"Kakashi's Lightning Release..."
After parting ways with Kakashi, Kitagawa Minamoto quickly made his way toward home.
At this moment, his head felt as though it were swelling, as a vast amount of knowledge had surged into his mind.
The System's rewards were straightforward and unrefined—it directly injected knowledge into his brain, including how to use techniques, how to execute them, and all related intricacies.
Of course, there were obvious limitations.
For instance, while you might possess the knowledge to use these techniques, whether your body could adapt to them was an entirely different matter...
Additionally, the overwhelming influx of information didn't provide the sensation of swimming in a sea of wisdom. Instead, it made your brain itch, as if it were developing new neural pathways...
"And these Lightning Release techniques... they're far too extreme..."
As he navigated through the information flooding his mind, Kitagawa Minamoto felt a headache brewing. Kakashi's Lightning Release techniques were indeed extensive.
However, most were variations of the Lightning Cutter, which held limited value for someone like him who lacked the Sharingan.
But...
"These techniques can all be modified!"
As he contemplated the information within his mind, Kitagawa Minamoto's expression shifted to one of intrigue.
He discovered something fascinating: modifying these techniques didn't appear particularly challenging for him.
This wasn't merely about carving faces on an Earth Style Wall—it was about fundamentally altering a technique's application, even transforming its essential nature!
For an ordinary ninja, such an audacious concept would never even cross their mind.
But with the comprehensive knowledge of Kakashi's Lightning Release techniques provided by the System, combined with his bloodline's exceptional affinity for and control over chakra...
The situation was entirely different!
With this knowledge serving as a blueprint, it was like having a strategic overview from above. These techniques were merely specialized applications of chakra. When paired with his body's compatibility with these powers, they were as malleable as clay in his hands.
He realized that with minimal effort, he could develop techniques like Chidori Stream or even Purple Electricity!
Even though the potency of these techniques would still depend on his chakra reserves, the results would be impressive nonetheless.
"Hiss..."
Suddenly, Kitagawa Minamoto felt a sharp twinge in his teeth.
He abruptly realized that ever since acquiring the Ōtsutsuki bloodline, he had become perhaps too much of a prodigy.
"This means I'll need to 'sanitize' even more techniques..."
Techniques always required a plausible origin; otherwise, it would be difficult to explain the sudden appearance of various abilities.
Even though Danzo had been temporarily removed from the public eye following the Uchiha Clan Massacre, preventing him from making any overt moves for now...
"I still need to exercise caution. Who knows when he'll reclaim his position? And I also need to establish clarity with Kakashi—at the very least, the origins of my techniques must appear legitimate."
Kitagawa Minamoto massaged his temples. He still lacked sufficient strength. Otherwise, such concerns would be unnecessary.
But to become stronger, he needed to further develop his bloodline.
"Minamoto! You bastard, so you're here!"
At that moment, a voice called out from nearby. Turning his head, he spotted Naruto.
And not just him—three other kids accompanied him.
"Inuzuka Kiba, Nara Shikamaru, and Akimichi Choji?"
Recognizing this group, Kitagawa Minamoto immediately understood the situation. But before he could respond, Naruto had already rushed up to him, teeth bared in frustration.
"You jerk! You made me pay the bill again! How many times has it been now? Damn it, pay me back!"
Observing the agitated Naruto, Kitagawa Minamoto shrugged and asked with feigned confusion.
"Hey, hey, aren't we friends?"
"Uh... yes..."
Naruto froze momentarily but eventually nodded.
Kitagawa Minamoto was among the few people who didn't harbor ill will toward him, even though he could be quite mischievous.
"Then since we're friends, isn't it natural for you to celebrate my becoming a ninja?"
Kitagawa Minamoto blinked innocently and then released a theatrical sigh.
"Naruto, it seems our friendship has grown cold."
"You... that's not..."
Naruto found himself at a loss for words. He sensed this guy was twisting logic, but couldn't formulate a coherent rebuttal.
"Also, it's class time right now. What are you doing here?"
Kitagawa Minamoto seized the opportunity to press further, scrutinizing Naruto with a suspicious look before breaking into a sly grin.
"I see. You're skipping class. Well, Naruto-kun, you wouldn't want Iruka-sensei to discover this, would you?"
"....."
Naruto's face instantly drained of color.
"Hey, Minamoto-senpai?"
Fortunately, Shikamaru and the others had caught up by now. Upon seeing Kitagawa Minamoto, they appeared somewhat surprised.
Especially Kiba, who sized him up curiously before inquiring.
"I heard from Naruto that you sent your teammates to the hospital and then graduated by yourself. Is that true?"
"...."
Kitagawa Minamoto shot Naruto a pointed glare. This kid was spreading rumors?
Although... that was essentially what he had conveyed to Naruto...
"Something like that. My situation is rather unique."
"Tch, so that's possible too?"
Kiba clicked his tongue and then gave Naruto a mischievous look.
"Naruto, I heard you want to graduate early. How about we team up?"
"Hey, you jerk, what are you thinking?!"
Naruto immediately bristled, pointing accusingly at Kitagawa Minamoto as he shouted.
"Besides, I won't copy him! I'll graduate early fair and square!"
"The version I heard differs from yours. Also, Konohagakure no longer permits early graduation, and even if they did, you probably wouldn't pass..."
Shikamaru, appearing half-asleep, glanced lazily at Naruto before shifting his attention to Kitagawa Minamoto.
"By the way, Minamoto-senpai, since you're officially a Genin now, shouldn't you be undertaking missions? What brings you here?"
"Yeah, and I heard Genin have numerous assignments."
Choji chimed in, munching contentedly on a bag of chips.
"Like pulling weeds, cleaning rivers, and other demanding tasks."
"Huh? I thought becoming a ninja meant venturing out on missions?"
Naruto gave the chubby boy a perplexed look. He was even less familiar with the ninja profession's realities.
"It's not that straightforward. Being a ninja is a challenging path."
Kitagawa Minamoto shrugged and smiled nonchalantly.
"Choji's assessment is accurate. When you first become a Genin, you must complete fundamental tasks to accumulate experience."
"Is that so?"
Naruto scratched his head, looking somewhat crestfallen. This wasn't aligned with his expectations.
"What else did you anticipate? And becoming a ninja isn't a simple feat either."
Kitagawa Minamoto shrugged again, his smile unwavering.
"Ninjas require talent. Every year, certain students drop out. Haven't you noticed?
Even if you progress beyond that stage, there's still a genuine graduation examination. Failure means retaking it.
My team exemplifies this reality. Should they fail again, they might never attain ninja status."
"That... sounds incredibly difficult?"
Naruto swallowed hard, appearing somewhat incredulous. The others, with the exception of Shikamaru, also seemed taken aback.
"What did you expect? Not just in the Land of Fire—consider Konohagakure itself. With such a substantial population, how many actually become ninjas?"
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded, his smile persistent.
"And achieving Genin status is merely the beginning. Some individuals lose their lives before even reaching Chūnin rank. Others lose their motivation after becoming Chūnin. Only a select few continue advancing.
So, the ninja path isn't to be taken lightly. For most people, not becoming a ninja is the norm. And for individuals like you and me, Genin might simply represent the culmination of our journey..."
Kitagawa Minamoto's sobering words left the group of truants in contemplative silence. For a moment, they all regretted their decision to skip class.
Especially Naruto, who had always dreamed of graduation. This marked the first time he truly grasped how challenging and unforgiving the ninja world could be.
But...
"Hmph, no matter how difficult it becomes, I'll confront it head-on!"
Naruto suddenly clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with determination.
"Regardless of obstacles, I'll become a ninja. No matter what, I'll strive to become Hokage. I will never surrender!"
"Tch, don't make such grand declarations."
Kiba instinctively retorted, though his eyes betrayed a hint of admiration for Naruto's resolve.
"Besides, you're not the only one dedicated to improvement."
"You two..."
Shikamaru rubbed his head, exasperation evident as Naruto and Kiba veered off-topic.
Fortunately, Choji maintained focus. Still enjoying his chips, he inquired curiously.
"But Minamoto-senpai, you appear remarkably composed. Are you among those who believe 'Genin is the end'?"
"Well..."
Kitagawa Minamoto tilted his head thoughtfully, then broke into a mischievous grin.
"Actually, I might be departing the village for a mission tomorrow. Who has time for those basic assignments?"
"What?!"
Naruto and his companions' eyes widened in astonishment. This contradicted everything he had just explained!
"As for 'Genin is the end,' that applies to others. My personal objective is fame and fortune!"
"...."
.....