I Think We Can Head Down the Mountain!

In reality, controlling Natural Energy is not an easy task for Kyohiko.

His Chakra control ability is absolutely top-notch at present, probably not much different from Tsunade and Sakura Haruno, with only some minor differences.

but.

Even so, this control ability only allows him to maintain his body's balance when absorbing Natural Energy, and to generate as much Chakra as possible to buffer against backlash and mutation.

That's difficult!

Kyohiko sighed inwardly.

Sage Mode, as expected, is not something that can be achieved simply by having Chakra control abilities; it also requires talent in Natural Energy.

This is only the first hurdle.

The second challenge, "calming the mind," may be even more difficult.

Based on the current situation, Minato does not currently require the supervision of Fukasaku and Shima, and should be somewhere between the second and third stages.

Kyohiko Awakening, his face etched with exhaustion.

"How are you feeling?"

Fukasaku asked curiously.

"It's difficult to control. Right now, I can only use as much Chakra as possible to counteract the surging Natural Energy and forcibly mix it into a balanced state, but my Chakra is limited, and too much Natural Energy is surging in..."

Kyohiko shared his feelings.

Fortunately, his physical strength and energy are recovering much faster than before, and he is able to seal two of the pools to supply the accumulation of Yin Seal Water Pool separately.

Otherwise, he would have had no way to attempt cultivation.

Fukasaku immediately understood.

No wonder Kyohiko was able to maintain a slight mutation; he had already mastered the trick of keeping himself out of danger after only two or three attempts.

What an amazing child!

He nodded Fukasaku.

"Your method of combating the anomaly is correct, but to complete the Senjutsu Chakra, this alone is far from enough."

It understood.

This child isn't exceptionally talented, but rather intelligent enough to quickly find the optimal method.

Using Chakra to counteract...

With sufficient control skills, it is indeed possible, but the drawback is --

Natural Energy is inexhaustible.

Unless one fully masters Natural Energy, the body will undergo abnormal changes as Natural Energy flows in.

However, if you know the method, it's hard to be petrified.

not to mention.

Kyohiko gradually adapted and mastered the method of avoiding entering the deep mutation.

"I understand. We still have enough Chakra for a few more attempts. Also, I have an idea, and I'd like to ask you to keep an eye on things."

He rubbed some Toad Oil on himself and continued his meditation and practice.

Holding the black stick, Fukasaku suddenly felt a sense of emptiness.

Teaching a fool will only make him angry.

For example, Jiraiya.

but.

Teaching geniuses doesn't seem to bring much sense of accomplishment.

Because geniuses figure things out on their own; they don't need to be taught...

Fukasaku watched as Kyohiko's body switched back and forth between Toad form and normal form, but he was also thinking—

Perhaps those who are overly conservative and rational are unable to master Sage Mode?

after all.

The Sage Mode doesn't actually require talent, but rather perseverance.

Unbreakable, never give up.

Only in this way can one master Sage Mode.

"Boss, how is it?"

"Very talented, but currently, it seems he still needs to—"

As soon as Fukasaku finished speaking, he saw a change in Kyohiko.

His body developed some frog-like features, but these features quickly disappeared, leaving only some eyeshadow on his eyes.

This is--

The perfect immortal state?

How could that be!

Fukasaku was dumbfounded.

When Sage Shima arrived, he was about to complain about how carefree and uncaring the old man was, but then he saw the powerful aura of Sage Chakra emanating from Kyohiko.

"This is!"

"How long has it been?"

Sage Shima was deeply shocked.

Jiraiya, who had been beaming with joy, froze upon seeing this scene, his eyes filled with confusion.

What's going on?

He also wanted to offer some guidance as a "senior" and "Teacher".

So, you'll understand?

Kyohiko Awakening, and his pupils showed some changes.

It was a success!

Jiraiya remained silent.

He felt he really shouldn't have come today.

We've been shocked enough!

fine.

Kakashi's Chakra level is currently below the training standard, so he doesn't need to worry about suffering a third round of torture.

Jiraiya consoled himself.

How did you do that?

Fukasaku, on behalf of Jiraiya, asked the question that had been on his mind the most.

How did you do that?

Kyohiko thought for a moment and said, "I used a mixture of extracted Sage Chakra to cover the surface with a protective layer, forming a balanced and stable Chakra that is relatively easy to control."

Natural Energy in a disordered state is extremely difficult to control, but once it mixes and reaches equilibrium, it becomes much easier to control.

"You used a method similar to Chakra Cloak to isolate the inside and outside of the body, making the influx of Natural Energy less intense?"

It's still a step-by-step breakdown.

Jiraiya understood this perfectly, but the step-by-step breakdown of the technique was very useful, and it did indeed allow Kyohiko to master the first stage of Sage Mode.

By reducing the influx of Natural Energy, one can process and digest it in an orderly manner, cope with the anomalies brought about by the impact of Natural Energy, and achieve a perfect Sage Mode.

"Um."

Kyohiko nodded.

This method has proven effective in dealing with the Talent of the Immortal Clan, demonstrating its feasibility to a certain extent.

but.

Every advantage has its disadvantages.

Such a clever method requires extremely strong control and a very high amount of Chakra to be able to do it.

Someone like Kurokawa clearly doesn't meet the standard.

"In that case, the absorption rate might not be fast enough?"

Fukasaku expressed his concerns.

Kyohiko nodded. "Yes, so I'm just using it to adapt to Natural Energy and experiment."

Take it one step at a time.

First learn how to apply it, then work backward to try and take direct control.

Having the answer makes the process much easier.

On the other side, on the Stone Forest.

Minato Namikaze was sitting cross-legged atop the rocky peak when suddenly a bird flew overhead, causing him to lose his balance and fall from the top.

In mid-air, he immediately grabbed the stone slab with his backhand, and then used Flying Thunder God Technique to land on a spot on the ground.

"Call!"

"It's really tough."

Minato Namikaze watched the birds flying overhead and couldn't help but sigh softly.

He got up and sensed it.

Then.

"Oh, Kyohiko's come to Mount Myoboku too?"

A hint of surprise appeared on Minato Namikaze's face, and he Body Flicker Technique towards the main peak of Mount Myoboku.

Before long, he saw the crowd of onlookers at the foot of the mountain.

Jiraiya, Fukasaku, Shima.

It's so lively!

"Teacher, Elders."

"Minato."

Fukasaku smiled.

They were just about to exchange a few words in hushed tones.

At this moment, Kyohiko opened his eyes again, and his physical condition was somewhat better than before.

He no longer needs the Chakra Cloak to cover him!

Perfect Sage Mode.

"Kyohiko, you mastered it so quickly?"

Minato Namikaze was surprised.

Kyohiko said, "Fortunately, I've encountered similar situations before, so I had some ideas. I just tried it out and it was successful."

Only after actually practicing Sage Mode do you realize how outrageous the First Hokage was.

Even with the help of Toad Oil, it would take him a while to complete the energy adjustment, and even if he became proficient, he certainly wouldn't be able to instantly activate Sage Mode.

not to mention.

To truly achieve the Sage Mode, one needs to shed the Toad Oil and remain still, merging with nature, in order to sense the presence of Natural Energy.

This process takes a long time.

Once in battle, it can no longer absorb Natural Energy.

The two are completely contradictory.

Only special Sage Body like those of Hashirama Senju and Kurokawa can absorb energy while fighting.

Unfortunately, I am not Sage Body.

Kyohiko sighed regretfully, then looked at Minato: "How are you?"

"Still a little short."

He scratched his head. "I have a hard time connecting with nature. Many noises always trigger my instinctive reactions, making it take me a long time to get into the zone, and my state is very unstable."

"An instinctive reaction..."

Kyohiko, recalling Minato's keen senses, reaction speed, and powerful Body Flicker Technique, was momentarily stunned before deeply moved, his brow furrowing. "If that's the case," he thought, "I might encounter a similar problem."

Jiraiya, Fukasaku, and Shima all fell silent.

From this perspective...

Kyohiko and Minato are quite similar.

Minato took longer to master the first stage, but it was still faster than Jiraiya's. However, his progress in the second stage was slow.

Kyohiko might be similar.

"What is the second stage? I want to try the second stage directly."

The southern border of the Land of Fire and the Land of Rivers.

A group of ninjas climbed ashore from the sea. Once on land, they quickly dispersed and headed towards the heart of the Land of Fire.

Far out at sea, a ship heads into the depths of the ocean.

Several days later.

At sea, two ships met.

The Third Kazekage stepped out of the ship that sailed from the Land of Wind, dressed neatly and very solemnly.

On another ship, the young Fourth Mizukage, also wearing a straw hat and a long robe, emerged from the cabin.

Then, propelled by Ninjutsu, the two ships came together, becoming inseparable.

"Kazekage, I've come at your invitation."

Yagura's tone was indifferent.

The Third Kazekage: "The Mizukage, Sunagakure and Kirigakure are constantly embroiled in disputes over a small part of the sea and the south. In reality, we have no need for that."

I'm glad you have this idea.

Yagura finally smiled.

A slight smile played on his lips.

"That's right, our biggest enemy is Konoha! If we can carve up some of the Land of Land of Fire's territory and force Konoha to cede some of the smaller countries' commissions, that would be a considerable gain."

"Then, let's sign the alliance."

The Third Kazekage laughed.

The Fourth Mizukage nodded, signaling his subordinates to retrieve the item.

Then he added, "I have an ally who is also very interested; perhaps we can get together and discuss it another day."

"Of course, I'd be happy to."

The Third Kazekage is not surprising.

His reconciliation with Kirigakure also reflects his desire to maintain a temporary peace with Iwagakure.

Sunagakure is located in the Land of Wind, and is poor and weak.

Having failed to fully recover from the last war, if they have to contend with both Kirigakure Iwagakure while also facing Konoha, they will likely perish without a burial place.

"However, Kumogakure has an alliance with Konoha, so they might get involved. You and Ōnoki, who are closest to them, should be careful."

The Third Kazekage reminded him.

Yagura chuckled, "The Land of Lightning won't be satisfied with its current land and wealth. They're extremely warlike, and I've heard they're dedicated to resolving the Tailed Beast problem. If they succeed, whether their alliance will remain strong is another matter."

"Good."

The Third Kazekage nodded.

Having exchanged intelligence, he felt more confident about the upcoming war.

Both sides signed an alliance agreement and then departed.

The Fourth Mizukage stood on the deck, gazing at the distant mountains and rivers, a slight smile playing on his lips.

War, Konoha, Sunagakure.

Oh!

"Lord Mizukage, shall we go to the Land of Sea next?"

"I'm not going."

What about our people?

"No need to withdraw; maintain the current situation."

Yagura smiled and said, "Before pulling in the net, you must not let the fish become wary, otherwise they will immediately escape."

Konoha Ninja Academy

"Yeah!"

Obito looked at his name on the form with excitement.

He succeeded!

He got into the Ninjutsu major!

"Great, I'm looking for..."

Obito dialect reached his lips, a smile gradually crept down his face.

He remained silent for a moment, then sighed, turned around, and walked out of the school.

I should focus on cultivation.

Obito hadn't walked far when he suddenly smelled a familiar scent.

Is this the smell of a hospital?

He looked up, a hint of surprise on his face.

"Lin? Weren't you supposed to be studying at the hospital today? What are you doing here?"

"Today is the day your professional exam results come out. How did it go? Did you get in?"

Rin Nohara smiled broadly.

Obito's vision was blurry, so he immediately looked up and gave a thumbs up.

"Who am I? Genius Obito! With my abilities, of course I could get in in no time!"

"You don't know, one of my Great Fireball Jutsu directly..."

Obito boasted about his performance in the exam.

Rin Nohara walked with him without interrupting or saying a word, her smile bright and cheerful.

The two walked towards the school gate.

Several days later, in Mount Myoboku.

Kyohiko was sitting cross-legged on the rocky mountain when he suddenly fell from the sky.

He immediately threw out a rope to tie to the mountainside, using it to change direction, and then "scrambled" along the sharp peaks, finally regaining his footing and landing safely.

Looking up at the sky, he felt a mix of emotions.

I encountered a similar problem to Minato.

Their senses and reactions are too acute!

Compared to Minato, his problem was more serious. After all, Kyohiko's hearing was more sensitive, and even without Chakra amplification, he still received more and more complex information.

This is his strength, but it becomes his weakness when complete stillness is required.

Shortly after he landed, Minato Namikaze landed on the ground in the form of the Flying Thunder God Technique.

He sighed softly.

He then stood up and said, "I can get into the zone, but it takes a very long time, which isn't worthwhile in actual combat."

"Actually, there's another technique called the Amphibian Sage Technique, which Minato could consider, but Kyohiko, you..."

He shook his head Fukasaku.

It's impossible to enter this mode on your own, not even with the Amphibian Sage Technique.

Kyohiko rubbed his temples.

"I plan to stop my cultivation and go back to think of a solution."

Is there any way to solve this?

Fukasaku paused for a moment.

Kyohiko nodded and said, "My problem is that my hearing is too sensitive. Even using earplugs doesn't help, so I plan to go back and study sound-based Genjutsu to make myself unable to hear sounds."

What's the point?

He Fukasaku puzzled.

Kyohiko laughed, "If I can interrupt my hearing, I can freeze the Shadow Clone. After dispelling the Shadow Clone, I can obtain Sage Chakra."

"..."

Fukasaku and Minato both fell silent.

A thought I'd never considered before.

but.

That is indeed one way.

This is also an inspiration for Minato.

Normal Sage Mode is completely useless to him. If he could create Shadow Clone to absorb Sage Chakra and then use that to generate feedback...

This has potential!

"This kind of spiritual practice doesn't necessarily have to take place on Mount Myoboku, does it?"

Kyohiko asked again.

Staying on Mount Myoboku all the time is not very efficient at improving one's strength.

"Mount Myoboku has a more concentrated Natural Energy, making it more likely to be perceived."

"So, you mean we don't need to practice meditation anymore?"

Kyohiko understood. "Then there's no problem."

Fukasaku thought about it for a long time and found that Kyohiko's words made a lot of sense. He then looked at Minato Namikaze.

"And you?"

"I'll go back too. The problem now can't be solved by more cultivation."