Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 43: A Grand Entrance Needs an Audience

"Ever since your demise, Senju Hashirama returned your belongings to the clan. Following your contingency plan, the elders discreetly dispersed our clan members throughout the nations of the ninja world, adopting new identities and continuing to develop in secret," Samui recounted the experiences of the Hagoromo clan over the past few decades with her cold voice.

Hagoromo Gengetsu nodded after listening. He had to admit, Senju Hashirama was quite magnanimous. After the events, he returned Gengetsu's belongings to the clan and did not seek to annihilate the Hagoromo clan, even instructing Konoha not to be hostile toward them. In contrast, if it had been the ruthless Senju Tobirama or any of the other Kage, they would have seized the opportunity to eliminate this ticking time bomb.

But relying on others is never a permanent solution. Influenced by Gengetsu's philosophy, the Hagoromo elders soon decided to disperse the clan. Though still formidable compared to many forces, without Gengetsu's protection, they couldn't match the five great ninja villages, which had consolidated power from many ninja clans and amassed large armies.

As expected, numerous malicious forces eyed the Hagoromo clan. Had they not left in time, they might have faced the same fate as the Uzumaki clan—despite having their own ninja village and Konoha's support, they still fell prey to external envy, leading to their country's destruction and the scattering of their people.

Though the clan lost much economically by abandoning their homeland, their survival and covert integration into various countries' ninja villages allowed them to flourish. Figures like Samui, who held significant positions in Kumogakure, and others in Konoha, Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Kirigakure demonstrated this success.

"Everything should not be judged solely by its present state," thought Gengetsu, recalling the ambitious Senju Hashirama's offer to include the Hagoromo clan in Konoha's foundation alongside the Senju and Uchiha clans. He shook his head.

"Hashirama, did you ever foresee Konoha's current state?"

"Clan leader, are you truly back this time?" After explaining the clan's situation and providing current information, Samui finally couldn't hold back her long-repressed question, looking expectantly at Gengetsu's scarred face.

Holding the Spiritualization Technique scroll, Gengetsu nodded slightly. "More or less."

Samui, her usually cold demeanor now filled with excitement, knelt again, ready to follow his command. "Clan leader, what do you need us to do? The Hagoromo clan will always be your weapon and shield."

Gengetsu hadn't expected to encounter his clan members here. His original plan was to seek them out after his successful resurrection, even preparing himself for the worst. To his relief, despite the loss of the Hagoromo title, his clan members seemed to be doing well.

"Maintain the status quo for now," Gengetsu, still unfamiliar with his surroundings, decided not to make immediate changes. Then, noticing the three fallen Kumogakure ninjas nearby, he chuckled. "Kumogakure has been quite proactive, even coming all the way here."

Konoha's presence in this area wasn't surprising, given it was Fire Country territory. But Gengetsu hadn't expected Kumogakure to send a team so far from home, hoping to get lucky.

Samui explained, "The Kumogakure ninjas have long harbored resentment over the First Raikage's severed arm. Upon hearing of your appearance, the Fourth Raikage promptly dispatched many ninjas to seek you out, seeking revenge for their ancestor's injury. As I understand, Kumogakure is the most invested of the five great villages in this search."

"Same old impulsive nature as the First Raikage. After decades, Kumogakure ninjas still follow the same pattern," Gengetsu remarked with a slight shake of his head. "Since they haven't learned their lesson, let's make them realize it once more."

"Han."

"Yes!"

Samui, now solemn, awaited orders.

"Notify the Raikage, tell him I'm right here," Gengetsu instructed.

". . . Yes!" Though puzzled, Samui didn't question him and nodded in agreement.

"And one more thing," Gengetsu drew a kunai, looking at her, "you're too clean."

With that, he struck.

Blood splattered.

Samui grunted but remained still, allowing the kunai to pierce her.

"That's better," Gengetsu remarked, pulling out the kunai. The thick layers of fat had diverted the blow from her heart.

"Go," he commanded.

After a respectful bow, Samui clutched her wound and vanished from the valley.

Gengetsu, hands behind his back, shifted his gaze from Samui's retreating figure to his own statue. A grand re-entry into the ninja world deserved high-profile witnesses.

Since Kumogakure was so eager to meet him, he would use them to announce his official return.

"Divine beings should only be gazed upon by mortals. The same goes for those who stand alongside them."

After cremating the Kumogakure corpses, Gengetsu leaped onto his statue's head, sitting cross-legged as he began studying the Spiritualization Technique scroll.

Kumogakure's response and assembly would take time, giving Gengetsu ample opportunity to learn the technique and complete his final resurrection.

His concept of "ample time" differed greatly from others'.

While most would struggle for weeks, months, or even years with an S-rank technique, Gengetsu grasped its essence after a short period of study and a few attempts.

"Everything is laid out clearly—the formula, the answer, and the process. Learning is straightforward, isn't it?"

"It's time to complete the final step," Gengetsu decided, rising decisively.