Naruto: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 231: The Reason Kakashi is Single

The lush forest zipped past the corners of Orochimaru's eyes as he ran. He had a moment of disorientation, remembering the last time he had to flee in such disgrace—back when he defected from Konoha. He had believed that he was free to do as he pleased after that. Who would have thought, ten years later, he would be fleeing again, and even more wretchedly this time?

The cause of this mess originated from his own actions: specifically, his obsession with collecting Hagoromo Gengetsu's cellular remains and summoning him using the Reanimation during the Chunin Exams. Gengetsu had broken free from his control and now had come specifically to hunt him down. For the first time, Orochimaru deeply regretted his actions. Why had he foolishly summoned Gengetsu?

Snapping back to reality, Orochimaru's expression hardened as he said in a low voice, "He's here."

The contact with the summoned snakes left in the previous base had just been severed. Clearly, Gengetsu had arrived.

"Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto said nervously.

Having experienced Gengetsu's suffocating pressure firsthand and seeing the typically calm and composed Orochimaru now rare in his anxiety and worry, Kabuto felt a rising sense of dread. He knew Orochimaru's genius, his talents, and his intellect surpassed everyone in the shinobi world. Techniques like Living Corpse Reincarnation, the Cursed Seal, and Reanimation were legendary in their own right, capable of shaking the ninja world.

Yet, even with such unparalleled skills, Orochimaru didn't hesitate to retreat upon hearing Gengetsu's name. There truly were people so powerful they defied all logic. Now, this overwhelming force was coming for them, and Kabuto was at a loss for what to do.

Orochimaru, on the other hand, remained calm despite having faced countless trials. He didn't hesitate as he opened his mouth wide, disgorging countless snakes amidst the nauseating mucus. The serpents quickly filled the area before them.

Orochimaru glanced at Kabuto. Unlike other disposable subordinates, Kabuto held significant value to him. A large snake suddenly swallowed both Orochimaru and Kabuto, masking their presence entirely.

Following Orochimaru's command, thousands of serpents dispersed, spreading rapidly in all directions.

At Orochimaru's base, Gengetsu sensed the massive summoning activity and remarked indifferently, "I've anticipated this move from you."

He pressed his hand on one of the large snakes from Ryuchi Cave. With a surge of chakra, the snake's eyes transformed into Rinnegan. Its previously fierce demeanor turned docile, now lazily crouching at Gengetsu's feet, awaiting orders.

The Rinnegan's Animal Path allowed him to override summoning contracts temporarily, turning the summoned beasts to his side. Orochimaru believed the snakes left at the base were all killed, unaware that these snakes, now under Gengetsu's control, were tracking his fleeing horde.

As snakes pursued snakes, Gengetsu walked out of the base, watching the chase with a calm smile.

Elsewhere, a messenger hawk swiftly carried a message to Deidara and Kisame. Hanare remained hidden near the lake, keeping a close eye on the Three-Tails, as well as the movements of Konoha and Guren's group.

"Kakashi Hatake," she mused, having recognized his familiar figure earlier but not giving him much thought until now. With the lake now calm, she recalled their past interactions in Konoha and during the prisoner exchange. She remembered the intelligence reports mentioning his single status and his fondness for certain books.

With a slight shake of her head and a hint of regret, she muttered, "If I caused you to lose interest in real women, I'm truly sorry."

"You don't have to apologize. I'm single because I haven't found the right one, not for any other reason!" a steady, yet slightly emphatic voice suddenly said behind her.

Hanare tensed, her body ready to move, but an icy touch on her neck stopped her. A kunai was pressed against her throat.

She ceased all movement, lowering her gaze and saying each word slowly, "Kakashi... Hatake."

"Yes, it's me." Kakashi kept the kunai at her neck. "Nice to see you again, Hanare."

After the greeting, Kakashi added, "Though our meeting this time isn't exactly friendly, Hanare, there's no need to spread rumors about me."

"Rumors? Did I say something wrong?" Hanare asked, raising her hand from her ninja pouch to show she wasn't resisting.

Kakashi didn't move the kunai, simply replying, "The reason I'm single."

Hanare understood immediately, smiling lightly. "I see. I was being presumptuous."

"Thank you for understanding."

Nearby, members of Team 8 and the temporary Team 7 with Yamato listened eagerly.

Inuzuka Kiba whispered, "What's the deal between Kakashi-sensei and that woman?"

"I know!" Sakura, the only one who had met Hanare before, whispered excitedly, "That woman is Hanare, someone Kakashi-sensei used to like!"

Yamato's eyes lit up. "No wonder! I heard Kakashi had someone he liked before; it was her!"

"But," Sai raised his hand, confused, "didn't they just say they had no relationship?"

Before Sakura could explain, Shino, hands in his pockets, said calmly, "My parents often say they love insects more than each other when they argue, but it doesn't stop them from being together."

Sakura nodded in agreement, adding, "Notice how Kakashi-sensei is talking more than usual to her."

"I see. So words don't always reflect true feelings. This is what they call saying the opposite of what you mean," Sai said, writing it down in his notebook.

Hearing the scratching of pen on paper, Kakashi turned back with a sigh, casting a glance at his team.

Really, could you guys be any louder with your whispers?

(Support me and read additional chapters on my Patreon: [email protected]/craxxtranslation. Your support helps ensure the sustainability of these translations. Thank you for your generosity!)