Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

"Sage Fukasaku, I want to learn Sage Mode!"

Uzumaki Raiden's voice rang out with conviction as he made his request. The toads in the chamber fell silent, their expressions a mix of surprise and contemplation.

"Sage Mode?" Fukasaku repeated, his tone calm but firm. "Little Jiraiya already told you… You're not yet ready to learn Sage Mode."

Raiden frowned. "Why not? Please explain exactly where I fall short. Is it my body? My chakra? Whatever it is, tell me, and I'll work on it. Sage Mode is something I must learn."

Fukasaku gazed at Raiden thoughtfully before speaking. "Sage Mode requires the harmonious combination of three energies: physical, spiritual, and natural. To achieve this balance, one must possess immense physical strength, mental fortitude, and an enormous chakra reserve.

"You're still too young, Raiden. Your body hasn't reached its peak, and your chakra reserves, while impressive, aren't enough to safely withstand the dangers of natural energy. Even someone like Jiraiya struggles with controlling it, and the risk of failure is severe. If you lose control, you'll either turn into stone or perish outright."

Jiraiya, standing beside Raiden, nodded in agreement. "He's right. Sage Mode isn't just about raw power—it's about control. Rushing it could kill you."

Raiden processed Fukasaku's words in silence, his determination undeterred. A moment later, the air around him changed. A sudden surge of violent chakra erupted from his body, enveloping him like a storm. The sheer intensity of it caused the surrounding toads to step back in surprise.

"Sage Fukasaku, is this enough to meet the requirements?" Raiden asked, his voice steady despite the immense chakra swirling around him.

Fukasaku stared at him for a long moment, then finally nodded. "Your chakra is far beyond what I expected from someone your age. Very well, Raiden. You've earned the chance to try."

A New Contract

To facilitate his training, Raiden signed a blood contract with the toads of Mount Myoboku, officially becoming their summoner. After the ritual was complete, Jiraiya approached him with a mixture of pride and concern.

"Raiden, learning Sage Mode isn't just difficult—it's dangerous. Take it slow, and don't push yourself too hard. If something feels off, stop immediately. It's not worth risking your life."

Raiden nodded, his determination unwavering. "I'll be careful, Brother Jiraiya. Thank you for bringing me here."

At the edge of the oil spring, the two bid each other farewell.

"Brother Jiraiya, I won't be returning to the Land of Rain. Please inform Sarutobi-sensei that I'm staying here to train. Being at Mount Myoboku is no different from being confined in the Land of Rain. It's just a change of scenery."

Jiraiya chuckled softly. "I'll let him know. And… good luck."

Before leaving, Raiden handed Jiraiya a scroll. "Please deliver this to Nawaki. It's a gift for him. Make sure he doesn't leave Konoha before mastering the technique inside."

Jiraiya took the scroll with a nod. "I'll take care of it. Stay safe, Raiden."

With that, Jiraiya disappeared in a cloud of smoke, leaving Raiden alone with Sage Fukasaku.

The Path to Sagehood

Fukasaku led Raiden deeper into Mount Myoboku, explaining the basics of natural energy along the way.

"Natural energy is all around us," Fukasaku began. "It's in the air, the ground, the plants, even the animals. To use Sage Mode, you must draw this energy into your body and balance it with your physical and spiritual energy. But remember, if you draw too much or fail to balance it properly, it will consume you."

Raiden nodded, listening intently.

"Your first step," Fukasaku continued, "is to learn how to sense natural energy. Once you can feel it, we'll move on to drawing it in."

As they reached a quiet grove, Fukasaku gestured for Raiden to sit. The area was serene, with gentle winds and the soft chirping of birds. "Close your eyes and focus. Clear your mind. Feel the energy around you."

Raiden sat cross-legged and began meditating. Time passed in silence as he concentrated, trying to sense the flow of natural energy in the environment.

The World Moves On

While Raiden immersed himself in training, the world outside continued to turn.

In June of that year, the Wind Country officially entered the Second Ninja World War, allying with the Earth Country against the Fire Country. Despite initial setbacks, the Rain Country chose to side with the Fire Country, forming an uneasy alliance to combat the shared threat.

Meanwhile, the Cloud Village faced internal turmoil when their Eight-Tails Jinchuriki went berserk, delaying their involvement in the war.

Three years later, the war reached its climax when Konoha's famed Hatake Sakumo killed the son and daughter-in-law of Sand Village's elder Chiyo. This event boosted morale for the Fire Country but sparked a wave of retaliation from the Sand Village.

Chiyo unleashed her poison-based puppetry techniques, wreaking havoc on the battlefield. In response, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and other Konoha shinobi were sent to counter the Sand Village's tactics. Tsunade's medical expertise played a critical role in mitigating the damage caused by Chiyo's poisons.

As the war dragged on, the Wind Country's limited resources began to strain their efforts. Eventually, Sand Village sought a truce with Konoha. With the Wind Country withdrawing, the Earth Country had no choice but to follow suit, signing an armistice to end the conflict.

The Second Ninja World War concluded with a costly victory for the Fire Country, ushering in a fragile peace across the ninja world.

(End of Chapter)

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