Unlike mastering Sage Mode, Naruto did not rashly activate Sage Fox Mode.
For one thing, Ryūchi Cave was too small and could easily collapse. For another, he wanted to keep something in reserve before the White Snake Sage. Though they shared a common enemy in the Ten-Tails, necessary vigilance was still needed.
After chatting with the Nine-Tails for a while, Naruto stood and looked at Tagorihime. "Tagorihime, does Ryūchi Cave have any supporting sage arts or secret techniques?"
Tagorihime nodded. "Of course, but I am not qualified to teach ninjutsu. You would need to seek Lord White Snake's approval. Besides, those secret techniques should not be of much use to Lord Menma."
"The more secret techniques I master, the more likely they'll come in handy someday."
Tagorihime did not answer directly, merely saying ambiguously, "Lord Menma is right. However, since you were able to master sage arts within a month, learning other secret techniques should be very easy for you as well."
"A month has passed?" Naruto frowned slightly.
Tagorihime answered respectfully, "Time flows differently in Ryūchi Cave than it does outside, and there is no sun to serve as a reference. It is perfectly normal for Lord Menma to have such doubts."
After understanding the situation, Naruto did not linger within the altar's range and headed toward the Ryūchi Cave temple.
Inside the temple, the White Snake Sage remained seated cross-legged, the enormous pipe still clenched between her teeth as she occasionally puffed out clouds of smoke.
Upon seeing Naruto, the White Snake Sage nodded in satisfaction. "As expected of someone the old toad took a liking to. You mastered Sage Mode so quickly. Though your state is not perfect enough, you should be able to master perfect Sage Mode within half a year."
"Then I must thank the