Chapter 19: Your Dad’s Teacher, Your Dad’s Student

Chapter 19: Your Dad's Teacher, Your Dad's Student

To assemble the perfect version of the Ōtsutsuki bloodline he envisioned, Kitagawa Gen knew he needed a lot. Thankfully, most of it had already been laid out in his plans—even though the challenges were far from easy.

Now, though, his conviction was stronger than ever. He was genuinely curious—what kind of view awaited him at the peak?

"But… the chakra-nurtured eyes are developing slower than I expected. Maybe I still need to develop the bloodline further. Strange, though… I thought the Byakugan of the Ōtsutsuki clan was innate?"

After a refreshing shower, Gen stared at his handsome reflection in the mirror. Satisfied with what he saw, he couldn't help but mutter to himself.

Maybe it was because this bloodline of his was still a blank slate—everything had to start from scratch.

Still, he wasn't worried. With this bloodline as his foundation, and time on his side, he had every reason to believe he'd reach the summit.

"The advantage is mine."

In a poorly imitated foreign accent, he echoed the phrase to himself, chuckling. After getting dressed, he opened the window and leapt out.

After all, he was a ninja—might as well act like one!

"Hey! Ready? Time to go."

Landing on the windowsill of Naruto's house, Gen opened the window and casually called inside.

"You jerk! Ever heard of using a door?" Naruto jumped in surprise and complained, while Gen simply shrugged.

"You do the same thing at my place. Come on, quit whining—let's go."

"That's only because you never gave me a key!"

Naruto pouted as he stood up, carrying a cup of ramen and handing it to Gen. "Here! Congrats on completing your first mission as a ninja."

"…You're giving me this for completing my first mission?"

Gen was half amused, half exasperated. Naruto's brow twitched, and he puffed up in annoyance. "You idiot! That's a limited edition Ichiraku Ramen Cup! It's super tasty—and expensive!"

"Thanks… but keep it for yourself. When you complete your first mission, just give me your kunai as a gift instead."

Gen didn't quite understand Naruto's attachment to such an item—but he wasn't one to question others' preferences.

Besides, he noticed something interesting—Naruto had actually pinned the kunai Gen gave him to the wall, on display. Clearly, he treasured it.

Since that's the case, Gen figured he'd ask for a similar gift in return.

"But hey, you better make sure you actually become a ninja. I heard your grades… aren't great."

"You jerk! I will become a ninja—and not just any ninja, I'm gonna be Hokage!"

That single comment from Gen sent the blonde into a fiery rage, but Gen decided not to tease him further. The two quickly set off.

Before long, they arrived at the hospital gates. Naruto looked puzzled.

"Weren't we gonna eat and celebrate? Why are we at the hospital? Weren't your teammates discharged already?"

"Not them—it's my jonin instructor."

Gen had already mostly forgotten about his teammates. He shrugged.

"He got beaten into the hospital. But the person treating us is here too, so we're meeting up here."

"I… see…"

Naruto scratched his ear, feeling like this instructor of Gen's must be pretty unreliable.

Then a thought hit him, and he hesitated before asking carefully, "…Hey, me coming along won't be a problem, right?"

Gen blinked, then quickly understood what Naruto was worried about.

"Relax. You've got nothing to worry about."

He smiled. "They might seem a little off, but they're good people. I'm sure they'll like you."

"Oh… okay…"

Naruto nodded, though he still looked a little unsure.

He knew how the village saw him. Even if he didn't let it show and kept striving to be accepted, he also didn't want to bring trouble to his friend.

But this time, he didn't need to worry.

After all—one of them was his dad's teacher. And the other was his dad's student.

---

"Kakashi-sensei."

After asking around, they found Kakashi's room. Opening the door, Gen was surprised to see Guy there too.

"Guy-sensei, long time no see."

"Yo! Gen!"

Guy's eyes lit up the moment he saw him. He laughed heartily and gave Gen a strong pat on the shoulder.

"Kakashi told me—you did a great job!"

"I owe it to your teachings, Guy-sensei."

Gen was genuinely grateful. If not for Guy's brutal training, even with all his advantages, he might not have been able to handle Zabuza so smoothly.

"By the way, Guy-sensei—there's a celebration tonight for my first mission. You coming?"

"Hey hey hey, kid—I'm the one treating everyone, and you're out here acting like it's your party?"

Jiraiya walked out of the room, shooting Gen a mock glare before chuckling.

"Whatever. Kakashi's here too—if the tab gets too big, we'll just make him pay for it."

Kakashi, still on the hospital bed, said nothing—but rolled his eye in response.

Is this really how you treat your loyal readers?

But then his sharp eyes caught sight of someone behind Gen.

"…Naruto?"

"Huh?"

"...Naruto?"

Guy noticed him too and glanced between Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Gen.

Then, as if realizing something, he stepped aside with a warm smile.

Even Jiraiya froze when he heard the name.

That was the name of the protagonist in his very first novel, Tale of the Gutsy Ninja.

And more importantly… the name of his beloved disciple's child—Minato's son!

Could it be…?

"Yeah, Naruto."

Gen smiled and pulled the hesitant blonde from behind him.

"Didn't you say I could bring friends? This guy's my neighbor. We basically grew up together. He's my friend."

"…Friend, huh…"

Jiraiya looked slightly taken aback. Even if he'd been away from the village, he knew Naruto's life hadn't been easy.

That was just how the village treated Jinchūriki.

They believed that only by forcing them to grow up in hardship could they develop the mental strength to control their tailed beasts.

Jiraiya never liked that idea. Maybe that's why he stayed away so often.

He had considered secretly checking on Naruto this time…

But to think Gen just brought him here outright—and as a friend?

"Yeah, this kid's a bit of a doofus. And the village, well…"

Gen smiled, pulling Naruto up to Jiraiya.

"But Kakashi-sensei told me things aren't quite what they seem. And I've known this guy for years—never saw anything wrong with him. So, we're friends."

"…You're the doofus…"

Naruto grumbled, tugging Gen's sleeve. But thinking about all the ramen Gen had conned out of him over the years, he sighed in defeat.

"...Naruto, huh?"

Jiraiya suddenly crouched down, placing a hand on Naruto's spiky blond hair.

He carefully studied Naruto's face.

Those blue eyes… that golden hair… for a moment, Jiraiya was transported back in time.

He saw the image of Minato.

Time had flown by so quickly. It felt like just yesterday he met Minato for the first time.

Now, his son was already this grown.

It took a while, but Jiraiya finally smiled.

"…That really is a great name."