Garp sighed deeply and looked at the mass gathering behind him.
Minato and Kushina had decided to reseal the Nine-Tails back into Kushina, but her vitality had been severely depleted by the extraction process. As things stood, she might not even withstand the resealing process.
So, Minato decided to become the Jinchuriki himself. He may not have the Uzumaki physique that had become a precedent for Konoha's Jinchuriki, but that was never an issue anyway.
Garp watched the scene in awe.
'How can a beast so large be sealed in a human body?'
'Chakra, huh? What a fascinating power!!'
"Thank you, Garp-san. I am glad I commissioned that mission. If not for you, today might have been disastrous." Minato's smile held a deep gratitude and awe toward the old man.
After all, this man had single-handedly subdued the Nine-Tails with his fists alone!
"Bwahahaha! Brat, no need to be formal. This is just what I was expected to do." Garp was still as easy-going as ever.
As he was about to speak, a squad of shinobi flickered before them.
Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Akimichi Torifu.
Koharu Utatane.
Homura Mitokado.
Shikamaru Nara.
Yamanaka Inoichi.
Yuhi Shinku.
Garp's eyes narrowed as he withdrew his Observation Haki and looked at Minato with a deep gaze.
"I am being recalled by the guild. Brat, looks like you have not seen the big picture yet."
His voice was full of seriousness, the likes of which Minato had never seen before.
Garp's playfulness was entirely gone from his voice.
"You may love this village and may have become the leader. But, as far as I can see, there are hyenas and snakes staring at you, waiting for you to falter."
Sarutobi Hiruzen, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane's faces changed drastically as they heard Garp's words.
Koharu wanted to say something, but Garp turned and stared at her face with complete seriousness.
She froze instantly, feeling as if another tailed beast had stared directly into her soul.
"Brat, you may be a little like a son to the villagers, but if you keep showing mercy and keep bowing to the insufferable, your vision and your kindness may one day be the downfall of your loved ones.
Think about my words carefully. It would be a shame if I can't play with your son the next time I come to this world."
Minato was greatly shaken as he heard Garp's voice. He knew about the Third Hokage and his cohort's love for power, but it seemed the matters were much more serious than he had made them out to be.
The seriousness in Garp's face disappeared, and the goofy playfulness once again filled his voice.
"Bwahahaha! So long, then! I am going back!"
He clutched the gem given to him by Minerva and disappeared with a flash.
Nexus Guild, One Piece World.
Garp appeared in a flash and looked around at Kitse in confusion.
"Oi, brat. Didn't you say that the guild master of that branch would evaluate my mission? Why am I back here?"
Kitse looked at the old man and scoffed in disdain.
"Minerva has already sent her evaluation, and her rewards have also been updated. Since this is your first mission and you have performed better than expected, you can choose one of three rewards."
"Oh?" Garp's interest was piqued instantly.
Kitse waved his hands, and another sheet of paper landed in Garp's hand without him noticing.
His eyes widened a bit, but he focused his attention on the sheet instead.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
NEXUS GUILD - MISSION REWARDS
Mission: The Fourth Hokage's Unease (Complete)
Mission Evaluation: A-Tier
Reward Selection:
The participant may choose one of the following rewards upon successful completion of the mission.
1. Genesis Vitality Pill
A rare pill containing concentrated life essence.
Upon consumption, the pill restores the user's physique toward its natural physical peak, repairs accumulated bodily damage, and greatly enhances vitality.
Repeated use is ineffective. The pill's effects are permanent.
2. Titan's Bloodline
A powerful bloodline enhancement that strengthens the fundamental structure of the user's body.
The user's muscles, bones, tendons, and organs are enhanced, greatly increasing physical durability, resilience, and the body's ability to withstand extreme exertion.
The enhancement does not directly increase the user's existing energy or combat techniques.
3. Eight Inner Gates (Haki Version) - First Four Gates
A modified version of the Eight Inner Gates adapted to function through the user's Haki and physical constitution.
The first four Gates may be opened sequentially, temporarily removing the body's natural limitations and allowing the user to draw out increasingly greater levels of physical power.
Unlike the traditional technique, this version is compatible with Haki and is designed to reduce the damage caused by the Gates.
Higher Gates remain inaccessible.
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Garp's breathing grew hurried as he looked at the rewards in front of him.
The jade given by Minerva had the information on the Eight Inner Gates. He knew exactly what kind of monstrosity it was. Even though it was only the first four Gates, the enhancement it provided was massive to someone at his level.
But the first two rewards were enough to steal his breath away.
He could either get a massive upgrade to his bloodline or return to his peak in an instant.
He was already an old man in his seventies. No matter how much he hid it, he knew he was getting old. But now, that would no longer matter.
"Brat, help me out."
Kitse showed a hint of appreciation towards Garp's frankness and his ability to know when to ask for help.
"I suggest you go with the Titan's Bloodline, Garp-san."
"Hmm?" Garp was surprised at the answer. He was sure Kitse would ask him to take the pill. After all, he would return to his prime and his lifespan would be extended.
Kitse gave a small smile and answered playfully.
"Titans have an average lifespan of 300 years. If you gain the bloodline of a Titan, not only will your physical attributes, but your potential will be far higher than they are now. Not only that, you will also gain a significant amount of lifespan after integrating with the Titan's blood."