"The situation truly manifests such complexity?"
Within the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi observed the visibly fatigued Kakashi and the solemnity evident in Jiraiya's countenance, prompting him to massage his temples reflexively.
Jiraiya's unexpected return had initially startled him, though he experienced genuine satisfaction at this development.
Konohagakure currently faced a generational transition challenge. Although Kakashi and his contemporaries had matured considerably, the village continued to experience deficiencies in certain critical defensive capabilities.
Ideally, Hiruzen Sarutobi's three disciples should have fulfilled these strategic roles.
Yet one had defected, while the remaining two had succumbed to various forms of self-indulgence...
Jiraiya's return certainly represented a positive development, yet the intelligence he provided generated significant strategic concerns.
"Indeed, old man."
Jiraiya confirmed with an affirmative gesture, simultaneously massaging his own temples as he elaborated.
"If the situation didn't present such complexity, I wouldn't have initiated this consultation. Although our assessment remains primarily theoretical, the location's strategic sensitivity necessitates your institutional support."
"You comprehend sensitivity?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi directed an irritated gaze toward Jiraiya.
"We're discussing Kirigakure, situated across maritime barriers. Personnel deployment there presents extraordinary challenges, and their isolationist policies have effectively severed Kirigakure from international engagement. Internal intelligence acquisition has become virtually impossible. What investigative methodology do you propose?"
The complications regarding Kirigakure extended beyond minor concerns. Their insular geographical positioning substantially increased intelligence transmission difficulties.
Subsequently, their implementation of the 'Blood Mist' doctrine had further intensified their isolation. Intelligence gathering had become progressively more challenging.
Particularly concerning matters involving that organization...
"Itachi Uchiha operates within that environment. How has he functioned as an intelligence asset for thirty months without producing actionable information?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi drew contemplatively on his pipe, experiencing evident confusion.
"Lord Hokage, doesn't ANBU maintain operational assets within Kirigakure?"
Kakashi, having maintained strategic silence, engaged in momentary analysis before speaking in measured tones.
"Despite acknowledged difficulties, could we activate these resources to provide preliminary intelligence?"
"This matter..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi exhibited noticeable hesitation, provoking Jiraiya's evident displeasure.
"Listen, old man, if this situation presents such administrative complexity, perhaps I should simply undertake independent field operations? That approach would eliminate institutional complications."
"No, you fail to comprehend the strategic implications."
Hiruzen Sarutobi massaged his temples, engaged in momentary contemplation before exhaling audibly.
"Very well, I'll assume responsibility for this investigation. You must refrain from unilateral action. Despite your considerable intelligence-gathering capabilities, they remain inferior to specialized operational assets.
"Maintain your presence in Konohagakure temporarily, and I'll expedite the investigative process."
"Tch, even if I desired departure, current circumstances render that impossible, correct?"
Jiraiya compressed his lips, indicating mild agreement before continuing.
"Your concerns are noted. I won't engage in precipitous action. Had that been my intention, I wouldn't have returned. If no additional matters require attention, I'll facilitate Kakashi's hospital admission.
"Subsequently, I'm obligated to participate in his student's mission completion celebration. What an operational inconvenience..."
As he articulated these sentiments, Jiraiya guided Kakashi toward the exit, while Kakashi directed an apologetic gesture toward Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Fortunately, Hiruzen Sarutobi maintained comprehensive understanding of his disciple's characteristic behavior and exhibited no offense. Following their departure, he sighed with evident resignation.
"What a strategic complication..."
Kakashi's situation indeed presented significant operational challenges. Although ANBU maintained intelligence collection capabilities, Root's infiltration into external affairs operated at substantially deeper levels!
Many villages' most sensitive intelligence primarily originated from Root, yet he had officially disbanded that organization.
Without formal reactivation, even he lacked access to those resources.
"The situation necessitates pragmatic action. Given the matter's genuine severity, consultation with Danzo appears unavoidable. Additionally, significant time has elapsed since our last interaction..."
Following extended contemplation, Hiruzen Sarutobi reached his decision. Rising from his position, he approached the window.
Observing the vibrant activity of Konohagakure below, he eventually articulated his thoughts in subdued tones.
"Fortunately, Jiraiya's return doesn't exclusively represent problematic developments. His presence constitutes a positive factor, at minimum..."
"Konohagakure appears to have produced another exceptional talent..."
"Such minimal resistance?"
Experiencing the internal transformations, Kitagawa Minamoto's countenance revealed traces of genuine surprise.
Despite his theoretical preparation, mastering Sage Mode traditionally presented substantial challenges.
Consider Jiraiya's experience, for instance. His training extended across multiple years before achieving success.
Even then, he required the specialized assistance of Mount Myōboku's two sage entities and invested considerable time in achieving seamless Sage Mode transition.
Although Naruto experienced comparatively accelerated progress, he similarly endured rigorous training at Mount Myōboku before achieving his breakthrough.
Yet Kitagawa Minamoto, relying exclusively on Jiraiya's theoretical knowledge, without supplementary tools or guidance, had successfully completed Sage Mode implementation on his initial attempt!
"Bloodline capabilities truly represent the ultimate systemic advantage..."
After extended reflection, Kitagawa Minamoto compressed his dental structures in momentary frustration.
Contemplating his thirteen years of developmental challenges, he experienced mild dejection. If only the Starter Pack had manifested earlier!
"Such considerations are ultimately unproductive. Both Naruto and Sasuke endured extended developmental periods before their capabilities fully manifested."
Massaging his temples, Kitagawa Minamoto attempted self-consolation, yet soon experienced renewed frustration.
Naruto and Sasuke's power augmentations occurred through immediate transformative events, while his required gradual accumulation!
Indeed, some individuals experience advantageous initial positioning, while others face substantial developmental constraints...
"Nevertheless, I've finally acquired enhanced offensive capabilities!"
Sage Mode's strategic potential, excluding Jiraiya's implementation, had been conclusively demonstrated through Naruto and Hashirama Senju's applications.
Combined with his progressively refined Purple Lightning, provided he avoided confrontation with truly exceptional opponents, he now possessed viable tactical options!
Moreover, with his bloodline's continuous development, he maintained confidence in eventually achieving comparable or superior capabilities to those 'exceptional entities'...
"Still, I must establish legitimate provenance for this technique. For now, let's focus on tonight's celebratory arrangements."
Extending his limbs, Kitagawa Minamoto acknowledged the physical discomfort resulting from his extended sedentary position.
"Hmm?!"
At that precise moment, he detected an anomalous development!
He suddenly recognized that his internal Chakra was experiencing unusually intense fluctuations.
Beyond this, he detected measurable increases in his physical capabilities!
Additionally, he perceived subtle Chakra continuously flowing toward his ocular region, apparently nurturing developmental processes.
"Could this indicate..."
Kitagawa Minamoto hastily accessed his Status Panel, and upon observing the displayed information, experienced profound astonishment.
[Name: Kitagawa Minamoto]
[Age: 13]
[Bloodline: Ōtsutsuki Clan (Development: 5%)]
[Total Chakra: S- (Between Elite Jōnin and Kage, weaker level)]
"This... produces such developmental acceleration?"
Kitagawa Minamoto experienced respiratory intensification. His recent acquisition of Sage Arts, despite initial implementation inefficiencies, had unexpectedly catalyzed bloodline development progression?
Although this development remained categorized as 'weak,' it had nevertheless achieved 5% progression!
"Does this suggest natural energy constitutes an integral component of Ōtsutsuki capabilities?"
Kitagawa Minamoto momentarily contracted his brow before executing a negative cranial gesture.
"Not necessarily. Perhaps... the Ōtsutsuki's possession of Ten-Tails' power facilitated indirect natural energy acquisition!"
Upon reaching this analytical conclusion, Kitagawa Minamoto's ocular region exhibited heightened luminosity, reflecting his excitement.
Initially, he had harbored concerns regarding his comprehensive acquisition strategy's viability, and potential complications it might generate.
However, current evidence suggested that, provided he exercised appropriate caution, his bloodline appeared capable of supporting such integration!
Such formidable genetic potential provided significant operational assurance.
Consequently, he could fully pursue his strategic objective of achieving complete Ōtsutsuki manifestation!
"Though, the requisite acquisition targets remain numerous..."
...
[TN-Final: Original Term - "血脉进度" - Final Translation: "Bloodline Progress" - Justification: This term refers to the advancement or development of Kitagawa's inherited genetic abilities. "Bloodline" is the established translation for hereditary ninja abilities in the Naruto universe, and "progress" captures the measurable advancement (from 0% to 5%) described in the chapter.]