Chapter 41: He's Not Like You, Yet So Much Like You
Kitagawa Gen hadn't thought too deeply about it before, but now a realization was beginning to take shape.
"Eyes in the process of forming... bones slowly transforming... put together like this…"
It might be too early to say he's turning into Ōtsutsuki Kaguya—after all, there was no eye sprouting from his forehead—but becoming something akin to Ōtsutsuki Hamura? That didn't seem far-fetched anymore.
Even if he was just a "miniature version," he was slowly becoming a "full-blooded Hyūga," or perhaps something even more complete.
"Even those guys on the moon aren't as whole as I am, right?" Kitagawa Gen couldn't help but mutter inwardly. He didn't really know what the people on the moon were like, but judging from Ōtsutsuki Toneri, it didn't seem like they had the Shikotsumyaku trait.
"Could it be that Hamura also had two sons—one who went to the moon and one who stayed in the ninja world?"
As they journeyed back to Konoha, Kitagawa Gen silently followed behind Jiraiya, lost in thought.
He had also started noticing another detail: his Yin Release came from Uchiha Obito, his Yang Release from Kimimaro—yet in the end, both paths were converging toward the same destination.
Maybe, for the Ōtsutsuki clan, Yin and Yang Release weren't fundamentally different after all.
"What's on your mind, kid?"
Jiraiya finally noticed how uncharacteristically quiet Kitagawa Gen had been, and turned his head, asking curiously, "You haven't said a word this whole time."
"I was just thinking about soaking in a proper hot spring once we get back to Konoha," Kitagawa Gen replied, collecting himself with a shrug and a sigh. "I didn't even get to enjoy one back in the Land of Hot Water."
"Hey now, that wasn't my rule. Don't blame me for that one," Jiraiya huffed, then quickly changed the subject.
"Anyway, speaking of your skills—you're impressive, kid. That Purple Lightning of yours is something else. Extreme shape and elemental transformation… that level of control? Even someone like me—or even Minato—might not be able to match it. Honestly, I'm starting to think you really could learn the Flying Thunder God technique."
Jiraiya had seen Kitagawa Gen's Purple Lightning before, back when they confronted Uchiha Obito, but it had been over in a flash. This time, during their clash with Orochimaru, he'd paid more attention and was genuinely impressed.
The precision and control were on another level.
"You really do have a knack for awkward topic shifts..." Kitagawa Gen raised an eyebrow but played along. "Maybe. But the Flying Thunder God has crazy high requirements—not just chakra control, but also physical capabilities."
"Sounds like you've been looking into it," Jiraiya chuckled and continued seriously. "You're right. The technique demands insane reflexes and coordination. After all, you're teleporting right into your enemy's face for a kill shot. If you can't keep your balance or react fast enough, you'll either crash-land or get skewered on someone's kunai. That's just suicide."
Kitagawa Gen nodded. Without the necessary physical prowess and reaction time, Flying Thunder God was definitely more hazard than help.
"But physical stats can be trained," Jiraiya added. "Even reflexes can be honed. The real issue is chakra control. That's not so easy to improve. It's a matter of sensitivity—and there's only so much training can do to match someone born with it. Even the smallest error during a teleportation can be fatal."
"You, on the other hand, have a natural edge. Don't waste it."
"I see..." Kitagawa Gen nodded modestly. Chakra control, of all things, was the least of his worries. He even discovered a new way to sense space itself—maybe he'd be ready to try some real experiments once he got back.
Though I remember… the Fourth Hokage's version of the Flying Thunder God was quite different from the Second's…
Though it was the same technique in name, the Fourth had clearly taken it much further. Under his control, the Flying Thunder God was no longer just a teleportation technique—it was practically a space-time barrier technique.
"Come to think of it, why didn't you tell me about all this earlier?" Kitagawa Gen asked, raising an eyebrow. "Did the Fourth leave behind notes or something?"
"Of course. I don't know the jutsu myself," Jiraiya shrugged, totally unfazed. "I didn't bring it up earlier because I didn't want to distract you. Every technique should be learned step by step. Focus on the basics first—then we talk about the fancy stuff."
"Well, if you had told me earlier, maybe I'd have learned it by now."
"Yeah, yeah, keep dreaming, kid. You think Flying Thunder God is something you just pick up overnight?"
"And what about those 'special techniques' you promised to teach me? Haven't seen much of those either."
"Hey! You're the one who refused to learn the Toad Summoning from Mount Myōboku. That's on you."
Their playful banter continued as they traveled, making the journey back feel surprisingly light and cheerful.
A few days later, they finally returned to Konoha. Thanks to Jiraiya's reputation, they passed through the village gates without a hitch.
"We're finally back… Didn't realize we'd been away for almost half a month," Jiraiya groaned, staring at the familiar surroundings like a man who had just lost his freedom.
"Go rest. Or check in with your teacher, Kakashi. I'll go report to the old man. What a pain."
"Sure, sure." Kitagawa Gen shrugged, grateful that hanging around these high-rank shinobi meant someone else always handled the paperwork.
But just as Jiraiya turned to leave, Kitagawa Gen suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, right—Jiraiya-sama, can I apply for the Chūnin Exams?"
"Eh? Chūnin?" Jiraiya blinked, only now remembering the kid was technically a fresh Genin.
"Talk to Kakashi. He's your direct supervisor. Let him handle it. Frankly, I don't think you even need the exams. What's the point in bullying the others?"
He wasn't joking. In Jiraiya's eyes, Kitagawa Gen already had the strength to qualify as a Chūnin. Sure, the kid had some rough edges and lacked leadership finesse, but that could all be improved under Kakashi's guidance.
Being a Chūnin required field experience and command ability—but there was no rule saying a Chūnin had to leave their original team. Even Jōnin could stick with their old groups if they wanted.
"I get it. Thanks, Jiraiya-sama."
Kitagawa Gen smiled. He was glad to hear it, but he still planned to check in with Kakashi first. After all, he remembered how Naruto, despite being the literal savior of the world, still had to take the Chūnin Exams.
And even then, he got disqualified for using Sage Mode against Konohamaru.
I need to become a Jōnin for the main quest. Wonder what kind of reward I'll get this time. Maybe I could even be a proctor for Naruto's exam…
Grinning to himself, Kitagawa Gen gave Jiraiya a slight bow and walked off.
As he walked, a sudden thought struck him.
Come to think of it… during our mission with Orochimaru, I didn't see Kabuto at all. He should still be in Konoha, right?
Could that mean this year's Chūnin Exams were about to begin?
"That kid…" Jiraiya watched Kitagawa Gen's back as he left, chuckling softly. Then, his eyes drifted toward the Hokage Rock.
Bathed in sunlight, the four carved faces stood tall and radiant.
His gaze stopped on the last one—the youngest of the four. After a long moment, he smiled faintly.
"Minato… he's not like you… but he's so much like you."