I’m Not Naruto, But I Got a Better Bloodline

Watching Jiraiya's back as he walked away, Gen deactivated Sage Mode with a faint smile.

He was in an exceptionally good mood—after all, he could finally use his Byakugan openly and without restraint!

"And honestly, the materials the Third Hokage gave me were incredibly helpful, too."

[Name: Kitagawa Gen]

[Age: 13]

[Bloodline: Ōtsutsuki Clan (Development Level: 24%)]

[Chakra Reserves: SS (Upper High-Kage Level)]

[Chakra Natures: Water, Fire, Earth, Lightning, Wind, Yin, Yang]

[Special Skill: Ice Release]

Looking at his own status screen, Gen felt deeply satisfied. His theory had been right—tapping further into natural energy was helping to elevate his bloodline.

He was even curious whether Hashirama had gained his Sage powers through Shikkotsu Forest—or if it had been the result of being Asura's reincarnation.

But ultimately, that didn't matter much. The fact that he dared to use it openly was proof enough—this shinobi world was indeed full of talent.

"At worst, I could always bring Jiraiya to investigate Anko, right?"

He hadn't forgotten—there was still a mark on Anko's neck. And there was no way he believed Hiruzen and the others hadn't examined it.

"Now that Sage Mode has been 'cleared up,' I can finally put my attention back on bloodline development."

Being able to freely use his dojutsu—and combine it with Sage Mode—he felt his current power was downright absurd.

But no matter how strong he became, continuous learning and improvement were essential. Forget the Ōtsutsuki disasters—there were already plenty of examples of Naruto and Sasuke getting overwhelmed.

He had to max out his combat experience and technical skills. There could be no room for complacency.

"Tailed Beast chakra, Kekkei Genkai... These are all my goals. I really need to pick up the pace."

As he muttered to himself, Kitagawa Gen raised his head and looked toward the sky.

With his bloodline advancing, his perception of what was above was gradually sharpening. That super energy cannon had been waiting for him all along.

Both his eyes and his bones had never stopped absorbing his chakra. However, while the absorption through his eyes was accelerating, his bones had been far less responsive.

Sure, it had made his body steadily stronger, but aside from that, no major changes had surfaced.

Fortunately, Gen didn't mind. He understood that the upper limits of his bone powers were likely beyond what he could handle right now.

Pushing it prematurely might land him on the same path as Kimimaro.

His eyes, on the other hand, were performing remarkably. The rate at which they were drawing in chakra had just started rising again—clearly, another evolution was brewing.

"I've already awakened the Byakugan. Or maybe it's not exactly the Byakugan, but something similar..."

Gen rubbed his chin, falling into deep thought.

"What's the next step? Could it be... the Tenseigan?"

He wasn't sure. But he felt the odds were high. After all, the Tenseigan required three stages of fetal transformation—it wasn't the kind of power one could grasp all at once.

"I've still got a long road ahead of me..."

Just as Gen was lost in thought, in the Land of Rain, atop the head of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, Pain suddenly opened his eyes.

All around, chakra-projected silhouettes began to emerge on the palms encircling him.

Sweeping his gaze across them, he finally spoke in a calm voice: "Since everyone's here, let's begin the meeting."

...

Akatsuki held regular meetings to keep everyone updated on each member's current status.

This was Hidan's first time attending such a meeting. He glanced around with curiosity—then quickly lost interest.

"Che, attending something like this is a waste. I'd be better off saying more prayers. Hey, Kakuzu, where's that guy?"

"Shut up."

Kakuzu shot him a glare. Thanks to the persuasive power of money, he had decided to give Uchiha Obito's words some consideration.

That walking gold coin really did offer quite a lot—and Kakuzu had no reason to turn down money.

"But it's true, looks like someone is missing."

After scanning the room, Kakuzu frowned slightly.

"We have a new recruit—Hidan, a missing-nin from the Hidden Hot Water Village," said Nagato, speaking through Pain without paying any attention to Hidan's antics.

"And one more thing. Biwa Jūzō is dead. From now on, Uchiha Itachi, you'll be partnered with Kisame."

"I have no problem with that," said Kisame with a toothy grin, looking entirely unfazed. Uchiha Itachi simply nodded coldly in agreement.

The two had previously been assigned a mission to travel to Kirigakure—not just to earn money, but also to assess the current state of the village.

Unfortunately, they had run into the Fourth Mizukage.

That Mizukage seemed to harbor some grudge against them—he attacked on sight, no questions asked!

The outcome? Biwa Jūzō had, in a sense, returned to his homeland in spirit.

"Another missing-nin from Kirigakure?"

Itachi couldn't help but wonder if he was somehow fated to cross paths with these Kirigakure defectors. One dies, and another shows up?

"Besides that," Pain continued, seeing no objections from the two, "we need more funds and additional personnel to prepare for our future plans."

"That means more missions—and more recruitment. If any of you have suggestions or people to recommend, speak now."

"No recommendations, but I do have something to say."

Seeing that no one else was speaking, Kakuzu stepped forward.

"There's a kid from Konoha who's been making waves. Uchiha Itachi, you've encountered him before, and since you're from Konoha, you should know more about that brat, right?"

"Who?"

Itachi's reply was as concise as ever. Kakuzu responded in a cold tone.

"A white-haired brat who can use Flying Thunder God, wields purple lightning, and has mastered the Lightning Release: Chakra Mode. That brat and I have some unfinished business."

"Purple Lightning…"

Itachi instantly recalled the boy he'd seen with Kakashi last time.

Had that boy really grown this much?

Not only had he mastered Flying Thunder God, but also the Chakra Mode?

But wasn't he black-haired? When did he turn white-haired?

Though his mind filled with questions, he simply shook his head.

"I already reported everything I knew last time. I don't know anything more."

"What, you got bested by some brat?"

Sasori, not far away, overheard them and looked over with a sneer.

"You're really going backward as you get older."

"Hmph. Let's see what you say when you meet him yourself."

Kakuzu turned toward Sasori and suddenly smiled.

"By the way—you do know that brat is with Hatake Kakashi, right? So do you know Kakashi gave him a certain blade?"

"…"

Sasori's expression began to shift, and Kakuzu pressed on.

"The original owner of that blade… was the White Fang of the Leaf. The one who—"

"Do you have a death wish?"

"Try me."

In just a few words, the atmosphere in the meeting hall turned hostile.

"That's enough. This isn't the place for your bickering. Don't forget the rules of the organization."

Fortunately, Pain stepped in at just the right moment. His authority was absolute, and the room immediately fell silent.

"That kid is dangerous. I'd advise all of you to be cautious," said the shadowy figure of Black Zetsu, finally speaking.

He glanced over the group, pausing before continuing.

"He's only thirteen or fourteen now. Who knows what he might become in the future? For now, let's return to the matter of recruitment."

Black Zetsu had his own plans—he genuinely wanted to test out the situation with Kitagawa Gen. After all, that kid was seriously absurd.

"As for recruitment, there's a promising young man in Iwagakure. He's Ōnoki's disciple, but due to some personality issues, he currently lives outside the village. This is our opportunity."

"Ōnoki's disciple? Worth trying. If he became Ōnoki's student, his strength must be sufficient."

Pain pondered for a moment and then gave a small nod.

"But we must proceed cautiously. Iwagakure is one of our major clients—we can't let them find out."

"Uchiha Itachi, Kisame—you two will go. Sasori, ever since Orochimaru left, you've been without a partner. Go with them."

"No problem."

All three nodded without objection.

"Then this meeting is adjourned."

With those words, Pain simply leapt down and left. Black Zetsu's projection vanished as well—he had plans to go 'fishing'.

"Where are you? I'll come find you," Kisame asked, turning to Uchiha Itachi.

"I'm at a village near the Iwagakure border. Come find me there," Itachi replied casually.

"Hey, wait a second!"

Just as Itachi was about to 'log off', Hidan suddenly called out, causing him to frown.

"What is it?"

"You're from Konoha, right? Then you must know that guy Might Guy, yeah?"

Hidan peered at Itachi with curiosity as he asked.

"I do. He's a very capable shinobi."

Itachi found the question odd but still nodded. What followed, however, left him at a loss.

"Good. I heard he was the dead last in his class—second to last in Konoha, right?"

"...So?"

"So, who was the actual last-place idiot in that class?"

"..."

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