Naruto: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 236: Soul Extraction

Currently, the Senju Clan has fallen into mediocrity, with only Tsunade left to hold the fort; the Uchiha Clan was decimated, leaving only two brothers; although now the Uchiha have increased in number, like the Hagoromo Clan, they remain hidden from the shinobi world's view.

Apart from the aforementioned three major clans, the other historically significant clans have also waned. The Uzumaki Clan has long ceased to exist; the Hyuga Clan binds itself with the Caged Bird Seal, with only a few main family members secluded in Konoha, rarely venturing out; the Kaguya Clan has been silent since Kimimaro's death.

Orochimaru surveys the entire shinobi world, noting that those ancient clans have either disappeared or are difficult to exploit.

No, he does have one under his command—Karin. Her pure red hair, natural control of the Kagura Mind's Eye, and healing abilities all indicate that she is an outstanding remnant of the Uzumaki Clan.

Previously, Orochimaru was too focused on Uchiha Sasuke and his Sharingan, neglecting the somewhat lax in training and underdeveloped Karin. But now, with Sasuke having awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan and his own shattered soul, he can no longer contend.

Having witnessed the epic battle between Senju Hashirama and Hagoromo Gengetsu, Orochimaru gained a deeper understanding of the importance of bloodlines. He decided that his next target for body possession would not be the backup Guren with her Crystal Release, but Karin, who inherited the Uzumaki Clan's talents.

However, this all depends on his current escape.

Glancing at the ongoing, undiminished battle between Hagoromo Gengetsu and Senju Hashirama, Orochimaru pretended to continue watching while a white snake slithered out from his clothes, silently heading away.

But before the snake could get far, a laser from the battlefield swiftly pierced through the empty shell of "Orochimaru," and the residual power targeted the white snake.

The white snake's pupils shrank in fear. Knowing it couldn't evade the swift, tracking laser, it quickly opened its mouth, and Orochimaru's true body slid out.

In the next moment, the white snake hit by the laser disintegrated into ashes.

Orochimaru, now up and looking somewhat dismayed, noticed Hagoromo Gengetsu sparing him a warning glance amidst the battle with Hashirama.

Orochimaru muttered darkly, "Even in such a fierce fight with the First Hokage, you still have time to monitor me. So effortlessly..."

Realizing he had underestimated Hagoromo Gengetsu's strength, Orochimaru understood the necessity of escape.

He wasn't easily intimidated. Quickly devising a new plan, Orochimaru's actions were observed by summoned beasts lurking under the control of the Rinnegan.

Naturally, Hagoromo Gengetsu noticed as well.

"It's time to end this."

With this decision, Hagoromo Gengetsu's power surged against Senju Hashirama.

After several exchanges, Hashirama was forced to retreat.

Suddenly, Hagoromo Gengetsu flashed behind Hashirama, grabbing his shoulder. As a reanimated body, Hashirama wasn't concerned about losing an arm and prepared to counterattack.

However, the Rinnegan activated—Chakra Devourer.

Instantly, the Sage Chakra from Hashirama surged into Hagoromo Gengetsu. Mastering Sage techniques himself, Hagoromo Gengetsu absorbed the natural energy without worry, growing stronger.

With Hashirama's chakra depletion, his energy waned rapidly. Feeling the life force-laden Sage Chakra, Hagoromo Gengetsu's aura intensified. He aimed his palm at Hashirama, shooting black rods that pinned Hashirama's limbs and head to the ground.

Stepping over the pinned Hashirama, Hagoromo Gengetsu pursued Orochimaru.

"Damn it!"

Orochimaru fled desperately, shocked by Hashirama's swift defeat. With Hagoromo Gengetsu targeting him, knowing he stood no chance, Orochimaru used every possible escape method.

However, Hagoromo Gengetsu easily saw through every technique, barely delayed.

Orochimaru soon felt an irresistible pull.

Determined, he activated his strongest technique, the Eight-Headed Serpent Jutsu.

Roaring loudly, the colossal eight-headed serpent, larger than a complete Susanoo, appeared. Orochimaru was ready to fight for his life.

"Interesting."

Hagoromo Gengetsu calmly faced the massive serpent. As it charged, he vanished, reappearing atop one head.

"Like Susanoo no Mikoto, cutting off each head one by one? Too tedious. Let's be efficient."

Hagoromo Gengetsu extended his fingers towards the serpent's head—Rinnegan's Human Path: Soul Extraction.

With a forceful pull, Orochimaru's soul began to separate from the serpent.

"How...?" Orochimaru was terrified. His proudest technique failed, and his soul was in peril.

The Human Path was far more domineering than the Reaper Death Seal. As the serpent tried to resist, Hagoromo Gengetsu drew Orochimaru's soul entirely.

The remaining seven heads and tails of the serpent stiffened, and after Hagoromo Gengetsu crushed Orochimaru's soul, the giant serpent melted away.

Simultaneously, a small white snake discreetly detached and burrowed underground, attempting to flee.

A fireball swiftly incinerated the snake, regardless of its struggles.

The hunt for Orochimaru ended successfully, with his death confirmed.

Returning to Hashirama's location, Hagoromo Gengetsu found the reanimation technique dissolving due to the caster's death, allowing Hashirama's soul to ascend.

There was no time for farewells this time.

With that, everything was concluded.

No, one small pest remained.