Inside the temple deep in Shikkotsu Forest, Shihōin Naraku had already begun discussing Sage Mode with the Katsuyu Sage.
"Although I'm very willing to teach you Sage Mode, little Naraku," the Katsuyu Sage said, a trace of uncertainty in her gentle voice, "Shikkotsu Forest's Sage Mode is very difficult to master. You know that, don't you?"
Naraku nodded seriously. "Before coming here, I already learned roughly how difficult this trip would be."
"That's good, then."
The Katsuyu Sage relaxed, then said, "Actually, it's all right if you can't learn it. You can draw on Shikkotsu Forest's Senjutsu legacy to develop special abilities suited to you, little Naraku."
Compared with the other sacred lands, the Katsuyu Sage did not mind at all if others drew on Shikkotsu Forest's system of abilities.
"Where will I practice Sage Mode? Inside the temple?"
Naraku surveyed his surroundings. Strangely enough, the natural energy in Shikkotsu Forest was unexpectedly sparse.
Of course, compared with the outside world, the natural energy here was already very dense, but it was rather different from what Naraku had imagined.
Especially since Naraku had once happened to visit Mount Myōboku with Jiraiya, where the natural energy was so abundant that it was almost unimaginable.
Comparing the two, something seemed off about Shikkotsu Forest.
The Katsuyu Sage's voice rang out. "You can't practice Sage Mode here. The location is elsewhere. I'll take you there, little Naraku."
"Before that, little Naraku, there's something you must remember. While practicing Sage Mode, you must never force yourself to keep going."
Hm?
A question arose in Naraku's mind. Could practicing Sage Mode in Shikkotsu Forest also carry some enormous risk?
Just as Naraku looked puzzled, a human-sized fragment suddenly split from the Katsuyu Sage's body and landed on the ground.
"Lord Naraku, please follow me."
Naraku