Chapter 44: The Unique Traits of the Ōtsutsuki Bloodline
With Kakashi on the road to recovery, Kitagawa Gen's life gradually returned to a more regular rhythm.
Maybe it was because Gen had voiced his desire to apply for the Chūnin Exams, but Kakashi had begun actively dragging him along for missions—mostly simple ones near the borders of the Hidden Leaf due to the current tensions with the Hidden Mist. High-level assignments were off the table for now.
Still, Kakashi seemed worried Gen would get bored, so alongside teaching him essential shinobi knowledge, he'd also been passing down a variety of jutsu.
It was like laying the foundation for Gen's future redemption arc.
"You're a quick learner, aren't you?"
At a training field in Konoha, Kakashi sat down next to Gen with a two-stick popsicle in hand. Breaking it in half, he handed one piece over.
"But seriously, why are you learning so many jutsu? I think you should focus more on mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique. Or at least try expanding on that purple lightning of yours."
Speaking of Purple Lightning… Kakashi always felt a little conflicted about it. That technique seemed far too well-suited for him.
It was like an upgraded version of Chidori—blending offense and defense seamlessly. If it weren't for the increasing chakra toll from his Sharingan, he might've considered learning it himself.
"I am expanding on it," Gen replied casually, taking the offered popsicle.
"But I agree—the Flying Thunder God Technique is my top priority for now."
"Then why keep learning more jutsu?"
"Just broadening my horizons. They're not that hard to learn."
Not that hard...
Kakashi felt an overwhelming urge to stay silent. He had a Sharingan—an eye specifically made for copying jutsu—and even he had needed years to collect the thousands of techniques he knew.
Gen hadn't learned that many or been all over the place with his focus. He mostly concentrated on three chakra natures: Lightning, Fire, and Earth. Still, his learning speed was jaw-dropping. There were moments Kakashi honestly felt the title "Copy Ninja" might suit this kid better.
After all, Gen had literally copied his swordsmanship right in front of his face.
"You're not eating?" Gen asked when he noticed Kakashi hadn't touched his popsicle. His expression turned playful. "You always wear that mask—what's the deal? You shy or something?"
"Just a habit," Kakashi replied with a shrug, sidestepping the question like a true ninja. Then he changed the subject.
"By the way, what kind of weapon do you prefer? Are you comfortable with short swords?"
"Short swords?" Gen tilted his head curiously, popsicle hanging from his lips as he stared up at the sky. Was Kakashi planning to give him that broken short blade of his?
Honestly… not a bad idea.
If he remembered right, that blade had excellent chakra conductivity. Combined with his Purple Lightning, the synergy could be great.
"I think that could work, Kakashi-sensei—"
Gen turned back, only to freeze mid-sentence. Kakashi had already buried the popsicle stick in the ground and was flipping open a volume of Make-Out Paradise.
"Wait, you finished it already?"
"Half a popsicle isn't much," Kakashi said, confused by Gen's surprise. Then he nodded as if confirming something in his head. "If you're good with short swords, I'll prepare a gift for you in a few days."
Gen hadn't been wrong—Kakashi was thinking of giving him that broken blade.
Because of the toll his Sharingan now took on him, Kakashi had shifted his fighting style. The eye that once symbolized Obito—his fallen comrade—now represented a burden, but also a promise. He had carried Obito's eye all these years, hoping to live up to the weight it represented.
Even with the recent twists in their story, that belief hadn't wavered.
To Kakashi, Obito was a hero—not some ghost wandering the world aimlessly. His Sharingan was proof of that. And now Gen, his own student, had learned his sword style. Why not pass on the blade as well?
Consider it a teacher's gift to his pupil.
"Well, it's broken, so I'll need to get it fixed first…"
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then closed his book and stood up.
"Alright. You focus on training—especially Flying Thunder God or improving your Lightning Release. I'll go take care of that gift."
"You're just gonna leave now?"
Watching Kakashi's back as he walked away, Gen gave a helpless shrug. Not that it mattered—he did need to focus more seriously.
---
[Name: Kitagawa Gen]
[Age: 13]
[Bloodline: Ōtsutsuki Clan (Development Level: 13%)]
[Chakra Capacity: S-Rank (Above average Kage level)]
Gen opened his status panel and gave it a quick scan, nodding to himself.
Even after fusing with Kimimaro's Yang Release, the increase in chakra hadn't been overwhelming. But that was only in relative terms.
He had been grinding relentlessly—even at night, he didn't slack off. His Sage training was steadily progressing, and his growth showed no signs of stopping.
"If I can push my bloodline development to 15%, my chakra reserves should increase again. And…"
He pulled out a kunai. As his chakra flowed into it, a unique marking shimmered into view.
This was where the Ōtsutsuki bloodline shined. As long as an ability aligned with their genetic traits—or they had a natural aptitude—progress became nearly instinctual. Chakra control, in particular, came to them like second nature.
And the more developed the bloodline, the stronger this effect became.
"Spatial abilities are practically Ōtsutsuki core traits. And for me, chakra control is effortless. So…"
Gen smiled as he looked at the marking etched onto the kunai. Then he shook his head.
"It's still too crude. Maybe I haven't explored it deeply enough yet…"
But if memory served, didn't Obito have a Flying Thunder God mark on his back?
The technique's markings were all interconnected—even if the designs differed slightly. He wasn't sure if it was his imagination or some truth to it, but he could feel the connection.
Last time he encountered Obito, he hadn't begun delving into spatial perception, so he missed it. But now? Things were different.
Granted, if the mark was too far, there wasn't much he could do about it.
After all, Gen was only just beginning to scrape the surface of Flying Thunder God—through sheer sweat and perseverance.
But if he were close enough?
Well, then it was a different story.
"Hm?"
Just then, his eyelid twitched—a telltale sign his system was triggering something again.
[New Side Quest Acquired]
[Slice Through the Darkness of the Shinobi World; Soar Through the Skies of Space]
Objective: Secure a mission to the Hidden Mist and make Uchiha Obito feel the power of Flying Thunder God.
"…"
Gen stared at the task, utterly dumbfounded.
After a long pause, he looked up at the towering Hokage Monument in the distance and sighed.
"You've got to be kidding me…"