Perfect Sage Mode

After the High-Level Meeting of Iwagakure ended, Yichen sat alone in his office and continued to play with the Little White Ball for a while.

Even though so much time has passed, Yichen still feels he can't put it down.

It will take some time for Ikura to assemble the research team, and in the meantime, Yichen doesn't feel comfortable leaving the Little White Ball anywhere else. So he simply keeps it close to his body.

It took Yichen quite a while to finally shake off that nouveau riche mentality.

Yichen held the Little White Ball and thought for a moment, then began to seriously analyze whether this thing could directly help him at present.

Yichen is making preliminary preparations for integrating Light Release into his body. This preparation has two parts: first, the decomposition of Light Release, and second, the suppression of Light Release, using his own Chakra to adapt to Light Release.

And you know what? Yichen's Light Release is a fusion of earth, water, and lightning attributes, and you can find some structures in this Little White Ball where these three attributes are intertwined.

So Yichen ignored the other parts and began to analyze these structures.

Within two days, Yichen felt he had found some clues.

So Yichen put away the Little White Ball and went to a training ground.

As usual, Yichen continued his previous practice of Light Release suppression and Light Release decomposition. This practice lasted for several more days.

A few days later, Yichen excitedly discovered that the complex structures of the three attributes he had borrowed from the Little White Ball had directly elevated his Light Release to a whole new level.

Leaving aside the decomposition of Light Release for now, let's just talk about suppressing Light Release.

Previously, Yichen could suppress the Light Release within his body for a short period of time, but after these few days of practice, this time has increased by at least several dozen times.

Yichen had a feeling that this was almost the limit. To extend the time further, his Senjutsu Chakra would have to be able to suppress the Light Release Chakra, preventing Chakra from erupting within his body.

To achieve this, Yichen's understanding of Light Release is still lacking.

Yichen believed that as long as this could be achieved, it would mean that the research and development of Light Release had entered the next stage, which was what Yichen often referred to as the mindless cultivation stage.

Next, even if Yichen has no learning ability, he only needs to continuously use Senjutsu Chakra to suppress and familiarize himself with Light Release.

Sooner or later, my body will be able to adapt to Light Release and then reach the point of merging with Light Release.

This is the self-learning ability of Chakra, also known as the mindless training method.

Unfortunately, Yichen didn't have that much time.

After finishing his training, Yichen decided to contact Ōnoki again and discuss Ōnoki further, hoping to spark some new ideas.

Yichen Chen went out of the village to discuss the Kekkei Tōta with Ōnoki, not knowing how long he would have to stay outside, so he decided to bring the three disciples from Team Seven with him.

So Yichen first went to the Training Ground for Team Seven's intensive training.

As soon as Yichen arrived at the Training Ground, before he could even speak, Kamizuru Tsuruhime rushed over Fenghuo and said, "Teacher Yichen, my bee breeding is complete! They now possess ten abilities each!"

Yichen was overjoyed; he was just about to take them out of the village, this was for the best. So he said, "This is good news, congratulations. Come, let them out so I can see them."

"Mmm." Kamizuru Tsuruhime quickly released her Little Bee and showed it off to Yichen.

In truth, Yichen couldn't discern any changes in the bees' abilities; he only sensed that they were moving a bit faster than before.

The main reason is that the abilities that the bees improved are only basic abilities. Although they improved Kamizuru Tsuruhime's combat power to a certain extent, they did not bring about a qualitative change.

Yichen didn't discourage the little girl, and said, "Alright, now that you've finished raising your Little Bee, the three of you can come with me out of the village."

Hearing that they could leave the village, Bai was overjoyed and was the first to agree. Yichen noticed that he first looked around guiltily to make sure it was class time and that his two younger sisters were not around.

So he quickly said, "Teacher Yichen, shall we set off now?"

Yichen found it somewhat amusing and said, "We can set off now. By the way, how has Yakumo Kurama been these past few days?"

When Yakumo Kurama was mentioned, Shiro's face turned ashen, Kamizuru Tsuruhime and Fujii Kusaka both burst out laughing.

Yichen was somewhat puzzled, thinking, "I was just asking Yakumo Kurama a question, why is Shiro making that expression?"

Fujii Kusaka explained, "Yakumo- neechan is currently living with Kurotsuchi, but she's also in the same class as Yuki Kinuyo."

"Yakumo- neechan has a good personality; she's never argumentative or quarrelsome. Because of her, the conflict between Kurotsuchi and Yuki Kinuyo eased. Haku also takes good care of Yakumo- neechan."

"But someone said that Yakumo and Shiro are too close, and that she might become Kurotsuchi and Yuki Kinuyo in the future."

"So now, the relationship between Shiro, Kurotsuchi, Yuki Kinuyo, and Yakumo is quite complicated, and every time they meet, it's quite a lively scene."

Kamizuru Tsuruhime also said, "Yes, yes, and with Karin and Sakura on the side, there's a real drama unfolding on the Training Ground every day. We're having a blast watching it."

Yichen said with a regretful expression, "It's a pity I didn't see it. How about we wait another day and leave tomorrow?"

"Why don't we have Bai's two younger sisters compete again today? It's been a long time since they've had a match."

Bai's face darkened upon hearing this, and he quickly spoke up to dispel Yichen's terrible and perverse sense of humor.

Afterwards, the group went home to pack their equipment, Yichen led the three of them away from Iwagakure.

Ōnoki, Roshi, and Matsutani Shinya are traveling through the Ninja World, and they are currently in the Land of the Moon.

Yichen first confirmed their exact location with the help of Ōnoki and the others' guards, and then set off with his three disciples.

When Yichen met Ōnoki, he, Matsutani Shinya, and Roshi were fishing near a lake.

Matsutani Shinya's ninja cat Little Flower, was also lying beside him. Little Flower looked much thinner than before, and judging from her aura, Little Flower strength had also improved considerably.

The three people and the cat looked so relaxed that anyone who saw them would only think they were three retired old men.

Kamizuru Tsuruhime, Fujii Kusaka, and Shiro stood beside Yichen, watching the three fishing, and surprisingly felt a desire not to disturb them.

Yichen also inexplicably felt a sense of peace. After telling his three disciples to go aside and cultivate, Yichen himself sat down next to Matsutani Shinya and basked in the sun.

Upon arriving at the lake, Yichen discovered that there were no hooks on the three fishing lines, and the fish in the lake were playing happily around the three fishing lines.

Yichen felt something, relaxed his body, and lay down directly on the ground.

At this moment, Yichen had not entered Sage Mode, but he still felt a strange sense of affinity with his surroundings.

Yichen emptied his mind and body, listened to the sounds of nature with his ears, and smelled the fragrance of nature with his nose.

Yichen abandoned his Mind's Eye perception ability, which he usually used almost as his eyes, and instead touched and experienced nature like an ordinary person.

Matsutani Shinya sensed Yichen's state. He turned his head and thought for a moment, then subconsciously reached out and touched the Little Flower beside him.

The next moment, Matsutani Shinya closed his eyes and began to absorb Natural Energy.

Matsutani Shinya absorbed Natural Energy extremely quickly; almost instantly, he entered Sage Mode.

Drawn by Matsutani Shinya's aura, Yichen, who was relatively close by, also reacted subconsciously.

Yichen also began absorbing Natural Energy almost Hon.

A few seconds later, Yichen suddenly opened his eyes.

"What is this?" Yichen was somewhat surprised. He had actually entered Sage Mode. What speed!

Yichen experienced the process of absorbing Natural Energy.

The entire process was incredibly smooth without any hindrance. The absorption of Natural Energy was extremely fast, and the integration of Natural Energy with the body's and Mental Energy was also very natural.

Everything happened as if by natural flow, without any need for Yichen's control; the Natural Energy transformed into Senjutsu Chakra.

Yichen blinked, then turned his head and asked Matsutani Shinya, "Is this the perfect Sage Mode?"

Matsutani Shinya yawned, then nodded and mumbled, "Yes."

Yichen was a little confused. He hadn't come to practice Senjutsu; he had come to discuss Kekkei Tōta with Ōnoki.

How did I suddenly learn the Perfect Sage Mode?

After thinking about it, Yichen could only attribute it to the wonder of Senjutsu.

Yichen had deliberately cultivated Senjutsu before, and although his body was constantly adapting to Sage Mode, there was still some difference between his mentality and Natural Energy.

However, this time, Yichen was unintentionally influenced by Matsutani Shinya, and after relaxing, his mindset suddenly aligned with nature. Unconsciously, his Senjutsu improved, and it was a qualitative improvement at that.

Of course, this is not to say that Yichen's countless previous practices were meaningless.

On the contrary, it is precisely because Yichen has consistently maintained the Sage Mode over the years that his body has become highly adaptable to Senjutsu.

That's why Yichen's Hon led him to seize the opportunity and give Yichen a helping hand.

On the other hand, Ōnoki, although he had also learned Senjutsu, had not mastered it for long, and his body was not as adaptable to it as Yichen 'Senjutsu, so he did not react much in this environment.

Yichen couldn't help but sigh, "It's true what they say: 'The flowers you plant with care may not bloom, but the willows you plant unintentionally may thrive.' The cultivation of Senjutsu truly requires this kind of selfless state."

After expressing his feelings, Yichen did not immediately get up to test his new ability as he usually did.

Yichen yawned instead, and then went to sleep.

The progress in Sage Mode temporarily put aside Yichen's initial excitement about the Little White Ball.

Then, the three of them saw that there was another person in the scene they had been reluctant to break.

Fujii Kusaka was somewhat confused; she was quite perceptive. Although Yichen hadn't said anything on the way here, she could vaguely sense Yichen urgency.

Now that we've arrived at our destination, why is Teacher Yichen taking a nap?

So she whispered to her two companions, "Tsuruhime, Bai, did you guys feel that Teacher Yichen was actually a little anxious before? But now I can't feel his anxiety anymore."

Unaware of what was happening, Kamizuru Tsuruhime asked, somewhat bewildered, "Really? I don't feel anything. Shiro, do you have the same feeling as Kusaka?"

Bai thought for a moment and said, "I feel the same way. It seems that Teacher Yichen's mentality has changed since he arrived here."

"My teacher now feels somewhat unreal, almost like a dream."

Bai's talent was indeed remarkable. Although he didn't understand the principle, he still keenly noticed the slight change in Yichen's aura.

On the other side, the Four-Tails Son Goku inside Roshi glanced at Yichen.

It was somewhat surprised that Yichen had suddenly mastered the perfect Sage Mode. This was a level of Senjutsu of the Sage of Six Paths.

It already found it somewhat unbelievable that the strange creature named Matsutani Shinya could achieve that.

However, in their subsequent interactions, Son Goku discovered that Matsutani Shinya's unambitious personality was indeed very suitable for cultivating immortal Senjutsu.

Unexpectedly, even someone as cunning as Yichen has reached this level. This somewhat overturns Son Goku's understanding.

Son Goku wanted to go out and check on Yichen's condition, but considering his special relationship with Yichen, he gave up.

The Little Son Goku, who was like a clone of Son Goku, handed over control of his power to Yichen without consulting him.

This left the proud Son Goku momentarily at a loss as to how to face Yichen.

Should we try to take back that clone, or do what that clone did and directly relinquish control of the main body's power?

Son Goku was conflicted; he couldn't make up his mind.

However, Yichen seemed to have forgotten about this matter, and when he met Roshi several times, he never took the initiative to mention wanting to obtain its power.

Son Goku felt that Yichen was putting on airs as the Tsuchikage and waiting for him to speak first, so he also ignored Yichen in a huff.

In fact, Yichen had completely forgotten about this matter. It was completely unexpected that the Little Son Goku was willing to give him his power.

After that, Yichen rarely used Little Son Goku's power.

The only time Yichen used the power of Little Yichen Little Son Goku was during the battle against the Sand Ninja Army, when he was almost killed by his own Sage Art - Great Five Elemental Bullet Technique.

Yichen usually doesn't even remember that there's such a thing as Little Son Goku.

Yichen slept soundly, and when he woke up, it was already dark. Matsutani Shinya and the others were already sitting together eating barbecue.

Yichen sat up, stretched, and walked towards the crowd while yawning.

Bai quickly handed Yichen a grilled fish.

Yichen took the grilled fish and sat down in the middle of the group, Teuchi several Anbu who were about to bow.

Yichen took a bite of the grilled fish and said with some emotion, "It's been so long since I've had such a good night's sleep. It feels so good."

Ōnoki had finished eating and asked, "Yichen, what brings you here this time?"

Yichen said, "I've come to discuss the cultivation of Kekkei Tōta with you. My Light Release has improved again, and I need to discuss it with someone to broaden my thinking."

"I didn't expect that before I even made any progress with Light Release, I'd already mastered Perfect Sage Mode."

With that, Yichen turned to Matsutani Shinya and said, "Shinya, thank you for this."

Ōnoki was taken aback; he didn't know about this. He hadn't noticed it during the day, and Matsutani Shinya was too lazy to explain.

After Yichen briefly explained the process, Ōnoki was also happy for Yichen, and he repeatedly said, "Good, good, good!"

"You've finally mastered the perfect Sage Mode. From now on, you can use Senjutsu to fight enemies anytime, anywhere."

"You don't need to worry about emergencies or being ambushed anymore."

Yichen nodded and said, "Yes, the Perfect Sage Mode means I no longer need to prepare in advance; I can treat Sage Mode as the norm."

After a while, once Yichen finished eating the grilled fish, Ōnoki said, "Tell me about your progress in Light Release. I'm also very curious; how did you make such a breakthrough so quickly?"

Yichen looked around and said, "Let's go inside the tent and talk."

Ōnoki was somewhat puzzled, but he still went into a tent in the camp with Yichen.

Yichen gave Ōnoki a general overview of the Little White Ball, and then told Ōnoki about his own discovery.

After seeing the Little White Ball, Ōnoki couldn't help but exclaim, "It's really hard to imagine that there are such amazing things in the Ninja World."

Yichen had instructed beforehand not to inquire about the origins of the Little White Ball, so Ōnoki managed to refrain from asking thanks to his great willpower.

Following the method taught by Yichen, Ōnoki observed some of the structures related to the three attributes of fire, wind, and earth within the Little White Ball.

He also reviewed the Wood Style Experience that Yichen had Obito Uchiha during this period.

Then the two of them got together and began to analyze Dust Release and Light Release.

It must be said, Ōnoki's decades of experience using Dust Release were not for nothing. During their discussion, Ōnoki offered far more suggestions and ideas than Yichen.

In fact, during his time traveling through the Ninja World, Ōnoki thought about Dust Release the most.

He came up with many new ideas, but he didn't have the same fortuitous encounter as Yichen, who had the Little White Ball to learn from, so his progress in Dust Release wasn't as obvious as Yichen's.

But the various random ideas and thoughts he provided broadened Yichen's Awakening Eyes.

With Ōnoki's help, Yichen's mastery of Light Release also began to leap forward.

Half a month after arriving in the Land of the Moon, Yichen was pleasantly surprised to find that his Senjutsu Chakra could completely suppress Light Release.

From that moment on, even if the Light Release Chakra remained within Yichen's body, Yichen could completely suppress it using Senjutsu Chakra.

Reaching this point means that Yichen's Chakra has begun to adapt to Light Release.

Next, Yichen can patiently wait using the water-milling technique.

Once the Chakra has fully adapted to the Light Release, that is, when the Light Release begins to integrate into the body.

Next came the waiting. Although the waiting process was time-consuming, it was stable, and Yichen didn't need to spend any extra time studying it.

Maybe one day, Light Release will succeed naturally, just like Sage Mode did this time.

Yichen has made great progress, Ōnoki has made even greater progress. With the help of the Little White Ball, Ōnoki's mastery of Dust Release is now no less than Yichen's.

He just needs time to allow his Senjutsu Chakra to adapt.

After handling the Light Release issue with Ōnoki's help, Yichen prepared to return to the village.

Although he had occasionally kept in touch with the village these days, Yichen was not very clear about the changes in the situation within Konoha.

Yichen needs to go back to the village to find out more.

However, Ōnoki stopped Yichen and pointed to the lake where they had been fishing, saying, "Have you noticed that the terrain of the Land of the Moon is a bit abnormal?"

Yichen turned his gaze to the perfectly regular lake, nodded, and said, "I've noticed a similar phenomenon when I passed through the Land of the Moon before and looked down from the air."

"Based on my knowledge of the repulsive force Ninjutsu, Shinra Tensei, I believe that these lakes in the Land of the Moon were caused by a great battle a long time ago."

"Both sides are incredibly powerful, capable of destroying the heavens and the earth at will. One of them also possesses a skill similar to Shinra Tensei."

"In the course of their battle, they unintentionally turned the Land of the Land of the Moon into this state."

Ōnoki was somewhat surprised and said, "So you noticed this problem too."

"I discovered this by chance in someone else's notes. When the First Hokage established the village, they had considered the Land of the Moon."

"But later we felt that the strategic location of the Land of the Moon was not as good as that of the current Land of Earth, so we gave up on it."

"I didn't understand why the First Hokage did this before, but now I do. The First Hokage probably wanted to study the craters caused by these repulsive forces."

"I reckon that the First Hokage already knew about those special Ninjutsu recorded in the village's Ninjutsu Scroll back then. He also had the same guess as us."

Yichen nodded and said, "Did the First Hokage really think that he could learn Shinra Tensei just by using these pits?"

Ōnoki shook his head and said, "That's impossible. After this period of research, I guess the First Hokage probably had his eye on the soil at the bottom of these pits."

"Soil?" Yichen was a little confused. What use is soil? The Land of Earth has no shortage of soil and rocks.

Ōnoki took out a stone and handed it to Yichen.

Yichen took it curiously, and then let out a surprised exclamation.

"It's so heavy." The stone in Yichen's hand was heavier than normal soil or normal stones.

Yichen sensed it but found no other components in the stone.

Ōnoki explained, "There's nothing in here. It's just an ordinary rock from the bottom of the lake."

"The reason this rock was formed is quite simple: compression."

"Countless years ago, someone used a powerful Ninjutsu similar to Shinra Tensei on this crater."

"That move was extremely powerful, and its repulsive attack was incredibly fast. With a single strike, the soil and rocks on the ground were compressed together, forming this kind of stone."

"So this thing was originally just an ordinary stone, but because it was compressed by tremendous force, it has an extremely high density and hardness."

Yichen nodded slowly, understanding what Ōnoki meant, and then asked, "What is the use of this kind of stone?"

Ōnoki said, "The simplest way to use it is like the sand Sand Manipulation Technique of the Sunagakure, carrying some of these stones with you and using them in battle."

"The second method is to practice Earth Release here directly. If the soil used for practicing Earth Release is this kind of stone, then over time, the practitioner's Earth Release will also improve to a certain extent."

Yichen nodded and said, "The second method is indeed a good way to improve the overall combat strength of the village. No wonder the First Hokage took a liking to this place."

"Third Generation, do you have any good ideas on how to use these stones? This lake is too big. Draining all the water and dredging the bottom would probably cause too much of a commotion."

"If we forcibly break it and bring it back, it seems the effect won't be as good as keeping it intact."

Yichen frowned as he looked at the large lake in front of him.

This lake is larger than the entire Iwagakure.

Happy New Year 2023 everyone! Thank you all for your support. I apologize again for the lack of consistent updates due to COVID-19.