NOVEL NEXT Chapter 50: Sage mode
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Tsunade avoided meeting Natsume's eyes, her expression slightly distant as she raised her chin, pretending to be deep in thought.
"Hmm, let me think... what kind of reward should I give you?" she mused aloud, tapping her fingers lightly on the table.
"It better be a big reward!" Natsume grinned, emphasizing the word big as he leaned closer, sensing a rare opportunity he couldn't let slip by.
"You've learned how to haggle, huh?" Tsunade smiled despite herself and reached out to pinch his cheek affectionately, a gesture she'd done countless times before.
"Hey, where's the harm in asking?" Natsume said, grabbing her hand playfully and lightly scratching her palm in return. "It's a legitimate request!"
"That tickles," Tsunade murmured, her body jolting slightly as she instinctively pulled her hand back.
Suddenly, a mischievous spark lit up her eyes. "Alright, I've got it. I'll let you train in Sage Mode at Shikkotsu Forest."
"...What?"
Natsume's eyes widened in disbelief.
Is this really a reward? he thought. Bad woman—she never means what she says!
Tsunade caught his expression, and a pang of guilt flashed through her. Perhaps she had taken the teasing too far.
"But think of it this way," she said, her tone softening. "Training in Sage Mode could be as useful as when you helped me during... that one medical procedure, remember?"
She referred to a time when Natsume had assisted her with a critical operation—a veiled reminder of her trust in him. However, the playful tone hinted that this was her way of balancing the scales between them.
"Let's head back," Tsunade said, brushing off the awkwardness as she turned toward the exit.
Natsume followed her, still processing what had just happened.
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Back at their home, Tsunade regained her usual composure.
"Tomorrow, I'll take you to meet the Slug Sage," she announced over dinner, which Shizune had turned into a celebratory feast in honor of Natsume's recent promotion to Chūnin.
The meal was a delight. Over the years, Shizune's cooking had improved significantly, and Natsume couldn't help but feel satisfied as he enjoyed the spread.
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As night fell, Tsunade lay awake on her tatami mat, staring at the ceiling. Her mind replayed the day's events, lingering on the moment she promised Sage Mode training.
Why did I say that? she wondered, frustration and anticipation swirling within her.
Just as she was about to drift off, the creak of a door jolted her awake.
Is there a thief? she thought, her muscles tensing as she prepared to confront the intruder.
But to her surprise, it was Natsume.
Her expression softened instantly. "Can't sleep?" she asked in a gentler tone.
"Sis, you didn't forget what you promised me this afternoon, did you?" Natsume asked as he slid into her bed without hesitation, basking in her warmth and familiar scent.
Tsunade sighed inwardly but allowed him to stay. It's too late to send him back now, she thought.
She pulled the blanket over him, ensuring he was comfortable, and soon, her own restlessness faded. Sleep claimed her almost as quickly as it did him.
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In the middle of the night, Natsume woke to find himself trapped in Tsunade's embrace. Her golden hair tickled his face, and to his bewilderment, she was gently nibbling on his fingertips in her sleep.
What are you doing with my fingers? he thought, trying not to laugh. I hope you're not dreaming about food...
Carefully withdrawing his hand, he shifted slightly but found himself unable to escape her hold.
In the faint moonlight, he glanced at her sleeping face. There was something ethereal about her at that moment—her usual fierce demeanor replaced by a rare, delicate serenity.
What do I do now? he wondered, his heart racing.
On a sudden whim, he leaned forward and placed a light kiss on her forehead before settling back into her embrace.
"Good night," he whispered, closing his eyes.
Unbeknownst to him, a faint blush crept across Tsunade's cheeks in her sleep.
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The morning sunlight filtered into the room as Tsunade stirred awake. Stretching lazily, she glanced over to see Natsume already up and moving around.
"Good morning, sis," he greeted her with a grin.
"Morning," she replied, masking her expression as memories of the previous night flashed in her mind. I've faced worse, she assured herself, I won't let a kid throw me off balance.
"I'm heading for a shower," Natsume said, disappearing through the doorway.
Once alone, Tsunade picked up the necklace Natsume had gifted her, holding it briefly before slipping it back on. Except for sleeping, she rarely removed it.
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After breakfast, Tsunade prepared for their journey. She informed Shizune, "I'm taking Natsume to Shikkotsu Forest today. If anything urgent comes up, have the Slug summon me."
Shizune nodded, wishing them luck.
Tsunade knew the risks of Sage Mode training—it required immense chakra reserves and perfect control of natural energy. Few could survive such training, but she was confident in Natsume's potential.
With a quick hand seal, she activated the Reverse Summoning Jutsu, transporting them both instantly to Shikkotsu Forest.
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Unlike Mount Myōboku's serene valleys or Ryūchi Cave's dark labyrinths, Shikkotsu Forest was otherworldly. Towering pale trees resembling bone stretched toward the sky, and the air buzzed with a dense, vibrant energy.
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Natsume took a deep breath and felt a calming energy surge through him, as though the forest itself was welcoming him.
To him, natural energy was akin to the spiritual qi described in Xianxia novels—a force that existed all around them. In contrast, chakra felt like an artificial construct, a hybrid system reliant on molding spiritual and physical energy.
"Natural energy isn't widely used because the entry requirements are too high," Natsume mused aloud, his voice barely audible. "Sage Mode must have been the Great Sage Lands' way of making natural energy accessible—by blending it with chakra."
He couldn't help but wonder: why didn't any systems rely solely on natural energy? The potential seemed limitless.
"Let's move," Tsunade's voice cut through his thoughts, her tone commanding as she stepped confidently forward.
Natsume followed, his eyes wide with wonder as he observed the Shikkotsu Forest. The pale mists, the towering trees, and the strange bioluminescence emanating from the smaller slugs gave the place an ethereal quality.
"Tsunade-sama."
A slug, nearly as tall as Natsume, slithered toward them. Its voice was soft and melodious, a stark contrast to its large form.
Natsume recognized that voice instantly. It reminded him of the soothing tones of Mamiko Noto, who had voiced Katsuyu in the anime he once knew.
"And this must be Natsume-sama," the slug greeted, its antennae twitching slightly.
"Just Natsume is fine," he replied quickly, bowing out of respect. "It's an honor to meet you, Slug Sage."
The Slug Sage was the guiding intelligence of Shikkotsu Forest. Unlike the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku or the White Snake Sage of Ryūchi Cave, the Slug Sage was a solitary entity—gentle but no less powerful.
"You don't need to be so formal," the Slug Sage said warmly. "I address all contractors with honorifics. It's been a long time since a human walked in these woods. Your presence brings me joy."
Natsume understood the sentiment. After thousands of years in solitude, even a single visitor must feel like a festival. Shikkotsu Forest lacked the populous followings of the Toads or the Snakes, and the Slug Sage had no disciples of its own.
" Natsume wishes to train in Sage Mode," Tsunade explained, stepping forward.
"Then come," the Slug Sage said, its body undulating slightly as it turned. "You must meet my true form."
Natsume and Tsunade followed, weaving through the misty forest. Countless slugs of varying sizes lined their path, moving in synchronized unity. It was strange to think that these myriad bodies were all controlled by the same consciousness. Did the Slug Sage ever grow tired of its endless solitude?
After some time, they reached an open clearing, and Natsume froze.
The Slug Sage's true form was colossal. The massive bulk of its body filled his entire field of vision, dwarfing the surrounding landscape. Its head rose slowly, its gaze calm yet piercing as it observed the two humans before it.
"It has been some time, Tsunade-chan," the Slug Sage said gently. "And Natsume-chan, my newest contractor. You are… intriguing."
Natsume tilted his head, unsure what to make of the comment. Was this about the time he accidentally summoned a slug mid-date? The Sage couldn't know about that—could it?
"If you seek to master Sage Mode," the Slug Sage continued, "two conditions must be met. First, you must possess a substantial chakra reserve. You barely meet that requirement."
Natsume's brow twitched, but he held his tongue.
"The second condition is the ability to sense and absorb natural energy. This is where most shinobi fail."
"How will I know if I have the talent?" Natsume asked, his curiosity genuine.
"Remove your clothing," the Sage said matter-of-factly.
Natsume blinked. "…?"
For a moment, he was sure he'd misheard. This sounded eerily familiar—hadn't Naruto trained like this, too? A glance at Tsunade confirmed his suspicions; she wore a smirk that practically screamed, You were bold last night. What's wrong now?
Suppressing a groan, Natsume resigned himself. "Fine," he muttered, pulling off his shirt.
"Sensing natural energy is dangerous," Tsunade said, her smirk fading into a serious expression. "I'll be here to pull you back if anything goes wrong."
"Tsunade-chan," the Slug Sage interjected, "perhaps you should assist by applying the liquid for him."
Before Natsume could process what was happening, a large barrel appeared, filled with a viscous, clear liquid. This must be Shikkotsu Forest's equivalent to the toad oil used in Mount Myoboku.
Natsume decided not to ask what the liquid was made of. Some questions were better left unanswered.
Tsunade hesitated, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. She hadn't expected to end up in this position. Still, with a sigh, she dipped her hands into the liquid and began applying it to Natsume's back.
"Close your eyes," the Slug Sage instructed. "Feel the energy of the forest around you. Let it guide you."
Natsume tried to focus, but Tsunade's touch made it difficult. The liquid was cool, her hands warm, and the sensation sent shivers down his spine.
"You're on your own for the front," Tsunade muttered, her voice strained.
"Oh? Shy now?" Natsume teased, glancing over his shoulder.
"Don't move!" the Slug Sage's voice rumbled. "Once the process begins, you cannot afford distractions."
Tsunade reluctantly resumed, her hands trembling slightly as she worked. Natsume, meanwhile, fought to keep his thoughts clear.
"Focus," the Slug Sage encouraged. "Become one with nature. Feel its rhythm and let it flow into you."
Minutes stretched into what felt like hours. Slowly, Natsume began to sense it—the gentle hum of the forest, the ebb and flow of natural energy. It was like the world was breathing around him.
"Impressive," the Slug Sage said finally, its massive eyes gleaming with approval. "You have the potential to master Sage Mode."
Tsunade exhaled in relief, a rare smile gracing her lips. With both Wood Release and Sage Mode, Natsume would be a force to be reckoned with—a true heir to the Senju legacy.
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