"Ice Release: Frozen in Time." It was evident that Haku was showing restraint with every move, ensuring that her combat strength did not exceed Guren by too much. However, when they engaged in real combat, even though Guren had significantly improved, her Crystal Release, emitting both dark and pure energy, couldn't withstand Haku's abilities. Haku soon seized the opportunity to encase most of Guren's body in ice.
"That's right. Just a week ago, you would have been instantly defeated by Haku, but now, you've made great progress by lasting this long with her holding back. With your newly acquired ultimate technique, combined with the abilities from me and Tsunade, after three more weeks, you can definitely take on Orochimaru, who has also grown stronger," Tsunade said, highly impressed with Guren's performance.
Guren had achieved a miraculous transformation in just a week, going from being swiftly defeated to enduring Haku's attacks for such an extended period. She was an exceptional result created by herself, Ryoha, Tsunade, Kurenai, and Bulma. It was noteworthy that Haku's strength ranked within the top three among their group, right after Ryoha and Tsunade. For Guren to hold out against Haku even though she was holding back was impressive progress.
"Now, for the final three weeks, accompany Katsuyu to the Shikkotsu Forest and learn Slug Sage Mode from Great Slug Sage. Considering the relationship we have, Great Slug Sage will personally guide you."
Tsunade declared confidently, backed by her credentials. Unlike her summon, Great Slug Sage was a battle-oriented Sage Mode user. Her Sage Mode significantly enhanced her combat capabilities, and she was on par with Great White Snake Sage and Great Toad Sage. In the original story, Tsunade had been taught Sage Mode by the most powerful Slug Sage, even though she never used it. Ryoha was aware that when Tsunade achieved the perfect Sage Mode, her appearance and demeanor remained unchanged.
The perfect Sage Mode was not in the original story's Jiraiya or the current Naruto or Orochimaru but in front of them, Tsunade. After achieving Sage Mode, Tsunade developed several abilities, such as Wood Release and Holy Release, which significantly exceeded the power of the Sage Mode. Her Sage Mode's Chakra was far superior, even surpassing her current Holy Release. Thus, to others, Sage Mode was a potent hidden card, but for Tsunade, it was more like a neglected trump card.
Guren didn't express her gratefulness, as Ryoha had told her that if they considered each other as a family, there was no need to be formal. Still, she deeply appreciated Ryoha and the others' kindness. She then followed Katsuyu to the Shikkotsu Forest to learn Slug Sage Mode. To save time and ensure success, Ryoha allowed her to use Shadow Clones to assist in her learning.
As for concerns about her physical and mental capacity to withstand the training, there was no need to worry. Guren had already greatly increased her physical and mental recovery and resilience, thanks to the genes extracted from the blood of Kaguya Haruno and Tsunade. She was in excellent shape for this challenging training.
"Ah, seeing Guren become so powerful, I'm really envious," said Anko with a tinge of envy. Although the women around her didn't feel jealous, they certainly envied Guren's abilities.
"One Guren is enough; I don't want you all to take on the same risks she does. I'd be heartbroken if something happened to you. So, just take it one step at a time, okay, little Kurenai?"
Ryoha pulled Kurenai over and planted a kiss on her cheek.
"By the way, Tsunade, I heard from Jiraiya that in the next battle, giant toad and other summoning beasts like that will appear on the battlefield. Why isn't the giant slug of your summoning animal clan fighting with us?"
Ryoha suddenly remembered something from his previous conversation with Jiraiya and asked Tsunade.
Tsunade chuckled and replied, "You really know nothing, do you? During the time of the Sage of the Six Paths, not all summoning beasts were like Great White Snake Sage from the Snake clan, always eager for chaos. On the contrary, the Slug clan prefers a peaceful and tranquil life. They are reclusive summoning beasts who rarely engage in conflicts. They don't care who dominates the ninja world; they'd rather stay away from it. In fact, when they choose their summoners, they stand with their summoners' side."
"That's one of the reasons I chose the Slug clan as my summoning animal. I never have to worry about my summoning animal devouring me like Orochimaru's summoning animal, or going against me like Jiraiya's toad clan. Once they've signed the contract, they will follow their summoners' commands without question. However, when signing a contract, the person must gain the approval of the Slug clan. It's not as simple as signing a name on a piece of paper; you have to go to the Shikkotsu Forest or have the Slug clan's leader, which is the slug I use now, as a witness. Only then, when the contract is accepted, is it valid. This is why the Slug clan is one of the most trustworthy summoning beasts. They firmly believe in the choices they make and will never go against their summoners' orders. In this sense, they are the best allies among summoning beasts." Tsunade explained.