Naruto: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 33: Root

The full moon hung high in the sky, casting a faint light over the deep night. Hagoromo Gengetsu stood outside the bustling Tanzaku Street, glancing back at several shadowy figures that were silently approaching him, blending seamlessly with the night.

"Konoha's Anbu... no, the colors on these masks are more varied and eerie. They seem more like Root," Hagoromo Gengetsu thought, recalling the infamous Root and its leader, Danzo Shimura.

"Have I been discovered because of the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki?" he mused. Hagoromo Gengetsu doubted that Root could have tracked his movements; if they had set a trap for him, there would surely be more than just these men. It was more likely that these Root ninjas were here to monitor the Jinchūriki's every move and had coincidentally noticed his presence outside the izakaya.

"Is it your good fortune or misfortune?" Hagoromo Gengetsu stopped walking, allowing the Root ninjas to encircle him. Eight in total, they were likely two teams taking turns watching the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. The atmosphere was silent, a stark contrast to the lively Tanzaku Street inside the wall.

The Root ninjas remained silent as the leader confirmed Hagoromo Gengetsu's identity. Without hesitation, they moved with precise, coordinated actions. The sound of kunai and shuriken breaking through the air filled the quiet night.

"How dull," Hagoromo Gengetsu muttered. He deftly caught a flying kunai, then swiftly deflected the incoming barrage with it, the clang of metal ringing out. Suddenly, a Root ninja, moving with incredible speed using the Body Flicker Technique, aimed a long ninja sword at Hagoromo Gengetsu's neck. He calmly stepped back, narrowly avoiding the blade. Before the attacker could react, Hagoromo Gengetsu, channeling Wind Release chakra into the kunai, threw it. The ninja barely dodged it, but Hagoromo Gengetsu closed in, crushed the ninja's wrist, disarmed him, and kicked him away. He then turned and slashed at another approaching ninja, who fell, clutching his throat.

"First one," Hagoromo Gengetsu announced, holding up his bloodied sword. The remaining Root ninjas, undeterred, charged silently. Despite their rigorous training, they were no match for Hagoromo Gengetsu. He quickly dispatched two more, his blade cutting through them effortlessly. As he raised his sword to finish another, it struck something hard.

"Earth Release: Hardening Technique?" Noting the ninja's rock-like appearance, Hagoromo Gengetsu withdrew, then lunged again, his blade now crackling with Lightning Release chakra. The lightning-infused blade easily pierced the hardened defense, killing the ninja.

Despite the grievous wound, the Root ninja did not cry out or beg for mercy. He clung to Hagoromo Gengetsu's hands, refusing to let him withdraw the blade. At the same time, another Root ninja, from the Aburame clan, released a swarm of self-destructing insects towards Hagoromo Gengetsu. As the insects swarmed, Hagoromo Gengetsu's body was suddenly covered in a metallic sheen.

The insects detonated, creating a small mushroom cloud. As the smoke cleared, the remaining Root ninjas, prepared with sealing scrolls, were stunned to see Hagoromo Gengetsu emerging unscathed, his Steel Release armor cracking but intact. He glanced down at the armor and shook his head, disappointed at its fragility compared to his battles with the Four Kage.

"Even at limited strength, I can handle the rest of you," he said, picking up a broken sword from the ground. Lightning Release chakra once again enveloped the blade. Hagoromo Gengetsu looked at the surviving Root members and offered, "Do you choose to end yourselves, or shall I do it for you?"

There was no response, only silence. As Hagoromo Gengetsu noticed a long shadow at his feet growing fainter, he swung his sword, killing the last surviving ninja from the Nara clan.

Thus, both Root teams were annihilated.