Kitagawa Minamoto's recent progress was truly remarkable.
From extracting Yang Release from Danzō Shimura's cells, derived from Hashirama Senju, to independently fusing Dust Release, his development rate had skyrocketed to 46%!
But most importantly, it was his newfound understanding of spatial abilities that excited him the most.
"Although I haven't awakened abilities like Amenotejikara or Yomotsu Hirasaka, my control over space has improved significantly."
Previously, his use of the Flying Thunder God Technique was somewhat limited by the necessity of marked seals.
But now, he could utilize any jutsu he had used before or any medium coated with his Chakra as a teleportation anchor!
"Though I still need a medium, for shorter distances, I can directly use Chakra. This gives me even more versatility in combat."
This advancement in spatial abilities delighted him, as it meant his attack patterns would become increasingly unpredictable.
"Additionally, as my bloodline develops, my mastery of my ocular abilities has also improved, especially when combined with gravitational and repulsive forces."
By merging spatial abilities with gravitational and repulsive forces, he envisioned creating a space where he could dictate direction and positioning at will—something he had long aspired to achieve.
"And then there's that absurd Yang Release from Danzō. Who would've thought it could be used this way?"
Kitagawa Minamoto felt that this Yang Release had significantly enhanced his utilization of the "Source of the Divine Tree."
He could now manipulate the abilities of the "Source of the Divine Tree" more freely, even imagining creating new variations of Wood Release techniques.
"Maybe I can come up with some other crazy Wood Release techniques?"
Scratching his head, Minamoto realized he needed to continue exploring this potential.
His gaze then fell on Gaara, sitting silently in a corner, and he couldn't help but smile.
He believed that as he gathered more Tailed Beast Chakra, supplemented by the Dragon Vein's power—
"My power will become limitless!"
However, thinking about the Dragon Vein, he felt slightly puzzled.
The temporal energy within the Dragon Vein remained elusive, though its presence was becoming clearer.
"My development rate is still insufficient."
While contemplating his challenges, Naruto, sitting in front of him, was utterly paralyzed with fear.
"Damn it, why isn't he leaving? He's doing this on purpose, isn't he?"
Although Naruto had made some progress in his studies thanks to Konoha's rigorous education system, this exam focused on intelligence gathering—something he couldn't easily write his way through.
At this point, Naruto hadn't written a single word!
"What do I do... What do I do... I'm doomed!"
Sweating profusely, Naruto debated whether to cheat, but just then, Minamoto leaned over.
"Why aren't you writing? If you don't write, you won't have a score, you know."
"..."
"Or do you have a problem with me, and you're deliberately not answering?"
"..."
"Say something. Though talking will get you kicked out of the exam hall, isn't it rude not to respond to me?"
"..."
Naruto was nearly numb with frustration, but even more exasperated was Morino Ibiki.
This year's Chūnin Exams were unprecedented in scale, and Konoha naturally intended to "take full advantage of being the host."
As for the notion of "being both participants and judges," which village didn't do the same during such exams?
Thus, promising Genin like Naruto and Sasuke were naturally given "reasonable assistance," which placed additional pressure on the examiners.
"Minamoto Jōnin, are you putting pressure on your subordinates or on us?"
Morino Ibiki was at a loss for words, but after scratching his head, he quickly came up with a solution.
"Looks like I'll have to add an extra question for everyone."
Just as Ibiki was pondering this, Minamoto suddenly raised an eyebrow.
"Kisame is making a move?"
Konohagakure, Anbu Detention Center.
Sealed of his Chakra and confined in the deepest cell, Kisame Hoshigaki sat motionless, seemingly lost in thought.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, the ground in front of him stirred slightly, and a pitcher plant slowly emerged from the floor.
"It's you. I figured it wouldn't take long for you to come for me."
"No choice. This place is hard to infiltrate, with all its barriers. We had to be cautious."
Kisame appeared relaxed, but Black Zetsu shook his head before speaking.
"Fortunately, the barriers are now dealt with. Everyone is in place, waiting for the exam to officially begin."
"Even Itachi Uchiha? I heard he got quite a beating from Kitagawa Minamoto."
"No matter. As long as he's alive, he'll move when I need him to. I always have ways to make him act. Your situation is different; you just need to recover."
"Is that so?"
Kisame grinned, then nodded.
"Maybe. But if I leave now, wouldn't that alert them?"
"Don't worry, I have a solution."
Black Zetsu chuckled softly as two White Zetsu clones emerged beside him.
One clone undid Kisame's restraints and transformed into his likeness.
The other fused with Kisame, merging their forms seamlessly.
"This way, there won't be any issues. My clone can escort you out directly."
"That's quite convenient. Did you manage to gather intel on Konoha?"
"Sort of. We captured Orochimaru, who's cooperating with us now. Plus, we've secured a high-ranking Konoha official, so everything's proceeding smoothly."
"Is that so? Well, that's excellent news!"
Hearing this, Kisame's grin widened, as if he couldn't wait to exact revenge on Konoha.
"Let's go. Once the time comes, we can begin."
Black Zetsu nodded, speaking in a low voice, and Kisame nodded in agreement.
"Yes, let's wait for everything to start."
Forest of Death.
Naruto and his team were moving swiftly, having entered the second stage of the exam.
Recalling the nerve-wracking moments of the first stage, Naruto couldn't help but grumble.
"That bastard scared the hell out of me!"
"It's your fault for not having a solid foundation!"
Sakura, still annoyed by Naruto's earlier performance, couldn't resist scolding him.
"Why can't you be more like Sasuke? You made it so nerve-wracking for everyone!"
"He cheated with his Sharingan—I saw it."
Naruto crossed his arms, pouting, which made Sasuke scoff.
"Tch, shut up, idiot. Be glad we passed. Now focus on what's ahead."
With that, Sasuke moved forward, eager to complete the exam and achieve a better score.
"Only by doing so can Senior Minamoto guide me. Only then can I gain the power for revenge."
Hokage's Office.
"Minamoto, I know you mean well for Naruto, but maybe don't do that next time."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked pained as he addressed the seemingly innocent Kitagawa Minamoto.
Even though he knew this young man was feigning innocence—and he actually appreciated this kind of "hidden cunning"—it was still a headache to deal with.
"And you're on good terms with Deidara, aren't you? Why did you mess with him again?"
"Is he okay?"
Minamoto blinked, feigning curiosity, which made Hiruzen shake his head.
"He keeps complaining about not being able to leave and says you're not being fair to him."
"Isn't that great? It keeps him from causing trouble. That's a good thing, isn't it?"
"Well, you're not wrong, but still..."
Hiruzen sighed. He knew how troublesome Deidara could be, especially since he had visited Konoha before.
Though Minamoto had tricked him, Konoha wouldn't throw Deidara into the Anbu detention center. Instead, they'd keep him confined in the guest quarters.
While Hiruzen appreciated this outcome, he felt Minamoto had acted too hastily, making Konoha seem less dignified.
"Let's not dwell on this topic."
Hiruzen shook his head, changing the subject.
"After the Forest of Death exam, I'll arrange a one-month break to host the Kage from other villages and the Daimyō of the Land of Fire.
But during this month, you must use your time wisely. Work hard if you need to. Understand?"
"Yes."
Kakashi nodded, already planning to teach Sasuke how to use the Sharingan effectively.
Jiraiya, who had remained silent, also nodded, though he looked troubled.
"One month might not be enough to awaken Naruto's Chakra."
"Then try to teach him something else while you work on it."
Hiruzen sighed. Awakening Naruto's Chakra wouldn't be easy, but they had to try.
"Alright, I understand."
Jiraiya nodded, rubbing his temples.
"But we won't be handling the hosting duties, right? Aside from the Kazekage, our relations with the others aren't great."
"Are you only realizing this now?"
Hiruzen felt even more exasperated.
Relations with Ōnoki were decent, but Deidara's situation might sour things.
As for Kumogakure...
Glancing at Minamoto, Hiruzen decided it was best not to bring it up.
"But Sunagakure doesn't seem entirely trustworthy either."
Minamoto couldn't help but point out.
"I noticed someone in their team who's very similar to Naruto."
"I know. That boy is Gaara, the Kazekage's son. They informed us in advance.
It's a troubling situation, but since he's the Kazekage's son and they're our allies, we can't refuse. We'll just have to keep a close watch."
"I see."
Minamoto nodded, finally understanding why Gaara could appear so openly in Konoha.
It was a matter of face and alliances.
Thinking about it, such situations were indeed hard to reject.
But for Minamoto, this was a good thing—it meant access to Shukaku's Chakra!
Though Shukaku seemed weaker compared to other Tailed Beasts, its actual strength was formidable.
"Absorbing it would benefit me, my eyes, and the Source of the Divine Tree."
Additionally, Minamoto had learned another interesting piece of information.
"The Akatsuki is currently hiding in Root, and Danzō is truly dead?"
Upon hearing this, even Minamoto found it hard to believe.
Especially after learning how Danzō had died, he couldn't help but sigh deeply.
"Damn Deidara, making Konoha lose such a powerful figure."
Of course, Danzō's death didn't concern him much. What mattered was that he now had a general idea of the Akatsuki's movements!
"Though their collective action isn't great news, it does provide the perfect opportunity for me to act as 'Ōtsutsuki Minamoto'."
Initially, he thought the Fourth Raikage might cause some trouble, but the current situation was wilder than he had imagined.
Still, this suited him perfectly—the more chaos, the greater his gains.
Especially now that his spatial abilities had improved, he could ensure Konoha's safety while delivering devastating blows!
As he pondered, his System suddenly activated.
[New Konohagakure Exclusive Side Quest Obtained] [I Am the Hope of the Village] [Defend Konoha and resolve all threats.]
"So, it's finally happening?"
Time passed, and Konohagakure grew increasingly busy.
Outside the village, Ōnoki sat atop Akatsuchi, gazing at the distant Konoha. He shook his head.
"Konoha... still the same as ever."
"Huh? Grandpa, have you been here before?"
Kurotsuchi asked curiously, but Ōnoki didn't feel like answering.
The last time he was here was like a nightmare for him.
He couldn't forget that solitary figure and those crimson Sharingan eyes.
"Forget it. The Uchiha are gone now—no point dwelling on the past."
Ōnoki shook his head, then gave a low warning.
"This time, be cautious. I have a feeling something big is going to happen. Understood?"
"Got it."
Kurotsuchi nodded, though she was more eager to find Deidara.
That troublemaker had disappeared without a word, leaving her fuming.
To the east, Gengetsu Hōzuki sat in a carriage, gazing at Konoha in the distance.
"Really, Elder, why did you have to come personally?"
Mei Terumī grumbled, but Gengetsu shook his head with a smile.
"The Fourth Mizukage feels too ashamed to come, and this event is too grand for us to miss. If I don't come, it wouldn't look good."
The Fourth Mizukage was still alive, thanks to a collaboration with Konoha.
But recalling past events, he couldn't bring himself to face Konoha, so Gengetsu had to take his place.
Besides, even though the incident hadn't been leaked, the Fourth Mizukage's power had long been stripped away.
The Mist Village had already entered a new era, just waiting for the new Mizukage to take office.
"Alright, let's pick up the pace. And be cautious this time."
Gengetsu smiled, then gave a gentle reminder.
"With all five great villages gathering, trouble is bound to arise."
To the north, the Fourth Raikage had also arrived.
Clenching his fist, he snorted before striding forward.
"Don't give me any openings. With so many Kage here, if chaos breaks out, it'll be interesting."
"I haven't forgotten the grudge from back then."
Meanwhile, at the Akatsuki's base, Nagato took a deep breath.
Gazing at the black-cloaked figures adorned with red clouds, he spoke in a low voice.
"Let's prepare to act!"
(End of Chapter)
[TN-Final: Original Term - "Amenotejikara" - Final Translation: "Amenotejikara" - Justification: This is a canonical space-time ninjutsu used by Sasuke Uchiha in the original series, allowing instantaneous teleportation of himself or targets within his line of sight. The term is maintained in its original form as it's an established concept in the Naruto universe.]
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