Chapter 96 : Perception of Natural Energy

"Kazuhiko-sama, please remove your clothing and approach the Fountain of Life."

"Am I supposed to undress?"

"Yes, because the Fountain of Life contains the essence of natural energy and life energy combined. Skin contact will help you better connect with its energy."

Kazuhiko hesitated for a moment. After all, it was a Summoning beast that had existed for thousands of years. He had never been in a situation like this before, and it felt a bit awkward.

In his previous life, Kazuhiko had never undressed in front of others as an adult. He had been single, so he wasn't used to such situations.

Although the Summoning beast wasn't human, there was still an underlying sense of embarrassment lingering in his heart.

Katsuyu noticed that Kazuhiko seemed a little hesitant but didn't refuse. She observed as Kazuhiko slowly removed his clothes and walked towards the pool.

Upon reaching the Fountain of Life, Kazuhiko discovered a depression that was perfect for him to sit cross-legged with his head outside the water.

As the spring of life enveloped his body, he felt a peculiar warmth, despite the water's temperature not being particularly high. It wrapped around him like a comforting embrace.

Kazuhiko quietly immersed himself in this energy, which seemed to blend with his body and flow continuously. It felt warm and soothing, reminiscent of a tranquil, peaceful feeling.

"Katsuyu, what should I do next?" Kazuhiko asked quietly. Being at the Fountain of Life, he felt as if he had returned to his hometown.

Not his hometown in the Land of the Whirlpool, but a small southern village from his previous life. It was a tiny village surrounded by mountains and rivers.

The Fountain of Life evoked memories of that village, where he and his friends would strip down and play by the river on hot summer days. Kazuhiko would often sit on the riverbank, watching their joyful splashing and laughter.

He would occasionally help by splashing water but never ventured deeper. He simply enjoyed the warmth of the sun, the scent of green grass, and the gentle caress of the running river.

Gradually, Kazuhiko's heart rate slowed down as he recalled those moments. He achieved a level of inner calm that was essential for mastering Sage Mode, a state of mind like a Sage.

The small Katsuyu observed him in silence, recognizing that Kazuhiko had achieved genuine tranquility.

"I didn't expect Kazuhiko-sama to possess such talent and composure. I need not say more about this," said Katsuyu.

The key to sensing natural energy lay in having a still mind, as only with a calm mind could one truly feel this energy.

Katsuyu didn't say more and extended its head tentacles toward Kazuhiko, gently infusing natural energy between his brows.

"How much you can feel is up to you, Kazuhiko-sama!"

Kazuhiko understood what it was, and his previously impatient heart settled. Patiently, he started to feel the energy flowing through his body again.

This time, he wasn't in a hurry, and he felt a clarity in his perception of the energy. After the injection of natural energy, he noticed that his connection to this energy had become more distinct.

"I can feel it...it's right there...no need to rush..."

In a sudden moment, Kazuhiko's eyes snapped open.

"I can feel it now!"

Kazuhiko exclaimed in surprise. To be honest, he was taken aback. He never expected to sense natural energy in such a short time.

It's worth noting that even Naruto, who eventually mastered the art of perceiving natural energy, had to endure substantial effort and time to achieve that feat. After being trained by the toads of Mount Myōboku, he gradually developed this ability.

Now, Kazuhiko, after a brief soak in the hot spring, successfully tapped into natural energy with the little help of Katsuyu.

Kazuhiko knew that this marked the initial step in mastering Sage Mode. However, he was already off to a great start, surpassing the majority of individuals. He recognized that he would progress step by step in the future.

Excitedly, he turned to share the good news with the small creature beside him, but to his surprise, the creature, who had been waiting eagerly, was now lying on a rock like a contented kitten.

"That's amazing, Kazuhiko-sama! I didn't expect you to succeed so quickly!" said Katsuyu.

"Kazuhiko-sama, you possess an unimaginable talent for perceiving natural energy."

Katsuyu didn't notice Kazuhiko's momentary confusion; instead, she celebrated his success.

Observing the small creature's appearance, Kazuhiko realized that the natural energy infused earlier, extracted from the tiny snail, must have taken a toll on her.

Kazuhiko approached Katsuyu and solemnly said, "Katsuyu, thank you."

Perplexed by the gratitude, Katsuyu quietly thought, "Kazuhiko-sama is truly a unique ninja, different from others I've encountered."

She raised her head and softly replied, "Don't mention it, Kazuhiko-sama. This is what I should do. You're my contractor, and your natural energy cultivation talent brings me great joy."

Kazuhiko nodded without saying more. Gratitude is a virtue that should never be overlooked.

Katsuyu continued, "Kazuhiko-sama's natural energy cultivation talent rivals that of Hashirama-sama."

"Huh? So, the Sage Mode of the First Hokage also originates from Shikkotsu Forest?" It was the first time Kazuhiko had heard this information, and it made sense; Senju Hashirama's Sage Mode couldn't have appeared out of thin air.

Considering that the Senju clan had a Summoning Beast contract with Shikkotsu Forest and had generations of contractors, it was evident that Senju Hashirama's Sage Mode was obtained from Shikkotsu Forest.

Kazuhiko also surmised that the characteristics of each Sage Mode in the original story were closely related to the Third Sacred Ground. 

For instance, the Sage Mode of Ryūchi Cave resembled a dragon with horns, reminiscent of snakes and dragons.

Similarly, Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode displayed frog-like features. From First Hokage Senju Hashirama's Sage Mode, Kazuhiko inferred certain characteristics.

The primary characteristic of the First Hokage's Sage Mode was the concentration of cactus patterns on the face, especially around the eyes. This resemblance to Katsuyu's large eyes made it a distinctive feature of the First Hokage's Sage Mode.

Once Kazuhiko understood, he refrained from overthinking. Instead, he became more intrigued by Shikkotsu Forest's Sage Mode.

Unaware of Kazuhiko's mental musings, Katsuyu continued her explanation. "Indeed, there are currently only three places where Sage Mode can be cultivated. Shikkotsu Forest is one, and the other two are Ryūchi Cave and Mount Myōboku, each possessing its unique Sage Mode."

"Although Sage Mode's end goal is similar, the cultivation methods vary. They each suit their respective environments. However, regardless of the method, Sage Mode requires the integration of one's Chakra, spiritual energy, and natural energy to master it successfully."

"Common benefits of Sage Mode include improved reaction time, speed, strength, and defense. It also allows continuous energy replenishment from the omnipresent natural energy."

"These shared effects aside, the differences between Sage Modes are considerable due to their diverse focuses."

Katsuyu lay on a boulder and explained the differences. "Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode focuses on gathering natural energy while creating Chakra. This results in the creation of extraordinary Chakra, two to even several times more potent than regular Chakra. It grants the ability to sense surrounding Chakra and life, even bestowing life upon objects."

"Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode significantly enhances the amount of Chakra, boosting the power of launched ninjutsu, improving perception, and enabling the summoning of Mount Myōboku's Summoning Technique for Sage Chakra battles."

"Shikkotsu Forest's Sage Mode shares similar effects but comes with a remarkable recovery ability after cultivation. Compared to Ryūchi Cave and Mount Myōboku, Shikkotsu Forest's Sage Mode has a longer duration."

Listening to Katsuyu's explanation, Kazuhiko realized the profound distinctions between these Sage Modes. He suspected that there were even more concealed differences that required personal experience to uncover.

Though intrigued, he decided to focus on perceiving natural energy. 

With gratitude for Katsuyu's insight, Kazuhiko exited the Fountain of Life and used Chakra to rid himself of water. 

After putting on his clothes, he told Katsuyu, "I have to return to Konoha. I can't disappear for several days; my clan would go berserk, and Konoha would be in chaos."

"I'll come back when I have free time. In the meantime, I'll work on sensing natural energy. Strengthening this ability first will make my Sage Mode training more efficient."

Katsuyu nodded, expressing her understanding. "Alright, Kazuhiko-sama. When you return, we can continue your training. Just be cautious outside, and don't attempt Sage Mode training alone; it's too risky. Call me if you need assistance; I'll always be here for you."

Kazuhiko appreciated her concern and smiled. "Thank you, Katsuyu. I'll see you later."

With that, he sealed his fate and used the "Reverse Summoning Technique." 

In an instant, a puff of white smoke concealed him, and he vanished from the Shikkotsu Forest.

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