Naruto: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 291: Only Fulfillment

"The Ten-Tails Jinchuriki has appeared again."

Watching the two Hagoromo Gengetsu in the distance, clad in white robes with black tomoe, white hair reaching their waists, and Truth-Seeking Balls revolving around them, Black Zetsu's gaze grew complicated.

In the real world, the resurrection of his mother would only be a matter of time. However, it was impossible here. Even though the Infinite Tsukuyomi world closely resembled the real world, there were still some entities that couldn't be fully replicated, such as his mother and himself.

Hagoromo Gengetsu shared a similar realization. As he transformed into a partial Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, he sensed a qualitative leap in his power, reaching a new level. Yet, despite the immense power, he found that the actual improvement in his strength was limited. There was a stark difference between perception and reality.

Hagoromo Gengetsu understood that this limitation was due to the constraints of the Limited Tsukuyomi world. While the illusion was powerful, it hadn't surpassed the Six Paths level, and thus couldn't perfectly replicate Six Paths-level power. As a result, even though he appeared to have attained Ten-Tails Jinchuriki and Six Paths-level strength, he hadn't truly crossed that threshold.

The power granted by the Ten-Tails, though displaying some abilities exclusive to the Six Paths level, such as floating and automatic control of the Truth-Seeking Balls, still operated below the true Six Paths level.

"So, the Six Paths Sage, Kaguya Otsutsuki, and even entities like Black Zetsu are likely just background elements in this world. Their true essence as Six Paths-level beings cannot be replicated here. Even if they appear, they are probably just pale imitations."

However limited these imitations might be, the entire process and sensory experience of becoming a Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, and the resulting physical, spiritual, and chakra transformations were almost identical to reality. Observing and experiencing this himself, Hagoromo Gengetsu gained valuable insights for his true ascension to Ten-Tails Jinchuriki back in the real world, allowing him to avoid many pitfalls.

"In the face of Kaguya Otsutsuki's imminent arrival, efficiency is key."

Snapping back to reality, Hagoromo Gengetsu focused on the identical figure standing before him. The other Hagoromo Gengetsu had noticed the same limitations.

As the real Hagoromo Gengetsu turned his gaze towards him, "Hagoromo Gengetsu" gave a wry smile and shook his head, lamenting, "What is illusion, and what is reality? When everything you see, hear, smell, taste, and perceive is indistinguishable from the real world, it can be deemed real."

"Though I hoped to take over your body and return to the real world, deep down, I wanted to believe this world was real. Otherwise, what are Haru's constant pleas for popsicles, Ruri's diligent work, and the myriad emotions of the people worth?"

Hagoromo Gengetsu understood what the other self was conveying. He too couldn't dismiss the sincerity of the emotions expressed by Haru over the past few days. Each genuine emotion from the girl had been deeply imprinted in his mind.

"Since my arrival, these people have become real. They are not just puppets; they are beings with emotions, just like me," Hagoromo Gengetsu replied earnestly.

Upon hearing this recognition, "Hagoromo Gengetsu" felt a sense of loss rather than joy: "No matter how real, when you leave, it all becomes meaningless. Like the Ten-Tails' power, it ultimately is nothing but an illusion."

"Hagoromo Gengetsu" had initially planned to use the Ten-Tails' power against his real self. But upon gaining the Ten-Tails' power, he was disillusioned by its limitations.

"Yes, this world is limited, and so is the power of the Ten-Tails. Even though I'm reluctant to admit it, I've come to understand the true nature of this world," he admitted. He no longer had the will to fight, knowing that even the full power of the limited Ten-Tails wouldn't suffice to defeat his real self, especially since half the Ten-Tails' power had already been taken.

As he sighed and withdrew the Ten-Tails' power, he asked, "You must be preparing to become the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki yourself. But that can't be your ultimate goal, right? Kaguya Otsutsuki is always watching from the moon."

Hagoromo Gengetsu nodded. Knowing his counterpart's mindset, he calmly explained, "Becoming the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki is only to perform the Infinite Tsukuyomi, gather all the chakra in the ninja world, and achieve the Bloodline Encompassing."

"That's a good plan. After all, we both know the risks of being a Ten-Tails Jinchuriki. So, are you ready?"

Without needing further explanation, "Hagoromo Gengetsu" knew what his real self was planning, as they shared the same mind.

Hagoromo Gengetsu nodded again.

"Hagoromo Gengetsu" smiled: "In that case, I'll help you. It's a shame I can't achieve it myself, but you are the real me. Helping you is like helping myself. This will be my final proof of existence."

With those words, he directed all the Ten-Tails' power out of his body toward his real self, allowing him to fully experience the power of a complete Ten-Tails Jinchuriki.

Hagoromo Gengetsu accepted the gift, easily merging the full Ten-Tails into his body, now having the complete Ten-Tails power. Although he hadn't truly crossed into the Six Paths level, he experienced the true essence of being a Ten-Tails Jinchuriki.

Meanwhile, "Hagoromo Gengetsu," now without the Ten-Tails, reverted to his original form. Despite his chest wound having healed due to the Ten-Tails' power, the extraction meant his life was now on a countdown.

He didn't look at Hagoromo Gengetsu but gazed at the clear sky, reflecting, "What a beautiful world! Haru, Ruri, Hashirama, Madara... If only I didn't know the truth."

"Do you need me to extend your life?" Hagoromo Gengetsu, having almost fully grasped the Ten-Tails' situation, asked.

"Hagoromo Gengetsu" waved him off, "No point. Use your time to deal with those two."

"Look! They're already running far away."