(Edited)
At Fumori's house, Hashirama and Masaki sat across from each other. Hashirama folded his arms and pondered for a moment, as if considering where to begin. After a while, he exhaled, met Masaki's gaze, and said, "I'll start with these lines on your body. You must be curious about what they are."
"Rimi mentioned they're called Sage patterns," Masaki replied.
"Correct," Hashirama confirmed. "These are indeed Sage patterns. In our world, there is a secret technique known as Sage Arts. This technique can only be learned in specific realms connected to certain summoning beasts. There are three known locations where one can learn Sage Arts. Many have sought to master it, but few have succeeded. However, those who do gain tremendous power and are recognized as Sages. With this power, Sage patterns, like the ones on your body, appear as a distinctive mark."
Masaki's heart skipped a beat. His suspicions were confirmed—these lines were indeed Sage patterns. But why did he possess them?
"I've never studied Sage techniques or Senjutsu chakra, so why do I have these Sage patterns?" Even with the knowledge from his dream, Masaki couldn't make sense of his situation.
"To be honest, I don't fully understand the cause, but I do know why you have them," Hashirama admitted. He explained, "Masaki, as you know, chakra is the power generated by combining our physical and spiritual energies. Senjutsu chakra, however, is different. It's formed by adding another energy from the natural world—what we call natural energy—to our own chakra."
The former Masaki would have been baffled by this explanation, but the current Masaki understood. Natural energy is an invisible, almost mystical force that exists outside the perception of ordinary people. Only those with special talents can sense it, draw it into their bodies, and wield its power as Sage Arts.
"Somehow, your body has started absorbing natural energy from the environment," Hashirama continued, pointing to the lines on Masaki's skin. "But because you lack the ability to control this energy, it's accumulating uncontrollably inside you. This is dangerous. A Sage can maintain a delicate balance between natural energy and their own chakra. But if that balance tips too far toward natural energy, the consequences are dire."
Hashirama's expression grew serious. "If the natural energy overwhelms your chakra, you'll lose your humanity and become part of the natural world—a fate that's equivalent to death."
Masaki's pulse quickened. He already knew the disastrous effects of an imbalance in Senjutsu chakra from his dream. But hearing it confirmed by Hashirama made it all the more terrifying. "Hashirama-sama, why is my body absorbing natural energy?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
"I don't know," Hashirama admitted, shaking his head. "Perhaps Tobirama might have some insight. I'll consult with him later, but first, we need to address your immediate problem."
Hashirama looked intently at Masaki. "Your absorption of natural energy is accelerating. It took several days for the patterns to spread to your neck, but while I was away at the meeting, they've almost reached your neck. If this continues unchecked, you won't survive—unless I'm by your side constantly."
Masaki drew a sharp breath. "Hashirama-sama, is there a way for me to learn to control this natural energy? Since you know about Sage Arts, surely there's something that can help, right?"
Masaki was desperate. He had already come close to death once and didn't want to face it again because of this uncontrollable force. He knew that Hashirama himself had mastered the Sage Arts.
Hashirama's eyes widened slightly in surprise at Masaki's composure. The Masaki he remembered was more emotionally driven, prone to nervousness in dire situations. Yet here he was, calm and collected. It was as if nearly brushing against death had matured him.
Hashirama respected this change. An overly impulsive nature could lead to overlooking critical details—a fatal flaw for a ninja. Just now, Masaki had realized that Hashirama might have a way to save him, even in the midst of danger.
"I told you all this because I do have a way for you to control natural energy," Hashirama revealed with a smile. Leaning in, he added, "In fact, I use the Sage Arts myself, so I have some experience to share. Don't worry, I'll teach you how to control it. By the way, this is a secret not many know about, so please keep it to yourself."
For a ninja, information is power. Once your secrets are known, your enemies can exploit them. Even close allies often conceal their techniques to prevent any leaks. This is why ninjas are so protective of their secrets.
Although Masaki lacked real combat experience, the manga he had seen was filled with examples of characters who suffered because their secrets were exposed. Few ninjas could claim they were invincible even when all their abilities were known. Hashirama might be one of those rare exceptions, but as a ninja, he still knew the importance of safeguarding his secrets.
Masaki nodded, assuring Hashirama that he wouldn't speak of it to anyone unless given permission.
Hashirama nodded back, then shifted the conversation. "There's another matter, Masaki. As head of the Fumori clan, you were supposed to attend today's meeting, but due to your condition, you had to stay home."
"What was the meeting about?" Masaki asked.
Even as he asked, Masaki wasn't overly concerned. It was likely just an announcement. In today's Konoha, only the most powerful clans—like the Senju, Uchiha, and Hyūga—held decision-making power. Smaller clans, including the Fumori, had no such influence.
Still, he was curious. The meeting must have been significant if all the clans were involved.
"We discussed ways to strengthen the bonds between the clans in the village," Hashirama explained. "Tobirama suggested establishing a school where the heirs and younger members of each clan can learn and grow together. This will help forge deep bonds, ensuring a more harmonious village in the future."
Masaki's eyes widened. Wasn't this the origin of the Konoha Academy? This institution would produce many of the village's greatest ninjas, including those who would go on to lead the village in the future.
"In other words, I'll be one of the first students at Konoha Academy," Masaki mused. If every clan was to send an heir, the Fumori clan would have to choose someone too, and that someone would be him.
"Exactly," Hashirama said. "Once I teach you to control the natural energy and your condition stabilizes, you'll join the Academy. Don't underestimate this school, Masaki. Tobirama plans to use it to test a new ninja combat system. This school is more than just a place of learning; it's the future of our village."