Naruto: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 289: Do You Have a System?

The plan to capture the Tailed Beasts progressed quickly. Within a few days, the nine Tailed Beasts were divided between the two factions.

On one side, "Hagoromo Gengetsu" and Uchiha Obito moved the fastest. The former, even if replaced, knew this world far better than his real self and could even issue commands under his identity. This advantage allowed them to capture six Tailed Beasts. One of these was obtained when "Hagoromo Gengetsu" intercepted Hashirama Senju on his way back, convincing him to hand over the One-Tail without hesitation.

With the Tailed Beast capture phase concluded, it was time for the final stage. Hagoromo Gengetsu soon received a challenge letter. The handwriting was very familiar—his own. The letter contained only three words: "Valley of the Gods."

In this world, there was no place called "Valley of the Gods." Clearly, the other self had learned about it from Uchiha Obito. Hagoromo Gengetsu remained calm. He looked at the three small jars on his desk containing the sealed Tailed Beasts. Though the number was less than expected, he didn't mind. He only needed one Tailed Beast to prevent the other side from forming the Ten-Tails.

With the plan complete, it was time to move and end everything. Hagoromo Gengetsu glanced at Haru, who had spent most of her time playing beside him, patted her on the head, and said, "I'm going to buy you some ice pops."

Thanks to his treatment, Haru's stomachache had improved significantly. Her eyes lit up, and she nodded excitedly, "Mm-hmm! Gengetsu-oniisan, you're the best!"

After giving Haru a final pat on the head and a playful pinch on her round cheeks, Hagoromo Gengetsu turned and left. When he returned, it was in his shadow clone form, carrying a large bag of ice pops, much to Haru's delight.

In the Valley of the Gods, what was once a ravine in the real world had evolved over decades into an ordinary plain here. Hagoromo Gengetsu arrived to find "Hagoromo Gengetsu" in silver samurai armor already waiting. Seeing the other was like looking at his former self.

The two stood silently for a moment before "Hagoromo Gengetsu" smiled and asked, "Do you have a system?"

Hagoromo Gengetsu smiled back, "I do."

"How does it work?"

"It's quite erratic."

"Hagoromo Gengetsu" nodded in understanding. Knowing each other well, some things didn't need explaining. Hagoromo Gengetsu knew what the other wanted most: to replace him. He would feel the same if their positions were reversed.

Scanning the area, Hagoromo Gengetsu sensed two "rats" watching from afar but ignored them. He looked at his counterpart and calmly said, "There's no need for more words. Let's begin."

"Hagoromo Gengetsu" agreed, "Then... let's start!"

With a burst of explosive sound, "Hagoromo Gengetsu" stepped forward, appearing instantly before his true self, throwing a punch that sent shockwaves rippling. Hagoromo Gengetsu calmly extended his right hand, catching the fist effortlessly.

As the force and wind surged around them, Hagoromo Gengetsu didn't budge. "If this is all you have, you'll go no further," he said.

Compared to his past self, he had grown immensely in strength. Even though the "Hagoromo Gengetsu" before him was stronger than his past self, it wasn't enough. He considered letting the other collect all nine Tailed Beasts to test the power of the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, but he decided not to take that risk.

The fierce battle that ensued was like giants beating war drums, shaking the entire area. Despite his clone's relentless attacks, Hagoromo Gengetsu remained unfazed. Suddenly, "Hagoromo Gengetsu" activated Sage Mode, his speed and strength increasing dramatically as he launched a powerful strike. For the first time, Hagoromo Gengetsu was forced to step back.

"Toad Sage Mode?" Hagoromo Gengetsu noted with surprise.

"Hearing that you destroyed Mount Myoboku and killed Naruto, this is a form of revenge," "Hagoromo Gengetsu" said, smirking.

"Not enough," Hagoromo Gengetsu replied as blue eye-shadow appeared on his face.

"Sage Mode? From Ryuchi Cave? Shikkotsu Forest? No, it's your own creation!" "Hagoromo Gengetsu" was taken aback. Developing a unique Sage Mode indicated great danger. The best suited techniques were always the most powerful.

"Resign yourself," Hagoromo Gengetsu said, summoning a black staff from his palm.

"I won't accept fate," "Hagoromo Gengetsu" retorted, gathering Sage Chakra.

"I am fate," Hagoromo Gengetsu declared.