Chapter 9

No matter the outcome, the fact that Gensou had single-handedly taken on the Five Kage, resulting in the death of the First Mizukage and the crippling of the First Raikage, would undoubtedly cause a sensation in the ninja world.

Even in the decades to come, when the Five Kage's glory continued to overshadow the ninja world, people would still enthusiastically discuss this epic battle that would be etched into ninja history.

Among them, even the mighty Hashirama would, like his former enemies, become part of the backdrop that highlighted Gensou's strength, along with the other Kage.

At this moment, Hashirama did not know how future generations would view this battle, but as Gensou spoke with a faint smile about the Five Kage being complete, he understood that Gensou's brilliance would not be extinguished today.

Though Gensou was making his name off Hashirama's shoulders, Hashirama did not hold a grudge and smiled back, saying:

"Other than Madara, you are my most respected opponent, Gensou."

Even at this moment, Hashirama couldn't help but express his feelings.

As expected, Hashirama and Madara were true companions.

Gensou smirked and took the opportunity to jab at Madara, whom he always found irritating: "Madara is far more radical than I am. Today's events won't be a one-time thing. Hashirama, if I were you, I would prepare in advance."

Hashirama frowned at first but then confidently replied, "Madara is no longer the Madara of the past. He is now a member of the Konoha family, and I believe in him."

Fine, if it makes you happy.

Gensou shook his head and stopped talking.

Seeing this, Hashirama's expression became serious, and he said finally:

"Gensou, you are too powerful! For the sake of the ideals we all pursue, I'm sorry, but today I must kill you here."

No words could change anything at this point.

Gensou nodded calmly: "Bring it on."

As soon as he finished speaking.

Clap!

Hashirama clapped his hands together.

The strongest battle in the ninja world began.

"Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees!"

Knowing Gensou's strength, Hashirama wasted no time, starting with his signature technique.

Instantly, the ground around Hashirama for hundreds of meters cracked like an earthquake, and thick trees sprouted from the ground, growing rapidly.

In just a blink, a dense forest replaced the original terrain, unfolding before everyone's eyes.

Seeing this, all the non-Konoha ninjas outside the battlefield fell silent.

The God of Shinobi's Wood Release.

For the ninjas of the same era, it was an unforgettable memory.

Though Gensou had many Bloodline Limits, even combined, their impact was still less than that of Hashirama's sole Wood Release.

Countless nights, ninjas had woken up in cold sweats from dreams of Hashirama, stepping on the giant Buddha, crushing everything with invincible force.

"Wood Release, huh."

Within the range of the Advent of a World of Trees, Gensou looked up at the massive canopy overhead, fragmented sunlight filtering down to his hands, and sighed.

Among all Bloodline Limits, Wood Release was the most unique.

Except for Hashirama, no one in the Senju clan had naturally awakened Wood Release before or after him.

Gensou had attempted to combine Earth and Water chakra but failed.

He believed that Hashirama's ability to develop such a unique Wood Release might be significantly related to him being the reincarnation of Asura.

Unless he obtained Hashirama's cells, Wood Release would remain out of reach.

Swish, swish, swish! Strong winds blew from all directions.

As soon as the Advent of a World of Trees was completed, it began to show its power.

Gensou looked around and saw that the forest seemed alive, with countless trees growing rapidly like demons, extending their branches towards him.

East, south, west, north.

The sky.

And underfoot.

Thick vines burst from the ground, trying to entangle his feet.

Gensou reacted quickly, jumping up and forming seals in mid-air:

"Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!"

A massive fireball, like a meteor, erupted from his mouth, landing on the ground and spreading into a vast sea of flames.

The forest burned.

Countless trees reaching for Gensou turned to ash in the flames.

Gensou did not let his guard down.

Beyond the sea of flames, the trees were spreading, trying to cover the fire.

In the center of the flames, newly sprouted saplings fearlessly grew again, quickly turning into a sea of trees, contending with the raging flames.

Gensou was not surprised.

If the Advent of a World of Trees were that easy to break, Wood Release wouldn't have made such a name for itself in the ninja world.

The Great Fire Annihilation was only to temporarily block the forest.

Gensou was swiftly leaving the sea of trees.

Even he did not want to fight the master of Wood Release in this natural stronghold.

Everything within the range of the Advent of a World of Trees was Hashirama's eyes and ears.

At this moment, Gensou wanted to leave, and Hashirama was well aware.

Quickly.

As Gensou moved, he felt the resistance from the surrounding trees increase several folds.

He knew the master of the technique was approaching.

Swish, swish, swish!

Thick vines, like they were on steroids, constantly attacked Gensou.

Gensou dodged a vine from the left, then leaped back, escaping the embrace of a large tree.

Seeing the vines behind him closing in like a blooming man-eating flower, Gensou scanned his surroundings.

Crack, crack, crack!

A cold wind blew.

The trees behind him turned into ice sculptures.

"Too slow."

Amidst the falling ice shards, Gensou looked towards the edge of the forest not far ahead, then turned his gaze to Hashirama blocking his path.

What a pity.

No large summoning beast to act as a decoy to distract the forest.

"Ninja Art: Bringer-of-Darkness Technique!"

Looking more dignified and cold in battle, Hashirama clasped his hands again.

Gensou felt a darkness cover his vision, plunging him into complete blackness.

Taking this opportunity, countless vines grew wildly, leaving no gaps as they covered him.

Gensou knew he was under a genjutsu.

Bringer-of-Darkness Technique.

An S-rank genjutsu specifically developed by Tobirama to counter the Uchiha's Sharingan.

Used by his brother now, it was the perfect fit.

Having never experienced blindness, Gensou couldn't immediately adapt to high-level blind fighting.

Fortunately, he had a backup plan.

As the vines were about to envelop him entirely, Gensou's expression changed.

(End of Chapter)