Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 99: The Last Gift

The Konoha village was in disarray, dealing with the aftermath of the Root division's downfall while also managing an invasion of the chamber housing the Scroll of Seals. Unbeknownst to them, the high-security prison was about to face similar trouble.

Having left the Hokage building, Hagoromo Gengetsu arrived at an ordinary house, its interior warmly lit. He knocked on the door, and soon, hurried footsteps approached from within.

“Dad...”

The door opened, and the occupant's initial joy turned to confusion upon seeing Hagoromo. Despite this, he politely asked, “Who are you?”

Hagoromo Gengetsu smiled at Feizhu Xiangjie, the son of Feizhu Xingtie. “I’m a friend of your father’s. May I come in?”

“Of course.”

Feizhu Xiangjie, trusting the generally safe environment of the Konoha residential area, led Hagoromo Gengetsu inside. The home was modest but meticulously maintained, exuding a cozy atmosphere.

After a brief conversation, Hagoromo Gengetsu noticed several recently read books on the sofa: *The Will of Fire: Third Hokage Edition*, *The First Hokage's Conquest*, *The Chronicles of Konoha*, and *The Chronicles of Tenacity*.

“You like these kinds of books?” Hagoromo Gengetsu inquired, pointing at the books on the sofa.

“Mm-hmm!” Xiangjie’s eyes lit up with excitement. “I’m learning from the respected Hokages. My dream is to become Hokage!”

“To become Hokage, huh?”

Seeing the genuine enthusiasm in Xiangjie’s eyes, Hagoromo Gengetsu decided against his initial plan. He had intended to take Xiangjie away from Konoha to protect him. Even though the Root was gone, clues linking Hagoromo Gengetsu would eventually surface. Although Konoha wouldn’t harm a child, Xiangjie’s future would be limited.

However, seeing the boy’s sincere aspiration to become Hokage, Hagoromo Gengetsu knew imposing his will would only lead to resistance. Feizhu Xingtie had also understood his son's dreams, which was why he had asked Hagoromo Gengetsu not to burden the boy with the “Hagoromo” legacy.

“Konoha’s indoctrination is really thorough,” Hagoromo Gengetsu mused.

“Hagoromo Gengetsu-san, do you know where my dad went? He’s usually home by now,” Xiangjie asked.

“He’s gone far away. You’ll need to learn to take care of yourself now,” Hagoromo Gengetsu replied.

“On a mission? Without telling me? That’s odd,” Xiangjie muttered.

“I must go now. I have a gift for you,” Hagoromo Gengetsu said, preparing to leave.

“A gift? That’s not necessary...” Xiangjie, well-mannered, started to decline.

But Hagoromo Gengetsu swiftly moved behind him, placing his fingers on Xiangjie’s forehead. The boy’s eyes rolled back as he fell asleep, the evening’s memories of Hagoromo Gengetsu swiftly erased.

“This is for your own good. Even with Tsunade in charge, Konoha might still interrogate you. Better they find nothing,” Hagoromo Gengetsu whispered, sealing away the memories.

He then went to Feizhu Xingtie’s office, extracting his training notes. After studying them, Hagoromo Gengetsu added and modified them in Xingtie’s handwriting. This personalized guidance would help Xiangjie surpass many in his future training. Leaving advanced jutsus or forbidden techniques would only attract unwanted attention from the ANBU, but these notes would seem innocuous and helpful.

Hagoromo Gengetsu finished and left the revised notes as his parting gift. After a final glance at the well-lit Konoha village, he sped towards the outskirts.

Konoha High-Security Prison

Situated six kilometers outside Konoha, the prison was hidden and isolated, designed to contain rogue ninjas. Hagoromo Gengetsu’s target was a former star instructor at the Konoha Ninja Academy, Mizuki, who had attempted to steal the Scroll of Seals.

After easily subduing the guards, Hagoromo Gengetsu entered the prison amidst blaring alarms.

“Kill them! Yes, that’s it!”

“Great skills, young man!”

“Time is short! Free us, and we’ll help you!”

“Please, sir, let me out!”

“Release me first, or you’re dead!”

“...”

The prisoners clamored, excited by the fall of their despised guards. Hagoromo Gengetsu glanced at them.

“Too noisy.”

With that, he flicked a shuriken from the ground. It struck the loudest, most imposing prisoner, splitting his head in half. Silence fell over the prison instantly.