The wind whistled in Sakura's ears…
Gray sky...
She felt herself falling through the air, trying to steady herself as she glanced down.
Nothing? she thought, disoriented. No, it wasn't empty—there was something… pure white, like an endless blank canvas.
"Huh?"
Just then, a soft "puff" sounded, and Sakura felt herself land on something cushy. She sat up, holding her dizzy head, and looked around.
Everything was white, except for a long, flowing blue river at the edge of her vision.
"Well, well, I didn't expect such a cute little guest after all these years," a gentle, almost motherly voice spoke, and a tiny, palm-sized slug appeared before her.
It had two antennae, and its entire body looked soft and slightly translucent.
"Is this... Tsunade-sama's slug?"
"Oh my, you look like a guest from Konoha~~" the slug murmured in a soothing tone. "What to do…what to do…"
Meanwhile, back in Konoha…
Sarutobi Hiruzen was pacing in circles frantically, while the Ape Demon King, seated nearby, counted each lap.
"320… 321… 322…"
Hiruzen was beside himself with worry. If someone uses a summoning technique without a contract, they can end up in an unknown realm! He couldn't believe that usually composed Sakura would be so impulsive. Just like Jiraiya was… but Jiraiya was lucky and ended up at Mount Myoboku. Can we hope for such luck twice?
In a situation like this, only space-time ninjutsu could bring Sakura back. But without the Fourth Hokage's Flying Thunder God seal on her, it was impossible.
In the Wet Bone Forest…
"So that's what happened~~" murmured the slug as it observed Sakura, who looked slightly embarrassed.
The slugs were known for their gentle personalities, and this one seemed as kind and understanding as they come.
"How about this~~" it said in its soft, calming tone, "I'll send you back, Sakura, and then explain things to the Third Hokage. Even if you end up signing with the Ape Demon Clan in the future, feel free to call on me if you ever need help~~"
Sakura nodded in gratitude as the slug, roughly the size of her forearm, slowly crawled onto her shoulder, its warmth making her feel safe.
"Thank you, Mr. Slug!" she replied.
With a soft bang, the slug vanished, taking Sakura with it.
As the gentle presence disappeared, the entire Wet Bone Forest trembled slightly.
"A little guest with a sweet spirit~~" murmured the voice of the Slug Sage, an ancient being who, despite her vast wisdom, found the pink-haired girl's visit unexpectedly delightful.
The Slug Sage, the sole resident of the Wet Bone Forest, existed as countless gentle clones, even the ones summoned by Tsunade. Though she knew Sakura's presence here was a bit of a clumsy accident, she didn't mind. It was destiny, perhaps, that brought Sakura to her.
Back in the Third Training Ground...
A puff of smoke rose, and Hiruzen stopped dead in his tracks as Sakura reappeared right before him.
"Sakura!!! Do you realize what you've done?!"
Hiruzen's face was a mixture of anger and relief. He had just chosen her as his successor—this talented girl, a rare genius of Konoha. The idea that he could have lost her over a summoning mishap made his heart pound.
"Uh… Master, I'm really sorry…" Sakura stammered, seeing the intense expression on his face.
"Third Hokage, it's been a while~~" A familiar, gentle voice echoed beside Sakura. Hiruzen looked over and noticed the slug perched on her shoulder, making his eyes widen in surprise.
Sakura had been to the Wet Bone Forest... and met the Slug Sage.
Thank goodness, Hiruzen thought. If it had been Ryuchi Cave, she could've ended up… He shuddered. Snake dens weren't forgiving.
"Slug Sage?" he whispered in disbelief.
"It's been some time, Third Hokage~~" the slug said with a slight bow. "I was resting, and this child dropped right onto me~~"
Hiruzen's heartbeat finally slowed. He felt fortunate that this incident hadn't taken a dangerous turn. Sakura's reckless "luck" had spared them this time.
"It seems this child has a connection to the Wet Bone Forest," murmured the Ape Demon King, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"Yes~~ She is quite adorable, isn't she?" said the slug warmly, her voice like a soft lullaby in Sakura's ears.
"Well then…" sighed the Ape Demon King, looking at Sakura with mild disappointment. Though he had grown fond of her, he knew that if she had found her way to the slugs, their fates might be in different directions. There was no need for rivalry between the Sarumo Clan and the Wet Bone Forest just because of a single child.
"Actually, she hasn't signed a contract with me yet~~" the slug's words stopped the Ape Demon King in his tracks.
"What do you mean, Slug Sage?" he asked, puzzled.
"If you wish to form a contract with Sakura, Mr. Sarumo, that would be fine~~" the slug replied. "She's the successor chosen by the Third Hokage, after all~~"
The slug glanced gently at Hiruzen, who remained quiet, observing the conversation.
"Because she can communicate with me without a formal contract, I don't require one~~" continued the slug. "So please, Mr. Sarumo, don't worry about it."
The Ape Demon King was taken aback. Traditionally, summoning clans prided themselves on exclusivity, rarely allowing a shinobi to bond with more than one clan. Only in unique cases, with certain skills or personal ties, would they make exceptions.
The slug's words now made the Ape Demon King pause.
If the Slug Sage, an ancient and respected being, didn't mind… should he?
Meanwhile, Sarutobi Hiruzen shot the Ape Demon King a look, almost as if to say, Old friend, if even the Slug Sage is open to this, then maybe we should be too.