"This mission is truly becoming a headache..."
A few days later, in an inn within the Land of Waves, Kitagawa Minamoto sat on the edge of the bed, his expression betraying concern.
Kakashi had departed to meet with their client, leaving Kitagawa Minamoto behind.
But as he studied his Status Panel, particularly the [Exclusive Quest], he couldn't suppress a growing unease.
He had accepted the quest, naturally; how could he resist the allure of rewards from his first exclusive mission?
However, the target of this assignment was almost certainly Obito Uchiha...
"The normal timeline would have me encountering him—but that's years in the future, isn't it?"
Kitagawa Minamoto remained acutely sensitive to temporal matters, especially after the [Starter Pack] had kept him waiting for thirteen years. Regardless of how generous the potential rewards, the extended delay had left him perpetually on edge.
"Perhaps I should consider alternative approaches..."
He murmured to himself, his craving for these rewards transcending ordinary desire. They might well contain the key to unlocking his bloodline potential!
Especially considering Kakashi's old friend, Obito Uchiha, represented a veritable treasure trove...
As the ninja world's "Six Paths Tailor," apart from that Sharingan, virtually nothing on him was truly his own.
Even at this stage, Obito possessed numerous valuable artifacts. If Kitagawa Minamoto could acquire just one, it might dramatically accelerate his own development.
"If only I could obtain an arm or similar appendage—that would be extraordinary!"
And if he could venture as far as exhuming a grave...
Kitagawa Minamoto dared not even contemplate the possibilities!
"But progress demands methodical advancement. Better to focus on training for now."
Suppressing his speculative thoughts, Kitagawa Minamoto rose with the intention of departing to train.
Kakashi had proven himself a reliable mentor; during their journey to the Land of Waves, he had already instructed Kitagawa Minamoto in the Chidori technique.
However, Kakashi repeatedly emphasized that this jutsu required exceptional speed and was optimally utilized in conjunction with the Sharingan.
Without these advantages, the charging sprint could create vulnerabilities for enemies to exploit, ultimately endangering the user.
Kitagawa Minamoto comprehended these limitations perfectly, but he had never intended to employ the original version of Chidori in the first place!
His ultimate objective had always been the signature technique of the Sixth Hokage, who had defeated fifty Jōnin with pure taijutsu—the ultimate jutsu, Purple Electricity...
"This locale isn't without its charms."
Traversing the bustling streets, Kitagawa Minamoto tilted his head slightly, observing the vibrant crowd.
He recognized this as one of the more prosperous districts in the Land of Waves.
Most of the country still resembled the village of bridge-builder Tazuna from his recollections—impoverished and struggling.
As he wandered, his attention was suddenly drawn to an alley bathed in crimson illumination, prompting him to reduce his pace.
"Is this... Jiraiya's preferred establishment?"
Kitagawa Minamoto blinked, his pulse quickening. Should he venture inside for a cursory inspection?
Jiraiya embodied the "anti-role model" of ninjas, and perhaps the only method to truly evaluate his philosophy was to experience his "pleasures" firsthand for an objective assessment.
"With the Transformation Technique, I might successfully infiltrate..."
Kitagawa Minamoto stroked his chin, deliberating whether to indulge his curiosity. But in the subsequent moment, his brows contracted sharply.
He detected two formidable Chakra signatures fluctuating nearby!
The Ōtsutsuki bloodline had bestowed upon him enhanced sensory capabilities, rendering him particularly attuned to such phenomena.
"Who could possess such power..."
He contemplated silently, affecting nonchalance as he pivoted away. With a swift glance, he immediately lowered his gaze.
But his expression grew increasingly complex, for he had glimpsed two figures adorned in black cloaks embellished with crimson clouds!
And at that precise moment, his System illuminated once more...
"Hey, assemble! You ninjas are utterly unreliable!"
The following day, at the designated rendezvous point in the Land of Waves.
A contingent of warriors disguised as farmers regarded Kakashi and Kitagawa Minamoto, who had arrived precisely on schedule, with evident disdain. Their leader addressed them with undisguised contempt.
"You're tardy, and conspicuously so! Are you even qualified shinobi? And your services are exorbitantly priced..."
"First and foremost, we are indeed qualified ninjas, certified by Konohagakure."
Kitagawa Minamoto arched an eyebrow at their hostile demeanor, but Kakashi maintained his composure despite the provocation, responding with detached professionalism.
"Secondly, we're not late; we arrived precisely at the appointed time for immediate departure. Finally, your compensation is modest—with greater resources, you could secure more prestigious assistance."
"You..."
Kakashi's retort visibly aggravated the assembled warriors, but he merely smiled and extracted a book from his pouch.
"Now then, weren't we scheduled to commence our journey? Let's proceed."
"Hmph, let's depart."
The warriors' leader emitted a derisive snort, then gestured for departure.
His subordinates immediately hoisted a palanquin, and the procession officially began its advance.
"Tch, such ostentatious display."
Kitagawa Minamoto observed the heavily draped palanquin, which effectively concealed the noble within from external scrutiny.
"And these individuals' attitude is genuinely vexing."
"We're simply here to execute our assignment and collect our fee—their demeanor is inconsequential."
Kakashi inclined his head, briefly assessing the warriors before returning his attention to his reading material.
"Moreover, didn't you mention encountering two exceptionally dangerous individuals? If our fortune is truly that adverse, these people might actually serve some purpose."
The previous evening, upon returning to their accommodations, Kitagawa Minamoto had elaborated on the situation to Kakashi in considerable detail.
Though he couldn't divulge excessive information, the mere mention of two formidable ninjas had sufficed to heighten Kakashi's vigilance.
"Valid observation, though depending on their assistance seems futile."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded, then shook his head pensively.
"Kakashi-sensei, did you request reinforcements from the village? Those two individuals might exceed our capacity to confront effectively."
Although he had glimpsed them only briefly amidst the crowd, the distinctive attire of the Akatsuki was unmistakable.
As for their specific identities...
It scarcely mattered—they were all formidable adversaries, and at present, he felt genuinely unprepared for such a confrontation.
Especially after careful consideration, he believed he had identified a pattern.
"Palanquin, warriors masquerading as farmers—this scenario bears an uncanny resemblance to the mission involving Jūzō Biwa and Itachi Uchiha."
But if these were indeed the individuals in question...
Kitagawa Minamoto suddenly conceived a strategy, though he couldn't help but glance apprehensively at Kakashi.
He vividly recalled that Itachi Uchiha had once effortlessly incapacitated Kakashi, though that outcome had largely resulted from Kakashi's limited understanding of the Mangekyō Sharingan.
And it was precisely this encounter that eventually facilitated Kakashi's acquisition of Kamui three years later!
With this realization, Kitagawa Minamoto's eyes gleamed with renewed determination.
This mission demanded completion—and he had already formulated a plan!
"Don't be concerned, nothing untoward will transpire."
Observing Kitagawa Minamoto's pensive silence, Kakashi's visible eye curved into its characteristic crescent.
"I'll ensure your safety. But incidentally, how progresses your mastery of Lightning Release?"
"It's developing satisfactorily."
Having organized his thoughts, Kitagawa Minamoto's countenance brightened with a genuine smile.
"However, I've encountered certain obstacles. Since I cannot utilize it in your manner, Kakashi-sensei, I'm concentrating more intensively on shape transformation and nature transformation..."
The two proceeded at the rear of the formation, exchanging theoretical concepts as they advanced.
With Kakashi's profound understanding of Lightning Release and the inherent advantages of the Ōtsutsuki bloodline, Kitagawa Minamoto had developed a comprehensive conceptualization of Purple Electricity.
In his assessment, Purple Electricity shared fundamental similarities with Kumogakure's Black Lightning, both representing the culmination of maximizing a single elemental transformation's potential.
Even Sasuke's Chidori Sharp Spear could be interpreted as an experiment in shape transformation, though Sasuke hadn't needed to explore this avenue extensively due to his Sharingan's advantages.
Kakashi, having subsequently lost his Sharingan, had invested considerable effort in perfecting this technique.
In the future, his mastery would definitively validate Kitagawa Minamoto's hypothesis.
For the present, Kitagawa Minamoto's objective was to ensure Kakashi comprehended his methodological approach. Whether Kakashi could provide substantive assistance was secondary; at minimum, he needed to establish the technique's theoretical foundation.
"Your conceptualization is exceptional, but its practical implementation presents extraordinary challenges."
Kakashi thoughtfully stroked his chin, offering his professional assessment.
"Even the Third Raikage only managed to develop a rudimentary prototype. Should you successfully complete this endeavor, you'll establish an unprecedented precedent."
"I've already formulated several promising approaches..."
Kitagawa Minamoto smiled, but before he could elaborate further, his expression abruptly tensed.
Not only him—Kakashi simultaneously raised his head, directing his gaze forward.
At that precise moment, two figures clad in black cloaks adorned with crimson clouds materialized in the distance!
"Oh, two Konoha ninjas, is it?"
"Kakashi-senpai, it's been quite some time..."
[TN-Final: Original Term - "紫电" - Final Translation: "Purple Electricity" - Justification: This is Kakashi's signature Lightning Release technique developed after losing his Sharingan, officially translated as "Purple Electricity" in canonical materials.]