Splash...
A mass of seawater parted, and Armored Dragon's enormous upper body rose from the sea. Looking at Neji, he said cheerfully, "Father, I did it! I've fully mastered Senjutsu."
Neji and Sasuke, who had been sparring on the shore, immediately stopped.
Neji was thoroughly pleased. "Excellent. You did well," he praised.
Neji activated his Tenseigan and floated over to Armored Dragon. Pressing a hand against his forehead, he said, "Enter Sage Mode now."
Without hesitation, Armored Dragon willed himself to absorb natural energy and began combining it into senjutsu chakra.
Meanwhile, Neji observed Armored Dragon with both his Tenseigan and his own sensory abilities, hoping to discover how senjutsu chakra was created.
At the same time, Neji spoke to Ju Yan in his mind. "Ju Yan, pay close attention and see how Armored Dragon produces senjutsu chakra. Haven't you always been falling just a little short?"
"Understood, Father," Ju Yan replied.
"I can see it!" Neji's gaze sharpened. After three Eye Awakenings had further increased his eye power, his Tenseigan could indeed see the natural energy gathering in great quantities.
It shone like scattered stars in the night sky. Armored Dragon drew those specks of light into his body, then mixed physical energy, spiritual energy, and natural energy in a 1:1:1 ratio. The result was senjutsu chakra of a higher quality than ordinary tailed beast chakra.
"This chakra really is something. Sage Mode certainly lives up to its reputation!" Neji marveled.
"Father, I more or less understand now. I think I should be able to do this if I try again. From now on, let me gather natural energy for you while supplying you with chakra," Ju Yan's voice rang out in Neji's mind.
"All right. Sorry for the trouble," Neji said.
"It's what I should do," Ju Yan