Hayashi looked at Tagorihime before him, nodded, and said:
"Then let's do as the White Snake Sage says and head straight over."
Tagorihime made no other move.
She simply took two steps forward, then turned to look at Hayashi.
"Honored sage, could you release your Sage Mode?"
"Even I find it rather uncomfortable to be surrounded by natural energy like this all the time."
Then why did you try to fight me to the death the moment you showed up...? Seriously.
Hayashi grumbled inwardly and took the opportunity to release his Sage Mode.
The pristine white dragon horn on the right side of his head slowly receded into his hair.
The purple markings on his cheeks faded little by little.
His red hair, which had been whipping through the air, settled back onto his shoulders.
He hadn't kept Sage Mode active for long this time, and fortunately, he hadn't suffered the same exhaustion as before.
Still, he would have to bring this problem up with the White Snake Sage once he met her.
He had used this simplified version of Sage Mode supplied by the system in battle twice, and afterward, he had either passed out or been left weak all over.
After he sheathed his blade following the battle in the Forest of Death, Jiraiya had carried him all the way back.
As far as he remembered, Sage Mode had never had side effects like these.
As soon as Hayashi released his Sage Mode, Tagorihime floated into the air.
Her shoulders, which had been tense the whole time, relaxed a little too.
Hayashi studied the floating Tagorihime, a hint of interest appearing on his face.
Her feet left the ground, and the hem of her white robe hung straight down, swaying gently as she drifted forward.
"Um, your name