Constant Sage Mode meant that for every portion of Chakra one refined, one could absorb a portion of Natural Energy and merge them into Sage Art Chakra, rather than having to refine it anew after using up the Sage Art Chakra.
This probably meant he had cultivated Sage Mode to its limit. Though in the end, he could still only make use of Natural Energy rather than absorb and merge it with himself. He could only be considered to have mastered Sage Mode, not to have become a true Sage.
"I remember that in the Original Work, Orochimaru discovered Jugo, this Natural Sage Body, near Ryūchi Cave. But at this point in time, never mind finding Jugo—he probably would not even be born for another decade or more!"
"Looks like I'll have to set aside the Sage cultivation method for now."
"Kinnara's Clone has been developing quite well in Sunagakure. I could try getting some research on vitality and mental strength from there."
Land of Wind.
Amid the yellow sand swirling through the sky, four figures racing at high speed emerged from the storm.
"Damn it, are Sunagakure's ninja still chasing us?"
"They're right on our heels. These guys don't seem to be pushovers."
"Damn it, we're nowhere near as familiar with this desert terrain as they are. If we keep running, once our Chakra is exhausted, we really won't have any chance left."
"No choice! Form the Ten Thousand Formation and fight them to the death!"
The four figures stopped, revealing the Iwagakure forehead protectors they wore. Each protector bore a slash, clearly marking them as rogue Iwa ninja.
The four Iwa ninja had only just stopped when three more figures emerged from the sandstorm.
"May I ask what business the four of you Iwa ninja have in our