Chapter 32: Ten Percent!
"This is..."
Kitagawa Gen felt his entire body burning up with energy, leaving him momentarily stunned.
He knew exactly what was happening—he had experienced this sensation multiple times already.
"Spatial abilities... are really tied to the bloodline?"
Although he'd long suspected this, feeling the tangible change brought by it left him a bit dazed.
What doesn't this bloodline come with, seriously?
"Now that I think about it, these guys could travel the cosmos with just their bodies, searching for habitable planets. Their space manipulation is probably as innate as their flight abilities…"
With that thought, Gen didn't even know what to say anymore.
But he was starting to understand more and more why the Ōtsutsuki clan, despite being absurdly powerful, kept getting outmaneuvered by the so-called "little monkeys" they looked down on.
"It's because they're too strong. They never needed to think things through—they just steamrolled everything. So when they finally faced someone using strategy and intellect…"
It was like dinosaurs: apex predators who could feast on anything, spending their days just chomping down on other dinosaurs. They never had to evolve brains—it was just wasted energy. The Ōtsutsuki clan could crush everything in their path, so why bother learning or innovating?
Shaking his head, Kitagawa Gen waited for the heat in his body to subside. Once it did, he immediately pulled up his status panel.
---
Name: Kitagawa Gen
Age: 13
Bloodline: Ōtsutsuki Clan (Development: 10%)
Chakra Reserves: S (Kage-level average)
---
Looking at the updated stats, Gen pursed his lips thoughtfully.
"Comprehending spatial power actually bumped it up 2%... So now I'm officially a 'Ten Percent Ōtsutsuki,' huh?"
Still, just 10% bloodline development gave him such an insane chakra reserve. He couldn't help but look forward to what came next.
He understood that among ninjas—or rather, humans—chakra capacity was typically quite limited.
Only a handful had reserves that surpassed normal expectations. Take Kisame, for example—his chakra levels were practically on par with a Tailed Beast.
"Then there's Hashirama Senju and Uchiha Madara... They probably did reach—or even surpass—Tailed Beast levels."
Hashirama, in particular, was just absurd. His uniqueness was jaw-dropping.
The endless war between Indra and Asura's descendants was supposed to play out with the Asura side teaming up with Tailed Beasts and everyone else to fight Indra's forces.
But Hashirama?
Sure, he teamed up with people—but he soloed Madara.
And the Tailed Beasts? He sealed them, tamed them, even sold them. He didn't need help at all!
It wasn't until Naruto came along that the cycle returned to something resembling "normal."
Saying Hashirama surpassed Asura? Gen would absolutely believe it.
And Uchiha Madara? He was the only one who left even Hashirama exhausted and battered.
"So… is this system rating me based on human standards, or something else entirely?"
Either way, Gen didn't really care anymore—as long as he could keep developing, that was all that mattered!
"The more I unlock, the more my body improves. My perception, my physical strength—it's all increasing. Especially my eyes..."
He rubbed his eyes, feeling the rush of chakra surge even faster after this latest upgrade.
Maybe soon... he'd develop new eyes of his own.
---
"Hey, Gen? What're you doing here?"
Just as he was lost in thought, a familiar voice called out. Gen didn't even bother looking up, casually replying:
"I noticed you earlier. I was wondering what you were doing here, Naruto."
Turning around, he saw Naruto staring at him with that trademark goofy curiosity.
"Aren't you supposed to be in class?"
"Dude, class ended already!"
Naruto looked at him with a mix of exasperation and amusement.
"What the heck are you doing? Lost track of time or what?"
"I'm training hard. Unlike some people," Gen said with a grin, standing up and stretching.
"But since class is done... how about some ramen? I'm starving."
"You bastard! You're trying to scam me again!"
Naruto groaned. This wasn't the first time Gen had used that excuse.
Still, he followed along naturally, even as a thought popped into his head, making him twitch.
"Also, you jerk! What kind of technique did you teach me?! Sasuke called me a pervert because of it—unbelievable!"
"Huh?"
Gen blinked in confusion. "Sasuke? You were practicing the Sexy Jutsu—how did Sasuke get involved?"
"Sexy Jutsu?! Great, you even named it! You're definitely a pervert!"
"Stick to the point."
"I don't even know! He kept following me around to see what I was doing, then I tried it a few times and he yelled at me, called me disgusting, and stormed off!"
"..."
Gen looked at Naruto's indignant face, unsure what to say.
Just because you like pranks doesn't mean others can handle them—especially something like the Sexy Jutsu.
"Wait. You said you tried it a few times... it worked?"
"Not exactly. Still needs tweaking," Naruto said, clearly frustrated. "Can't believe I trusted you."
"Not bad, then," Gen said with a smirk, patting Naruto on the shoulder.
"My treat today. Show me what you've got—I'll give you some feedback."
"Why does it feel like you're up to something..."
"Nonsense. I trained with Master Jiraiya for days. I know what his type is—trust me on this."
Gen silently decided to find a camera later.
A recorded performance of the Seventh Hokage's early Sexy Jutsu trials? Pure gold. Blackmail material, for sure.
One day, if Naruto pissed him off, he could just whisper: "You wouldn't want these pictures getting out, would you?"
The two bickered the whole way to Ichiraku, laughing like idiots.
But just as they neared the ramen stand, Gen suddenly frowned.
Something felt... off.
He turned his head—and saw a girl with pale white eyes staring at him with the same confused look...
---
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Office—
"Old man, let me handle this mission!"
Jiraiya slammed his hands on the desk, clearly fired up.
"I already planned to assign it to you," Hiruzen said, scratching his ear, wincing from the volume.
"But I have one condition."
"Name it."
"Take Gen with you."
"What?"
Jiraiya looked confused. What the heck was the kid coming for?
But he wasn't stupid—after a moment's thought, he figured it out.
"You're bringing him so I won't go overboard, huh?"
"Exactly."
Hiruzen nodded without hesitation.
"I know you've matured a lot, but the situation in Kirigakure is urgent. As for Orochimaru... I'm prioritizing intel. You and Orochimaru share a history—that's exactly why I want Gen to come along. His presence will keep you grounded. And he's not weak. If he can take on Jūzō Biwa, he's more than qualified."
Even if Gen lacked real combat experience, he could still assist and analyze effectively.
This mission could be a critical step in his growth.
Hiruzen had many flaws—his infamous solo stand during the Chūnin Exams being just one of them—but no one could deny his efforts in promoting talented civilians.
Jiraiya. Orochimaru. Even Minato Namikaze—none of them came from elite clans.
"Fine, I got it," Jiraiya muttered after some thought. "I'll take him."
"Good."
Hiruzen smiled.
"By the way—how's his Flying Thunder God training coming along?"
"Oh... that?"
Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly.
"Yeah... that's gonna take a while..."