Chapter 88

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It was clear that Ino had truly absorbed the contents of the book describing Gensou's life. Many events that even Gensou himself had almost forgotten were remembered by her and recounted clearly at this moment.

Unknowingly, this young lady from the Yamanaka clan, like her ancestor who wrote the book, had become a devoted admirer of Hagoromo Gensou.

After all, if the ancestor hadn't genuinely admired Gensou, how could they have written a book detailing his numerous significant deeds, filled with words of praise?

Gensou was unaware that he had such an admirer from the Yamanaka clan in the past.

To be honest, he felt that the book's praise for him was somewhat excessive.

Gensou knew well that he wasn't the true hero or saint as depicted in the book.

He greatly admired those who, even without any power, bravely faced danger, determined to change everything for their ideals.

For him, his actions along the way were more a benevolent expression of possessing great power rather than a dedicated pursuit of justice.

Those acts of vengeance were carried out on the foundation of his formidable strength and were done on the side rather than being his main purpose.

In truth, Gensou's philosophy had always been simple, far less complicated than the Five Great Shinobi Villages and other factions perceived.

When he crossed over from a world without magic and first experienced the real flow of a power called "chakra" in his body, allowing him to do things beyond human capabilities, his philosophy became clear.

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

Perhaps there was a door.

A door leading to higher realms.

For Gensou, if he could find that door, open it, and see the scenery beyond, that would be perfect.

Of course, the beauty of life is not only in the result but also in the journey.

During this journey, stopping occasionally to admire or change things within his capability was only natural.

This was a simple and pure ideal, yet others always thought of it too complexly.

Those with conspiracies in their hearts always suspected others of similar motives, as if everyone shared their inner thoughts.

Gensou shook his head, returning to reality.

At this moment, Ino was proudly asking Sakura, "So, Sakura, do you still think Hagoromo Gensou is a villain like Orochimaru?"

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

Sakura felt her worldview had been severely shaken, her mind in a fog.

For a twelve-year-old with limited life experience, the world and people were supposed to be black and white.

Someone who caused so much pressure for Konoha and the ninja world, like Gensou, should be a villain in her imagination.

Yet, listening to Ino's recounting of Gensou's life, she realized he couldn't be labeled a villain.

So, what kind of person was Gensou?

Sakura felt like there were two little figures in her mind fiercely battling each other.

At this point, Gensou spoke, "In the real world, some things and people aren't judged by good or bad. Conflicts of interest, conflicts of ideals, make it normal for heroes and saints to fight to the death."

Sakura still didn't fully understand, but she gleaned one thing.

"At least, we don't have to worry about Sasuke being in danger with Gensou, right?" she said, her eyes brightening.

"Seriously, Sakura? You're still thinking about Sasuke at a time like this?"

Ino was exasperated and ignored her friend, turning to "Dr. Sōsuke" with a triumphant air, asking, "Dr. Sōsuke, you've heard all this. What do you think of Gensou now?"

"Well…"

Gensou rubbed his chin and smiled faintly, "A highly unstable threat to the balance and peace of the ninja world."

Ino: "…"

For the first time, she felt that the handsome "Dr. Sōsuke" had become "repulsive."

Bidding a quick goodbye to an exasperated Ino and a Sasuke-obsessed Sakura, Gensou prepared to return home as the evening approached.

Suddenly, he paused, sensing a familiar surge of secret technique energy. His eyes narrowed as he turned towards the distant source.

"There are always those self-righteous people who believe the world should operate according to their whims, not realizing that the world is the world. And they are just insignificant ants."

Gensou's eyes darkened as he muttered to himself, "Once again, peace has been shattered by your own doing."

Turning back time a bit.

Having left the Konoha Memorial Stone, Suzumebachi, who had decided to end the intertwined fate of the Hagoromo and Konoha clans, spent his final moments buying his son's favorite foods and an expensive toy he had always wanted, hoping to leave his son with a wonderful evening to remember.

After finishing his shopping, he walked home with bags in hand.

Seeing the light inside his house, he imagined his thoughtful son had already cleaned the house, sitting patiently on the sofa, occasionally glancing at the door, waiting for his return.

Suzumebachi smiled as he reached the door, about to take out his key.

Whoosh! Whoosh! A faint whistling sound broke the air.

Suzumebachi's face changed.

Before he could react, a group of black-robed, brightly masked ninjas surrounded him.

The leader spoke coldly, "Suzumebachi, there's a task requiring your cooperation. Come with us to the Root base."

Suzumebachi clenched his fists, "Root? I'm a direct subordinate of the Hokage, a member of the Intelligence Analysis Squad. You have no authority—"

He was cut off by the Root ninja, "This is Lord Danzo's order."

Suzumebachi tried to argue further, but the Root ninja acted swiftly, subduing him in an instant.

In the end, Suzumebachi could only glance at his house, then was knocked unconscious.

The group disappeared quickly, leaving behind the fresh vegetables and toys scattered on the ground, unattended.

Soon, the door to the house opened.

Suzumebachi's son peeked out, looking at the empty surroundings and the items on the ground, confusedly asking, "Dad?"

Suzumebachi couldn't respond.

When he regained consciousness, he found himself in a dark chamber.

Before him sat a man known as the "Darkness of the Shinobi," perched on a cold chair, his hands resting on the top of his cane. He looked at Suzumebachi coldly and asked:

"I ask, you answer."

"What is Sōsuke's true identity?"

(End of Chapter)