Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 79: Please Don't Diminish the Concept of Revival

During the Warring States period, there was no such thing as the "Craftsmen Village." There were, however, craftsmen who made ninja tools for various clans, though they were scattered and not a unified force. Hagoromo Gengetsu recalled hearing about Seimei from someone in his clan responsible for purchasing ninja tools. The craftsman was noted for his skill and fair pricing, and Gengetsu had casually acknowledged the recommendation without much thought.

This was the extent of Gengetsu's knowledge about Seimei—just a name heard in passing. Thus, when Seimei's followers claimed he was a legendary figure comparable to Hagoromo Gengetsu or Senju Hashirama, it struck Gengetsu as a gross exaggeration.

Kujaku, furious at Gengetsu's dismissive remarks, was about to retaliate when Seimei intervened. He addressed Gengetsu, expressing surprise that his power source turned out to be a human rather than a tailed beast. Seimei was intrigued, asking, "So, you know of me?"

Gengetsu replied, "Know you? If hearing your name in passing counts, then yes."

Approaching the steel prison, Gengetsu continued, "I've seen enough of your so-called revival. It's time to end this farce."

With a touch of his finger, Gengetsu released a flow of molten lava, which quickly melted a large hole in the steel cage. The ease with which he did this stunned Seimei's followers, who couldn't believe the seemingly impenetrable prison had been breached so effortlessly.

Seimei, sensing the loss of chakra absorption from Gengetsu, quickly severed his connection to the cage, which soon melted into a pool of molten iron. Gengetsu stepped out calmly, his footsteps creating an ominous pressure on Seimei's followers, even with the powerful Seimei standing beside them.

Seimei, realizing the gravity of the situation, asked seriously, "Who are you?"

Gengetsu responded, "Why not find out for yourself? Though, given your status back then, I doubt you would recognize me."

As a gust of wind blew away his hat, Gengetsu's young face was revealed. Seimei's followers were shocked into silence, finally recognizing him as the legendary Hagoromo Gengetsu. The once arrogant Ryuugan stammered, "You... you're Hagoromo..."

The recognition struck them with despair. Seimei, equally stunned, exclaimed, "Hagoromo Gengetsu?! You were supposed to be dead! How can you still be alive?"

Tortuga quickly explained, "Like our ancestor, Hagoromo Gengetsu also recently revived."

Seimei, astonished, asked, "He revived too?" To which Gengetsu retorted, "Revived? Please don't diminish the concept."

Gengetsu explained to Seimei that he was merely an artifact containing Seimei's consciousness and memories, not a true revival. Seimei acknowledged this, stating that the real Seimei's ultimate goal was to become the greatest ninja tool by discarding his human form.

Seimei then proposed an alliance with Gengetsu to conquer the ninja world. Gengetsu, amused by Seimei's offer, dismissed it, "Are you overestimating yourself? I'd rather eliminate you than be associated with a failure in the ninja world."

With this, Gengetsu made it clear that he had no interest in collaborating with Seimei, whom he considered insignificant.