Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 91: Killing Spree

In the dense forest, several Root ninjas wearing black robes and masks swiftly moved through the trees.

The founding of the Hidden Leaf Village took place in a vast forest, and despite years of development, the village is still surrounded by dense woods. Numerous training grounds have been established, and some highly confidential departments, like the infamous Root base, are hidden in the forest.

Currently, the Root ninjas were acting under Danzo's orders to capture Souke and anyone associated with Feizhu Xingtie, such as his son, colleagues, and friends. However, before they could split into teams to capture their targets, a single figure appeared in their sights.

“Target identified as Souke. Probability of resistance: 90%. Initiate capture plan immediately.”

Recognizing the figure as their main target, the Root ninjas didn’t hesitate. The leading ninja was about to perform his Wind Release jutsu when a sudden gust of wind hit him, and before he could react, a hand grabbed his neck.

“Too slow,” said the voice in his ear, and with a snap, his neck was broken. As he fell, his last sight was of his teammates being slaughtered effortlessly by the intruder.

“That’s definitely not Souke,” he thought as he died, a sentiment shared by many of his fallen comrades. 

Before leaving on this mission, they had reviewed Souke’s profile, which described him as a medical ninja who had gained some fame recently but had little battlefield experience. The person they were facing now was far more deadly and efficient in combat. Realizing their error, the remaining Root ninjas decided to retreat, knowing they were outmatched.

Gengetsu, having discarded his blood-stained blade, watched the retreating figures. He didn't chase them immediately but instead followed at a measured pace.

In the retreating group, Yamanaka Fu remained calm, analyzing the situation. "He’s using us to find the Root base," he concluded, and then he devised a plan to mislead the pursuer.

One ninja sacrificed himself to create a diversion while Fu set up a trap. Once ready, Fu instructed the others to head in a different direction. 

Gengetsu, having dealt with the distraction, quickly closed in on the remaining Root ninjas. However, a sudden explosion from a trap went off near a tree, but he emerged unscathed and continued his pursuit.

Kunai flew at him from all directions, but Gengetsu deflected them with ease. Unfazed, he threw a kunai of his own, hitting a hidden target—a puppet set by Fu. 

"Got him!" Fu thought, activating the Mind Puppet Switch Cursed Seal Technique. However, instead of swapping minds, he found himself trapped in the puppet. 

Souke, or rather Gengetsu, turned to face the puppet, calmly stating, "Having experienced life and death, my soul is tempered beyond your jutsu's reach."

“Life and death? You’re Gengetsu?!” Fu realized, shocked. If true, this meant great danger for Root and Danzo.

Before he could react further, his soul dissipated as the puppet crumbled. The failed jutsu had backfired, killing Fu. Gengetsu glanced at the remains and continued his pursuit of the remaining Root ninjas.