He's fine, right?" Gen blinked innocently.
Hiruzen shook his head.
"He keeps complaining he's not allowed outside and says you're being unfair."
"Isn't that good? Keeps him from stirring up trouble."
"Well… yes, that's true, but the way you did it…"
Hiruzen pressed his lips together. He knew Deidara was a troublemaker—especially since he'd been to Konoha before.
Gen hadn't thrown him in prison, of course. But he'd ensured Deidara stayed put in the foreign guest quarters—quietly contained.
Hiruzen actually appreciated that. He just thought Gen had acted a little… too fast. Not very diplomatic.
"Anyway, let's drop this topic."
With a wave, Hiruzen changed gears, voice turning serious.
"After the Forest of Death ends, I'll arrange a one-month break. It's to receive the visiting Kage and the Daimyo of the Land of Fire."
"Use that month wisely. Train hard. Got it?"
"Yes, sir."
Kakashi nodded—he was already planning to train Sasuke in mastering the Sharingan.
Jiraiya, who had remained silent, also nodded, though he looked troubled.
"One month… I don't know if that's enough to activate the chakra sealed inside Naruto."
"Then do both—try to unlock it while teaching him other things."
Hiruzen sighed. Awakening the chakra inside Naruto wouldn't be easy, but they had to try.
"Alright. I'll do what I can."
Jiraiya rubbed his temples.
"But I assume we're not involved in the official reception? Aside from the Old man, we're not exactly popular."
"You're not popular?" Hiruzen muttered irritably.
Relations with Onoki were fine—except for the fact that Gen had dragged Deidara into Konoha. That would certainly rub Iwagakure the wrong way.
Not to mention Konoha's quiet operations in the Land of Earth. No one talked about it, but everyone remembered.
As for Kumogakure…
Hiruzen glanced at Gen and decided not to comment.
"Even Sunagakure's acting shady."
Gen spoke up now.
"I noticed someone in their group who looks a lot like Naruto."
"That's Gaara—the Kazekage's son. They informed us in advance," Hiruzen replied with a sigh.
"It's excessive, yes—but considering he's the Kazekage's son and they're our allies, we couldn't refuse. We'll just have to keep a close watch."
"Understood."
Gen nodded. So that's why Gaara could strut around Konoha freely.
It all came down to saving face—and the politics of alliances.
On second thought… yeah, that's not something you can just say no to.
No matter how you looked at it, this was undoubtedly good news for Kitagawa Gen—after all, this was chakra from the One-Tail!
While the One-Tail might appear to be the weakest among the Tailed Beasts, its actual strength was far from negligible.
"Once I absorb it, it'll benefit me, my eyes, and the Divine Tree's source."
Besides that, he had also learned another interesting piece of information.
"The entire Akatsuki is hiding within Root now... and Danzo is really dead?"
Even Gen himself found this news hard to believe.
When he learned how Danzo had died, he couldn't help but sigh deeply.
"It's all Deidara's fault. He actually caused Konoha to lose such a powerful figure."
Of course, whether Danzo lived or died had little to do with Gen. What mattered was that he now had a rough grasp of Akatsuki's movements.
"Although their full mobilization is troubling, it's also the perfect time for me to act under the identity of 'Ōtsutsuki Genshiki.'"
Originally, he thought maybe the Fourth Raikage would stir up some trouble at most—but now, the situation was wilder than he had imagined.
Still, this suited him just fine. The more people involved, the greater the rewards he could reap.
Especially now, with his spatial abilities having evolved again, he could both guarantee Konoha's safety and strike with overwhelming force!
Just as he was deep in thought, his system suddenly activated.
[New Konoha Exclusive Side Quest Unlocked]
[I Am the Village's Hope]
[Defend Konoha and Resolve All Threats]
"So it's finally time..."
As time passed, Konoha had begun to grow busy.
Outside the village, Onoki sat atop Akatsuchi, gazing into the distance toward Konoha, shaking his head slightly.
"Konoha... still the same as ever."
"Huh? Grandpa, you've been here before?"
Kurotsuchi asked curiously beside him, but Onoki didn't even want to answer.
That last visit was like a nightmare to him.
He still couldn't forget that proud, lone figure... and those crimson Sharingan eyes.
"Never mind. The Uchiha are gone. No use dwelling on it."
Onoki shook his head and finally gave a quiet warning.
"This time, all of you need to stay sharp. I have a feeling... something big is coming."
"Okay."
Kurotsuchi nodded, still a bit confused. But truthfully, she was more focused on finding Deidara.
That guy had disappeared without a word—it had really ticked her off.
---
To the east, Genji sat in a carriage, gazing toward the distant Konoha.
"Really now, Elder, why did you have to come personally?"
Terumī Mei couldn't help but grumble beside him.
Genji just smiled and shook his head.
"The Fourth Mizukage felt too embarrassed to come himself. With how grand this occasion is, it wouldn't look good if no one from our side showed up."
The Fourth Mizukage was still alive—for now. Thanks to the cooperation with Konoha, he had managed to survive this long.
But recalling everything that happened in the past... he couldn't bring himself to show his face in Konoha. So this task naturally fell to Genji.
Besides, even though the past events never leaked out publicly, the Fourth Mizukage had long since lost any real power.
The Mist Village had already entered a new era—just waiting for the new Mizukage to officially take over.
"Alright, let's pick up the pace. And stay alert—this gathering of the Five Great Nations is bound to attract trouble."
Genji smiled casually but still gave a sincere warning.
---
"So we've arrived..."
To the north, the Fourth Raikage had also reached the outskirts of the village.
He clenched his fists, let out a low snort, and strode forward.
"Don't let me catch the slightest slip-up. With all the Kage gathered here... if chaos breaks out, things could get interesting."
"I haven't forgotten the grudges of the past..."
---
"You all know what to do?"
Back in Akatsuki's hideout, Nagato took a deep breath.
Looking down at the black-cloaked figures before him, each bearing the signature red cloud, he spoke in a low voice:
"Then let's move out."