Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 124: Mangekyō Sharingan?

Swish! Swish! Two dark figures swiftly darted through the forest.

Though they had planned to alert the target, it didn't mean they had to wait idly. Hagoromo Gengetsu and Sasuke were traversing the Fire Country, continuing their search for Sage Techniques.

In the ninja world, the most famous users of Sage Techniques, or rather the use of natural energy, were the Three Great Sage Regions. Besides these, there were other individuals or groups who, through chance, also gained the ability to utilize natural energy. Examples include Jūgo and the monks of the Fire Temple, known for their Sage Talent.

The destination for Hagoromo Gengetsu this time was another place where people had mastered natural energy, even developing extremely powerful techniques that Konoha had deemed forbidden, prohibiting their dissemination. Konoha had even signed an alliance with them, pledging to send reinforcements if this clan was ever attacked.

"I hope we find something valuable this time," Hagoromo Gengetsu said, looking towards the towering mountain in the distance.

This journey wasn't just about drawing Konoha's attention away to keep the secrets of Lockfront Village hidden; it was also to familiarize himself with the Mangekyō Sharingan and further analyze Yin Chakra. He also sought solutions for the issues faced in developing Sage Techniques.

Although the so-called "Sage Talent" had "Sage" in its name, it wasn't the same as Sage Mode. He had gained some inspiration from it, but it wasn't enough. Now, his focus was on the nearby Mt. Katsuragi.

With a determined gaze, Hagoromo Gengetsu quickened his pace towards the mountain, with Sasuke silently following.

Meanwhile, at the Fire Temple...

As Kakashi led Team 3 and Team 8 from Konoha to the temple, they were greeted by the sight of the once formidable Sealing Iron Wall, now a scene of devastation and ruin. Yūhi Kurenai, Asuma's girlfriend and familiar with the temple and its inhabitants, knew the Iron Wall's reputation for repelling many outsiders.

Seeing the destruction, she solemnly remarked, "To have breached the Sealing Iron Wall head-on, the person with Sasuke must be incredibly powerful."

No one believed Sasuke could have done this alone. He hadn't been gone from the village long enough to gain such strength.

"An Uchiha, perhaps," Kakashi thought, nodding as he led the group into the temple, where they were greeted by the temple's head monk, Chiriku. Although Chiriku appeared physically unharmed, he seemed mentally drained. He joined his hands in greeting the Konoha ninjas, who he recognized, especially Kakashi.

Chiriku spoke without pleasantries, "I thought Asuma would be leading the team this time."

Knowing Asuma's connection with Chiriku, Kakashi explained, "Asuma's team is on a mission and won't be back soon. Due to reports of a Sharingan user, I've taken charge this time."

Kakashi then inquired seriously, "Chiriku, is it true that Sasuke is accompanied by an Uchiha?"

Recalling his confrontation with the masked man, Chiriku nodded gravely, "I saw it with my own eyes; that person's eyes were undoubtedly the Sharingan. Despite my training in Sage Talent, which allows me to resist most genjutsu, I was caught in an illusion the moment I met his gaze and couldn't break free until they left."

Even someone as strong as Chiriku was powerless? Kakashi's brow furrowed. He knew even his Sharingan's genjutsu wouldn't be that effective. He glanced at Kurenai, a genjutsu expert, who shook her head, indicating she couldn't do it either.

"A powerful Uchiha genjutsu user? Like Itachi? Or perhaps a Mangekyō Sharingan?" Kakashi pondered multiple possibilities. If it was the latter, things would be complicated. Remembering the outcome of his previous encounter with Uchiha Itachi, a sense of dread filled Kakashi.

He then asked Chiriku for a description of the Uchiha's appearance. Chiriku explained that the person wore a white spiral mask, so only the figure could be inferred as an adult male. However, the monks who had previously encountered Sasuke provided detailed descriptions.

"A Sharingan with three tomoe, lightning chakra manipulation, and Chidori techniques. Sasuke has progressed rapidly in a short time," Kakashi thought, feeling conflicted. Suddenly, he understood Sasuke's actions a little more.

"Not bad for your student, Kakashi!" Guy encouraged, patting Kakashi's shoulder.

Kakashi sighed, "Guy, you didn't have to say that." He knew Guy meant well, but the compliment felt heavy.

Shino then spoke up, "A three-tomoe Sharingan... without a jonin, it will be hard to handle."

But as he glanced around, no one responded, making Shino retreat into silence.

Although unspoken, Shino's observation was accurate. Even if Kiba confidently claimed he could handle Sasuke alone, Kakashi, Kurenai, and Guy, who had witnessed Uchiha battles, knew the challenge a three-tomoe Sharingan posed.

"It seems we need to adjust our strategy," Kakashi concluded. The initial plan was for the three jonin to confront the masked Uchiha, with the rest handling Sasuke. But Sasuke's strength exceeded expectations, requiring a jonin's involvement.

Guy and Kurenai agreed, trusting Kakashi's judgment. After finalizing a new strategy, the team said their goodbyes to Chiriku and began tracking the duo.

"Byakugan!" Hinata activated her Byakugan, scanning the area for clues.

Nearby, Neji, noticing Hinata's determined expression, activated his Byakugan to assist. Kiba and Akamaru sniffed around for scents, while Shino unleashed his insects to scout.

This was precisely why Tsunade had insisted on bringing Team 8; they excelled at tracking.

Soon, they found leads. Guided by Team 8, the group followed the trail in the direction Hagoromo Gengetsu and Sasuke had taken.