Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 72: The Prettier the Woman, the Less You Should Trust Her Words

Despite bearing deep-seated grudges, Sasuke's life wasn't devoid of warmth. Naruto, Sakura, and other peers were a significant part of it. He also had memorable experiences with Kakashi, like the time he and Naruto, along with Sakura, tried all sorts of tricks to see what Kakashi looked like under his mask, only to end up in chaos without ever seeing his face.

Another notable event was discovering that the perpetually single Kakashi seemed to have a romantic interest—Hanare, the woman standing before him now. She was said to have stolen many secrets from Konoha. Sasuke bluntly stated, "Kakashi said you were dead."

"Kakashi reported that? He must have had a hard time," Hanare responded with a smile, her eye-catching tear mole adding to her allure. Sasuke knew Kakashi's character well; he wasn't one to compromise the village's interests for a woman's sake. Given Hanare's abilities, she couldn't have escaped Kakashi's pursuit unless she successfully deceived him. This seemed to be the case; Hanare had convinced Kakashi she no longer posed a threat to Konoha, leading him to believe she was dead and allowing her to leave.

Ari had indeed confided in Kakashi about her exhaustion with the spy life, expressing a desire to start anew and live peacefully. At the time, she might have meant it, but women are known for being unpredictable—a lesson Kakashi, who had been sustained by "Icha Icha" novels, didn't understand.

"My destiny is to live and die by intelligence work," Hanare sighed, brushing dust off Sasuke's shoulder with a gentle hand, before giving him a sincere piece of advice: "Remember, Uchiha Sasuke, the prettier the woman, the less you should believe her words."

"I don't need women," Sasuke retorted, dismissively turning his head. He currently idolized the notion of a heart without distractions, leading to a godlike swordsmanship.

Hagoromo Gengetsu then approached, noting the conversation: "It seems you're getting along well. This is a good start for integrating." Hanare, showing respect, bowed her head, while the elder Moteni introduced her: "This is Hanare, our most exceptional intelligence officer at Lock front Village. Thanks to her, we've acquired much vital and secret information about Konoha."

"Good job," Hagoromo Gengetsu acknowledged Hanare with a nod, as he needed extensive intel on Konoha. Hanare and Sasuke's apparent familiarity suggested she had appeared in the original story, though Gengetsu had little recollection, likely because the series was long and filled with flashbacks and side stories. Only frequently appearing characters remained memorable to him.

After Moteni and Hanare showed them around, Hagoromo Gengetsu and Sasuke were led to Lock front Village. It looked similar to other villages, but true to its name, each house had solid locks on the doors, symbolizing the commitment to securely guarding information. As a front for the Hagoromo clan, Lock front Village also signified the need to protect their true identity.

Besides the covert agents placed in various ninja villages and the ordinary members living normal lives elsewhere, most of the Hagoromo clan's strength was concentrated here, making Lock front Village essentially their stronghold.

After Hanare, whose real name was Hagoromo Hanare, gave Sasuke a tour, Hagoromo Gengetsu met each member of the clan, with Moteni introducing them. The experience was profound; Hagoromo Gengetsu was a symbol of faith for the Hagoromo clan, much like Hashirama Senju was for the Senju clan, though he quickly dismissed the comparison with Madara Uchiha.

After the last clan member left, Hagoromo Gengetsu reflected, "It's been decades, but it seems the Hagoromo clan has been doing alright." He felt relieved; despite his initial carefree attitude, becoming the clan leader had instilled a sense of responsibility in him. Seeing the clan survive reassured him, especially given his concerns after his previous downfall.

Moteni, however, expressed regret: "I'm sorry, Chief. The Hagoromo clan is no longer what it was decades ago."

Hagoromo Gengetsu waved it off, saying, "Rise and fall, ebb and flow; that's the way of the world. Compared to clans like the Uzumaki, Kaguya, and Yuki, who are either extinct or reduced to mere names, the Hagoromo clan is doing quite well."

Fulfillment often comes from comparisons. He had noted earlier that, though many members visited, the overall strength varied, with only about five or six at the jonin level. Although not everyone had attended, it was clear the clan's strength had waned significantly compared to its peak during the Warring States period. This disparity was why Moteni felt guilty, having witnessed the clan's golden era firsthand.

But Hagoromo Gengetsu understood. The clan's strategy of dispersal had saved them from extinction but came at a cost. Spreading out meant losing a solid foundation, making it impossible to recover their former glory. The resources required for ninja training were substantial, and without a central base, the Hagoromo clan couldn't cultivate elite members as before.

Decades of dispersal weakened the clan—a natural outcome. If he had returned to find the Hagoromo clan capable of challenging the five great ninja villages, that would have been abnormal. He was already satisfied with the current state of affairs.

Moreover, his return was timely. Another decade or so and the dispersed clan members might have drifted apart entirely, abandoning their clan name and truly living separate lives. The fact that the clan hadn't chosen a new leader, leaving governance to the elders, hinted at a deeper meaning Hagoromo Gengetsu understood well.