Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 30: Will You Forcefully Take It if I Refuse?

"Tsunade-sama, this is very impressive," Orochimaru said with a chilling smile, noticing the sudden eagerness in Tsunade's eyes.

He didn't need to explain further; the situation spoke for itself. 

Hagoromo Gengetsu also noticed the change in Tsunade's demeanor and smiled faintly. "It seems my presence has served as a good advertisement."

He raised his cracked hands and explained to Tsunade, "While you won't feel like you're talking to a living person, you can still have conversations, share love, express feelings, and even travel the world together."

Of course, Hagoromo Gengetsu kept one crucial point to himself: "Only if the reanimated are not controlled by the caster."

After all, he had no personal stake in Tsunade's choices. If she did decide to have Orochimaru revive her loved ones, it would certainly make for an interesting scenario.

As Tsunade fell deeper into contemplation due to Hagoromo Gengetsu's example, Shizune, standing nearby, grew increasingly anxious.

"Tsunade-sama..." Shizune began, intending to warn Tsunade against trusting someone like Orochimaru.

But Hagoromo Gengetsu turned to her and asked, "Shizune, correct?"

Shizune was taken aback that someone of Hagoromo Gengetsu's stature would know her name. Wasn't he here to find Tsunade-sama?

Perceiving herself as a minor player, Shizune was puzzled. Hagoromo Gengetsu wasted no time, asking directly, "I hear Kato Dan was your only uncle. Did you inherit his technique, the Spirit Transformation Technique?"

"The Spirit... Transformation Technique?" Shizune was once again stunned, unable to comprehend why such a renowned figure would ask about this.

Before she could respond, Tsunade, who had been deep in thought upon hearing Kato Dan's name, quickly regained her composure. She gently patted Shizune's tense shoulder, faced Hagoromo Gengetsu, and asked with a frown, "What do you want?"

"It's simple," Hagoromo Gengetsu spread his hands. "I need the scroll for the Spirit Transformation Technique. In exchange, you can set any conditions you want."

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"Ninjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu, kekkei genkai, historical secrets, ninja information, money, or even my personal intervention—be it taking out any of the Five Kage or anyone else. Just name it. All I ask for in return is the Spirit Transformation Technique."

"How does that sound? Pretty generous, right?"

Hagoromo Gengetsu's offer was indeed sincere. Even Orochimaru seemed somewhat tempted.

Unfortunately, he didn't have the Spirit Transformation Technique in his possession and could only watch quietly.

Tsunade hadn't expected Hagoromo Gengetsu to make such an offer. To be honest, while the Spirit Transformation Technique was an S-rank soul technique, a deal with Hagoromo Gengetsu would certainly be profitable.

Just considering the possibility of him imparting a kekkei genkai could potentially lead to the creation of a new clan with such abilities. Isn't that far more valuable than the Spirit Transformation Technique?

While others might be thrilled to accept, seeing no loss on their part, Tsunade remained rational as long as her emotional wounds weren't involved.

"Why would someone like you want the Spirit Transformation Technique?" Tsunade scrutinized Hagoromo Gengetsu.

She couldn't fathom why he would come all this way for such a secret technique.

Moreover, she hadn't forgotten that it was this man who, during the Battle of the Valley of the Fallen God, had killed and maimed the Five Kage. It took her grandfather, Hashirama Senju, to finally put an end to him.

"It seems the Spirit Transformation Technique is indeed in your possession," Hagoromo Gengetsu's eyes brightened slightly, confirming the fact as he noted Shizune's expression and Tsunade's words.

He wouldn't have come in vain after all.

Hagoromo Gengetsu looked at Tsunade and Shizune, speaking gently, "Other techniques can serve as a basis for improvement. Soul techniques are rare, and I'm curious about the renowned Spirit Transformation Technique. Exploring and studying chakra in all its forms has always been my greatest pleasure."

"So, do we have a deal? I assure you, you'll find my offer quite rewarding."

"Tsunade-sama," Shizune looked at Tsunade. The scroll of the Spirit Transformation Technique was indeed with her, but she would follow Tsunade-sama's lead in this matter.

As for her own thoughts, while Shizune was momentarily tempted by Hagoromo Gengetsu's offer, she instinctively felt some resistance. Born and raised in Konoha, she had a cautious attitude towards someone who had once been a major enemy of the First Hokage, especially someone still walking in the world as an Reanimation.

Her suspicions outweighed her trust regarding his explanation for needing the Spirit Transformation Technique.

If Shizune felt this way, then Tsunade, with her greater experience, was even less likely to believe a single word from Hagoromo Gengetsu.

"I refuse," Tsunade said decisively, without a second thought.

As Konoha's princess, she had never lacked resources since childhood. Despite Hagoromo Gengetsu's seemingly generous offer, her current aimless life as a gambler left her with little ambition.

No matter how alluring the offer sounded, it was merely wasted effort on someone content with a simple life.

More importantly, regardless of Hagoromo Gengetsu's true intentions for the Spirit Transformation Technique, the best response to someone of his terrifying stature was to reject any request outright, no matter the potential rewards.

After all, one can never be too cautious around someone like him.

"I see..." Hagoromo Gengetsu sighed softly as Tsunade refused without hesitation, a trace of warmth disappearing from his expression.

Before coming here, he had considered all possible responses from Tsunade and Shizune. The most likely outcome was the outright rejection he now faced.

Given Tsunade's strong-willed nature, he had hoped to negotiate peacefully first.

After all, forcing them into submission had little chance of success. Even if he won the fight and killed them, the scroll for the Spirit Transformation Technique would still remain hidden. Hagoromo Gengetsu had keenly observed their attire and found no sign of them carrying such a vital item.

Starting a fight would only result in a loss if the scroll wasn't obtained.

"What a pity. I came here with the utmost sincerity," Hagoromo Gengetsu said calmly, his previously warm demeanor completely gone.

Even though he hadn't made any moves or activated chakra, Shizune and Kabuto both felt an overwhelming pressure weighing down on them.

"Is this the power of a legendary ninja from the Warring States era? So strong! He hasn't even done anything, yet I feel a chill running through my entire body," Kabuto thought, subtly flexing his stiff muscles.

Unlike the younger Shizune and Kabuto, the two experienced Sannin from Konoha remained unfazed.

Tsunade, her fists clenched, muscles creaking, stood tall and stared directly into Hagoromo Gengetsu's eyes. She responded defiantly, "What? Are you going to take it by force because I refused?"