Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 9: Wood Release: The Advent of the Tree World

Regardless of the outcome, the tale of Hagoromo Gengetsu taking on the Five Kage single-handedly and the deaths and injuries of the First Water and Lightning Kages would certainly stir a storm in the ninja world. 

Even for the next few decades, while the glory of the Five Kage continued to overshadow the entire ninja realm, many would still speak highly of this monumental battle that would be etched into the annals of ninja history.

Among them, even someone as formidable as Senju Hashirama would become part of the background story, accentuating Hagoromo Gengetsu's prowess, just as his former adversaries had done.

At this moment, Hashirama did not know how future generations would view today's battle, but as Hagoromo Gengetsu smiled and declared the Five Kage complete, Hashirama understood that Hagoromo Gengetsu’s brilliance would not extinguish today.

Despite stepping over Hashirama’s shoulders to achieve fame, Hashirama bore no grudge and returned the smile, saying, “Except for Madara, you are the opponent I respect the most, Gengetsu.”

Even now, Hashirama was still expressing his feelings.

Indeed, Hashirama and Madara were true rivals.

Hagoromo Gengetsu curled his lip, taking a jab at the always-overestimated Uchiha Madara. He said, “Madara is far more radical than I am. Today's events won't be the last. Hashirama, if I were you, I'd be ready.”

Upon hearing this, Hashirama furrowed his brow, then replied confidently, “Madara is no longer the Madara of the past. He is now a part of the Konoha family, and I trust him.”

Well, if that makes you happy.

Hagoromo Gengetsu shook his head and stopped speaking.

Seeing this, Hashirama's expression became serious again as he concluded, “Gengetsu, you are too strong! For the common ideal we all strive for, I’m sorry, but today I must end you here.”

Words of consolation were powerless at this moment.

Hagoromo Gengetsu nodded calmly. “Come then.”

With that, Hashirama clapped his hands together.

The battle between the strongest ninjas of the current era officially began.

“Wood Release: The Advent of the Tree World!”

Knowing Hagoromo Gengetsu's power, Hashirama didn’t waste any time and immediately used his signature technique.

Instantly, the ground around Hashirama cracked like an earthquake, and thick trees erupted from the ground, growing rapidly.

In the blink of an eye, a dense forest replaced the original terrain, sprawling before everyone’s eyes.

Witnessing this, the ninjas from outside Konoha fell silent.

The Wood Release of the God of Shinobi.

For ninjas of this era, it was an unforgettable memory.

Despite having numerous bloodline limits, Hagoromo Gengetsu’s combined abilities still could not match the impact of Hashirama’s Wood Release.

Countless nights, ninjas had woken up in cold sweat from dreams of the invincible Hashirama, crushing everything under his feet.

“Wood Release, huh.”

Within the realm of the Tree World, covered by the lush canopy above and bathed in fragmented sunlight, Hagoromo Gengetsu reflected on this.

Among all the bloodline limits, Wood Release was the most unique.

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

Hagoromo Gengetsu had tried various combinations of Earth and Water chakra, but without success.

In his judgment, Hashirama’s ability to develop such a unique Wood Release might be closely tied to his reincarnation as Asura.

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

Whoosh! Whoosh!

A fierce wind blew from all directions.

As soon as the Tree World technique took shape, it began to show its might.

Hagoromo Gengetsu looked around. The forest seemed to come alive, with numerous trees stretching out like monsters, whipping towards him.

From the east, south, west, and north.

Even from the sky and beneath his feet.

Thick tree vines shot up from the ground, trying to ensnare his legs.

Hagoromo Gengetsu reacted swiftly, leaping into the air while forming hand seals.

“Fire Release: Great Fire Destruction!”

A massive fireball, like a meteor, was expelled from his mouth, spreading into a vast sea of flames upon hitting the ground.

The forest burned.

Countless trees reaching towards Hagoromo Gengetsu turned to ash in the flames.

Hagoromo Gengetsu remained vigilant.

Trees outside the sea of flames were rapidly advancing to cover the fire.

New saplings sprang up in the center of the recently burned fire, growing quickly and forming a forest to counter the raging inferno.

Hagoromo Gengetsu was not surprised.

If the Tree World technique were so easily broken, Wood Release wouldn’t be so renowned.

The Great Fire Destruction was merely to hold back the tree sea for a while.

Hagoromo Gengetsu quickly fled from the forest.

Even he was reluctant to engage Hashirama in his natural habitat.

All the trees within the Tree World’s range acted as Hashirama’s eyes.

At this moment, Hashirama was fully aware that Hagoromo Gengetsu was trying to withdraw.

Soon.

Hagoromo Gengetsu felt the resistance from the trees intensify several times as he moved.

He knew that the master of the technique was approaching.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh~~~

Thick, powerful roots and vines surged toward Hagoromo Gengetsu like they had been injected with energy.

Hagoromo Gengetsu sidestepped to avoid a vine swipe from the left, then leaped backward to escape the encircling trees.

As the roots and vines behind him threatened to engulf him like blooming carnivorous flowers, Hagoromo Gengetsu glanced back.

Crack, crack~~~

A cold wind swept through.

The trees behind him turned to ice sculptures.

“You’re still one step too slow.”

Amidst the swirling ice shards, Hagoromo Gengetsu looked toward the edge of the tree sea and finally shifted his gaze to Hashirama blocking his path.

Unfortunately.

Without a massive summoning beast to draw the Tree World’s firepower away, Hagoromo Gengetsu had no choice but to face the challenge directly.

“Shadow Technique: Dark Shadow!”

In the battle mode where he appeared even more imposing and cold, Hashirama spoke without further ado, clasping his hands together once more.

Hagoromo Gengetsu felt a darkness enveloping his vision, obscuring all light.

Taking this opportunity, numerous roots and vines wildly grew, covering him with no gaps left.

Hagoromo Gengetsu realized he was caught in a genjutsu.

Dark Shadow Technique.

An S-rank genjutsu developed specifically by Senju Tobirama to conceal the Uchiha’s pride, the Sharingan’s vision.

Used by his elder brother now, it was perfectly suited.

For someone like Hagoromo Gengetsu, who had never experienced such high-level blind combat, this was a daunting challenge.

Fortunately, he had a backup plan.

As the encroaching vines threatened to cover him entirely, Hagoromo Gengetsu’s expression changed.