"Is this Natural Energy?"
Sasuke activated his Sharingan, watching the energy gathering around Hagoromo.
Although I had noticed it before, it seemed slightly different after the trials in the Sacred Land.
"Indeed, this is Natural Energy."
Hagoromo nodded and then began to answer the questions of the disciples in front of her.
"You all know the source of Chakra; it comes from the energy produced by the 130 trillion cells in your bodies."
"Formed from the spiritual energy accumulated through cultivation and refinement."
"This is your own energy. Each time you use a Ninjutsu, it will be depleted, and you will need to rest or eat to recover it."
"And Natural Energy exists in many things on this planet."
"For example, the atmosphere, the earth, the ocean, or even a small leaf—it approaches infinity."
Naruto nodded, seemingly understanding, "So this is what Natural Energy feels like. It has a different kind of warmth compared to my own Chakra."
"But it also made me feel a little suffocated."
As he spoke, Naruto scratched his head, finding the energy quite strange.
"Having undergone the trials of the Sacred Land and drunk the river water, you now have a clearer understanding of Natural Energy."
Hagoromo approached and lightly touched Naruto's abdomen with her finger. "This is Natural Energy testing you."
Sasuke, however, looked at Naruto; he didn't feel anything like what Naruto had described.
"Why do I only see energy distorting around Naruto, and not the feeling you described?"
"Sasuke, while the Sharingan can perceive Chakra, it doesn't mean it's omnipotent."
"Natural Energy is a more primal energy fluctuation. Close your eyes and feel it."
Hagoromo reached out and poked Sasuke's forehead, signaling him to turn off his Sharingan.
Sasuke nodded, closed his eyes, and soon experienced the feeling Naruto had described.
"Remember one thing: the most important aspect of cultivating Senjutsu is not their application, but their integration."
As she spoke, Hagoromo created two Shadow Clones that stood beside Naruto and Sasuke, who had already closed their eyes.
"You need to use your own spiritual and physical energy as a catalyst for your Senjutsu, achieving a perfect balance between it and the Natural Energy you absorb within your body."
The most perfect ratio is physical energy = mental energy = Natural Energy.
"This is an ongoing process, and you need to use your own mental strength and Chakra as your anchor."
"Avoid being consumed by Natural Energy."
Before he could finish speaking, Hagoromo's two Shadow Clones attacked at the same time.
Snap--
Snap--
Naruto and Sasuke both clutched their heads, wincing in pain.
Hinata, standing beside her, covered her mouth; she had just seen Naruto and Sasuke both looking like they were about to resemble their teacher Sansan.
"There's no need to rush. You need to find your own balance in this process, otherwise the Natural Energy will get out of control."
"That means you will become demons."
"Demonization?"
Naruto blinked, asking in confusion.
"Yes, each sect's Senjutsu are different. If the immortal Senjutsu of the Hazy Moon Sacred Land get out of control, they will become demonic."
"At that time, you might become strange creatures that are neither human nor demon," Hagoromo nodded.
Sansan, who was lying nearby, opened her eyes and said with a teasing expression, "That's great~ At least my group will expand."
As she spoke, Sansan San used her magic to transform the giant rock standing beside her.
Before long, a grotesque model that looked like a half-human, half-demon appeared in front of them.
"That's how it is. It's a bit chilly, but it's alright. I don't mind." Sansan tossed his beard and said nonchalantly.
"Absolutely not!"
Sasuke gritted teeth, "I'd rather die than be like this."
Naruto, standing nearby, nodded repeatedly, "It's too ugly!"
Sansan pursed her lips, swayed as she got up and left; it was too boring here.
"Well, this is the price of losing control."
"However, there's no need to be too afraid. As long as you interrupt your Chakra fusion in time, you won't continue to transform into demons."
"Remember one thing: Natural Energy doesn't distinguish between good and evil; it simply 'responds'."
Naruto and Sasuke fell into deep thought upon hearing this.
After a long while, Sasuke raised his head and asked, "Master, what are the effects of mastering Senjutsu?"
Given the significant risks, he had to carefully weigh whether the costs and rewards were proportional.
"If one cultivates to the point of mastering Senjutsu, one can use any Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, or Genjutsu with exponentially increased power while in Sage Mode."
"Its power, scale, and effect are all greater than what you normally use."
"The most obvious change is that, Naruto, your Rasenshuriken can now be thrown, instead of having to hit it yourself like the Rasengan."
"This is the Nature Transformation brought about by Senjutsu."
"And Sasuke, you can imagine that in Sage Mode your physical body and the amount of energy you can absorb are even more powerful."
"The Activated Mark, Third Form, is no longer something that can only be used for a fleeting moment with the amplification of the Sharingan."
Yoshi!
Naruto punched his fist and shouted, "I must succeed in my training!"
Imagine how cool it would be to throw your Wind Release: Rasenshuriken!
Sasuke nodded, admitting that he couldn't consistently use the Third Form at his current stage, although he could use it with the help of his Three-Tomoe Sharingan.
But that little bit of time couldn't really help him much.
In the mirror image, the ability to strike is entirely based on the stereotypes presented in the image.
In a real battle, relying on the Third Form, which lasts only a moment, is less effective than a straightforward, conventional fight.
"Take your time, don't rush, just carefully feel the sensations brought about by the Natural Energy."
Unlike the original story, Hagoromo had no intention of expecting Naruto and Sasuke to succeed in their training immediately.
At that time, Naruto was facing Pain's threat, and there was nothing he could do about it.
For now, Naruto and Sasuke only need to train until they pass the high school entrance exam; it's okay if they can't.
After giving his instructions, Hagoromo signaled two Shadow Clones to stand guard beside Naruto and Sasuke.
"Let's go, Hinata."
Hagoromo said to Hinata, "After Naruto's persuasion, Hinata has already expressed her willingness to undergo the Mirror Trial again."
He doesn't say what he shouldn't; he truly is Minato's son.
If I were to do it myself, it would probably take some extra effort.
The kids in the Shinobi World are all so precocious.