Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 85: Betrayal?

The second Five Kage Summit is about to be convened.

The topic of the meeting will be to address Hagoromo Gengetsu, who has returned to life and does not belong to this era or the system of the five great villages.

For the sake of keeping the movements of the Five Kage secret and secure, such explosive news has not spread through the ninja world.

Not only the ordinary villagers but even the high-ranking officials of each village are only aware of the summit’s existence in small numbers.

This is also why Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, chose a remote location for her departure and was only accompanied by two senior advisors.

Seeing Tsunade’s resolute attitude, and knowing that further persuasion would be futile, Mito Gate did not say more.

After giving their final instructions, Tsunade turned and left with Shizune and Naruto.

As Naruto looked back at the ever-distant Konoha, he scratched his head in confusion and asked Tsunade, “Tsunade-baa-chan, where are we going?”

Naruto was unaware of the purpose of their trip or even what the Five Kage Summit was.

Originally, he had planned to travel and train with Jiraiya, but instead, he was taken by Tsunade, which left him puzzled.

“A place that is very significant for you, Naruto,” Tsunade said, ruffling his hair with deep meaning.

During the first Five Kage Summit, the guards who accompanied the Kage became the future Second Hokage.

There was a precedent.

For the second Five Kage Summit, the guards who accompanied the Kage were given special significance by some people with ulterior motives.

Tsunade taking Naruto along was a way to show her expectations for his future.

Becoming Hokage is not just about shouting slogans.

Naruto could not understand this now.

In the future, he would come to understand everything.

At the same time, on the day the Fifth Hokage Tsunade set out,

According to the agreement, the Third Tsuchikage Onoki, accompanied by Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi; the Fifth Mizukage Mei Terumi, with Ao and Chojuro; the Fourth Raikage A, with Samui and Darui; and the newly appointed Fifth Kazekage Gaara, along with experienced advisors Chiyo and Maki, all set out as well.

Like the first Five Kage Summit, the Kage will head to the Land of Iron, a special neutral country, to hold the second Five Kage Summit.

Coincidentally, both Five Kage Summits are centered around Hagoromo Gengetsu.

However, this time, Hagoromo Gengetsu carries much greater weight.

Konoha Hospital

Hagoromo Gengetsu, who had been making rapid progress in his research on Sage Chakra, had seen the pace slow as the problems became more difficult to tackle. Taking a break, he decided to go out for some fresh air.

On the way, he happened to encounter Iruka, a ninja school teacher bringing injured students for medical treatment.

“Thank you so much, Dr. Souke,” Iruka said gratefully to the "Souke" doctor who was diligently treating the students.

“It’s my pleasure.”

As Hagoromo Gengetsu treated the students, he paid attention to the new system notification that had sounded in his mind.

【Ding!】

【Main Mission: Ninja School Graduation】

【Mission Description: Having successfully defeated Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura, achieving the top rank in the ninja school, the host now faces the graduation examination. The assessment includes the Shadow Clone Jutsu, which should be a piece of cake for the host. Please perform well in front of Teacher Iruka!】

“Unknowingly, my ninja school life has come to an end,” Hagoromo Gengetsu thought as he made the necessary hand signs, creating a Shadow Clone with a “bang.”

“Dr. Souke, what are you doing?” Iruka asked in confusion.

“Get some bandages to stabilize the bones,” Hagoromo Gengetsu indicated towards the injured student.

“Oh, got it,” Iruka replied, understanding.

With the Shadow Clone performing a task that had not been used for years, Hagoromo Gengetsu looked back at the system notification.

【Ding!】

【Main Mission: Ninja School Graduation (Completed)】

【With the host’s top scores in both academics and martial arts, passing the graduation test was a given. Congratulations, host, you are now officially a Konoha Genin. Continue to work hard to become a Chunin, Jonin, and eventually Hokage!】

【Mission Rewards: Shadow Clone Jutsu; Body Flicker Jutsu】

“All right, just rest and recover,” Hagoromo Gengetsu said as he received the bandages from his clone and skillfully wrapped up the child’s injuries.

“Thank you, Dr. Souke,” Iruka said gratefully.

The injured child then asked eagerly, “Doctor, can I skip school with this injury?”

“No need at all. Just use a crutch, and you won’t miss any classes,” Hagoromo Gengetsu replied with a reassuring smile.

The child, hoping to skip school?

Go to school obediently and cherish the few years you have at the ninja school.

Unlike me, who never attended school but was told I had just graduated.

“If I had not fast-forwarded decades and instead arrived in Konoha as per the system’s arrangement, and truly attended school with the Twelve Ninja Guardians, life would have been so different,” Hagoromo Gengetsu thought, watching Iruka and the child walk away.

But soon, he pushed these thoughts aside.

The past is set, and the future has already changed.

Compared to living a peaceful life and playing ninja games with a bunch of kids, being the renowned “Hagoromo Gengetsu” is more in line with his desires.

Looking towards the Hokage Rock, Hagoromo Gengetsu smiled faintly and disappeared.

Konoha’s Memorial Stone, in front of the First Hokage’s tomb.

Since he had mentioned visiting old friends before, Hagoromo Gengetsu, holding a bouquet of white chrysanthemums bought from a flower shop in the mountains, casually placed it in front of the grave.

“I was planning to light some incense for you. But considering you’re suffering in the afterlife, I doubt the incense would reach you. So, I won’t bother with the formalities.”

In the realm between life and death, Hagoromo Gengetsu explained to the tomb of Senju Hashirama.

“By the way, I checked the current state of Konoha, and it’s not bad. Although many have died over the years, the population base remains. The number of deaths compared to births is relatively low, and the overall trend is still upward.”

“To be fair, although this era’s ninjas still commit acts of killing and violence against civilians, it is much better compared to our time.”

“Success or failure is always about who is less flawed. This world today is barely acceptable.”

Talking to the dead was somewhat lacking in flavor.

After saying a few more words, Hagoromo Gengetsu soon felt it was pointless and stood there in silence.

Eventually, footsteps approached from behind, and Hagoromo Gengetsu was not surprised.

The visitor walked heavily to his side.

Just like many villagers who admired the First Hokage and came to pay respects, he placed another bouquet of white chrysanthemums at the base of the grave, and remained silent after rising.

Without turning his head, Hagoromo Gengetsu calmly asked:

“In these past days, you have hovered near me four times, hesitating each time, and never approached. Today is the fifth time, and you finally came close. I’m curious about your motive this time.”

“So, Hagoromo Xingtie, have you betrayed the Hagoromo clan? Betrayed me?”