Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 89: The Broken Calm

It was evident that Ino was truly engrossed in the book describing Hagoromo Gengetsu's life.

Many things that Hagoromo Gengetsu himself had almost forgotten, she remembered and could recount clearly at this moment.

Unknowingly, the current young lady of the Yamanaka clan had become a fangirl of Hagoromo Gengetsu, much like the ancestor who wrote the book.

After all, if the ancestor had not sincerely cared about everything related to Hagoromo Gengetsu, how could he have written a book full of admiration, documenting numerous significant events of Gengetsu's life?

Hagoromo Gengetsu was unaware that he had such an admirer from the Yamanaka clan.

To be honest, he felt the author's praise of him was a bit excessive.

Hagoromo Gengetsu knew well that he was not the true hero or saint described in the book.

He greatly admired those who, despite having no power, bravely faced danger and were determined to change everything for their ideals.

For him, his actions along the way were more a friendly expression of having great power rather than a result of tirelessly running around.

The deeds of righting wrongs were done conveniently due to his strong abilities, not because he had specifically sought them out.

In truth, Hagoromo Gengetsu's philosophy was always simple and not as complicated as the five great ninja villages and other forces imagined.

When he crossed over from a world without magic and first truly experienced the energy called "chakra" flowing palpably within him, enabling him to do things that normal people couldn't, his philosophy became firm.

That was to keep moving forward to see what lies at the end of chakra.

Perhaps there was a door there.

A door leading to a higher place.

For Hagoromo Gengetsu, if he could find that door, open it, and see the higher landscape, it would be wonderful.

Of course, the beauty of life lies not only in the result but also in the process.

During this time, occasionally pausing to appreciate what he saw and modifying what he didn't like within his power was normal.

This should have been a very simple and pure ideal, but it was always overcomplicated by others.

Plotters always cared about the schemes in others' minds, as if everyone else had the same inner thoughts as they did.

Hagoromo Gengetsu shook his head and returned to reality.

At this time, Ino was raising her chin and asking Sakura, "So, Sakura. Do you still think Hagoromo Gengetsu is a big villain like Orochimaru?"

"I... I don't know."

Sakura felt her worldview had been severely shaken, her mind a bit muddled.

For her, at only twelve years old with limited experience, the world and people should be black and white.

For instance, Hagoromo Gengetsu, who put so much pressure on Konoha and the ninja world, should be a major villain in her mind.

But after hearing Ino's recount of Hagoromo Gengetsu's life, she realized that such a person could not be called a major villain.

So, how should she view Hagoromo Gengetsu?

Now, Sakura felt like two little figures were fiercely battling in her mind.

At this time, Hagoromo Gengetsu spoke, "In the real world, some things and people are not judged by good or bad. Conflicts of interest and ideologies lead to great heroes and saints fighting each other to the death, which is normal."

Sakura still didn't quite understand, but she grasped one principle.

"At least, there's no need to worry about Sasuke having any accidents with Hagoromo Gengetsu, right?" Sakura's eyes lit up as she spoke.

"Incredible, Sakura. You're still thinking about Sasuke at this time."

Ino was speechless, ignored her friend, and turned to Dr. "Souke," asking triumphantly, "Dr. Souke, you've heard so much. What's your view on Hagoromo Gengetsu now?"

"Me?"

Hagoromo Gengetsu touched his chin and smiled faintly, "A dangerous individual threatening the stability and peace of the ninja world."

Ino: "..."

For the first time, she felt that the supposedly handsome Dr. "Souke" had become "detestable."

Quickly saying goodbye to the somewhat frustrated Ino and the constantly mentioning Sasuke, Sakura, the sky was getting dark, and Hagoromo Gengetsu was about to leave.

Suddenly, he paused, sensing a familiar secret technique's fluctuation, and turned his gaze sharply to the distance.

"In this world, there are always some who think the world should run according to their ideas. Little do they know, the world is just the world. And they are merely insignificant ants."

Hagoromo Gengetsu's eyelids drooped as he muttered to himself, "The peace has been broken by you once again."

Some time earlier...

Leaving the Konoha Memorial Stone, Feizhu Xingtie, who had decided to end the intertwined fate of Hagoromo and Konoha, spent the last moments buying many of his son's favorite dishes and an expensive toy he had always wanted, hoping to give his son a memorable evening.

After shopping, he headed home carrying bags.

Seeing the light from the house, he imagined his sensible son had already cleaned the house and was sitting on the sofa, occasionally looking at the door, patiently waiting for his return.

With a smile on his face, Feizhu Xingtie reached the door and was about to take out his key.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

The sound of something slicing through the air was barely audible.

Feizhu Xingtie's face changed.

Before he could react, he was surrounded by a group of ninjas in black robes and colorful masks.

The leader spoke coldly, "Chunin Feizhu Xingtie, we have a mission that requires your cooperation. Come with us to the Root."

Feizhu Xingtie clenched his fists, "Root? I belong to the Hokage's Intelligence Analysis Team. You have no right..."

Before he could finish, he was interrupted by the Root ninja, "This is an order from Lord Danzo."

Feizhu Xingtie wanted to say more, but the Root ninja acted immediately, subduing him in an instant.

In the end, Feizhu Xingtie could only take a strong look at his home before being knocked out.

The group quickly disappeared.

All that remained were the bags of fresh vegetables and toys lying on the ground, ignored by all.

Soon, the door to the house opened.

Feizhu Xingtie's son peeked out, saw the bags on the ground but no one around, and asked in confusion, "Dad?"

Feizhu Xingtie could not answer.

When he woke up again, he found himself in a dark secret room.

In front of him, the man known as the "Darkness of the Shinobi World" sat on a cold chair, hands resting on the top of his cane, looking at the awakened Feizhu Xingtie and asking coldly:

"I ask, you answer."

"What is Souke's true identity?"