Once he entered Sage Chakra Mode, as long as the battle wasn't too taxing, Shinki could maintain this state for an extended period. Unlike others, who could only activate it in critical moments and would exit the mode when their energy was depleted, Shinki's situation was unique.
The Slug Sage observed Shinki closely, leaning down with curiosity. After a careful look, it finally reached a conclusion.
"Little Shinki, your eyes are truly special, perfectly suited for the Sage Arts of the Shikkotsu Forest. Perhaps your future might surpass even that of Hashirama."
"..."
My limit is Senju Hashirama? You must be joking.
The Slug Sage was aware of how extraordinary the Tenseigan was, though it did not grasp the full extent of its power.
Putting that aside, Shinki looked up and asked, "Slug Sage, have I completed my Sage training?"
"Yes," the Slug Sage replied with a sigh. "You mastered the Sage Arts of the Shikkotsu Forest faster than even Hashirama did. The training ends here, but you will need time to adapt fully."
The Slug Sage, unlike humans, spoke directly and without pretense. It didn't use euphemisms or speak in circles.
"Great, I can finally rest for a while," Shinki said with a relieved smile.
The daily routine of working during the day and then training in the Shikkotsu Forest at night had left him fatigued. He felt dazed at times due to the lack of proper rest. Now, at last, he wouldn't have to visit the Shikkotsu Forest every night. He could adapt and refine his skills at the camp.
"All right, little Shinki, let me take you back," the Slug Sage offered.
Given the Sage's long lifespan, Shinki was indeed just a "little one" in comparison.
"Thank you, Slug Sage."
Shinki deactivated Sage Chakra Mode and returned to the camp. His first order of business was to catch up on much-needed sleep and recover from the accumulated exhaustion.
When he stepped into the lounge, he was startled to find someone sitting there.
"Senior, you nearly gave me a heart attack," Shinki complained, recognizing Nara Shikaku.
Nara Shikako smirked slightly. "And here I thought the great Hyuga Shinki was fearless."
"I'm not afraid, I'm just worried I'd react and end up hitting you," Shinki retorted, half-jokingly.
Nara Shikaku chuckled, but said nothing, accustomed to Shinki's sharp tongue.
"Did you need something, senior?" Shinki asked, pouring himself a glass of water. He took off his coat, damp with the lingering residue from the Shikkatsu Forest, and tossed it into the nearby trash can.
Finally, he was free. No more nightly trips to the Shikkatsu Forest.
Nara Shikaku eyed the discarded coat with curiosity but restrained himself from asking questions. It was likely related to some form of summoning, he reasoned.
Once Shinki had changed into clean clothes, he felt refreshed. He poured another glass of hot water and handed it to Shikako.
"Thank you," Shikaku said, taking a sip. "Shinki, some things are difficult to say, but I trust you know that you and I are in the same boat now."
Shinki nodded, acknowledging the unspoken bond between them.
"Tsunade mentioned that you assured her Konoha would win this war in the Rain Country," Shikako continued.
"Yes," Shinki confirmed, unsurprised that Tsunade had shared this information. She trusted the Ino-Shika-Cho trio as if they were family.
"Then our goals align."
Shikaku smiled, satisfied. "I don't know what aces you have up your sleeve, and I won't pry. I came to ask if you have any strategies for the current battlefield situation."
Talking to strategic thinkers was always exhausting; even simple conversations required careful thought.
"Senior, just say what you mean. No need to tiptoe around it," Shinki said with a sigh.
"I want to propose an alliance, but I can't convince the Hokage and the Elders on my own. I need Tsunade's full support to persuade them."
With that, Shikaku dropped the pretense and got to the point.
He wanted to help Konoha but lacked the influence to sway the Third Hokage and his advisors. He needed backing, and Tsunade's was essential. He knew many of her ideas were influenced by Shinki, making him the better person to approach.
"An alliance?" Shinki raised an eyebrow. After a moment's thought, he asked, "You want to ally with the Rain Village?"
There were no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. If the incentive was sufficient, even former foes could become allies.
Talking to intelligent people was straightforward.
"Yes, with the Rain Village. The Sand Village initiated this war, so peace with them is off the table. The Rock Village has shown little interest, as Onoki is focused on the Cloud Village. The Rain Village is our only option."
Shinki chuckled. "So, after dragging them into the war, you want them as allies? Hanzo would be furious if he knew."
"That was then. Now, the Sand Village is a common enemy," Shikaku said confidently. He believed that if Konoha extended an offer with ample compensation, he could persuade Hanzo to consider it.
Could Konoha and the Rain Village truly form an alliance? The answer was yes.
Despite Konoha having pulled the Rain Village into this war, Hanzo could be swayed if Konoha demonstrated genuine intent and sufficient incentives. Past grievances could be set aside if the terms were right.
"You're quite something, senior," Shinki said with a sigh. "You have this idea but won't approach the Hokage or Tsunade yourself. Instead, you want me to convince Tsunade."
"You only need to talk. I'll handle the legwork," Shikaku said with a grin.
Shinki smirked. "The more capable you are, the more you have to do, huh?"
Konoha would offer enough compensation to make the alliance worthwhile. If Hanzo resisted, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire could approach the Rain Country's Daimyo to put pressure on Hanzo. At that point, Hanzo might be forced to agree.
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Up to Chapter 190 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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Fun fact: I usually translate 10 chapters a day for each story and upload them to Patreon, but yesterday I got so absorbed into this story that I translated up to chapter 250 . 50 Chapters in one session plus the other stories, my eyes are burning and I'm sleepy. Goodnight y'all