Chapter 120

Chapter 120 - 120 Natsuki didn't have any grand objectives. Aside from wanting to meet the legendary Jiraiya in person, he also wanted to ask him about Sennin Mode (Sage Mode). Over the years, although he couldn't claim to have read every book in existence, he had scoured the Konoha library and spent money collecting many ancient texts from outside sources. He'd learned quite a bit about natural energy and the dangers of petrification in the body. But as for how to actually absorb natural energy? Nothing. It was one thing to think about it—doing it was another. Much harder than he expected. So Natsuki planned to take the time to ask Jiraiya about it: how does one absorb natural energy, what does it feel like once absorbed, and how does one control it? He had a mountain of questions—but Jiraiya might not be able to answer them. After all, Jiraiya's own Sennin Mode was pretty poorly mastered. He needed the help of Fukasaku and Shima, the two Great Toad Sages, and it still took him ages to enter Sennin Mode. Someone like that clearly wasn't capable of teaching others. Besides, now wasn't a convenient time to approach Jiraiya. "I'll wait until Hiruzen dies," Natsuki thought. "By then, Tsunade will be back. If I can't get anything from Jiraiya, I'll use Tsunade to connect with Katsuyu. Katsuyu's from one of the three great holy lands too—Slug Sage Mode must exist. Maybe even Hashirama's Sennin Mode came from Shikkotsu Forest. I have to ask!" Natsuki wouldn't give up on Sennin Mode. It was the kind of power-up that drastically boosts both attack and defense. Like equipping a full set of crit-damage artifacts—who wouldn't want that? After dinner, Natsuki once again pulled Tenten into their room for a hug and a kiss. Of course, it wasn't just sweet talk. He also used the moment to pass along more tips and precautions about Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique) training. They also chatted about daily life. For instance—they'd been ignoring Lee for several days now. Maybe he'd started reflecting. So... time to deliver the Senzu Bean. They discussed their strategy and decided to visit the hospital tomorrow. They'd work together, stay unnoticed, and cause as little commotion as possible. By midday the next day, they were already outside the hospital, perfectly on time. It just so happened that Guy-sensei was visiting to bring Lee lunch—something Tenten had already scouted out, and was the target for today's operation. "Guy-sensei! You're bringing Lee food? Lemme see what you've got there!" Natsuki called out cheerfully. "Oh! You two came too!" Guy beamed. "I brought lots of meat for Lee! He needs protein to recover fast. Look, these big slabs of beef will fill him right up!" Guy opened the lunch box and gave them his signature shiny white-toothed thumbs-up. Natsuki quickly took the lunchbox, saying, "Lemme take a look! Wow! That's some seriously huge chunks of meat. Guy-sensei, you really went all out!" Guy folded his arms and replied with pride, "If it helps Lee recover, no expense is too great!" But then he remembered Lee's condition, and his face fell with worry. Tenten used the moment to shift the topic. "Guy-sensei, I've been improving lately—managed to open the First Gate (Kaimon). But I can't seem to open the second one yet. Can you help me figure out why?" Guy took student training very seriously. As expected, he focused on her immediately and began analyzing her condition in earnest. Natsuki quickly glanced around—no one in sight. With a swift flick of his hand, he slipped a Senzu Bean into one of the beef slices. Hidden between layers of meat, it was nearly impossible to notice. All Lee had to do was eat it. With the prep complete, Natsuki casually joined the conversation while Guy finished his explanation. Tenten nodded obediently at his every word. "Hmm, yes, that sounds about right. Try it out again later and come talk to me if you still have trouble. Tenten, you've got great potential—I'm very hopeful for you!" Guy said with a proud smile, patting her shoulder. "Thank you for the guidance, Guy-sensei! Oh, right—we should go see Lee! I bet he's starving enough to eat a whole cow!" Tenten added quickly. "Hahaha! That's true! Let's go!" Guy picked up the lunchbox and led Natsuki and Tenten into the hospital. After checking in, they headed straight to Lee's room. To their surprise, Lee wasn't in bed—he was outside the window doing single-limb push-ups. He was seriously insane. Wasn't he afraid of making his condition worse? Guy didn't even speak—he marched over and hauled Lee back into the room. "Lee! Youthful training is important, but what you need most right now is food! Tenten says you're hungry enough to eat a whole cow—good thing I brought beef! Lots of it! Eat every last bite! Meat helps you heal faster!" "Thank you, Guy-sensei!" Lee replied without hesitation, eagerly grabbing the lunchbox and starting to devour it. He didn't forget to greet them either. "Natsuki, Tenten—you came too! I'm actually doing fine, no need to visit me so much. You should focus on the finals—your training is more important!" Natsuki and Tenten both nodded. "How's your recovery going? You've got to listen to the doctor, no overdoing it." Lee nodded repeatedly. "Don't worry, I know! But... hmm?" His words trailed off. Something felt off. The pain that used to wrack his limbs was suddenly gone. Not even a trace. And those lingering injuries from his extreme training—vanished. Replaced by an overwhelming sense of ease and strength. Tenten stiffened, instinctively glancing at Natsuki. She believed in the power of the Senzu Bean, but this was her first time seeing it in action. She couldn't be sure—was Lee actually healed... or really healed? Suddenly, Lee tore the bandages off his arm, startling Guy. "Lee! What are you doing!? Don't give up on yourself!" Guy was practically in tears, assuming his student had gone off the deep end. "No! Guy-sensei, that's not it!" Lee shouted excitedly. "The pain is gone! I wanted to check! Look—my arm's healed! And my leg too!" He ripped the bandages off his leg—sure enough, not a wound in sight. Guy was dumbfounded. Natsuki and Tenten feigned shock and quickly joined him in celebration. It was important to act—otherwise the truth would be exposed. "Lee! You're really healed!? Am I dreaming!?" Guy shouted, grabbing him and lifting him off the bed. Lee bounced up and down energetically—not a hint of injury left. Guy couldn't hold back his tears of joy. "Waaaaah! Lee! This is youth! This is true youth!!" "Guy-sensei! Youth is the best!!" The two of them embraced, their tears flying as if they were standing on a beach at sunset with waves crashing behind them—a scene so touching, so dramatic... and so cringe. Tenten's mouth twitched wildly. Natsuki immediately reached out to stop her: "Don't! Hold it in! Never ruin a touching scene with sarcasm!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!]