Chapter 20: The Mysterious Observer
"That brat... is he the disciple of that useless Kakashi?"
The moonlight was hazy.
Uchiha Obito's figure emerged silently within the branches of a tall tree outside a small tavern in Konoha.
Draped in a dark cloak that blended seamlessly into the night, his spiral-patterned mask appeared eerie under the dim light. Crimson Sharingan eyes locked onto the tavern window with a chilling stillness.
Through the glass, he saw Kakashi, still somewhat listless, yet with a rare trace of a smile on his face.
Might Guy had one arm slung around Kakashi, chattering animatedly. Jiraiya, meanwhile, was playfully flirting with a pretty waitress.
Across from them, a handsome black-haired boy sat beside a blond-haired kid—both of them shoveling food into their mouths like they hadn't eaten in days.
Obito instantly recognized the black-haired boy. He narrowed his eyes, examining the kid more closely. After a long moment, he scoffed softly.
"Hmph. Nothing impressive at a glance."
"Well, well, Obito. Didn't think even you could misjudge someone,"
A white half-face rose beside him from a pitcher plant-like growth—Zetsu. A strange grin spread across the white side of his face.
"That kid has a massive amount of chakra. At his age, he's already way stronger than you were. At the very least, he managed to survive Kakashi's curse…"
"Shut up."
For a brief moment, Obito had the urge to snap Zetsu's neck—but he restrained himself.
Part of the reason he'd come tonight was because White Zetsu's words had gotten under his skin.
He had to see for himself—what exactly made this kid different?
Why was it that he hadn't survived back then? Why hadn't Rin?
Yet this kid had?
He didn't blame Kakashi—not really. He blamed this broken world.
But that didn't mean he could accept it.
"This brat's just lucky. Maybe he has some talent, but that's it."
"You should be careful,"
Black Zetsu, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, his tone serious as his gaze followed Kitagawa Gen.
"There's something off about his presence. I can't quite put my finger on it… but he's not normal."
Black Zetsu, a creation of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki herself, had far sharper senses than most beings alive.
Though not a full-blooded Ōtsutsuki himself, and unable to sense Gen's dormant bloodline in full, the faint disturbance was enough to pique his interest.
"Oh?"
Obito raised a brow, a glint of interest in his eyes.
"Then maybe I should test him a little. See what he's made of."
"Wait, weren't you going to check in on Sasuke? Maybe give Itachi a little warning?"
White Zetsu blinked, confused.
"Now you're changing targets?"
"This won't get in the way. Just a little… side project."
Obito snorted coldly, his gaze growing deeper.
"Itachi made a deal—his service in Akatsuki in exchange for peace between me and Konoha. But now he's crossed the line.
I won't go overboard—just need some real intel on Sasuke. As for this kid… he'll serve as a bonus warning."
"And here I thought you were over the past..."
White Zetsu chuckled mischievously.
"You just can't accept what happened, can you?"
"One more word out of you and I'll kill you."
"Alright, alright! No need to be so scary, Obito!"
"Shut it."
As White Zetsu's antics resumed, Black Zetsu didn't bother intervening.
His gaze remained locked on Kitagawa Gen in the distance.
"There's something about that kid… something both familiar and foreign. What is he?"
---
Time passed, and the moon rose high.
Inside the tavern, the group's celebration finally came to a close.
"That bill… good grief, we spent so much money!"
Jiraiya groaned, staring in pain at the check. He shot a glare at Gen.
"You little glutton! How can you eat so much?!"
"I don't know, I was just hungry..."
Gen shrugged innocently.
Only now did he start to understand how Hinata could be such a legendary eater.
As a true "Byakugan Princess" with possibly strong ancestral blood, her appetite made more sense. If she could eat that much, it wasn't surprising that he could too.
"If that's all, I'll take Naruto and head back now."
"Go on, go on! You two food monsters better not ruin this sage's nightlife!"
Jiraiya waved them off with exaggerated disdain. Gen gave a polite bow, dragging the overstuffed Naruto along as they left.
Despite his grumbling, Jiraiya's expression softened once they were out of sight.
A faint smile curled at his lips.
"That kid's something else."
He turned toward Kakashi.
"You've found yourself a good student, Kakashi."
"Gen can be a little eccentric, but he's a kind-hearted kid,"
Kakashi, supported by Guy, smiled beneath his mask.
"He's incredibly gifted, too. It won't be long before I've taught him everything I can."
"No kidding. Gen learns fast,"
Guy nodded in agreement, thinking back to their time training together.
"I even tried to request him as a student, but you beat me to it! Damn you—why didn't you just send him back to the Academy?!"
"Alright, that's enough, you two,"
Jiraiya cut in, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"Still… it's funny, isn't it? We finally meet Naruto like this."
"Yeah…" Kakashi nodded slowly.
Though he'd watched Naruto many times during his time in the ANBU, this was the first time they'd truly interacted.
This was just the beginning. From now on, everything would change.
---
"Ugh… I'm so full..."
Back on the quiet streets of Konoha, Naruto groaned as he clutched his bloated stomach, waddling beside Gen.
"Wait—how are you okay after eating so much?!"
"You think I'm you?"
Gen raised an eyebrow, laughing.
"Anyway, how was tonight?
I told you—they might be a little crazy, but they'd never hate you."
"They were… really nice,"
Naruto grinned as he recalled the evening. Then he frowned.
"That white-haired old guy though—what a pervert!"
"Correction,"
Gen replied with mock solemnity.
"He's a super pervert. Don't get it twisted."
"..."
Naruto opened his mouth but couldn't even argue.
Gen tilted his head.
"But he's also one of the most powerful shinobi in the world.
If he trains you, you'll improve fast. Why don't you try coming up with a jutsu of your own?"
"Me?"
Naruto pointed at himself in disbelief.
"Yeah. You've learned the Transformation Jutsu, right?
Use it to turn into a pretty girl and trick that pervert—works every time!"
Gen knew full well how terrifying Naruto's "Sexy Jutsu" potential was.
Even seasoned veterans like Hiruzen Sarutobi and Ebisu had fallen victim.
Heck, Naruto had even managed to daze Kaguya herself with his "Reverse Harem Jutsu".
Wasting talent like that would be a crime.
"You're such a freak..."
Naruto grumbled—but his eyes sparkled with mischief.
Clearly, the idea had taken root.
As he was still thinking it over, Gen suddenly stopped walking.
"Huh? What's wrong?"
Naruto glanced at him, then followed his gaze.
Under the pale moonlight, a lone figure was walking silently ahead.
"Wait… is that… Sasuke?"