The Uchiha's Mad Fox

[Annual sign-in successful. You have obtained the crafting method for the Sage's Talisman... A new year begins!]

The crafting method for the Sage's Talisman? Isn't that the legendary treasure of the Land of Toads, used by the Sage of Six Paths to resurrect his dying brother, Otsutsuki Hamura?

Because it is saturated with senjutsu chakra, it can easily restore vitality to those on the brink of death. In the entire Land of Toads, within Mount Myoboku—one of the three great training sanctuaries—there is only one such talisman in existence.

A thousand years have passed, and it is hard to say if a second one could ever be crafted. In all likelihood, it cannot; even if it could, it would never be allowed to circulate outside the Land of Toads.

"So this is natural energy, and this is Sage Mode?"

The scene within Ryuchi Cave became increasingly clear. The thick fog drifting in the air, the tobacco burning in the White Snake Sage's pipe, and every movement of the Three Divine Princesses could not escape the gaze of Uchiha Hanazuki.

Time ticked away, second by second. When the black-purple eyeshadow extended to the corners of his eyes, the White Snake Sage and the Three Divine Princesses finally retracted their fangs. They looked at the figure—who bore no traces of snake-like transformation, save for the black-purple eyeshadow—with eyes full of shock.

"How is this possible? The White Snake Sage and the three of us gave him most of our natural energy, yet it only allowed him to barely enter a perfect Sage Mode? Just how much chakra does he have in his body?"

"Phew, so you finally entered the perfect Sage state? Little Uchiha, you who are naturally gifted for Sage Mode, you are welcome to visit Ryuchi Cave again in the future..."

Bang! Uchiha Hanazuki's figure vanished from Ryuchi Cave. The Three Divine Princesses wore expressions of regret, unable to stop themselves from taking a deep breath.

"He's just leaving like that? I wanted to keep him here. This long-lost impulse and appetite... it's making my mouth water."

Ichikishimahime's eyes were seductive, her petite and cute transformation enough to incite the desires of any member of the opposite sex, provided one ignored those sharp fangs and the flicking of a snake's tongue.

"One after another, I knew it would end up like this. That little Uchiha possesses a charm bordering on the monstrous, along with such mastery over natural energy..."

"In over a thousand years, I have never encountered such a unique human. You lot, if you want to be in heat, get out of here. Do not let that scent linger in my dwelling."

The Three Divine Princesses lowered their heads in submission and turned to leave, though they grumbled inwardly.

If you hadn't brought such an attractive child into Ryuchi Cave, how could you have stirred up an impulse that hasn't appeared in nearly a thousand years? Honestly...

The story branches off here.

In the Land of Fire, Konoha Village, at Training Ground 3.

The white mist dissipated. Before Hanazuki could reflect on his unexpected journey, he was instantly dragged into his inner world by the Black Nine-Tails.

"Kid, how does it feel to get stronger? I didn't expect this world to actually contain energy other than chakra—natural energy, is it? It's quite similar to the senjutsu used by the Sage of Six Paths."

The Black Nine-Tails' eyes were filled with excitement. From its bristling fur to its robust frame, one could clearly see its inner ecstasy.

"Didn't I tell you before? I asked if you could sense natural energy. Do you believe me now? Tch, you stupid fox..."

"Ah! You bastard kid, do you want to fight me?"

Sharp, pointed fox claws swiped through the air, but the Hanazuki before it dissipated quietly like smoke.

"I have things to do now; I don't have time to play with you. Although I don't know what that thing in your belly is, judging by its ability to absorb so much natural energy, it must be a remarkable secret."

"Once the major battlefields of the Third Shinobi World War have settled down, I hope to hear the real answer, Kurama..."

The voice lingered, and the Black Nine-Tails' lazy expression slowly faded, eventually turning into one of gravity and hesitation.

"Little Uchiha, after obtaining this so-called Sage Mode, have those eyes that were gradually losing their light found some relief?"

"You're becoming more and more troublesome. Survive the battlefield first. Although I'll likely die if you do, it won't be so easy to convince this lord. Hahahaha!"

In Training Ground 3, Hanazuki glanced at the Black Nine-Tails, who was currently in a state of Uchiha-style maniacal laughter. His mouth twitched; he was the Uchiha, so why was the Black Nine-Tails better at having a mental breakdown than he was?

"Forget it. I never thought I'd spend over twenty days in Ryuchi Cave. I almost spent the New Year over there..."

Walking aimlessly through the streets, the noise and bustle, the playful laughter of young men and women, left Hanazuki slightly dazed. He had almost forgotten that they were still in a time of war.

The scent of meat in the air and the smell of fireworks and firecrackers left him feeling a sense of loss.

On the other hand, within the Land of Grass, a small country on the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth.

The local Kusagakure ninjas could only tremble as they watched a massive force of a full thousand Rock Ninja cross the border toward the Land of Fire, forced to swallow their humiliation.

"Damn it, are we just going to watch these Rock Ninja bastards act so recklessly within the Land of Grass?"

A Kusagakure ninja lurking in the shadows gritted his teeth, his face full of humiliation.

"What can we do? The Land of Earth is one of the Five Great Nations. We are just a small country surviving in the cracks; we are powerless."

"It is better to preserve the strength of Kusagakure. We cannot let precious ninjas die in such a meaningless place. Civilians and the like should be abandoned if necessary."

"You know how much it costs to train a single ninja compared to those civilians who have no combat ability."

The lead Jonin of Kusagakure scolded them sternly. As he looked at the backs of the thousand Rock Ninja, he felt envy and jealousy, but mostly hatred and resentment.

"Fight! Fight! Die on the battlefield, all of you. Every major war makes the people of our small countries suffer a fate worse than death. One day, you will face the retribution of the gods!"

At the same time, as the thousand Rock Ninja breached the border of the Land of Grass, the Konoha Anbu lurking at the border, responsible for intelligence, immediately rushed back to Konoha to deliver this urgent military report to the Third Hokage and his advisors.

In the Hokage's office, the Konoha F4 gathered, their expressions all inexplicably grim.

"That Onoki of the Two Scales—it wasn't enough to send ten thousand ninjas to surround the Third Raikage and take advantage of the situation to strike at the Land of Wind? Now he's coming for the Land of Fire?"

Danzo lowered his eyelids. With Konoha's current numbers, it was truly difficult to support a war against other major powers simultaneously. Small-scale skirmishes were already annoying enough, let alone a full thousand Rock Ninja.

"At this point, whether or not war begins is no longer something Konoha can decide alone. Since Onoki has chosen to strike, Konoha cannot simply sit back and be slaughtered."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes were cold and sharp. The killing intent and resolve hidden within them made Danzo grow wary; it seemed his old friend and rival had not forgotten the ruthlessness of the battlefield.

"Summon the Konoha ninjas. Everyone prepare for battle. Also, send for Namikaze Minato and Uchiha Hanazuki..."