"This is truly unexpected."
Kitagawa Minamoto observed the continuous flow of power from the Divine Tree, feeling the transformation of the "new White Zetsu." Finally, he nodded in acknowledgment.
"Moreover, this transformation doesn't just transfer control of White Zetsu to me; it reshapes them according to my vision. Seems my luck is pretty good."
His concerns about potential problems stemmed from the fact that he was using White Zetsu created by Kaguya Ōtsutsuki.
After escorting Ino home, Kitagawa Minamoto wasted no time taking action. However, he found himself torn between two options: Should he capture some bandits for experimentation, or opt for a more effective method?
"Perhaps... using the same approach Kaguya employed in the past?"
He wasn't sure how long it would take to cultivate White Zetsu. Additionally, he had to consider the role of Infinite Tsukuyomi in their creation. It seemed that the birth of White Zetsu required the use of Infinite Tsukuyomi. Even if he didn't need such a complicated process, he decided to use semi-finished products after some contemplation.
"After all, they're highly malleable, and with fragments of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path and Kaguya's Chakra, my work will be much easier!"
With this thought, Kitagawa Minamoto made his decision. For him, finding one or two suitable White Zetsu wasn't a difficult task. In fact, he considered locating Obito's army of White Zetsu. Yet, he found them of little value—no need to deal with so many "simpletons." He might as well wait until Obito had fully transformed them before deciding what to do next.
"Still, while these creations are versatile, using them to resist the Ōtsutsuki clan feels like a joke, doesn't it?"
This question puzzled Kitagawa Minamoto. After some thought, he arrived at two possible answers.
"One option is injecting additional power into them, as Obito did. The other..."
It might involve turning them into "Divine Tree Creatures." Divine Tree Creatures were indeed formidable, but Kitagawa Minamoto recalled how easily they could backfire. If it were up to him, he would never take such a risk.
Instead, he focused on modifying and cultivating White Zetsu, adjusting their inner composition with appropriate forces.
"For example, Yin Release and Yang Release."
Pure Yang Release was already highly compatible with Hashirama Senju, but Kitagawa Minamoto's mischievous side couldn't help but emerge.
"When Madara Uchiha is resurrected, and sees a Hashirama Senju identical to him in composition, I wonder if he'll still feel like dancing?"
With a playful smile, Kitagawa Minamoto shook his head, shifting his thoughts elsewhere.
"Information about Isshiki continues to accumulate, but I've already gathered some details about his 'Ten-Tails Space.'"
The data related to Isshiki was Kitagawa Minamoto's current priority. Whether it was the Ten-Tails or the remnants of "Ōtsutsuki Shibai," these were all things he desired.
"Still, there are some challenges. The space can be pinpointed, but breaking into it requires careful planning."
Breaking into a dimension wasn't a simple task, even for Kitagawa Minamoto. He needed to think it through. However, he felt there was no need to rush. His bloodline development was far from reaching its peak.
Perhaps, once he awakened "Amenominaka," he could find a way to directly enter Isshiki's space.
"At worst, I could always dig out Obito's eye!"
Obito's Kamui could traverse even "Amenominaka," and had the ability to transmit power from the gap between the Pure Land and the mortal world to Kakashi. Such a remarkable eye seemed wasted on Obito, but it highlighted Obito's uniqueness.
"Hmm?"
Just as Kitagawa Minamoto pondered, he suddenly sensed something.
"Is it Kisame?"
After falling under Kitagawa Minamoto's control, Kisame had been diligent in his duties. He continuously transmitted any Akatsuki-related information he could access. Last time, the Akatsuki's movements involved Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation, so Kisame couldn't gather much. Kitagawa Minamoto hadn't minded.
But this time...
"They're finally preparing to act?"
Kitagawa Minamoto's expression brightened. He had been waiting for the Akatsuki's actions for far too long! He still needed Chakra to replenish the source of his Divine Tree, but the Akatsuki seemed paralyzed by his previous attacks. They hadn't made any significant moves, and when they did, it was often inconsequential.
This had left Kitagawa Minamoto almost ready to send Ōtsutsuki Minamoto into action just to provoke a confrontation—a "Minamoto versus Minamoto" showdown.
"Finally, you're making a move. And..."
Upon seeing the latest information, Kitagawa Minamoto raised an eyebrow.
"Madara Uchiha has been resurrected through Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation?"
"Well, that's fine too..."
Kitagawa Minamoto's eyes lit up. Madara Uchiha's appearance wasn't necessarily a bad thing. He had been pondering how to introduce his modified White Zetsu, and now Madara's presence would save him considerable effort!
"Especially since they're heading toward the Land of Earth."
Having sorted out these scattered thoughts, Kitagawa Minamoto took one last look at the Divine Tree before turning away and leaving the area.
After a good night's rest, Kitagawa Minamoto reported to the Hokage's office early the next morning.
"Oh, you're here early today."
Just as he reached the building's ground floor, he spotted Jiraiya, who greeted him with a smile.
"I thought you'd show up late again, like before."
"Tch, you're here early too, Pervy Sage."
Kitagawa Minamoto greeted him with a grin, curious about Jiraiya's early arrival.
"But why are you here so early? Got something on your mind?"
"Indeed, I've been thinking about something. I want to discuss Naruto's situation with the old man, specifically the Nine-Tails sealed within him."
"Oh?"
Kitagawa Minamoto's eyes lit up. He had already been considering how to guide Naruto toward mastering the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode. It seemed Jiraiya shared the same idea.
"You plan to unseal the Nine-Tails? Do Minato and Kushina agree?"
"I've discussed it with Minato, and it aligns with their wishes." Jiraiya smiled, speaking openly.
"Although Naruto has you as a protector, he can't rely on you forever, can he?"
Pausing for a moment, Jiraiya continued with a smile.
"Moreover, Minato sealed the Nine-Tails within Naruto hoping he could harness its power effectively. I think the time is right."
Minato Namikaze had indeed sealed the Nine-Tails within Naruto to counter Obito Uchiha. But who could have predicted that Obito would be dealt with prematurely by Kitagawa Minamoto?
Naruto couldn't remain stagnant, and achieving the status of a Perfect Jinchūriki was the dream of every major ninja village. Naruto needed to strive for it as well.
"I fully support this. That kid may seem silly, but he definitely has the potential."
Kitagawa Minamoto stroked his chin thoughtfully, then asked curiously.
"By the way, why not discuss this with Tobirama? He'd surely support it, wouldn't he?"
"Of course he would, but he's busy right now." Jiraiya shrugged, looking helpless.
"Don't forget, the Senju relics were stolen by Obito Uchiha. He's currently figuring out how to restore them and retrieve the items."
"I see. Sounds like he's really tied up."
"Exactly. So, as the future Fifth Hokage, you'll have to help me out."
"Don't worry, I've already said I'd support you. But how do you plan to proceed? Controlling a Tailed Beast isn't simple."
This was what Kitagawa Minamoto was most curious about. In his memory, Naruto had gone to Turtle Island and trained at the waterfall to resolve the issue. But given the strained relationship between Kumogakure and Konohagakure, it was hard to imagine mutual cooperation.
Konohagakure could pressure Kumogakure to provide methods and facilities, but who knew if Kumogakure would sabotage things behind the scenes?
"I heard controlling a Tailed Beast requires confronting one's true self. Is that true?"
"It is. Kushina mentioned it as well, but constructing such a place in Konohagakure is quite challenging." Jiraiya sighed, rubbing his head in frustration.
"The night of the Nine-Tails attack destroyed many things, including the remnants left by the Uzumaki clan. Kushina has been trying to rebuild them for three years, but it's a tedious process requiring ancient texts, and Kushina's current state..."
"I see."
Kitagawa Minamoto understood. No wonder Naruto had to rely on Kumogakure in his memory. Apparently, Konohagakure's "True Waterfall" had been destroyed, and rebuilding it was a hassle. With Kushina unable to consult ancient texts effectively, asking Naruto to study them was out of the question...
Shaking his head, Kitagawa Minamoto asked directly.
"So, what's your plan?"
"I plan to take Naruto to Iwagakure."
Jiraiya grinned mischievously, leaving Kitagawa Minamoto momentarily stunned.
"Iwagakure? They have such a place?"
"Of course. During the Third Great Ninja War, I was almost blasted to bits by their Tailed Beast's Bijūdama." Jiraiya recalled the incident, shaking his head before patting Kitagawa Minamoto on the shoulder.
"They definitely have one. They're our allies, and you're particularly close with Deidara, the future Tsuchikage. So..."
"So?"
"Staying in the village all the time is boring. Want to join me on this trip?"
"..."
Kitagawa Minamoto fell silent. He finally understood why he kept crossing paths with the Akatsuki over the years. The root cause was right here!
Could it be that because Pain originally eliminated him, he's now targeting the Akatsuki out of sheer luck reversal?
Kitagawa Minamoto stared at Jiraiya in silence, while Jiraiya misunderstood, thinking Kitagawa Minamoto was reluctant. Lowering his voice, Jiraiya tempted him further:
"I can take you to the best hot springs there."
"..."
"You've always wanted to go, haven't you? Now you're an adult, you can enter—it's all legitimate, I promise."
"..."
"If you don't want to be recognized, you can transform into the old man. Or Tobirama—you resemble him anyway."
"..."
While Jiraiya tried to persuade Kitagawa Minamoto to accompany him to Iwagakure, Madara Uchiha and Obito Uchiha had already arrived in the Land of Earth.
Standing atop a towering mountain, they gazed down at everything below.
"I've heard you've made significant progress recently, even activating the 'Power of All Things.'"
Madara tilted his head, looking at the spirited Obito beside him.
"In that case, I'll leave this to you. Show me what you've got, how about that?"
"Of course. I'd appreciate your 'guidance.'"
Obito didn't object, nodding calmly.
"Then, watch closely and see how I perform."
🔥 Want to read the next 20 chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]