Kitagawa Minamoto had developed a fairly good relationship with Naruto over time.
After all, they lived in the same neighborhood, their apartments were of similar style, and they were both orphans.
Moreover, as a transmigrator, Kitagawa Minamoto naturally harbored no ill will toward Naruto.
Over time, they had become quite familiar with each other.
Initially, Kitagawa had been somewhat apprehensive, aware that Naruto was likely under surveillance by ANBU and possibly even Root operatives.
But after spending some time with him, he realized that no one had come to interfere, which put his mind at ease.
"After all, I'm still young, and my background should be spotless. I'm definitely not an Uchiha, so what's there to be afraid of?"
Even if he were an Uchiha, Sasuke and Naruto were already classmates.
Besides, Naruto was genuinely well-funded; his allowance was far from meager.
Although the villagers harbored animosity toward him and occasionally refused to sell him goods, forcing him to buy in bulk and store everything at home.
Eventually, things would spoil...
Additionally, Naruto had a particular fondness for purchasing "limited edition" ramen, which wasn't exactly cheap.
While Kitagawa Minamoto wasn't impoverished by any means, he wasn't about to pass up opportunities presented by such a "big spender."
"And I have to thank that kid for showing me what to do..."
Back at his apartment, Kitagawa Minamoto flopped onto his bed, reflecting on the strange sensation he'd experienced when meeting Naruto.
He understood the fundamental composition of Ōtsutsuki power, but his own bloodline was a blank slate, which complicated matters considerably.
If he had been an Uchiha, his path would have been clearer. Even as a Hyūga, he could have sought out the moon passage and waited for the opportune moment to act decisively...
But now, having encountered Naruto, he found that the power within the boy inexplicably resonated with him, stimulating new lines of thought.
"Since it's a blank slate, its compatibility and adaptability should be greater, so..."
Why not gather all powers potentially related to the Ōtsutsuki?
For instance, the chakra of Indra and Asura?
Indeed, Indra and Asura's powers were mutations derived from the power Kaguya Ōtsutsuki had gained after consuming the God Tree's fruit.
But weren't they still part of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's lineage?
And the Tailed Beasts, which originated from the Ten-Tails—wasn't the Ten-Tails essentially a pet of the Ōtsutsuki clan?
"Even the Kaguya clan, with their Uchiha-like traits and bodily focus similar to the Senju..."
Kitagawa Minamoto wasn't certain if the Kaguya clan counted as descendants of the Sage of Six Paths, but since the Hyūga were descendants of Hamura Ōtsutsuki, there had to be a clan inheriting exceptional physical prowess, right?
Moreover, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki had wielded the fearsome All-Killing Ash Bones.
As for the Byakugan...
"Perhaps if I develop my bloodline properly, I can awaken it naturally?"
Initially, Kitagawa Minamoto had worried that if he awakened the Byakugan, he'd end up being labeled as "Hyūga Minamoto."
But he was both relieved and somewhat disappointed that no such transformation had occurred.
Perhaps his bloodline development was insufficient, or maybe he needed to acquire powers from others...
"So, it's fairly clear what I need to do."
With this thought, Kitagawa Minamoto nodded to himself, now merely waiting for Kakashi to take him out on missions.
After all, only by venturing outside the village could he encounter more people and obtain higher-level Side Quests suitable for his abilities!
However, the very next day...
"What do you mean, Kakashi-sensei, when you say you haven't thought it through?"
Early in the morning, at a training ground in Konohagakure, Kitagawa Minamoto stared at Kakashi in disbelief.
"You're not serious, are you?"
"No need to look so surprised."
Kakashi, with his characteristically disinterested gaze, ran a hand through his unruly white hair before spreading his hands in a gesture of helplessness.
"Your situation is somewhat unique. Based on your performance yesterday, starting with D-rank missions is clearly inappropriate, and I haven't devised alternative tasks yet. Don't forget, I've only just left the ANBU."
Kakashi wasn't being dishonest; it was indeed his first time serving as a Jōnin instructor after leaving the ANBU, so he was somewhat out of his element.
However, what he omitted was...
He had spent the early morning standing at the Memorial Stone, his thoughts far from teaching strategies.
Of course, he did have his own plans.
"Then... why not follow your previous approach?"
Kitagawa Minamoto, eager for "progress," frowned as he posed the question.
"My circumstances back then were exceptional; we were already at war, unlike the present situation."
Kakashi shrugged, prompting Kitagawa Minamoto to roll his eyes.
"What's the difference? Aren't shinobi supposed to accept missions and engage in combat, earning revenue for the village?"
"While that understanding isn't entirely incorrect, it's somewhat extreme..."
Kakashi's eye twitched, but Kitagawa Minamoto remained undeterred. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully and continued.
"I've heard from merchants visiting the village that a wealthy businessman named Gatō plans to forcibly control trade throughout the Land of Waves. Why don't we..."
As he spoke, he formed a hand seal and pulled his hands apart in a dramatic gesture.
"This way, we could seize his assets and bring prosperity to the village!"
"......"
Kakashi's visible eye widened, and for a moment, he wondered if he was being deceived.
Could it be that those two students drawing weapons against each other yesterday hadn't acted without reason?
"No, your proposal is far too extreme! Without a formal mission assignment, we cannot act so recklessly, understand?"
"Yes, yes..."
Kitagawa Minamoto pressed his lips together, contemplating whether to issue a mission request himself to get them out of the village.
But alas, he lacked the necessary funds, and missions were officially recorded, so he reluctantly abandoned the idea.
"This kid..."
While Kitagawa Minamoto was troubled by his predicament, Kakashi found himself equally perplexed, realizing that mentoring students was more challenging than he had anticipated.
Though this boy indeed possessed the "Will of Fire"—even when contemplating robbery, he was considering the village's welfare—his approach was far too extreme!
Kakashi sensed he had a long road ahead; he must guide this student properly!
"Forget about all these outlandish schemes. I'll teach you something fundamental first."
"Oh..."
Kitagawa Minamoto appeared somewhat dejected but nodded nonetheless.
"Based on your performance in yesterday's battle, you seem to have acquired a fair understanding of Fire Release and Earth Release from Guy."
Kakashi recalled the previous day's confrontation and rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he spoke.
"In that case, I'll teach you an Earth Release ninjutsu!"
"....."
What? A Fire Country ninja voluntarily teaching Earth Release?
Kitagawa Minamoto pressed his lips together, but then suddenly noticed a new quest notification.
[New Side Quest Obtained]
Objective: Who Is the True Copy Ninja?
Accept Task?
"A shinobi's life isn't solely about combat; I'll teach you a defensive technique first."
While Kitagawa Minamoto deliberated whether to accept the quest, Kakashi continued, deliberately slowing his hand seal sequence to ensure his student could observe clearly.
After performing a series of complex hand seals, he pressed both palms against the ground.
"With this technique, you can better protect your comrades. Earth Release: Earth Style Wall!"
As chakra surged through the ground, the earth suddenly trembled, and a moment later, a solid wall of earth rose before them.
"Did you catch all that?"
Having completed the demonstration, Kakashi stood up, casually extracting a copy of "Make-Out Paradise" from his pocket as he spoke with apparent indifference.
"Study it diligently; the path of a shinobi is long, and this technique isn't particularly difficult..."
"It really isn't difficult."
Before Kakashi could finish speaking, Kitagawa Minamoto nodded and began forming hand seals.
"Thank you, Kakashi-sensei, for slowing down your movements. It suits my learning style perfectly, so..."
As he spoke, Kitagawa Minamoto mimicked Kakashi's posture, pressing his hands against the ground as his chakra surged.
"Earth Release: Earth Style Wall!"
The grass on the training ground trembled violently!
Under Kakashi's astonished gaze, an earth wall of comparable size to his own creation rose from the ground!
"This...."
Kakashi murmured under his breath, but then Kitagawa Minamoto spoke quietly.
"And this technique, I believe I can refine it further, like..."
More refined?
Kakashi was momentarily stunned, but before he could respond, he was amazed to discover that the Earth Style Wall had indeed transformed!
With another surge of chakra, the faces of past Hokages materialized on the wall's surface?
This ninjutsu...
Could be used like this?
....