"How is this possible?" Jiraiya was in utter disbelief. He had weathered countless storms in his life, facing life and death situations time and again. What scene hadn't he witnessed? But he had never, ever met someone who could master senjutsu in an instant! What kind of logic was this? Good heavens, even a genius couldn't be this outrageously talented.
Hatake Kusuo's face was as calm as still water. The gradually brightening markings on his face became even more brilliant as they absorbed a massive amount of natural energy.
"The senjutsu chakra is beginning to materialize," Fukasaku noted, his white beard trembling.
"That's right, old man. Who would have thought this human boy would be such a monster? Even we can't condense this level of senjutsu chakra, can we?" Shima nodded in deep agreement.
The two sages' words completely shook Jiraiya to his core. After a brief moment of emotional turmoil, he began to compose himself. It was common knowledge that learning senjutsu required quiet concentration; just sensing the natural energy was a difficult hurdle. Jiraiya didn't know if his presence would have any effect, but he quieted down regardless.
A short while later, the vibrant red sage markings on Hatake Kusuo's face suddenly changed. After a brilliant flash, they began to slowly merge with the original marks on his forehead. It looked as if they were about to fuse into one.
"This... Old man, what's happening? The senjutsu chakra is being absorbed and assimilated!" As one of the most experienced and long-lived toads, Shima immediately sensed that something was wrong.
"I'm not sure! This is too sudden! Old woman, go and ask the Great Sage for guidance!" Fukasaku stared at Kusuo, an inexplicable sense of dread creeping into his heart.
"There's no need," Kusuo suddenly said. He stopped them, his own eyes still closed, but it was clear he was completely relaxed and serene.
"Human boy, you need to think this through. When it comes to the level of senjutsu chakra, even experienced old sages can't fully grasp it. I still recommend we consult the Great Toad Sage," Fukasaku insisted, still worried.
"I am aware of my body's condition. The senjutsu chakra has not disappeared, nor has it gone rampant. I have simply stored it using another method."
After speaking, Hatake Kusuo fell silent again, keeping his eyes closed and continuing to absorb senjutsu chakra.
Voom!
Immense, vast beams of natural energy converged on Kusuo's body.
Whoosh—
Like a vast ocean, like a tidal wave, pulse after pulse of astonishing energy rippled out, shaking the dreamlike landscape of Mount Myōboku. It was dinnertime for the toads, and drawn by the disturbance, they all came out of their homes to see what was happening.
"Is the Great Toad Sage breathing?" a young toad asked. Once, a long time ago, the Great Toad Sage had emerged from his sacred cave, and a single breath from him had created a tide of natural energy that swept through Mount Myōboku for three days and three nights without ceasing.
"It doesn't seem like it," an older toad said with a grave expression. Seeing the massive amount of natural energy flocking to one spot, he knew someone was training in senjutsu. "It must be one of the sages training."
"Yes, I think so too." The toads exchanged glances, agreeing with the common guess. But this had never happened before. Why was the senjutsu chakra so agitated today?
Could it be? A bold and absurd thought suddenly arose in their minds, and they were all horrified by their own idea. "Impossible! Could it really be that human boy?"
If anything unusual had happened today, it was that Jiraiya, who held a contract with the sage land, had brought a young man here. And this young man was supposedly the Child of Prophecy. Lord Jiraiya never spoke without reason. So, even if this human boy wasn't the Child of Prophecy, he had to be a prodigy of exceptional talent!
"Let's go, let's go see!"
The toads exchanged another look, forgetting all about their prepared insect dinner. With a push of their powerful legs...
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Countless figures leaped into the air, all rushing towards the point where the natural energy was gathering.
"This is astounding!"
Elsewhere, Shima had already forgotten about the worms escaping from her basket. In her heart, even if she had to go without dinner tonight, it couldn't compare to the shocking scene before her. The air had become humid, filled with a refreshing and invigorating coolness. This was a sign of senjutsu chakra condensing into a physical form! In other words, this human boy had nearly swept the entire natural energy of Mount Myōboku clean! She and Fukasaku had lived for centuries and had never encountered such a terrifying sight!
Thump, thump, thump!
A series of heavy landings echoed as the other toads arrived. Fukasaku and Shima immediately took on the role of guardians, signaling for everyone to be quiet.
"Elders, what's going on? The air feels so much thinner."
"Exactly! The energy of the entire world has been drained. Did this human boy do this?"
Faced with their questions, Fukasaku simply nodded, confirming their suspicions.
Hiss!
A wave of shock and uproar swept through the crowd. A collective gasp was heard from all around.
Meanwhile, the sage markings on Hatake Kusuo's face officially merged with his birthmarks. His aura became ethereal and transcendent, both profound and light. It was as if he embodied the raw power and nimble spirit of nature itself.
"Master Jiraiya, hit me with your strongest punch!" Kusuo said as he stood up, his opened eyes flashing with a brilliant light.
"Alright!" Jiraiya knew Kusuo's strength well; even without learning senjutsu, he was far superior. Therefore, he didn't hesitate. He threw a powerful punch.
BOOM!
The blow landed as if hitting a steel plate. Kusuo didn't move an inch! The dull thud seemed to strike at the hearts of everyone present. Yet, Kusuo didn't even let out a grunt.
"Again!"
Jiraiya's heart leaped in shock. He knew Kusuo was strong, but to not even react at all? He, one of the legendary Sannin, couldn't even push back a teenager with a fully charged punch? How was this possible?
BOOM!
Another violent tremor shook the ground as Jiraiya unleashed a second punch, powerful enough to flatten a boulder, whistling through the air with immense force.
THUD!
The same dull sound echoed out. Again, Kusuo was completely unharmed. A faint smile played on his lips. He reached out, grabbed Jiraiya's arm, and with a slight effort, lifted him into the air.
"Hey, hey, hey! Kusuo, put me down!"
Just like that, Jiraiya was hoisted up! Like picking up a helpless chick, Kusuo had effortlessly lifted one of the legendary Sannin high into the air.
"So, Master? Is this way of being lifted high fun?" Kusuo asked, feeling the abundant energy within his body, a confident and proud smile on his face. He had directly converted the senjutsu chakra into nourishment, feeding it into the cells of his body!
At this moment, Hatake Kusuo's body was infinitely evolving towards a true Sage Body!
-------
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