Chapter 85

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The second Five Kage Summit was about to convene.

The theme of the meeting was to address Gensou, a resurrected individual who did not belong to this era and was not part of the Five Great Villages.

For the sake of the security and confidentiality of the Five Kage's movements, this explosive news was not spread throughout the ninja world.

Not only were the common people of the major ninja villages unaware, but even the higher-ups of these villages knew very little about the summit. Only a select few were privy to the fact that the Five Kage Summit was being held.

This was why, as the Hokage, Tsunade chose a remote location for her departure and was only seen off by two elder advisors.

Seeing Tsunade's resolute attitude, Mitokado and Utatane, knowing it was useless to persuade her otherwise, remained silent.

After giving some final instructions, Tsunade left with Shizune and Naruto.

As Konoha grew more distant behind them, Naruto scratched his head and asked Tsunade, puzzled, "Granny Tsunade, where are we going?"

Naruto didn't know the destination of this trip. He probably didn't even know what the Five Kage Summit was.

Originally, he had planned to go on a training trip with Jiraiya, but Tsunade had brought him along instead, leaving him confused.

"A place that holds great significance for you, Naruto." Tsunade ruffled Naruto's hair, full of meaning.

During the first Five Kage Summit, the bodyguards accompanying the Kage all became future Second Kage.

With such a precedent, the bodyguards accompanying the Kage at the second summit were given special significance by those with discerning eyes.

By bringing Naruto, Tsunade was expressing her hopes for his future through her actions.

Becoming Hokage is not something that can be achieved by merely shouting slogans.

Naruto couldn't understand this now.

But in the future, he would understand everything.

...

At the same time.

On the day Fifth Hokage Tsunade set out.

As agreed, Third Tsuchikage Onoki, accompanied by Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi; Fifth Mizukage Terumi Mei, accompanied by Ao and Chojuro; Fourth Raikage A, accompanied by C and Darui;

And the freshly appointed Fifth Kazekage Gaara, who was initially undecided but was forced to step up due to the Five Kage Summit, accompanied by the experienced elder Chiyo and Baki from the Sand Village, also set out.

Just like the first Five Kage Summit, the Kage were headed to the neutral Iron Country, following in the footsteps of their predecessors to convene the second summit.

Coincidentally, both summits were inextricably linked to Gensou.

Only this time, Gensou carried much more weight.

...

Konoha Hospital.

After making rapid initial progress in his research on Senjutsu chakra, Gensou's progress had slowed as the challenges increased. He decided to take a break and walk around to clear his mind.

On the way, he ran into Iruka, who had brought an injured student to the hospital.

"Thank you so much, Dr. Sōsuke." Iruka expressed his gratitude to the helpful "Dr. Sōsuke."

"It's my duty."

While treating the student, Gensou focused on the new system notification in his mind.

[Ding!]

[Main Mission: Graduation from Ninja Academy]

[Mission Description: Having successfully defeated Uchiha Sasuke and Sakura, achieving first place in both academics and combat at the academy, the host now faces the graduation exam, with the honor of becoming a Konoha Genin within reach. The exam involves the Clone Technique, which is a piece of cake for the host. Perform splendidly in front of Teacher Iruka!]

"Without realizing it, 'my' time at the academy has already come to an end."

Thinking this, Gensou formed a hand seal and, with a "poof," summoned a clone.

"Dr. Sōsuke, what are you doing?" Iruka asked, puzzled.

"Just getting some bandages to stabilize the bone," Gensou pointed at the student he was treating.

"Oh, I see." Iruka nodded in understanding.

Using a basic clone to fetch bandages, Gensou looked back at his mind.

[Ding!]

[Main Mission: Graduation from Ninja Academy (Completed)]

[With the host's outstanding performance, achieving first place in both academics and combat at the academy, passing the graduation exam was a breeze. Congratulations to the host for officially joining the ninja ranks and becoming Konoha's one and only Genin. Keep striving to become a Chunin, Jonin, and eventually Hokage!]

[Reward: Shadow Clone Technique; Body Flicker Technique]

"Alright, just rest up properly now." Gensou took the bandages from his clone and skillfully bandaged the child, explaining the treatment.

"Thank you, Dr. Sōsuke." Iruka expressed his gratitude once again.

The injured child looked up expectantly and asked, "Doctor, does this mean I can skip school?"

"Not at all. Just bring a crutch, and you won't miss a single class." Gensou reassured with a "don't worry" expression.

Skipping school? No way.

Go to school and cherish the remaining days at the academy.

Unlike me, who has never attended school yet is told I just graduated.

"If I hadn't come here decades earlier and had instead been placed in Konoha as per the system's arrangement, living alongside the twelve genin, following the system's missions, my life would have been completely different."

Watching Iruka and the reluctant student leave, Gensou felt a bit nostalgic.

But soon, he brushed off the sentiment.

The past was set, and the future had already changed.

Compared to being born in a peaceful era and playing ninja games with a bunch of kids, the current life of being the infamous "Hagoromo Gensou" across the ninja world suited him better.

Gensou glanced toward the Hokage Rock, smiled slightly, and disappeared instantly.

At the Konoha Memorial Stone, in front of the cenotaph of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.

Since he had promised to visit and pay respects to his old friend, Gensou naturally intended to keep his word. He casually placed a bouquet of white chrysanthemums bought from the Yamanaka flower shop in front of the grave.

"I was going to burn some incense for you, Hashirama. But considering you're suffering in the Shinigami's belly, the incense probably wouldn't reach you. I'll skip the formalities."

Talking to Hashirama's grave, Gensou explained.

"Oh, by the way, I checked the current state of Konoha. It's doing well. Although many people have died over the years, the population is still growing, with births outnumbering deaths. Overall, it's on the rise."

"To be fair, while modern ninjas still engage in needless slaughter and massacre civilians, it's better than in our time."

"The success of all things depends on who is worse off. The world today is tolerable, I suppose…"

Talking to oneself gets boring.

After a few more words, Gensou quickly lost interest and stopped, standing silently.

Manifesting before the dead lacked a certain flavor.

After a while, he heard footsteps behind him. Without turning around, Gensou's expression remained unchanged.

The person approached heavily.

Like many villagers who adored the First Hokage, he placed a similar bouquet of white chrysanthemums among the flowers at the cenotaph and stood in silence after rising.

Still looking at Hashirama's tombstone, Gensou asked without turning his head:

"These past few days, you've hovered around me four times, looking hesitant and never approaching. Today is the fifth time, and you finally came to my side. I'm curious about your initiative this time."

"So, Hagoromo Suzumebachi, have you betrayed the Hagoromo clan? Betrayed me?"

(End of Chapter)