Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 76: A Good Student Can Learn with Just One Look

Obeying Hagoromo Gengetsu's instructions to solidify his foundation, Uchiha Sasuke began his training. His instructor was none other than Uchiha Izumi.

Having activated the Three Tomoe Sharingan early, Uchiha Izumi had undergone comprehensive training typical of Uchiha elites, making her well-versed in various techniques. With her attention to detail, she was the ideal candidate to guide Sasuke.

With Sasuke set aside for training, Hagoromo Gengetsu turned his focus to handling various internal affairs of the Hagoromo clan. As the spiritual and practical leader, his reappearance led to the quick unification of the clan's various branches, which were beginning to develop independent inclinations. This unification restored the clan into a cohesive entity.

As the clan leader, Hagoromo Gengetsu had many responsibilities, including understanding the clan's current state and the resources at his disposal. The advantages of having a backing were evident during his search for Shinno and investigation into Sasuke's activities.

Speaking of Shinno, Hagoromo Gengetsu put down the highly confidential documents detailing the members of the Hagoromo clan and turned to Hanare, who was temporarily acting as his secretary. He asked, "How is Shinno, the man we brought back?"

"He's still detained," Hanare, dressed in a pure white kimono and exuding an elegant demeanor, replied. "Additionally, we've extracted some significant intelligence from his memories."

Hanare handed a scroll containing detailed information about Shinno, including his identity as the leader of the Land of Sky, the remaining Sky Ninjas, their weapons, and the so-called Zero-Tails.

Hagoromo Gengetsu glanced at Hanare, who stood respectfully with her hands folded at her abdomen. He remembered her profile—an impressive intelligence ninja who could form seals with her eyes, a skill that even surprised him. Yamanaka Inoichi, renowned for his expertise in intelligence, had fallen prey to her abilities, unknowingly revealing confidential Konoha information to her.

This incident gave Hagoromo Gengetsu deeper insights into Konoha. One should never underestimate others; among many ninjas, there are always talents that can astonish even the most experienced.

"The Sky Ninjas can be left alone for now," Hagoromo Gengetsu decided, setting the scroll aside. "We don't need to act against them immediately."

Though Shinno was captured, his rare interactions with the remnants of the Sky Ninjas, who rarely contacted him to maintain secrecy, meant that his capture likely hadn't been discovered.

Hagoromo Gengetsu had little regard for the Sky Ninjas, having approached Shinno only for his medical forbidden techniques. As for the Zero-Tails, which was said to be a "tailless tailed beast," he was not concerned. After all, even with the combined chakra infusion from Naruto and Sasuke, it had burst, unable to withstand the power.

However, whether it's the Zero-Tails or the Sky Ninjas, who harbor resentment against Konoha and the Five Great Nations, they represent a potential asset. They could be utilized when the timing is right.

For now, Hagoromo Gengetsu had other priorities. "Hanare, please prepare some tea," he instructed.

As Hanare carefully prepared tea, Hagoromo Gengetsu continued with his duties as clan leader, reviewing another set of documents.

...

Seven days later, in a training field in Lock Front Village, Sasuke was moving swiftly through a series of traps designed specifically for his training. A barrage of kunai, shuriken, and wires came at him from various angles. Sasuke, with his Sharingan activated, moved gracefully, performing evasive maneuvers that seemed almost impossible. He deftly used his own shuriken to intercept the oncoming projectiles, creating a mesmerizing dance of weapons clashing mid-air.

The sound of metal clashing echoed rhythmically, like a beautiful melody. 

"Impressive," Hanare, who had accompanied Hagoromo Gengetsu, applauded lightly.

Next to her, Uchiha Izumi, who appeared youthful yet had a calm demeanor, remarked, "This is the standard for the Uchiha."

Sasuke had made significant progress since his training began, swiftly addressing past deficiencies under her guidance. He truly was... the younger brother of that man. Exceptional talent ran in the family.

Soon, the intricate display of ninja tools came to an end. Sasuke stood calmly in the center, unscathed. Around him, the ground was neatly arranged with various ninja tools, all strategically placed.

"Lord Hagoromo," Uchiha Izumi addressed Hagoromo Gengetsu earnestly, "Sasuke has rebuilt his foundation. Further progress will now require sustained training."

"I understand," Hagoromo Gengetsu nodded. He approached Sasuke and, without unnecessary words, handed him two scrolls. "One details the training methods for the Chidori stream. The other is a study on the nature and shape transformation of fire and lightning chakra. Your task is to master them. If you have questions, you can ask me, though I'd prefer you ask as few questions as possible."

Unlike some teachers who find no joy in teaching highly capable students, Hagoromo Gengetsu preferred those who could self-learn. Much like himself, who could learn from a single glance, he didn't want to trouble others unnecessarily.

Samui, for instance, was such a student. A mere mention from him was enough for her to grasp and integrate the knowledge. He expected Sasuke to be similar.

"Thank you, Lord Hagoromo. I will accomplish this!" Sasuke gratefully and earnestly accepted the valuable scrolls. He had already felt unprecedented progress, even without Hagoromo Gengetsu's direct teaching. He was eager to learn the true techniques from him, knowing they would be crucial in avenging the Uchiha clan.

"Wait, Uchiha Itachi! One day, I'll avenge my parents, Izumi's family, Nezumi's parents, and all the Uchiha who died that night!" Sasuke vowed, with both passion and hatred burning in his eyes.

"Keep up the hard work," Hagoromo Gengetsu encouraged. While the outcome of Itachi eventually losing to Sasuke was inevitable, there was no need to discourage Sasuke by revealing it. After a pat on Sasuke's shoulder, Hagoromo Gengetsu vanished from sight.

With most of his matters settled, it was time for him to head to Konoha.