Cultivating Sage Art, Tsunade's Willfulness (Parts One, Two, and Three)

"This technique does indeed have these flaws."

Tsunade nodded, signaling Qingyu to continue.

Seeing this, Qingyu continued, "If the caster could choose which wounds would trigger regeneration and which would not, unnecessary Chakra consumption could be greatly reduced."

"You're right, Creation Rebirth does have this drawback. I considered it when I used this technique back then, but time was too tight. People were dying on the front lines every day, so I could only create a usable version first."

"Because this requires very strong Chakra control."

Tsunade.

If this can be achieved, it will naturally extend the spell's lifespan.

"It can be improved gradually."

Qingyu said.

He remembered that Tsunade also had a technique called "Body Pathway Derangement".

This technique generates an electric field by converting the Chakra within the body into electrons, and then releases electrons into the enemy's nervous system to disrupt the enemy's control over their body.

Qingyu wondered why it wasn't used on herself.

Using electronic signals, the body's subconscious mind completes the precise Chakra control required for "Ninja Art: Creation Rebirth".

Of course, combining the two will definitely take a long time to perfect.

Qingyu currently only has an idea.

"You brat, you've only just learned 'Ninja Art: Creation Rebirth' and you're already thinking about improving it? Do you know how many years it took me to perfect this technique to its current state?"

She leaned back in her chair, her golden twin ponytails slid down her shoulders and hung on either side of the chair back.

"Since you're interested, try modifying it yourself. Feel free to ask me any questions."

"Good."

Qingyu nodded, keeping Tsunade's opinion in mind.

He was already thinking about getting Tsunade to keep generating gold coins.

He definitely needs to learn "Body Pathway Derangement".

The two then discussed some details about "Ninja Art: Creation Rebirth".

Tsunade discovered that Qingyu's mastery of this technique was quite impressive, and she became increasingly engrossed in their conversation.

Half an hour later, Tsunade pushed the scroll in front of Qingyu and let out a long breath.

"Alright, I've said all I can. Go back and figure out the rest yourself."

She leaned back in her chair, picked up her now-cold teacup, took a sip, and then, as if suddenly remembering something, looked up at Qingyu.

"By the way, you've already learned 'Ninja Art: Creation Rebirth,' so next you should learn 'Strength of a Hundred Technique.'"

What about "Senjutsu"?

Qingyu asked.

Tsunade put down her teacup, crossed her arms over her chest, and her already full figure swayed slightly under her coat.

"As for 'Senjutsu,' that's fine too. These two arts don't conflict; you can use them simultaneously."

Tsunade said.

After thinking for a moment, she began to use the "Reverse Summoning Jutsu" to take Qingyu there.

Shikkotsu Forest.

As soon as Qingyu entered, she felt as if there were floating specks of light around her, like countless Fire Fly wandering in the forest.

After gaining increased affinity through enhanced traits, Qingyu's perception of Natural Energy has become much stronger than before.

He could sense the Natural Energy in the earth and air.

These energies were originally violent and difficult to tame, but under the influence of the special properties, they gradually became docile and actively converged towards Qingyu.

Qingyu found this very amazing.

"It truly is a sacred place."

After walking with Tsunade for a while, Qingyu thought to himself.

This Natural Energy is much easier to perceive than anything from the outside world.

However, despite his perception, Qingyu had no idea how Shikkotsu Forest's "Sage Mode" integrated Natural Energy into his body.

"Lady Tsunade, Lord Qingyu, you've arrived."

A Slug several meters tall slowly crawled out of the woods; its body had blue and white stripes.

Its antennae twitched gently, making cheerful sounds, clearly pleased with the arrival of the two.

"Hmm, it's been a long time, Lord Slug."

Tsunade spoke.

"I've come here to see the Katsuyu Sage."

Although she knew they were all the same split entity, Tsunade still felt that the Slug's original form seemed to know more.

"Plz follow me."

The Slug opened its mouth.

Tsunade pulled Qingyu along, and the two followed the Slug through the dense forest, heading deeper into the Shikkotsu Forest.

The ground beneath my feet was damp, feeling like walking on a thick carpet. The surrounding trees grew taller and taller, their canopies blocking out the sun, with only a few sparse beams of sunlight filtering through the leaves.

After walking for about ten minutes, the woods ahead suddenly opened up.

A colossal entity appeared in Qingyu's field of vision.

That was the Katsuyu Sage's true form.

Its entire body resembled a small, pale blue mountain.

"Lord Slug, I've come this time to have Qingyu try cultivating 'Senjutsu'."

1

Tsunade crossed her arms and Gate of Opening point.

The giant Katsuyu Sage slowly lowered its tentacles, aiming them at Qingyu.

Her tentacles lingered in Qingyu's direction for a while, the tips trembling slightly, as if sensing something.

When she was with the split body before, she discovered that Qingyu had an unusual attraction to Natural Energy, making the Natural Energy want to get closer to him involuntarily.

Now, standing before her true form, the Katsuyu Sage could perceive her even more clearly.

As Qingyu stood there, the Natural Energy around him was like iron filings attracted by a magnet, forming an invisible Uzumaki centered on him.

The specks of light in the air drifted towards him, forming a faint halo around his body.

"If it were Lord Qingyu, there's a good chance he could learn it."

"That's what the Katsuyu Sage said with certainty."

"However, I must point out that the practice of 'Senjutsu' is also accompanied by dangers, as you should be well aware of, Lady Tsunade."

The Katsuyu Sage turned his gaze to Tsunade, his tone becoming more serious.

Tsunade nodded, her golden twin tails swaying gently with her movement.

"I know."

Tsunade nodded.

If possible, she certainly didn't want Qingyu to take any risks.

But she also knew that Qingyu wasn't the kind of person who would hide in a safe zone and wait for the war to end.

Rather than letting him passively face danger, it's better to let him actively acquire more power.

"Because I am not human, the 'Senjutsu Chakra' refined using my methods will bear the symbolism of us Slug."

The Katsuyu Sage added gently.

Qingyu listened quietly, already somewhat prepared.

This is normal.

The "Sage Mode" of the Three Great Sage Lands will exhibit different animalistic characteristics.

Yakushi Kabuto and Mitsuki possess snake eyes and snake scales because their "Senjutsu Chakra" originates from Ryūchi Cave.

Naruto, Jiraiya, and Minato Namikaze, who practiced the "Senjutsu" of Mount Myōboku, also had frog-like eyes. During their training, it was even noticeable that Naruto would transform into Toad, eventually turning into a stone statue.

So the Slug's "Sage Mode" will naturally have some impact.

As for Shikkotsu Forest's "Sage Mode," it was never shown in the original work, so even Qingyu didn't know what specific characteristics it would exhibit.

But since it's Slug, it's likely related to the physiological characteristics of Slug.

"Lord Slug."

Qingyu suddenly spoke up, asking a question he had always wanted to ask.

Throughout human history spanning thousands of years, has humanity not possessed its own unique "Senjutsu"?

"Is it only possible to cultivate by passing through the immortals of the Three Great Sage Lands?"

Qingyu remembered that in the original work, besides the methods of the Three Great Sage Lands, there was only the so-called "Six Paths Sage Mode".

Or, "Six Paths Sage Transformation".

The former was awakened by receiving the Chakra of the nine- Tailed Beast and the Chakra bestowed by the Sage of Six Paths, while the latter became the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, possessing the Ten-Tails' Chakra and undergoing permanent body modifications.

Even though Obito briefly entered this mode, he gained powerful vitality after losing the Ten-Tails.

Otherwise, even with Black Zetsu's help, Obito, who used "Outer Path: Rinne Rebirth," wouldn't have survived that long afterward.

The Katsuyu Sage was silent for a moment, its antennae swaying gently, as if recalling something distant.

Humans—it seems—truly lack their own "Senjutsu."

She spoke slowly.

"A thousand years ago, my power was still very weak, but even then, powerful humanoid life forms had already appeared."

At this point, the Katsuyu Sage paused, unsure whether Kaguya Otsutsuki could be considered human.

"They also possess the means to absorb Natural Energy, but it eventually manifests as a fruit, and consuming it seems to grant them evolution."

The Katsuyu Sage spoke.

She wasn't a key figure in that era, so even though she's alive today, she doesn't know much about it.

Based on the phenomenon that all Natural Energy was absorbed by the God Tree, the Katsuyu Sage deduced that this was a means by which they used and utilized Natural Energy.

Qingyu's heart stirred.

The Katsuyu Sage was referring to Kaguya Otsutsuki and the God Tree without a doubt.

"However, even among them, none of them possess pure 'Senjutsu' as easily as humans."

The Katsuyu Sage continued.

She had met the Sage of Six Paths before, but the Senjutsu of Sage of Six Paths ' "sage techniques" were also cultivated on Mount Myōboku.

Qingyu nodded thoughtfully.

"If Lord Qingyu could create 'Senjutsu' belonging to humankind, it would be a monumental feat, a feat that would shatter the heavens and the earth."

"That's what the Katsuyu Sage said cheerfully."

"But before that, please learn the Senjutsu of Shikkotsu Forest first."

"Please, Lord Slug."

"Yes, Lady Tsunade, I'll take care of Lord Qingyu."

Tsunade glanced at Qingyu, patted him on the shoulder, and turned to leave the Shikkotsu Forest.

After her figure disappeared into the depths of the dense forest, the Katsuyu Sage turned his attention back to Qingyu.

"Lord Qingyu, I will now teach you the 'Senjutsu' of the Shikkotsu Forest."

"The first step is to perceive Natural Energy, which you should already be able to do. The next step is to integrate Natural Energy with your own spiritual and physical energy, achieving a delicate balance among the three."

Qingyu sat down cross-legged and closed her eyes.

Evening.

Qingyu sat cross-legged beside the Katsuyu Sage's true form, her breathing steady.

He could feel a trace of "Senjutsu Chakra" being refined within his body.

It was a power completely different from ordinary Chakra flowing through the meridians.

But he is still far from being able to use this power perfectly.

"Senjutsu Chakra" requires the precise fusion of Natural Energy with one's own spiritual and physical energy in a 1:1:1 ratio; any slight deviation will lead to failure.

People with a large amount of Chakra will naturally have a lower proportion of Natural Energy.

A person with too little Chakra will Natural Energy overwhelm their own Chakra.

This is why cultivating Senjutsu is so difficult, because everyone's energy balance point is different, and you need to explore it yourself.

Qingyu's Chakra reserves far exceed those of ordinary people, which means that he needs to absorb much more Natural Energy than ordinary cultivators.

From a certain perspective, this is a disadvantage.

He needs to spend more time accumulating enough Natural Energy before he can activate "Sage Mode".

But from another perspective, this is also a huge advantage.

Once he successfully enters Sage Mode, the amount of Senjutsu Chakra within him will be several times that of an ordinary Sage Mode practitioner.

"Lord Qingyu is indeed very capable."

The Katsuyu Sage's voice came from above, its tone full of admiration.

One afternoon.

In just one afternoon, Qingyu had already refined his first wisp of "Senjutsu Chakra".

This speed was extremely rare in her long life.

"It's all thanks to the Katsuyu Sage's help."

Qingyu opened her eyes, smiled, and shook her head.

"No, it's because Lord Qingyu's talent is too exceptional."

The Katsuyu Sage gently twitched its tentacles.

"I haven't pointed out Lord Qingyu's mistakes. Most of the time, I just tell her the method, Lord Qingyu meditates according to the method, and then she succeeds."

Just as Qingyu was about to say something, a line of text suddenly popped up in front of her.

[Collectible Trait Detected: Katsuyu Sage's Experience]

[C-Rank Trait: Katsuyu Sage's Experience]

[Effect: Increases the training speed of Senjutsu by 60%.]

[Synthesis: Successfully using a Sage Technique will upgrade it to a higher-level trait]

Qingyu looked at the description of this new trait and closed it without making a sound.

The 60% increase in the speed of cultivating "Senjutsu" will make his subsequent cultivation twice as effective.

As for the upgrade requirements, you need to use "Sage Technique," which are Ninjutsu performed in "Sage Mode."

This can't be rushed; we need to completely stabilize Sage Mode first.

"Lord Slug, let's end our training here for today. I'll come again tomorrow."

"Yes, Lord Qingyu, please take care."

Qingyu stood up, stretched her slightly numb legs, thanked the Katsuyu Sage, and then turned to walk towards the exit of the Shikkotsu Forest.

Konoha.

When Qingyu opened the door, the living room light was still on.

Tsunade curled up on the sofa, holding a sake bottle in her hand; most of the sake in the bottle was already gone.

Her cheeks were flushed, her golden pigtails hung loosely over her shoulders, and her coat had fallen to the ground sometime during the night, leaving her only wearing a close-fitting gray sleeveless top.

Hearing the door open, she slowly turned her head, her brown-gold eyes somewhat unfocused, taking several seconds to focus on Qingyu's face.

You're back?

--

Her voice was clearly tinged with intoxication.

"Sister Tsunade has been drinking again."

Qingyu was also helpless.

No wonder Tsunade ran so fast; she was rushing back for a drink.

Qingyu walked to the sofa and reached out to take the wine bottle from her hand.

Tsunade reacted a beat too slow, and Qingyu easily snatched the bottle from her.

She paused for a second, then frowned, reached out and grabbed at the air twice, but failed, so she had to lower her hand in frustration.

How dare you tell your sister what to do?

Tsunade wanted to glare fiercely at Qingyu.

But because he was drunk, his eyes looked limp.

"Sister Tsunade drank too much."

Qingyu shook her head.

I only drank a little bit----

Tsunade used her thumb and forefinger to make a very small distance, but that distance kept increasing until it became a width that was clearly a lie.

Qingyu shook her head helplessly, placed the wine bottle on the coffee table, and then sat down next to her.

"Sister Tsunade, would you like to take a bath? A soak will make you feel much better."

Tsunade and thought for a moment, then nodded.

"----Then you can help me drain the water."

After saying that, she shrank further into the sofa, like a sleepy cat.

Qingyu stood up and walked towards the bathroom.

The bathroom lights were a warm yellow, shining on the white tiles.

Qingyu turned on the faucet in the bathtub, and hot water gushed out, quickly filling the entire bathroom with steam.

He tested the water temperature; it was neither too hot nor too cold, just right.

After the bathtub was filled with water, Qingyu took Tsunade's pajamas out of the closet, folded them, and placed them on the shelf next to the bathtub.

After doing all that, he left the bathroom and returned to the living room.

Tsunade had already sat up from the sofa and was bending down to take off her shoes.

She was a little clumsy in taking off her shoes; her fingers weren't very nimble, and it took her several tries to untie the shoelaces.

Qingyu stood aside, watching her kick off her two ninja sandals and step barefoot onto the floor.

Qingyu then realized that Tsunade hadn't changed her shoes in the entryway when she got home.

This guy----

Qingyu thought for a moment, and realized that it seemed to be Shizune's turn to sweep the floor today.

Oh, poor Shizune.

Qingyu shook her head.

"Come quick, Sister Tsunade!"

Qingyu said.

He noticed that Tsunade's feet were also very smooth and delicate.

"Yin Seal" not only has skincare benefits for the face, but also for the whole body.

Tsunade's body has almost always remained in a youthful and delicate state.

Qingyu's gaze lingered on those jade-like feet for a moment, then naturally moved away.

"Sister Tsunade, the water's ready, and your pajamas are on the shelf."

"Um----"

Tsunade stood up, her bare feet touching the floor, and staggered toward the bathroom.

As she passed by Qingyu, she raised her hand and ruffled his hair.

"Good, very well-behaved."

After saying that word, she disappeared behind the bathroom door.

Not long after, the sound of running water came from the bathroom, along with Tsunade letting out a satisfied sigh.

Qingyu shook her head, went to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of water, and then returned to her room.

The next day.

Nine o'clock in the morning.

Tsunade slumped on the sofa, one hand resting on her forehead, the other hanging limply at the edge, her long golden hair disheveled.

They were scattered haphazardly on the cushions.

"Qingyu ----"

She let out a groan, typical of someone who's just woken up.

I'm hungry.

Qingyu peeked out from the kitchen doorway, still holding Muramasa in her hand.

Currently, Qingyu uses both the Sword of the Thunder God Muramasa alternately when cooking.

For some reason, he had a feeling of being a Magic Chef of Ice and Fire.

"Sister Tsunade, just five more minutes, it'll be ready soon."

"No, I want to eat it now."

Tsunade sat up from the sofa, her slip dress hanging loosely on her shoulders, revealing her fair skin.

She hadn't eaten any of Qingyu's delicious food all night.

A good morning should start with a meal prepared by Qingyu, not with an empty stomach and a hangover headache.

Seeing her pitiful appearance, Qingyu had no choice but to Hand Seals.

Bang.

A Shadow Clone appeared beside him, nodded at him, and then continued chopping vegetables.

Qingyu's true form walked to the kitchen doorway, leaned against the door frame, crossed her arms, and looked at Tsunade.

"Sister Tsunade, I've sent my Shadow Clone to cook. If you're really hungry, there are some rice balls I made yesterday in the fridge. I'll heat them up for you to have something to eat first."

"I don't want rice balls, I want your Tonkotsu Ramen."

Tsunade.

Qingyu discovered that after spending a lot of time with Tsunade would sometimes show her willful side.

This side of her, however, is never shown to outsiders.

It seems my feelings for Sister Tsunade have improved again.

Qingyu pondered to herself.

One day closer to driving a large truck.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Knock knock knock.

Qingyu and Tsunade both looked towards the entrance.

"I'll go Gate of Opening."

Qingyu walked to the entrance and Gate of Opening.

Orochimaru was standing outside the door.

A faint smile, as always, graced his pale face, and his golden vertical pupils narrowed slightly when he saw Qingyu.

"Hehe, good morning, Qingyu- kun."

Orochimaru's gaze passed over Qingyu's shoulder, glanced at the food on the table, and his smile deepened.

"Looks like I've arrived at the wrong time?"

"Orochimaru- sensei, please come in. If you haven't eaten, you can have some with me."

"No need, I've already eaten."

Qingyu stepped aside and gestured for her to proceed.

Orochimaru walked into the living room and sat down on the single sofa opposite Tsunade.

When Tsunade heard someone knocking on the door, she pulled her tank top back, covering herself completely.

Tsunade didn't want to be seen by others.

Orochimaru, what brings you here so early?

Tsunade asked.

"Teacher Sarutobi sent me to inform you that a mission has arrived."

Orochimaru didn't beat around the bush and stated his purpose directly.

"Qingyu, go and inform the other members later, but I won't be leading the team this time."

"You're not leading the team, are you Orochimaru- sensei?"

Qingyu raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Um.

""

Orochimaru nodded, a meaningful look flashing in his golden vertical pupils.

"You'll find out the details at the Hokage's Office; Teacher Sarutobi is waiting for you there."

After he finished speaking, he stood up, nodded slightly to Tsunade, glanced at Qingyu, and then turned and walked towards the entrance.

As he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and turned to look at Qingyu.

"Qingyu- kun, the front lines are much more exciting than the Chunin Ninja Exams, enjoy it!"

After saying that, he Gate of Opening and walked out, his long black hair flashing past the door frame.

The moment the door closed, most of the languid expression on Tsunade's face vanished.

"Front?"

She frowned and sat up straight on the sofa.

"Sister Tsunade, Orochimaru- sensei must mean there's a problem at the border."

Tsunade was silent for a moment, then stood up from the sofa.

"I'll change my clothes first, then I'll go to the Hokage's Office."

Her voice had regained its usual calmness, completely devoid of the languidness from before, and had become decisive and efficient once again.

"You too, put on your Chunin vest."

"Knew."

Qingyu nodded.

Actually, this thing is optional.

Qingyu was very fast, and he didn't think that he could be caught up by an enemy.