"I never expected something like this to happen."
Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi listened to Kakashi's report with a growing sense of disbelief.
He never imagined that on Kakashi's first day as a Jōnin instructor after leaving the ANBU, such an incident would occur.
This clearly indicated a failure in the educational system!
For students so young to dare attack their own comrades—what would they become when they grew up? Hiruzen couldn't even begin to fathom.
Damn it, how had the education at the Ninja Academy deteriorated to this point?
"Alright, don't blame yourself. No one could have anticipated this situation, and it's certainly not your fault."
While contemplating how to implement decisive reforms in the educational system, Hiruzen glanced at Kakashi, who still had his head bowed. With a resigned smile, he lit his pipe.
"Your approach wasn't wrong. Clearly, they didn't receive proper guidance at the Academy. Returning to school for further education isn't a bad outcome for them. But you're planning to keep one of the students, correct?"
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Kakashi nodded, recalling the words that had touched his heart, and spoke without hesitation.
"He's a child who truly values his comrades and wishes to protect the village. Despite what happened, I believe he shouldn't suffer the consequences."
"Is that so..."
Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully, drawing on his pipe.
Kitagawa Minamoto wasn't entirely unfamiliar to him. After all, he frequently visited the Academy to deliver speeches about the Will of Fire and took the time to familiarize himself with the current students.
Kitagawa Minamoto was considered a relatively outstanding student, though that wasn't the most significant factor.
What mattered most was that this boy seemed to maintain a decent relationship with Naruto, unlike many others who harbored hatred or disdain toward the young Jinchūriki.
Although upon closer observation, it sometimes appeared as though he was trying to swindle Naruto out of his allowance...
Nevertheless, the boy's background was impeccably clean, and even Might Guy had mentioned him, expressing interest in personally mentoring him.
These details had long since made Hiruzen take notice of this child, and assigning him to Kakashi's team had been a deliberate decision to observe the results.
He had also hoped that Kakashi, having left the ANBU, would embark on a new chapter in his life. Despite the unexpected incident, things seemed to be progressing well so far...
"It seems he is indeed a boy who embodies the Will of Fire."
With this thought, Hiruzen chuckled softly.
"Very well, proceed as you see fit. Teammates can be assigned later, just as they were during your time, Kakashi."
"Yes, sir!"
Kakashi nodded earnestly, inwardly feeling a wave of relief.
"I will do my absolute best."
"There's no need to be so formal; you're not in the ANBU anymore."
Hiruzen puffed on his pipe, smiling as he shook his head.
"Go now, take some time to adjust, and remember not to apply your ANBU methodologies to teaching."
"I understand, Lord Hokage."
As Kakashi nodded, he realized that being able to say those words meant this student had already become somewhat special to him.
Perhaps this was indeed a promising beginning...
...
"Here's your extra-spicy large bowl of chashu pork ramen."
"Thanks, Teuchi!"
At dusk, inside Ichiraku Ramen.
Kitagawa Minamoto eagerly accepted the steaming bowl and immediately began devouring its contents, his head bent low over the counter.
"Slow down there. Eating something that spicy so quickly isn't good for you."
Teuchi shook his head at Kitagawa Minamoto's voracious appetite, but the young ninja paid no heed, mumbling between mouthfuls.
"It's fine... I've been starving all day..."
Seeing this, Teuchi could only smile. Such intense hunger was indeed unusual...
Kitagawa Minamoto truly was famished.
He had never anticipated that his physical transformation would come with so many side effects—not only had it knocked him unconscious with excruciating pain, but upon awakening, he'd found himself ravenous.
However...
[Status Panel]
Name: Kitagawa Minamoto
Age: 13
Bloodline: Ōtsutsuki Clan (Blank Slate)
Chakra Capacity: A (Average Jōnin level)
Chakra Natures: Water, Fire, Earth, Lightning, Wind, Yin, Yang
While slurping down noodles and examining his status panel, Kitagawa Minamoto could scarcely believe the changes that had occurred within him.
After years of relentless effort, driven by his determination not to become cannon fodder and his belief in surpassing the native shinobi, he had managed to reach his current level.
Yet despite all his hard work, he had only mastered three chakra natures at a Chūnin-level capacity. Now, a single starter pack had elevated his chakra to Jōnin level and activated all possible natures?
Even if it was just a "blank slate" of the Ōtsutsuki bloodline?
"Damn it, it truly is a world that revolves around bloodlines!"
After a moment's reflection, Kitagawa Minamoto couldn't help but curse inwardly.
He had known this for a long time—after all, the Naruto world was often jokingly referred to as "The Five Villages Tournament of Legendary Eyes" and "Black Zetsu's Quest to Find His Mom."
Without a bloodline limit, the ceiling of pure effort might be someone like Might Guy, but that was still a bitter pill to swallow.
"Now, in the blink of an eye, I've nearly acquired the 'Power of One Kakashi'..."
Using Kakashi as a unit of measurement might not be ideal, but this transformation had brought such profound changes!
Even with just a blank slate, he could feel that his control over chakra had become remarkably fluid.
He even sensed that he might be able to perform ninjutsu without hand seals. In a way, he was now more suited to being a Copy Ninja than Kakashi himself...
Not only that, but his chakra reserves were steadily increasing!
"But how should I develop this bloodline?"
Kitagawa Minamoto pondered while absently chewing on his chopsticks, acutely aware of the immense potential of the Ōtsutsuki bloodline.
However, he couldn't develop it as systematically as one might develop the Sharingan, which had figures like Madara Uchiha to serve as historical guides...
"Old Man! Old Man! Ramen! Ramen!"
As he was deep in thought, a kid in an orange jumpsuit with spiky blonde hair burst through the entrance!
"Naruto, is that you? Out of class already?"
Teuchi greeted him warmly, being one of the few villagers who didn't harbor prejudice against Naruto.
"Yeah, finally done with classes. I'm starving!"
Naruto nodded enthusiastically before noticing Kitagawa Minamoto nearby. His expression immediately shifted to surprise.
"Hey, Minamoto, you're here too? I heard your team ended up in the hospital!"
"..."
Kitagawa Minamoto nearly rolled his eyes. Good news never travels far, but bad news certainly has wings.
"It's nothing serious. Just didn't pass the test, no big deal."
Naruto didn't seem particularly concerned and continued smiling.
"Maybe we'll end up on the same team in the future!"
"Heh, instead of worrying about me, you should be concerned about whether your allowance will cover your ramen habit, you spendthrift."
Kitagawa Minamoto replied casually without looking up.
"And perhaps by the time you graduate as a Genin, I'll be the one examining you."
Kitagawa Minamoto wasn't merely joking. With the completion of his first Main Quest, new ones would naturally follow!
[New Main Quest Obtained]
Objective: Become a Jōnin
Looking at his Status Panel, Kitagawa Minamoto couldn't help but press his lips together.
He had just become a Genin, and now he was expected to strive toward becoming a Jōnin?
What would come after that? He couldn't even begin to imagine!
However...
If the Starter Reward was the Ōtsutsuki bloodline, then perhaps he could continue to "not dare imagine" what incredible rewards might await him in the future?
"Huh?"
Suddenly, Kitagawa Minamoto regarded Naruto with a strange expression.
He sensed two peculiar energies within the boy—simultaneously familiar yet alien—which made his gaze turn contemplative.
Could it be possible to proceed in this direction?
"Tch, my allowance just got deposited..."
Naruto had no idea what Kitagawa Minamoto was thinking. He had just started speaking when something seemed to click in his mind, and he asked incredulously:
"Wait, wait, wait—you mean you passed?"
"Yeah."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded nonchalantly while sipping his broth.
"Kid, the person sitting before you is now officially a shinobi!"
"But didn't your team end up in the hospital..."
"Yeah, but not me. It was my teammates who ended up hospitalized, making me the only one to graduate!"
"???"
Naruto stared at Kitagawa Minamoto, his eyes filled with confusion and a hint of awe.
Sending others to the hospital...
And graduating because of it?
Was that how it worked?
Naruto was so bewildered that he barely registered finishing his ramen.
But once he had emptied his bowl, he suddenly slammed his hand on the counter!
"Alright! If Minamoto can do it, so can I! I'm going to become Hokage! Time to train and graduate this year!"
"Not so fast!"
Just as he was about to dash off, Ayame stopped him.
"You haven't paid yet. Where do you think you're running off to?"
"Uh... Sorry, sorry..."
"And Minamoto told Dad that to celebrate becoming a ninja, you're treating him today, so it's on you."
"......"
......