Chapter 170 - 170

Words : 1215 Updated : Oct 10th, 2025

"Sage Mode, that's..." Kakashi began to explain casually, "It's said to be a special training method known only to the sages of the Three Great Sanctuaries. It allows one to absorb natural energy and use it, which massively boosts both offense and defense. Oh, and Jiraiya-sama learned Sage Mode from Mount Myōboku—it's incredibly powerful." Sages of the Three Great Sanctuaries? Sage Mode that massively increases strength? Even Jiraiya-sama knows it? All this information left the younger ones reeling. It was clear there was a lot they didn't know yet. Sasuke clenched his fist again, his eyes shining. He hadn't expected Natsuki to know so many secrets no one else did—nor to be bold enough to ask about them. No wonder Natsuki was so strong. Because he was always ahead of the curve! Sage Mode... a massive power boost... Sasuke desperately wanted to learn it too! Though Katsuyu was curious about Natsuki, she didn't refuse his question. "Yes. All three Great Sanctuaries have methods for training in Sage Mode." Natsuki asked the critical question next: "Was the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama's, Sage Mode learned from Shikkotsu Forest?" Katsuyu nodded. "Correct. Natsuki-dono, you're very well-informed." Too well-informed, maybe! Everyone couldn't help but think it. The questions Natsuki asked were outrageous—some of it even Tsunade might not know. Where was he getting this intel? The First Hokage knew Sage Mode? And from Shikkotsu Forest?! Totally unheard of! But Natsuki didn't care what others thought. He was focused: "Katsuyu-sama, I wanted to ask how to absorb natural energy." Katsuyu examined Natsuki for a moment before speaking gently. "You don't seem like the reckless type, Natsuki-dono. You must know that absorbing natural energy without proper control can lead to petrification. Yet you still ask. You must have thought this through. It's not impossible for you to learn Sage Mode. After signing a contract with me, you can come to Shikkotsu Forest to train. But... I sense you want to figure it out on your own." Natsuki shrugged. "Sage Mode from the three sanctuaries isn't truly suitable for humans. I want to see if I can develop one myself." Katsuyu tilted her head slightly. "Even if it's dangerous?" "I know it's dangerous. I won't act recklessly—I'll only try when I'm certain I'm safe." Tenten and Shino exchanged a subtle glance. They were the only ones who knew the real reason why Natsuki dared to be so bold. It was because on the first night of every month, Natsuki entered a mystical dream realm—where he couldn't be harmed at all. In that place, Natsuki could even open the Eighth Gate and survive. So the risk of petrification? Honestly, Natsuki could afford to take it. If he could create his own Sage Mode, his strength would skyrocket. Tenten and Shino, even if concerned, had no reason to stop him. They understood Natsuki's hunger for power, and since he could guarantee his safety, they could only support him. Katsuyu fell silent for a moment—clearly consulting the will of the main body—and finally spoke again. "Since Natsuki-dono wants to understand how natural energy feels, I won't refuse. I will inject a small amount of natural energy into your body. There is some risk. Are you certain?" Natsuki shook his head. "I'll use a shadow clone. As long as I can remember how natural energy feels inside the body, that's enough. I'll leave the rest to you." He formed a seal and created a clone. Katsuyu nodded and leapt onto the clone's shoulder. Then she bit into it and injected a small amount of natural energy. The clone endured for a moment before suddenly petrifying and shattering—but the sensation of natural energy entering the body had already transferred to Natsuki's mind. He let out a breath of relief. "I truly thank you, Katsuyu. And you as well, Tsunade-sama." Katsuyu wiggled gently. "No need for thanks, Natsuki-dono. But I must still caution you—natural energy is extremely dangerous." Tsunade added, "You don't need to thank me either. Just remember Katsuyu's warning." Natsuki smiled brightly. "Don't worry—I'm not the reckless type. I've got a beautiful and rich girlfriend waiting for me. We've got a future to live for. I'm not dumb enough to risk my life." It was true... but why did it still feel like he was bragging? Why did everyone suddenly feel the urge to hit him!? Katsuyu turned her gaze to Tenten. "You must be Tenten-dono? So you're Natsuki-dono's partner. Please watch over him and keep him from taking unnecessary risks." Tenten's cheeks flushed. "Katsuyu-sama, no need to be so formal. Just call me Tenten. And yes, I'll keep an eye on him. He won't do anything reckless—you can rest easy." "Then that's good. Everyone, I'll take my leave." Poof! With a puff of smoke, Katsuyu vanished. Everyone shared the same thought: Katsuyu-sama was so polite... and her voice was so gentle and nice to listen to. With that, everything had been said. Tsunade didn't keep them any longer and waved them off to rest. She also mentioned that there might be new missions in a few days. This era in the village was mission-heavy—even jōnin and chūnin could barely catch their breath. Once they left the Hokage office, Kakashi gave Natsuki a final reminder before heading off with Guy. Sasuke couldn't hold it in any longer. "Natsuki, how do you always seem to know things the rest of us don't? I seriously give up..." Neji also nodded. Natsuki had dropped more secret knowledge today than he could comprehend. Only Tenten and Shino weren't surprised. For them, it felt normal—of course Natsuki would know everything. "Hehe, just read more, ask more, learn more—then you'll know more," Natsuki replied casually. "Let's head back. You guys just fought the Sound Five—you must be exhausted. We can talk more later." No one objected, and they all said their goodbyes. Shino was the last to leave. Before he did, he left a simple message: "Natsuki, those techniques you taught me—Rokushiki (Six Styles), Taiyōken (Solar Flare)—they were really useful." That was it—no elaborate thanks. But Natsuki understood. Shino was telling him those techniques had helped a lot—and that he was sincerely grateful. As brothers, too much gratitude would just feel awkward. Natsuki smiled and took Tenten's hand. They went to the ninja tool shop to check in, then returned home together. After showering, they cuddled up and fell asleep. Though Natsuki hadn't been injured or even spent much chakra during his month in the Land of Rice Fields, the stress of remaining on high alert had taken its toll. Now, for the first time in a while, he could truly relax. As for Tenten, she had been exhausted from the earlier battle, and had spent the whole time anxious about Natsuki's safety. But now, she could finally rest easy. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!]

Chapter 170 - 170

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