This meant that after entering Sage Chakra Mode, as long as Takashi's combat expenditure wasn't too high, he could maintain the state for an extended period of time.
Unlike others, who could only activate it in critical moments, and once their energy was drained, it was over.
The Slug Sage brought her large head close to Takashi, observing him carefully. Finally, she came to a conclusion.
"Little Takashi, your eyes are very special and perfectly compatible with the Sage Arts of Shikkotsu Forest. Perhaps your future achievements could surpass little Hashirama's."
"..."
My upper limit is just Hashirama Senju?
You've got to be kidding me.
Unfortunately, the Slug Sage only understood that the Tenseigan was extraordinary and mysterious, without truly comprehending just how terrifyingly powerful these eyes were.
Without lingering on this thought, Takashi looked up and asked, "Slug Sage, have I completed my Sage training?"
"Yes."
The Slug Sage sighed. "You've mastered the Sage Arts of Shikkotsu Forest faster than little Hashirama. Your training ends here. As for the rest, you'll need to adapt gradually on your own."
The Slug Sage, being a straightforward creature, spoke bluntly. Unlike humans, she didn't bother with tact or convoluted expressions.
Good was good, and bad was bad.
"That's great. I can finally take a proper break now."
For weeks, Takashi had been busy during the day and heading to Shikkotsu Forest for Sage training at night. He felt like he was running on fumes, with clear signs of sleep deprivation.
Now he was finally free and no longer needed to make daily trips to Shikkotsu Forest.
He could simply adjust and practice at his own pace while staying at the camp.
"Very well, then. Let me send you back, little Takashi."
Compared to the Slug Sage's long lifespan, Takashi was indeed just a little one.
"Thank you, Slug Sage," Takashi replied.
Deactivating his Sage Chakra Mode, Takashi prepared to return, get a good night's sleep, and shake off the fatigue he had accumulated over this period.
Instead, he could just adjust and adapt gradually while at the camp.
"Alright then, let me send you back, Little Takashi."
Compared to the Slug Sage's long lifespan, Takashi was certainly just a youngster.
"I'll trouble you then, Slug Sage."
Takashi deactivated his Sage Chakra Mode. He needed to go back, sleep well, and take some time off to shake off the exhaustion that had built up.
---
"Senpai, you scared me to death!"
As soon as he returned to his quarters, Takashi saw someone sitting inside. He jumped in fright but relaxed after recognizing the person. Still, he grumbled, "Couldn't you have given me a warning?"
Nara Shikashin chuckled lightly. "Does Hyuga Takashi get scared so easily?"
"It's not that I'm scared—it's that if I were startled, I might accidentally kill you!"
Scared? Nah, I was just afraid I might lose control and smack you dead.
Nara Shikashin: "..."
This kid sure doesn't hold back, even when talking to a senior.
"Did you need something from me, Senpai?" Takashi asked, pouring himself a glass of water and peeling off his sticky, slime-covered outer garment before tossing it into the trash.
From today onwards, he was finally free!
No more rushing to Shikkotsu Forest every day to train in Sage Arts.
Seeing the mud-streaked, slimy clothing, Nara Shikashima glanced curiously but controlled himself from asking where Takashi had been or why he suddenly appeared.
It probably had something to do with reverse summoning from his summoned creature.
After changing into clean clothes, Takashi finally felt more comfortable. He poured two cups of hot water, offering one to Shikashima.
"Thank you."
After taking a sip, Nara Shikashin said, "Takashi, what I'm about to say might not be pleasant, but I believe you understand—we're both on the same boat now."
They were essentially on the same side, though neither of them had formally said so.
Takashi nodded, acknowledging Shikashin's point.
"Tsunade mentioned that you promised her the village would achieve victory on the Rain Country battlefield?"
"Yes."
Tsunade wasn't like the Third Hokage. Since she treated the Ino-Shika-Cho trio as trusted allies, she would naturally share certain things with them.
Takashi wasn't surprised that Shikashin Nara knew about this.
"Then we have the same goal."
Shikashin Nara smiled in satisfaction. "I don't know what cards you're holding, and I won't pry. I came to ask your perspective on the battlefield's developments and any suggestions you might have."
Talking to tacticians is so exhausting.
Every sentence requires deep thought.
Takashi put down his cup and sighed. "Senior, just get to the point. Talking like this is tiring."
"I want to seek an alliance, but I can't convince the Hokage or the elders. I need Tsunade's full support to lobby for their approval," Shikashin explained, finally revealing his intent.
He wanted to recruit an ally for Konoha but couldn't persuade the Third Hokage and others on his own. He needed backing.
Shikashin knew that many of Tsunade's decisions were influenced by Takashi. In other words, it was better to approach Takashi directly than to go through Tsunade.
"An alliance?" Takashi paused, thought for a moment, and asked in surprise, "Senpai, are you considering an alliance with Amegakure?"
As the saying goes, there are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. If the benefits were sufficient, even an enemy like the Rain Village could become an ally.
Talking to smart people is truly refreshing.
"Yes, the Rain Village," Shikashin confirmed. "Sunagakure initiated this war, and until it ends, reconciliation with them is impossible. Iwagakure isn't invested in this conflict—Onoki's focus is on Kumogakure. That leaves Amegakure as our only viable target for an alliance."
"This is pretty ironic. We dragged them into the conflict, causing it to erupt in their land, and now we're seeking an alliance with them?"
Hanzo the Salamander would probably explode with rage if he heard this.
"That was then. Now, Sunagakure is the common enemy," Shikashin said confidently. "As long as Konoha offers adequate compensation and benefits, I'm sure I can convince Hanzo the Salamander."
Could Konoha and the Rain Village truly form an alliance?
The answer was yes.
Even though Konoha had deliberately involved the Rain Village and caused the war to erupt in their land, if they approached Hanzo with enough sincerity and benefits, both sides could sit down and negotiate.
As long as the interests were sufficient, past grievances wouldn't matter.
"Senior, you're really not playing fair."
Takashi shook his head. "You have such a plan, but instead of contacting the Hokage or Tsunade yourself, you want me to convince her. And it's not just about the higher-ups; convincing Hanzo will also require the Daimyo's involvement."
"All you have to do is say a few words, while I'll be running my legs off," Takashi complained.
"Heh, those with ability should bear more responsibility. You're the most suitable person for this, after all," Shikashin replied with a chuckle.
If Konoha provided enough compensation and benefits but Hanzo still refused, they could approach the Fire Daimyo to contact the Rain Daimyo.
At that point, even if Hanzo was unhappy, he wouldn't dare reject them outright after being pressured by the Daimyo.