Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 120: The Sennin Talent

In the Land of Fire.

Under the golden sunlight, the endless forest was covered in a beautiful veil, swaying gracefully in the gentle breeze.

If the Land of Wind gives the impression of desolate deserts, the Land of Lightning is known for its high altitudes, the Land of Earth for its mountains and rocks, and the Land of Water for its many islands, then the Land of Fire, located at the center of the ninja world, is characterized by vast plains and forests.

This land, blessed with such natural and geographical advantages, has fostered the prosperity of the Land of Fire and bolstered the strength of Konohagakure (the Hidden Leaf Village).

However, these rich lands have also been coveted by other great nations for decades.

In all three Great Ninja Wars, Konohagakure has always been on the defensive.

As the wars progressed, they found themselves frequently targeted by multiple enemies at once.

Konoha's deep reserves have allowed it to endure thus far.

But the price has been a heavy toll on its ninja population.

Even the Senju clan, once considered the most powerful ninja clan during the Warring States period and produced three Hokage, has nearly disappeared.

Not to mention the Uchiha clan, which was wiped out due to Konoha's actions.

In a sense, Konoha has broken the monopoly of the old order.

Of course, a new elite class has emerged as well.

Currently, as they walked along a long, winding mountain path, having reached the halfway point, Hagoromo Gengetsu gazed at the forest below, feeling somewhat sentimental.

"Hagoromo-sama, where are we going?" Sasuke, after enduring his curiosity since their departure, finally asked, noticing the long road ahead.

"To the Fire Temple," Hagoromo Gengetsu replied calmly, bringing his thoughts back to the present.

"The Fire Temple?" Sasuke looked puzzled.

It sounded like a temple.

But normally, temples are built near villages or towns to collect offerings.

Why would the monks of the Fire Temple build it on such a remote and difficult-to-reach mountain?

Wouldn't they have few visitors throughout the year?

Sasuke voiced his confusion.

Hagoromo Gengetsu casually explained, "The Fire Temple is the national temple of the Land of Fire and doesn't lack for offerings. Moreover, you could consider the Fire Temple a ninja organization; the monks there have always been allied with the Konoha shinobi."

Konoha? Allies?

Sasuke pondered this for a moment and quickly realized, "So, the monks of the Fire Temple train like ninjas and are quite powerful in battle."

"Yes," Hagoromo Gengetsu nodded, "The monks here possess a unique ability called the Sennin Talent. We are here to observe it."

"I hope they don't disappoint me."

Hagoromo Gengetsu looked forward to the grand gates of the temple, which were just barely visible, with a hint of anticipation.

His research on Sage Techniques had reached a bottleneck.

This visit to the Fire Temple was not only to draw attention away from Konoha but also to explore the Sennin Talent.

With a name including "Sen," there might be something they have in common.

Five minutes later, Hagoromo Gengetsu and Sasuke finished the long climb and arrived at the temple gates.

On this remote mountain, they saw a towering iron gate and imposing statues of Buddha flanking it.

Even from this small glimpse, Sasuke could understand what it meant to be a national temple.

"It seems no one is coming to greet us?" Sasuke frowned after standing there for a while, noticing no sign of the gate opening.

Hagoromo Gengetsu glanced at the gate and the statues, saying calmly, "The outer walls of the Fire Temple are protected by barrier and sealing techniques. Ordinary people can't enter; only monks with the unique chakra of the Sennin Talent can pass through. It seems the monks inside are not very hospitable."

"Should we force our way in?" Sasuke asked, looking at Hagoromo Gengetsu.

Hagoromo Gengetsu nodded, "Since the hosts are not inclined to be courteous, we need not be polite either."

With that, Hagoromo Gengetsu approached the gate, clenched his fist, and decisively struck out.

Boom!

The barrier was instantly shattered by a powerful force.

The giant statues collapsed with a loud crash, and the thick, tall iron gate shattered into countless pieces, scattering rapidly and raising a thick cloud of dust.

The gate was thus opened, and Hagoromo Gengetsu calmly stepped inside.

Sasuke followed closely, his eyes burning with excitement at the scene of destruction.

Such overwhelming power is what he sought!

He couldn't find it in Konoha.

Only with Hagoromo Gengetsu, as long as he continued to work hard and persevere, would he be able to gain it!

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The sound of leisurely footsteps echoed through the empty courtyard.

Quickly, it was drowned out by a flurry of hurried footsteps.

"What happened?"

"The temple gate has collapsed, and the sealed iron wall was broken?"

"Intruders!!"

"Quick! Capture them!"

Hagoromo Gengetsu looked up to see a large group of bald monks, their heads shining in the sunlight, running towards them.

Seeing the sealed iron wall destroyed and two strangers nonchalantly standing there, appearing quite arrogant, the monks grew furious.

Even Buddha would get angry; how could they not?

The martial monks immediately prepared to capture the intruders.

Hagoromo Gengetsu ignored the small fry.

Sasuke, however, gripped his sword, ready to deal with these small fries.

Suddenly, a voice came from among the monks, "The enemy is not simple. I'll handle them; the rest of you provide support."

Upon hearing this, the enraged monks calmed down and respectfully made way for the speaker.

The person who stepped forward was the abbot of the Fire Temple, Chiriku, a former member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.

At this moment, Chiriku's gaze swept over the completely destroyed sealed iron wall before landing on the two intruders. After glancing at Sasuke, he looked solemnly at the man in the white whirlpool mask.

Having experienced countless life-and-death battles, he sensed a heavy pressure from the other party.

"Who are you?" Chiriku demanded.

Hagoromo Gengetsu didn't waste words, "I've heard that the Fire Temple monks possess a unique ability called the Sennin Talent. I've come to witness it."

"So, you're thieves coveting the power of the Fire Temple. If you want to see it, come closer and see for yourself," Chiriku responded, assuming a fighting stance.

Seeing this, Sasuke, eager to test his strength, asked, "Sir, may I handle this?"

Hagoromo Gengetsu glanced at Sasuke, not wanting to dampen his enthusiasm, and nodded.

In the next moment.

Clang~~

Sasuke drew the ninja sword from his waist, activated the Body Flicker Technique, and with a swift "swish," slashed at Chiriku at an incredible speed.

Chiriku watched calmly.

When Sasuke was close enough, he moved his hands and said:

"Arrival: Thousand Hands Strike!"