Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 73: Welcome Home - The Sharingan Feast

Fortunately, everything had changed. From the moment Hagoromo Gengetsu appeared, the scattered Hagoromo clan members were set to be reunited under a single banner. This is the power and charisma of the strongest clan leader in a thousand years.

After learning the current details of the Hagoromo clan from Moteni and seamlessly reclaiming his authority, Hagoromo Gengetsu took another look at Moteni and sighed slightly, "Of the clansmen from those days, only you remain."

Moteni was silent, and after a moment, spoke with a dry tone, "Relocating and separating the clan wasn't easy. During the long process, illness and violence inevitably claimed lives."

Ninja lifespans were already short during the Warring States period. Even in the early days of the Hidden Village era, many ninjas who had been severely injured or weakened during the wars didn't live long enough to enjoy much of the peace. To survive as long as the Konoha F4 did, besides extensive medical support, it was essential to live in constant protection.

The Hagoromo clan's relocation wasn't peaceful; it was fraught with bloodshed and danger.

"Speaking of which, the Uchiha clan played a significant role during the relocation," Moteni added.

Hagoromo Gengetsu had previously heard some details from Samui, but Moteni, having lived through it, knew more specifics.

Moteni explained, "The Uchiha and Hagoromo clans were long-time allies. Even after Konoha's establishment, the bond remained. Moreover, there were frequent intermarriages between the clans. Although the Hagoromo clan didn't formally request assistance, the Uchiha clan still sent ninjas to help."

"Did Konoha know about this?" Hagoromo Gengetsu asked.

Moteni shook his head, "No, the Uchiha did it secretly."

Hagoromo Gengetsu understood. The Uchiha, despite their proud and seemingly difficult nature, were trustworthy as friends. If they had wanted something from the Hagoromo, they would have taken it by force rather than resorting to underhanded methods.

Moreover, unlike other large clans, the Uchiha often acted on emotions due to the nature of the Sharingan. This was evident when they helped the Hagoromo clan without Konoha's knowledge, which could have worsened their political standing in the village.

For example, Moteni's wife had the surname Uchiha before marrying into the Hagoromo clan.

"Clan Leader, the young man you brought back is Uchiha Sasuke, the last survivor of the Uchiha clan, isn't he? What are your plans for him?" Moteni cautiously asked, thinking about his wife who had been tugging at his waist.

Hagoromo Gengetsu, seeing Moteni's expression, chuckled, "Don't worry, I won't make you kneel on a washboard."

Samui had bluntly mentioned Moteni's fear of his wife when discussing the current state of the Hagoromo clan.

"Uchiha Sasuke isn't a prisoner here. If your wife and the others want to see him, they're free to do so."

As he spoke, Hagoromo Gengetsu appeared intrigued. Just like how a butterfly in the Amazon can cause a hurricane in Texas, the spread and continuation of the Hagoromo clan had caused significant ripple effects.

For instance, the year before the Uchiha massacre, someone in the Uchiha clan sensed something was wrong. As a precaution, they secretly contacted the Hagoromo clan's hidden agents and smuggled a few Uchiha members out, faking their deaths and sending them to the Hagoromo clan.

"Who was that Uchiha?" Hagoromo Gengetsu asked with curiosity.

"Uchiha Setsuna," Moteni replied with a hint of nostalgia. "He was the one who proposed supporting the Hagoromo clan and personally escorted us along the way."

---

On the streets of the Lock Village, Sasuke walked with his hands in his pockets, looking bored as he followed Hanare around.

If he could, he would rather be training than wandering around a village similar to Konoha, though smaller and less bustling.

Hagoromo Gengetsu's orders were different from those of Kakashi or Orochimaru; he had no choice but to obey.

Normally, he might harbor some resentment, but Sasuke, despite his arrogance, was willing to follow those he truly respected.

He saw Kakashi as somewhat competent, but not impressive. As for Orochimaru, that was a different story altogether.

After walking for a while, Hanare seemed to receive some instructions and led Sasuke away from the lively streets to a quiet, large house.

Sasuke looked around and casually asked, "Why did you bring me here?"

Hanare stood at the door and gestured invitingly, "Someone inside wants to see you."

"See me?"

Not worried about any danger on Hagoromo Gengetsu's turf, Sasuke entered without hesitation. Hanare led him to a room, indicating he should go inside.

Seeing Hanare's pretty smile, Sasuke dismissed any further thoughts and confidently stepped forward. Just as he was about to push open the door, he hesitated, feeling a bit anxious.

He couldn't explain why he felt this way, but not wanting Hanare to misinterpret his hesitation, Sasuke snorted inwardly and forcefully pushed the door open.

The creaky door revealed a dimly lit room.

Ignoring the dimness, Sasuke looked ahead and saw an elderly woman with black hair, whose appearance and demeanor felt oddly familiar, sitting in the main seat, watching him kindly.

Not only the old woman, but also ten or so young men and women, all with black hair and eyes, stood around her. There were no elders or children present.

Unlike the old woman's kindness, their gazes towards Sasuke varied: some were excited, some were pleased, others seemed pitying, and some even showed anger.

Sasuke didn't recognize these people or understand why their looks were so complicated.

Then, the old woman in the main seat spoke with a kind voice, "Child, welcome home."

As her words ended, everyone's eyes, including hers, flashed open.

In an instant, multiple pairs of bright red Sharingan eyes lit up the darkness.