Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 87: Apologies, Clan Leader

The cold wind howled, stirring up a flurry of fallen leaves.

The already chilly atmosphere around the memorial stone grew even more somber.

After the question, Hagoromo Gengetsu turned his gaze calmly.

Beside him stood a man dressed in a gray-blue ninja uniform, his eyes, ears, neck, and the top of his head wrapped in white-gray bandages, looking quite conflicted.

Hagoromo Xingtie, or Feizhu Xingtie, was a Konoha Chunin, a member of the Intelligence Analysis Team, and had served as a proctor for the Chunin Exams. His direct superior was Yamanaka Inoichi.

This background may not be as glamorous as that of the Jonin, but being in the critical position of intelligence analysis, he was undoubtedly trusted by the Hokage.

Feizhu Xingtie was also the most important agent of the Hagoromo clan currently infiltrated in Konoha.

The news of Hagoromo Gengetsu's arrival in Konoha had already been communicated to the Hagoromo clan's agents in the village.

Feizhu Xingtie had not hesitated to reveal his identity, even though it meant he could never return to Konoha.

However, Feizhu Xingtie had not actively contacted him during this time.

Or rather, he had come close but retreated at the critical moment.

Hagoromo Gengetsu had guessed what this meant, and asked calmly:

"Where is the Fifth Hokage now?"

As expected, Feizhu Xingtie remained silent.

After a moment, he sighed and finally spoke, "I'm sorry, Clan Leader."

"Reason," Hagoromo Gengetsu said, looking at the monument to Senju Hashirama, speaking directly.

Feizhu Xingtie's face showed a mix of guilt, panic, nostalgia, and relief.

After a moment of recollection, he spoke slowly and heavily in a stilted tone:

"My grandfather, my father, my mother, and my wife all died fighting for Konoha."

"Do you not hate Konoha?" Hagoromo Gengetsu asked, looking at the imposing and solemn photo of Senju Hashirama on the monument.

"Hate? Of course, I have hated." Feizhu Xingtie's gaze was complex. "But if I continued to harbor that hatred, the sacrifices of my grandfather, my parents, and my wife would have no meaning. It would be absurd, wouldn't it?"

"I'm sorry, Clan Leader. Although we are descendants of the Hagoromo clan, having lived in Konoha for decades, we have seamlessly integrated into the village. At least, those who have passed were truly willing to fight for Konoha, not forced."

Hearing this, Hagoromo Gengetsu extended his hand, catching a leaf falling from the sky. He touched the unique veins on the leaf and said lightly:

"So, you are the successor of the Will of Fire?"

"Yes!" Feizhu Xingtie said with firm determination.

Hagoromo Gengetsu understood.

Since taking over the Hagoromo clan in the Lockfront Village and understanding the current situation, he had anticipated such a scenario.

Breaking into smaller parts and dispersing was indeed an excellent way to ensure the survival of a clan.

But it also brought about the impact of fragmentation.

No matter how much one emphasizes their heritage.

People growing up in different places, under different cultures, and education each develop their own traits.

As time passes, the signs of complete separation only become more apparent.

Unless a person with immense prestige and power steps up to re-unify everything.

Currently, Hagoromo Gengetsu played that role.

But some targets remain difficult to change.

For instance, Feizhu Xingtie's branch.

Hagoromo Gengetsu could understand Feizhu Xingtie's choice.

He was not angry and casually tossed the leaf aside, reminding him:

"Since you've chosen your side, the most taboo thing is to waver. You should have brought the main force of Konoha here, not come alone."

Feizhu Xingtie shook his head with a bitter smile. "Although I am now a Konoha member, I still have the blood of the Hagoromo clan in me. I can't bring myself to harm the Clan Leader."

Hagoromo Gengetsu shook his head as well and said, "Such results will only bring you misfortune."

"I understand." Feizhu Xingtie's gaze was resolute.

He took a deep breath and said to Hagoromo Gengetsu, "As an intelligence agent of the Hagoromo clan in Konoha, I understand that my betrayal will bring bad results to the clan. So, Clan Leader, I will end it all with my death. I only ask one thing from you."

"Speak."

"My son. He has never left Konoha and does not know he is a descendant of the Hagoromo clan. I hope he can live in Konoha without any burdens and not bear the heavy name of 'Hagoromo' like I did."

Hagoromo Gengetsu was silent for a moment and then nodded. "I understand."

Then he turned to look at Feizhu Xingtie seriously and said, "I'm sorry. In reality, it is because of me that everyone was separated."

"Without the Clan Leader, the fate of the Hagoromo clan would only worsen."

Feizhu Xingtie, who knew the historical context, said these words sincerely. He then deeply bowed to Hagoromo Gengetsu before turning to leave.

He needed some time to say goodbye to his son.

Hagoromo Gengetsu did not stop him.

Once an infiltrated agent betrays, even if he ensures that the secret will not be leaked, the result will only be the elimination of the traitor.

This is the survival strategy of a clan or a force.

Hagoromo Gengetsu understood this principle long ago.

Finally, he glanced at the monument of Senju Hashirama. With nothing more to say, he also turned to leave.

On the bustling and lively street.

Hagoromo Gengetsu casually steadied a three or four-year-old girl who was playing around with her friends and almost bumped into him.

The little girl thanked him politely, "Thank you, Uncle."

"Call me 'Brother'."

Hagoromo Gengetsu patted the little girl's head and, just then, saw a familiar face. He gestured for the little girl to go play and walked over.

"I've seen that Hagoromo Gengetsu in person, and he looks terrifying. I'm worried that Sasuke might face some danger when he goes to him."

"Don't worry, Sakura. Although I'm very angry that Sasuke chose to betray the village without any hesitation, he's not a fool. He must have his own judgment. Also, don't be fooled by the terrifying reputation of Hagoromo Gengetsu. He's actually quite a good person in some ways."

"A good person? Hagoromo Gengetsu? Ino, are you out of your mind? Let me check your forehead."

"Check your own broad forehead. Sakura, I'm telling the truth. Really! My family has records about Hagoromo Gengetsu."

As Hagoromo Gengetsu approached, he overheard Sakura and Ino talking about him.

He raised an eyebrow, inserted himself into the conversation, and asked curiously:

"Sakura, Ino, I hear you're talking about Hagoromo Gengetsu. I'm quite interested in what kind of person he is according to you."

"So, how do you see Hagoromo Gengetsu?"

(Translator Notes: Correcting name translation errors: Hakuzen will be changed to Byakuren, and Retsudo to Reto.)