Sage Mode

Tsunade, consumed by rage, was the first to launch an attack.

And then, there was no "then."

Uchiha Genmei's current strength was such that, against the callow Sannin, he struck them down as if he were merely taking a leisurely stroll.

He then brought the three of them, who were still dazed and unable to snap out of their shock, to a bustling barbecue restaurant.

"There is no need for you to be so dejected. I have already demonstrated my abilities one by one; let us focus on discussing this mission instead."

Hearing Uchiha Genmei's consoling words, Orochimaru said indifferently:

"Truly the remarks of a powerhouse, Genmei-kun."

"However, as for the mission, let us depart tomorrow."

Tsunade, sitting to the side, remained silent, clutching the painful spot on her head.

She channeled her grief and indignation into her appetite, launching a frantic assault on the grilled meat.

Upon hearing that they were to discuss the mission, Jiraiya's expression turned serious, and he said solemnly:

"The people from the Land of Demons were already very anxious; it seems the situation is not optimistic."

Uchiha Genmei nodded.

He smiled and said:

"Then let us gather at the Konoha gate at six tomorrow morning."

"We travel quickly, and since the matter is urgent, we shall set off immediately."

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, they dispersed and went their separate ways.

Walking home, Uchiha Genmei felt restless.

It was true that he was interested in the shrine maiden's ability to foresee the future.

But he clearly remembered that after Moryo of the Land of Demons had caused trouble in ancient times, it did not stir again until the era of Naruto.

Now that he had caused Amaterasu to undergo an incredible transformation, Moryo had emerged to cause trouble?

It was too much of a coincidence; it was absolutely related to him!

His power was currently indeed the strongest in the Shinobi World.

However, it was still necessary to play it safe.

"I should improve my shortcomings. Seeing the callow Sannin just now reminded me of senjutsu."

Returning home, he stared at the lazy cat sleeping on the sofa, walked over, and patted her cat head.

He called out:

"Matatabi, wake up. I need your help with something."

Matatabi opened her sleepy, hazy eyes and saw who it was.

She stretched unhurriedly and said impatiently:

"Genmei-kun, what kind of help do you want from me?"

Hearing Matatabi's impatient tone, Uchiha Genmei did not mind.

They had grown quite familiar with each other over the past two years, and he hadn't treated her poorly.

Aside from her chakra being stored in the Spirit Wine Gourd, she was free to roam the Uchiha compound as she pleased.

"For the past two years, you have been absorbing natural energy to recover your chakra, haven't you?"

"I have seen it all."

Matatabi cast a sidelong glance and let out a yawn.

She said lazily:

"And then?"

"I want you, Matatabi, to assist my training. Absorb natural energy now; I want to observe and learn it."

Hearing this, Matatabi stared at the youth before her with a solemn expression.

"Natural energy is no joke, Genmei!"

"Besides, the Uchiha clan's aptitude for sensing natural energy has never been good since ancient times."

Uchiha Genmei smiled proudly:

"You are the one who shouldn't underestimate me. Let's begin."

Matatabi didn't waste any more words. Over these past two years, he had been able to communicate with her as an equal.

He didn't restrict her, and she had already come to acknowledge Genmei.

She coiled her body and pressed her paws together.

With a hum, it began!

Natural energy slowly gathered toward her.

Watching Matatabi in action, Uchiha Genmei frowned.

His heart sank.

As expected, I can't sense anything at all.

However, possessing the Divine Blade, I fear no challenge!

Looking at the panel where the value had dropped from 314 wisps to 264 due to upgrading Amaterasu, he steeled his heart.

Come on,

Divine Blade, grant me heaven-defying comprehension!

Suddenly, earth-shattering wisdom flooded his mind!

A wave of realization surged through his heart.

So that's how it is. This is natural energy! I can sense it.

To make it combine with chakra and become my own unique Sage Chakra.

To become a human Sage Mode, this is what is required.

A moment later, Matatabi looked at the youth before her in horror, his body boiling with Sage Chakra, his face showing no change whatsoever.

She exclaimed in shock:

"How is this possible?! Genmei, your Sage Mode is actually as perfect as the Old Man's, meow!!"

The scene was so shocking that she couldn't help but let her cat-like verbal tic slip out.

Slowly opening his eyes, Uchiha Genmei exhaled a breath of stale air.

He clenched his fists, feeling the sensation of Sage Chakra flooding his entire body.

He whispered:

"Is this Sage Mode?"

He pondered and compared it.

So strong!

Every amplification is at least three times greater!

"And since Sasuke has already demonstrated it, Sage Chakra can also be imbued into the Susanoo."

"Truly a perfect technique."

He looked at the remaining Aura.

"Only 164 wisps left? It consumed a hundred? That's twice as much as upgrading the Eternal Eye."

He found it somewhat amusing.

Just how poor is my aptitude for Sage arts?

Or is it really as Matatabi said, that all Uchiha are poor at it?

After checking the amplification factors of the Sage Mode, Uchiha Genmei deactivated his use of the Sage arts.

Looking at Matatabi, who was so shocked that she couldn't speak, Yuan Ming said in a smug tone:

"How about that? I told you not to underestimate me."

Matatabi pulled her dropped jaw back into place and smoothed her face with a cat paw.

She turned serious and said:

"Yuan Ming, take me with you on this mission."

"Why the sudden change of heart?"

"Having acknowledged you, and having been stunned by you... I want to see exactly what realm you can reach in the end!"

Besides, during this time, you haven't restricted me, even though I am a Tailed Beast, and you've even played with me.

Let me see if you really are the one the Old Man spoke of!

Land of Demons.

The Priestess stared at the artifact in the palace that displayed the status of the sealed shrine.

The artifact was bell-shaped; once pristine, it was now covered in cracks.

Her expression turned grim.

She spoke with difficulty:

"Is it about to give way?"

Something was wrong, very wrong.

Moryo shouldn't have been able to break the seal so quickly; something must have happened!

Her small hands clenched until her knuckles turned white, and a dejected voice escaped her lips.

"Is the future I can see really inferior to those monsters of Mount Myoboku?"

She turned and paced out of the hall.

Summoning a retainer, she said sternly:

"Go to the shrine in the city and bring me the Spirit Bow!"

The bowing retainer looked up in surprise upon hearing this.

"My Lady, you wish to bring out the Spirit Bow? Is the seal truly unable to hold any longer?"

Seeing the Priestess nod in silence, he said hoarsely:

"It seems there is no other choice."

Watching the retainer leave to carry out the order, a look of sorrow appeared on the Priestess's face.

"I hope that with this sacrifice, the Spirit Bow can hold out until that person arrives."

"Ancestors of Onmyodo, protect us."

At this moment, at the site of Moryo's seal.

A river of filthy blood finally broke through the seal, revealing the sealed dimension within.

It transformed into a streak of blood-red light and slipped inside.

Looking at the pitch-black, multi-headed demon, it mocked:

"How about it, Moryo? You should thank me for helping you break the seal."

All of Moryo's eyes fixed upon this blood-red filth.

It demanded:

"Why aren't you lording over your Land of Hot Water? What are you doing here?"

"You are no longer..."

As it spoke, it shifted its massive body, its eyes filled with ferocity.

A pitch-black, ominous aura shrouded the scene.

"...the master of Ashihara no Nakatsukuni you once were."