"Aunt Siberian, he is my human contractor, Uchiha Renzou. Patriarch Bakko asked me to bring him here."
"Greetings, Aunt Siberian. I am Uchiha Renzou, from Konoha," Renzou said, offering a respectful bow.
Aunt Siberian lowered her massive head, her voice surprisingly gentle. "Since Patriarch Bakko sent you, then I understand." She gestured with a claw towards the shimmering pool beside her. "This is the most sacred Tianlei Pond of our Thunder Tiger clan. It contains an exceptionally rich concentration of Senjutsu Chakra. It is also where we Thunder Tigers train in Sage Art."
"Senjutsu Chakra? Sage Art? What are those?" Renzou rubbed his chin, listening intently, his curiosity piqued. "It sounds incredibly powerful."
Aunt Siberian obliged with an explanation. "Senjutsu Chakra, or Sage Chakra, is a unique form of chakra created by blending a ninja's own chakra with the natural energy of the environment. This fusion results in a far more potent energy, used to enter Sage Mode."
She elaborated on its key features:
Enhanced Physical and Sensory Abilities: Users experience significant increases in strength, speed, durability, and perception. Attacks and reflexes are greatly amplified in Sage Mode. Nature Energy Control: Mastering Senjutsu Chakra requires the user to sense and absorb natural energy, carefully balancing it with their own spiritual and physical energies. An imbalance, with too much natural energy, can turn the user to stone. Sage Mode Activation: Once sufficient Senjutsu Chakra is gathered and balanced, the user can enter Sage Mode. Notable users include Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki, Jiraiya (trained at Mount Myōboku), and Hashirama Senju. Unique Techniques (Sage Art): Senjutsu Chakra enhances regular jutsu, granting them greater power and range. It also enables specialized abilities, such as taijutsu styles that utilize natural energy. Drawbacks: Gathering natural energy often requires stillness, which can be a tactical disadvantage in combat unless the user has support.
"Sage Art,"she continued, "refers to techniques powered by Senjutsu Chakra. These advanced jutsu harness the immense energy of nature itself, often resulting in enhanced versions of normal ninjutsu or unique, powerful abilities. However, misusing or absorbing too much natural energy can lead to petrification or loss of control if mastery isn't complete."
Renzou listened intently, nodding, his eyes gleaming with newfound understanding and excitement. "Then, Aunt Siberian, can I train in Sage Art here?"
"Oh? Little Renzou, you wish to undertake Sage Art training? It is not impossible, but the process is quite arduous and painful. However, if you possess the perseverance, then yes, you may try." Aunt Siberian considered his request for a moment before agreeing with a gentle nod. Since Patriarch Bakko had sent him, there was no reason to refuse.
"Of course, I will succeed," Renzou replied, his outward demeanor calm, but a thrill of anticipation coursing through him. After feigning ignorance for so long, a legitimate opportunity to learn such power had finally presented itself. As a time traveler, Renzou understood the immense boost Sage Art offered, far beyond mere physical enhancements. The three great sage regions each possessed unique training systems, and mastering the integration of Senjutsu Chakra with specialized techniques was key to unlocking their full potential. Mount Myōboku's Senjutsu, with its toad-like characteristics, had flourished under Naruto's command. Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu, exemplified by Kabuto Yakushi, was fluid and often illusion-based. The Shikkotsu Forest's Senjutsu, wielded by Hashirama Senju, offered potent regeneration alongside enhanced power. Each path led to Sage Mode, a transformation that could manifest differently depending on the natural energy absorbed. Perfect Sage Mode, like Naruto's, was rare, lacking animalistic features and exhibiting the distinct "sage eye" markings.
Aunt Siberian continued her explanation for another half-hour. "While our Thunder Tiger clan may not be as widely known as the three great sage regions, our strength is certainly comparable. However, as you can see, we haven't had a human summoner in a long time. You are the first in a century," she said, turning her gaze to Renzou. "From now on, Kohaku will be your companion here. Kohaku, you must get along well with Renzou."
"Understood, Aunt Siberian," Kohaku rumbled.
"Then, Renzou, today you can experience the power of the Tianlei Pond. But do not push yourself too hard." At Aunt Siberian's prompting, Renzou slowly stepped into the Tianlei Pond. The instant his foot entered the water, a jolt of sharp, electric pain shot up his leg, causing him to instinctively retract it. But Renzou knew this was the beginning of Sage Art training. Without perseverance, mastery was impossible.Damn it, let's do this. With a determined breath, Renzou plunged into the Tianlei Pond. Violent arcs of thunder and lightning immediately enveloped him. "Ah!!!!" A strangled cry escaped Renzou's lips as his body began to subtly change.
Four grueling hours passed in a flash of pain and endurance. "That's enough for today. We'll see you next time, Renzou." As Kohaku activated the reverse summoning technique, darkness claimed Renzou's vision once more. When light returned, he found himself falling, landing awkwardly on his back.
Kohaku's earlier assessment that Renzou's natural affinity was significantly higher than Jiraiya's offered a glimmer of hope. While quick success was unlikely, Kohaku estimated Renzou could potentially grasp Sage Mode within the first half of the year of dedicated training.
Konoha:
"Hiss…" A sharp intake of breath escaped him as the impact aggravated the still-tender wound. That good-for-nothing Kohaku! So cruel! Didn't even bother to catch me. He could already feel bruises forming. His initial ambition had been somewhat tempered by the raw, dominating sensation of the Tianlei Pond. The powerful electric shocks weren't meant to cause lasting injury, but the pain was maximized. Four hours of training had yielded little noticeable progress. Yet, Renzou wasn't discouraged. Naruto had spent over half a month learning Sage Mode, and Kabuto nearly half a year.
Renzou slowly stood, his body aching, and walked out of the training ground. The streetlights were just beginning to illuminate the twilight. Returning home, his pet snake, Obanai Iguro, stirred in its enclosure, looking at him. "Okay, okay, I understand," Renzou said with a weary smile, slipping on his sandals. He went to the kitchen, retrieved the rations he'd bought for Obanai, and placed them nearby. After a quick wash, Renzou collapsed onto his bed, carefully positioning himself on his stomach. Not enough time. Renzou's eyes flickered in the dim light. With the addition of Sage Art training, his daily schedule was becoming increasingly packed. Most of his time was spent at school, yet there was so much more he needed to learn, things he couldn't practice openly.
Maybe… maybe it's time to adjust the plan.
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End of Chapter 29