(Edited)
In the days following his ordeal, Fumori Masaki was recuperating at home. The damage from natural energy erosion had not been severe, so his body was recovering well. Hashirama visited him several times, teaching him how to further master the power of nature. As Masaki formed a balance between natural energy and chakra, he learned to extract Senjutsu chakra and use it effectively. This energy nourished his body, quickly repairing any damage caused by the natural energy.
Entering Sage Mode dramatically enhances both power and speed, but the most remarkable aspect is its endurance. While a normal ninja's strength wanes over time, Sage Mode maintains Masaki's energy, regardless of physical strain.
Masaki theorized that natural energy could grant a person immense vitality, much like Jugo, a man from future generations who could use his cells to heal others and absorb cells to heal himself—a trait he inherited from the Ryūchi Cave. Masaki saw parallels between himself and Jugo; both could unconsciously absorb natural energy. However, under Hashirama's guidance, Masaki gradually learned to control this energy, avoiding the instability Jugo experienced.
Studying with Hashirama daily, Masaki was convinced that mastering Sage Arts was crucial for his growth. The Fumori clan, not primarily a ninja clan, lacked powerful bloodlines and only passed down a few secret techniques from older generations. Although Masaki had an advantage over commoners, he knew he needed something more to stand out.
If Masaki wanted Senju Tobirama's attention and hoped to be considered as a potential successor, he had to surpass Sarutobi Hiruzen, a ninja of exceptional talent who could proficiently use all five chakra natures. Against such a prodigy, Masaki knew he had little chance under normal circumstances. However, Sage Mode could give him the edge needed to compete with Hiruzen. If he couldn't master the five chakra elements, he would instead devote himself to mastering Sage Arts, confident that this would enable him to rival Hiruzen.
Thanks to his unique spiritual sensitivity, Masaki had a natural affinity for Sage Mode, which requires a delicate balance between natural energy and chakra. Achieving this balance demands a profound connection with nature, a feat far beyond the reach of ordinary people. Most who attempt to learn Sage Arts fail, and only a few ever gain this formidable power.
Hashirama shared with Masaki that his own Sage techniques were self-taught, rather than learned from a Sage Summoning Beast. The Senju clan possessed strong physiques, and Hashirama, having fully unlocked his body's potential, could naturally absorb natural energy without special training. "Your situation is different from mine," Hashirama explained. "Tobirama studied your blood and found that, unlike me, you don't rely on physical traits to absorb natural energy. If it's not physical, then it must be your spirit. That's the only explanation for your ability to sense and absorb nature's energy."
Hashirama smiled as he added, "Honestly, your case surprised me. According to our clan's records and what I've learned from the Shikkotsu Forest, mastering Sage Arts typically requires either a strong body or rigorous spiritual training. For someone like you, who has never trained in Sage Arts, to suddenly absorb natural energy is quite baffling. I think...you might just be a born sage, haha."
Masaki agreed with Hashirama's assessment, realizing that his sudden ability to absorb natural energy was not due to his physicality but rather his spiritual sensitivity. However, he couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed by Hashirama's "born sage" remark, which seemed overly flattering.
"The practice of Sage Mode varies widely," Hashirama continued. "Different places with Sage Art traditions use natural energy differently. Although the effects are similar, the techniques differ. I can teach you how I use Sage Mode, but you should develop your own way of harnessing natural energy."
Masaki considered Hashirama's words and agreed that it was better to forge his own path. Since his method of absorbing natural energy differed from Hashirama's, following his exact techniques might not allow Masaki to fully utilize Sage Mode's power. However, learning Hashirama's methods could provide valuable insights that would help Masaki develop his own approach.
As Masaki made progress with Sage Arts, his body fully recovered. In fact, the Senjutsu chakra seemed to have enhanced his physical condition, leaving him more energetic than ever. With his health restored, Masaki prepared to attend the newly established Konoha Academy. Although formal enrollment had yet to begin, he anticipated that many future leaders would also be there.
On the day the academy opened, Masaki carefully put on his forehead protector and headed to school. Konoha Academy had enrolled 38 students, all of whom were heirs or promising members of their respective clans. These students were sent to the academy in hopes of receiving guidance from Hashirama, Tobirama, and other powerful ninjas. Some came with the ambition of becoming their disciples, while others simply hoped to strengthen their families through their education.
Masaki knew he would have been just another small clan member among the students, hoping for some guidance from the Senju brothers. However, with his recent growth, he now entertained the idea of competing with Sarutobi Hiruzen for the position of Hokage's heir—a prospect that would have seemed impossible before.
Konoha Academy was not as large as the future Ninja School would be. Its initial size and scope were modest, reflecting its early focus on clan heirs rather than a broader, village-wide mission. It wasn't until Tobirama became Hokage and expanded the academy into a full-fledged ninja school that it began recruiting students from non-ninja families and civilians.
As Masaki approached the academy, he noticed other heirs arriving. They were all familiar faces, children who had grown up together in the village. Among them were Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, Akimichi Torifu, and Uchiha Kagami—individuals who would later be known as the Second Hokage's elite guard and Konoha's future leaders. Though still young, they had already earned a reputation in the village.
Of them all, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood out the most. His father, Sarutobi Sasuke, had been a formidable ninja during the Warring States period, earning praise from both Hashirama and Tobirama. As Sasuke's son, Hiruzen had already demonstrated extraordinary talent, even at a young age, receiving praise from the Senju brothers.
Masaki couldn't help but acknowledge that Hiruzen was the most outstanding young ninja in Konoha. It was no wonder Hashirama and Tobirama saw him as a future Hokage. Competing with someone like Hiruzen was daunting, even for someone who had mastered Sage Arts.
"Masaki-kun," Hiruzen greeted him warmly. "I heard you were injured while out hunting recently. Are you okay now?"
Hiruzen had always been kind-hearted, embodying the loyalty and reliability for which the Sarutobi clan was known. During the Warring States period, they had firmly supported Hashirama's vision, and Hiruzen shared that commitment, hoping to contribute to the village's prosperity.
"Fortunately, I've fully recovered," Masaki replied with a smile.
"That's great to hear. You know the academy's purpose is for us to learn from each other. Let's work together to become stronger," Hiruzen said, extending his hand.
Appreciating Hiruzen's kindness, Masaki shook his hand. Hiruzen studied Masaki with curious eyes. Although he was genuinely concerned about Masaki, he was also intrigued by the change in his demeanor. Something about Masaki was different, but Hiruzen couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.