[Host: Sakamoto Tatsuma]
[Talent:
[Strength: 18021/45060 [Enhanced Strength]
[Speed: 18630/47208 [Divine Mind]
[Stamina: 18005/42859 [Endless]
[Wisdom: 8456/34051 [Strategist]
[Ninjutsu: 8137/24887 [Sea Overturning]
[Illusions: 4396/8845]
[Spirit: 18453/50066 [Expand]
[Seals: 8246/21411 [Return to Origins]
[Special Talents:]
[Space-Time]
[Ninjutsu Development]
[Ninja Tool Throwing] (Minato Namikaze Limited Edition)
[Sensing]
[Seals] (Kushina Uzumaki Limited Edition): 75%
[Cursed Seal]: 60%
Limited Talent:
[Shiro Yaksha]
Looking at his personal panel, Tatsuma couldn't help but swallow. The four body-related attributes—"Strength," "Speed," "Stamina," and "Spirit"—had all more than doubled, both in terms of their maximum limits and current levels.
Observing the "Spirit" value representing Chakra, Tatsuma felt that his Yin Healing Wound Destruction might not need further improvement. With this amount of Chakra, as long as he wasn't killed in one hit, he should be able to recover.
However, this feeling was fleeting in Tatsuma's mind. After all, he knew that the amount of Chakra wasn't fixed. In battle, Chakra is consumed, and even those with abundant Chakra could be depleted due to the intensity of the fight and the passage of time.
What astonished Tatsuma even more was that in the few seconds he focused on his personal panel, his four body-related attributes had all shown slight increases in their talent limits.
This incident has ongoing repercussions, and Tatsuma has come to his senses. He needs to understand what happened during his unconsciousness and why his body has undergone such significant changes.
At the same time, he is curious about how much his four body-related attribute limits will increase after this experience. He looked at Tsunade and said:
"Sensei, our conversation was interrupted earlier. Can you tell me again what happened while I was unconscious?"
Tsunade isn't too puzzled by Tatsuma's distraction. After all, it's normal for someone returning from Sage Mode, and Tsunade also felt that Tatsuma's sudden change in power could cause such distractions.
"This needs to start from…"
Tsunade describes the situation somewhat chaotically. With the relaxation of her mood and the lack of urgency, her ability to organize her thoughts has returned to a normal level.
The events of the past few days were recounted by Tsunade in a disorganized manner, and someone else might find it difficult to piece together the story.
But Tatsuma, who has studied with Tsunade for many years, knows his sensei very well. From Tsunade's words, he was able to piece together his own experiences.
At the same time, he felt a wave of fear. In fact, the first blow he took from A should have been a fatal one. If it hadn't been for the accidental fall into the water, he might not have survived.
He didn't understand why he made such a reckless decision. In that state of extreme Chakra depletion, instead of focusing on recovering, he chose to re-enter the battle as soon as he regained a bit of Chakra.
He then underestimated A's speed, was hit by A's Two-Finger Nukite, causing a second depletion of Chakra. This time, he wasn't lucky enough to fall into the water.
He could only drag his body, which was gradually approaching death, back to Konoha with Sakumo and Minato.
Recalling the image of A's approaching fingers and the feeling of helplessness when his body was covered in lightning, Tatsuma's expression became somewhat grim.
Afterward, he was faced with the situation of having no effective treatment upon returning to the village, and was then brought to Shikkotsu Forest by Tsunade.
Hearing that he was submerged in water rich with natural energy because the Slug Sage mistakenly thought he still had Chakra, Tatsuma couldn't help but swallow again.
He guessed that his survival in the water was due to [Death Resistance]. It seemed that this small pond's water was acknowledged by it, but he wondered if a bathtub would work too.
He thought to himself that if he left a Flying Thunder God Jutsu mark in his bathtub before going on a mission, filled it with water, and returned to bathe if he was seriously injured during the mission, he might wonder if he could survive.
Brushing aside the chaotic thoughts, Tatsuma continued to listen to Tsunade's explanation. He learned that the Slug Sage had lifted his Yin Seal, filling his body with Chakra.
Moreover, within the Chakra, there was even a residual consciousness of Uzumaki Mito, which had saved his life. Tatsuma felt a deep sense of regret and sadness.
He thought that perhaps Mito's original intention was to leave the Chakra to celebrate his success, but it was used up too soon. He never had the chance to see Mito for the last time or to have a final conversation.
Tatsuma touched his now smooth forehead, hiding his sadness once more. He looked at the tree roots Tsunade had mentioned.
He finally realized what it was—it was the God Tree, the origin of Chakra. Mito had infused the power of the God Tree into his body, something Tatsuma had never encountered before.
According to Tsunade's recounting of Mito's words, Mito had long suspected or attempted something, but had been unable to find the God Tree, which stalled a certain plan.
This plan was likely related to connecting the hidden powers within different bloodlines, and Tatsuma's ability to use the Uzumaki Clan's Adamantine Sealing Chains might also be due to the God Tree's power.
Tatsuma approached the roots of the God Tree, wanting to study it, but as soon as he touched the tree, before he could even sense its texture, the God Tree suddenly disintegrated.
Stunned for a second, Tatsuma looked up at the Slug Sage and, with a hint of reluctance and greed, asked, "Slug Sage, are there any more of these tree branches or roots?"
"There are no more. There might be some deep underground, but with the barrier of Shikkotsu Forest in place, the trees that have long ceased to grow cannot come to Shikkotsu Forest. It is also nearly impossible to reach the barrier's border below and break through it to enter the underground."
After the Slug Sage spoke, Tatsuma nodded and said with some regret, "I understand. Thank you for using this rare specimen to save me."
"Living beings are far more valuable than inanimate objects. Your recovery is worth it."
The Slug Sage's words were gentle. Hearing her brief remarks, the slight, even greedy, negative emotions that had been stirred in Tatsuma's heart dissipated.
He respectfully bowed to the Slug Sage and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Slug Sage."
"As the heir of Shikkotsu Forest, I should have personally taught you the knowledge and techniques related to Sage Mode. However, any actions I take would have too great an impact on Shikkotsu Forest. Please forgive me for not being able to teach you personally. Instead, I will have other slugs assist you."
"Don't worry. I can feel that with my current Chakra, there's still much to improve before I can truly master Sage Mode. The previous entry into Sage Mode was also reliant on the support of my elders. With my own Chakra, even if I were to enter Sage Mode again, I would quickly deplete the natural energy and Chakra, thus exiting Sage Mode. Furthermore, if Chakra is insufficient, adjusting during the process would be even more challenging. There's no rush."
Tatsuma shook his head. Although his Chakra had doubled, it still fell far short compared to the terrifying Chakra consumption in Sage Mode.
Hearing this, the Slug Sage replied, "You're not arrogant or impatient; you're well-suited to be a medic."
"Exactly! Otherwise, I wouldn't have made him my disciple!"
Tsunade said proudly as she put her arm around Tatsuma. Tatsuma's smile was a bit awkward, as he had previously emphasized that he was not a medical Ninja.
"Katsuyu has been with Tsunade for many years and is an important assistant to her. Although you can summon Katsuyu as well, there might be conflicts in certain situations. I'll recommend another slug to you."
As the Slug Sage spoke, her two massive antennae touched, seemingly signaling something. Soon, another slug of comparable size to Katsuyu crawled over.
"Slug Sage."
This slug also lifted its head and greeted the Slug Sage, indicating that it was another slug with intelligence on par with an ordinary person.
"Tatsuma. That's your name, right?"
The Slug Sage asked, and Tatsuma nodded, replying, "I am Tatsuma, Sakamoto Tatsuma."
"Alright, Tatsuma. This is Shokuyu, one of my long-time split bodies. Are you willing to become her summoner?"
Tatsuma noticed the Slug Sage's choice of words and smiled at Shokuyu, saying, "Shokuyu, are you willing to fight alongside me?"
"Of course."
As she spoke, Shokuyu adjusted her position, lowered her head, and extended her two antennae towards Tatsuma. Tatsuma also reached out and stroked the antennae.
Having interacted with Katsuyu before, Tatsuma was accustomed to the slippery texture of a slug's surface and felt no discomfort.
Seeing Tatsuma continue to stroke Shokuyu, the Slug Sage reminded, "Please remember Shokuyu's Chakra and let Shokuyu remember your Chakra as well."
Prompted by the Slug Sage, Tatsuma focused on the task at hand. He gathered Chakra in his hand, and Shokuyu did the same, completing the exchange of Chakra and remembering each other's Chakra characteristics.
The Slug Sage continued, "I won't disturb you further. After years of inactivity, I am a bit tired. In the future, if you have any questions about Sage Mode, you can ask Shokuyu. She understands this aspect better than Katsuyu."
With that, she lowered her enormous head and raised her two antennae again. Although the fallen coral reefs would not be restored to the Slug Sage's head immediately, she didn't seem to mind.
The Slug Sage entered a dormant state once more, and Shokuyu softly asked, "Tatsuma, would you like to learn Sage Mode from me?"
Tatsuma had not shared his conversation with the Slug Sage with Shokuyu, but he was patient enough. He shook his head and said, "I'm not planning to do that just yet. I want to wait until I'm fully prepared, both physically and mentally, before learning from you."
"Is that so?"
Shokuyu's tone was slightly disappointed, but she quickly said, "Then you must prepare as soon as possible. It has been many years since anyone from the human world has mastered Sage Mode from Shikkotsu Forest."
"I will. However, I may need to leave Shikkotsu Forest for now. I suddenly left and have many unresolved matters, so I can't settle down here just yet."
Tatsuma said sincerely to Shokuyu. Shokuyu moved her head up and down and said, "It's fine, I understand. Whenever you want to learn Sage Mode or need my help in the future, just summon me."
"Thank you."
Tatsuma nodded and then looked at Tsunade, saying, "Sensei, prepare the Summoning Jutsu. Let's return to the village."
Tsunade was silent, and Tatsuma blinked at her in confusion. Tsunade then said, "I forgot to leave the Summoning Jutsu mark in the village."
"Well, it's just like you, sensei."
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