Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 77: The Founder, Not Weaker Than Hagoromo Gengetsu

Ding-dong, ding-dong.

The wind chimes, signifying a farewell to loved ones, swayed in the breeze on the steel bridge.

"This is where we'll part ways."

Hagoromo Gengetsu put on his straw hat, dressed like a traveler, and waved at the people he was leaving behind, including Moteni.

"Clan Leader, are you sure you don't want any subordinates to accompany you? If too many are bothersome, at least take two—one to take care of your daily needs and another to handle minor matters," Moteni suggested, glancing at Hanare and Uchiha Izumi, whom he had brought along specifically.

Hagoromo Gengetsu waved off the suggestion, refusing politely. "I'm going to infiltrate Konoha, not to enjoy myself."

Moreover, Hanare had already been recorded in Konoha's files, and as for Uchiha Izumi... The name "Uchiha" alone meant she couldn't return to Konoha.

Upon hearing this, A-Li maintained a gentle smile, consistent with her behavior in the past, never overstepping her bounds. Uchiha Izumi, however, had a fleeting thought.

"So many years have passed; the people in Konoha probably wouldn't recognize me anymore."

If possible, she wanted to return and personally pay respects to her mother, grandmother, and the other clan members. After all, over the years, except for Sasuke, there might not be anyone else in the village who would visit their graves.

Hagoromo Gengetsu shook his head. Although people can change a lot, one shouldn't underestimate the ninjas who specialize in this field.

"Be patient. One day, you all will return there."

With those words, Hagoromo Gengetsu lowered the veil on his hat, gave a final farewell, and then left heading toward Konoha.

The purpose of this trip, besides searching for Konoha's medical ninjutsu to completely remove the senjutsu chakra that had been lingering in his body due to the influence of forbidden techniques for decades, was also to consider how to restore his soul fully.

It must be said, Konoha truly was a treasure trove worth exploring repeatedly.

"Hashirama, my old friend, don't worry. This time, I'll take your thoughts and see what Konoha is like now. I'll bring flowers to your grave and tell you about the current state of Konoha."

"No need to thank me. After all, in this era, only I am still alive."

Hagoromo Gengetsu mused as he turned into a black streak, swiftly moving through the dense forest.

At the same time, not far away in the same forest, four ninjas, none of whom were from the Five Great Nations, were also swiftly making their way through the woods. However, they were heading in a different direction than Hagoromo Gengetsu—not toward Konoha.

"Pick up the pace! We've finally got the location of the One-Tailed Jinchūriki; we can't let him escape! Especially since it's been confirmed that the legendary Hagoromo Gengetsu has been resurrected. Then the rumors in our village about the resurrection of the Founder must also be true!" exclaimed a man named Tortuga, his face full of excitement.

The only woman among them, named Kujaku, clenched her fists in excitement as well, saying, "This time, we will definitely revive the Founder! The long-awaited wish of our village will be realized in our hands! At that time, we won't be a minor ninja village, constantly making weapons for the Five Great Nations. The Founder will lead us, the Takumi village, to glory, conquering the Five Great Nations and dominating the entire ninja world!"

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go take down that kid, Gaara, and revive the Founder," said Ryuugan, who was also a kid but was confident in his advanced ninja tools, laughing arrogantly.

Finally, the burly Mizutora spoke in a steady tone, "Even though Suna is currently unstable internally and has relaxed their guard on the One-Tailed Jinchūriki, we still can't underestimate the power of a tailed beast. We must devise a proper plan before making a move."

Tortuga, Kujaku, Ryuugan, and Mizutora—these four were the Shitenshounin (Four Celestial Emblems) of Takumi Village. As master craftsmen of ninja tools, they were quite famous in the ninja world. The reason they were now gathered together and targeting the One-Tailed Jinchūriki of Suna was due to the recent confirmation of Hagoromo Gengetsu's resurrection, which had spurred them to revive their own founder. The key to their plan's success was a large chakra source, and the best option was a tailed beast. However, given the strength of Takumi Village and the Shitenshounin, finding and defeating the Jinchūriki of the Great Nations was nearly impossible. This time, however, due to internal instability within Suna and the fact that the One-Tailed Jinchūriki, Gaara, was on a mission outside the village and was still a child—likely the weakest among all the Jinchūriki—they had dared to revive their long-suppressed plan to resurrect their Founder. 

Tortuga, remembering something, suddenly ordered, "Stop! Surround him!"

The Shitenshounin immediately changed direction and surrounded Hagoromo Gengetsu, who looked up to see four ninjas wearing unknown headbands, their faces full of anticipation and excitement.

"Hmm?" .