Naruto: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 279: News of Naruto's Death

Even the experienced four previous Hokages were deeply shocked after hearing Tsunade and Jiraiya describe the current state of the Ninja World.

"Hagoromo Gengetsu..."

Having battled against Hagoromo Gengetsu recently after being revived through the Reanimation, Hashirama Senju had already sensed something unusual about him and realized he was planning something significant. However, he did not expect it to escalate to this extent. A serious expression appeared on Hashirama's face.

Beside him, Tobirama Senju, having processed all the information, crossed his arms and thoughtfully murmured, "The Ten-Tails... the progenitor of chakra... I didn't expect such a secret to exist in the Ninja World. If only we could..."

Tobirama did not finish his sentence. Orochimaru, who had noticed something, glanced at the Second Hokage, a knowing smile on his face. He understood Tobirama's mindset all too well, as they were of the same ilk.

While Hashirama and Tobirama, having died long ago and not fully grasping the present situation, focused on Hagoromo Gengetsu and the prophesied Ten-Tails, Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi were silent after hearing the account from Tsunade and Jiraiya.

"Naruto..."

Sadness flickered in Minato's eyes. As the Fourth Hokage and Naruto's father, he had often imagined their reunion after being resurrected in Konoha. However, he was met with tragic news instead. In that moment, Minato's hand, unshaken even during the Akatsuki's attack, began to tremble slightly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was equally saddened. In his memory, Naruto was someone who could never be defeated by any hardship, a true inheritor of the Will of Fire. Yet, this promising young man, full of potential, had fallen victim to Hagoromo Gengetsu's ambitions.

"Hagoromo Gengetsu!"

Hiruzen felt a deep sense of regret. He shouldn't have focused all his efforts on Orochimaru back then. Had he sealed Hagoromo Gengetsu at any cost, these events might not have unfolded.

"Sorry, Minato. I couldn't protect Naruto," Jiraiya apologized to Minato, filled with guilt. Minato shook his head slowly, responding, "Jiraiya-sensei, it's not your fault. Perhaps... this was Naruto's fate, the fate of a ninja."

Minato understood the Great Toad Sage's vision. Naruto's life had bought the Ninja World precious time and opportunity. As a father who had failed Naruto in many ways, Minato felt...

No, he mustn't dwell on it. The Great Toad Sage was dead, and it was pointless to ponder further. Now, he had to ensure Naruto's sacrifice wasn't in vain. Regaining his composure, Minato focused and said, "Jiraiya-sensei, as you mentioned, time is short. Let's discuss how to deal with Hagoromo Gengetsu."

The strength of Hagoromo Gengetsu, which the four Hokages had experienced firsthand, was formidable. Especially after acquiring new eyes, the pressure from him was immense, even without him making a move. Coupled with the powerful rogue ninjas under his command, they were not enough on their own.

Jiraiya, observing his student suppress personal emotions to focus on the critical task, sighed inwardly and patted his shoulder, answering, "Ninja from all major villages will participate in this battle. Additionally, besides the four of you, we've prepared a number of strong individuals through the Reanimation. Although it's disrespectful to disturb the deceased, the situation leaves us no choice."

"I have a question," Tobirama interjected. "Please go ahead, Second Lord Hokage," Jiraiya responded, turning towards him. Tobirama asked, "Based on what you've told us, Hagoromo Gengetsu might have other ways to proceed with the Ten-Tails plan. With all nine tailed beasts captured, he could easily bring about the Ten-Tails' birth in a remote location. Even if you detect it, you might not have enough time. Have you considered this?"

Tsunade nodded and said, "The Great Toad Sage's prophecy mentioned a place crucial to Hagoromo Gengetsu's plan."

"Where is it?"

"The Divine Tree's Remains."

In a dark cave, Killer B had replaced Gaara as the next jinchuriki to be drained of chakra. The massive chakra of the Eight-Tails was being absorbed into the Gedo Statue, whose six and a half eyes were opening. Atop one of the statue's ten fingers, Sasuke, forming hand signs, glanced at Gaara's lifeless body on the ground. Although surprised that someone once bloodthirsty and insane had become the Fifth Kazekage, he felt no sorrow over Gaara's death.

Seeing Gaara reminded Sasuke of the Chunin Exams when Naruto fought Gaara. It was the first time he realized Naruto might surpass him. "Maybe... there won't be another chance to prove who's stronger," Sasuke thought, his eyes briefly showing a hint of sadness. He had come to accept reality: if Naruto wasn't here, he had either fled or... died.

Knowing Hagoromo Gengetsu, the latter seemed more likely if he had personally intervened. Sasuke struggled to pinpoint his exact feelings—sadness, perhaps? He also couldn't muster hatred for Hagoromo Gengetsu, who had done so much for him. This situation wasn't driven by revenge or greed; it was a matter of different paths.

In an adult's world, everyone has their principles and must make tough choices. Accepting this, Sasuke closed his eyes again, the cave returning to silence until the sound of a body hitting the ground broke it. Everyone opened their eyes.

The Eight-Tails' extraction was complete. As promised to Samui, Hagoromo Gengetsu spared Killer B's life, much like he did with the Six-Tails' jinchuriki, Utakata. However, Killer B wouldn't be released just yet. After dismissing the weary Akatsuki members to rest, Hagoromo Gengetsu remained by the Gedo Statue, keeping Sasuke with him.