[Sage Art] and [Sage Mode] were naturally among the most valuable "powers" worth learning—definitely part of Haseo's study plan if everything went as expected.
But these arts carried great risks, so perhaps he should investigate in advance.
The White Snake Sage from Ryuchi Cave served as a reference. It had even placed the opportunity to learn [Sage Art] right before Haseo's eyes—but...
Firstly, Haseo had no need to learn Ryuchi Cave's [Sage Art]—not just because he already had his top choice—but more importantly, this snake harbored no good intentions toward any [Sage Art] learners. Compared to passing on [Sage Art], it seemed far more inclined to torment people using Sage Chakra.
Secondly, given Haseo's current physical condition, there was no way he could handle practicing Sage Arts. A single surge of Natural Energy would easily kill him.
Thus, Haseo truly came here just to see the White Scales Great Snake in person. As for Ryuchi Cave's [Sage Art]? He couldn't manage it, nor did he wish to accept it.
However, love wasn't something he could easily sell, and while the White Scales Great Snake allowed Haseo into this deepest chamber of Ryuchi Cave without hesitation, it wouldn't let him go away so simply.
"Human ninja," the world has already begun turning, and when a precious option presents itself before you, denying it won't make it disappear." The White Scales Great Snake slightly lifted its massive body, speaking aggressive words while its gaze gradually revealed sinister and unpredictable glints.
Indeed, the world had started turning—but such fortune-teller-style speech barely confused Haseo at all… Even the Great Toad Sage, renowned for possessing the strongest foresight abilities, only saw blurry, uncertain glimpses of the future. That might actually have been an "advantage" brought by its senility. As for the White Scales Great Snake… Did the future it knew clearly surpass what Haseo himself understood?
The White Snake seemed determined to forcibly inject Haseo with something, but such an embarrassing play scenario wasn't something any sane person would easily agree to.
What about respecting someone's autonomy? Where's the justice? Where's the law?
Haseo stepped back and attacked preemptively before the White Scales Great Snake could act... employing his most proficient and signature ninja technique set.
In an instant, surging waves of water surged toward the White Scales Great Snake.
But that meant nothing. Although the snake appeared dry now, it had once been a water serpent long ago. This attack held no real threat.
Yet behind the water wave came a wind barrier.
Above the rushing water, behind the wind barrier followed a roaring fire dragon.
After the water and fire came an earthen wall.
Behind this wall stood Katsuyu's giant slimy body shielding Haseo—but beyond this body, there was no longer any Haseo.
Nothing remained.
The White Scales Great Snake shrieked, releasing a massive amount of Sage Chakra that instantly shattered all of Haseo's defenses. However, it was already too late.
"He... escaped…"
The White Snake Sage felt momentarily stunned. It paused briefly, slowly accepting the reality that Haseo had already left this place.
Over countless years, it must have encountered countless ninja proficient in the five elemental natures. Yet never had it seen a ninja capable of using Multi-elemental Ninjutsu at such speed.
A Ninjutsu machine gun—utterly ignoring the fundamental laws of technique formation—that was truly lawless behavior.
Haseo wasn't stupid either. Beforehand, he'd confirmed with Katsuyu and only then felt confident enough to approach the White Scales Great Snake. So by the time that happened, he had already returned to Shikkotsu Forest.
But here's the thing: though Haseo had made it to safety, did he leave something behind in Ryuchi Cave?
Well, actually, he hadn't left anything behind at all.
In Shikkotsu Forest, Haseo sat motionless for quite some time before the ringing in his ears finally subsided.
The White Snake Sage was still somewhat agitated. His hospitality left much to be desired—too temperamental. One moment they were engaged in pleasant conversation; the next, ready to come to blows.
Almost instantly, Haseo had consumed most of his chakra reserves just to retreat back safely.
So indeed, that opponent really was just a snake. And if one already knew the other party was an unpredictable cold-blooded creature, naturally Haseo had been mentally prepared for an emergency withdrawal.
After this brief encounter, Haseo came to understand a few key things. First, these ancient forces seemed able to sense the unrest within the ninja world, hence taking certain actions themselves.
This assumption might be correct—or perhaps just a biased impression from Haseo's perspective. But in any case, it didn't really matter.
Secondly, Haseo had personally witnessed both the immense power of Sage Chakra and Sage Techniques themselves. Their strength clearly surpassed ordinary ninja techniques by an entire level. Thus, regardless of difficulty or risk involved, learning Sage Arts became a necessity for Haseo.
That was now a confirmed fact.
...
Just as Orochi was abandoned by Haseo in Ryuchi Cave, the Third Hokage's diplomatic mission had achieved complete success. The Land of Fire and Hidden Leaf Village had now signed peace agreements with all former warring nations. In other words, the prolonged Great Ninja World War had officially ended—at least on paper and politically speaking.
War had raged for many years, and besides heavy casualties, no country gained anything substantial. All previously defined war objectives remained only on paper, unfulfilled by anyone.
Moreover, including Konoha itself, every hidden village had greatly weakened in strength—an event both unfortunate yet fortunate. The downside was obvious, but the upside was that since all sides had diminished power, everyone would need to stay home recovering and rebuilding their strength for more than a decade—warfare simply wouldn't be possible again soon.
Such an upside was rather ironic.
Yet regardless, the war had ultimately ended, and later on, Konoha even arranged grand celebratory events.
As the man who ended the war, the Third Hokage's political standing and legitimacy of rule were firmly solidified.
After signing the peace agreement and returning to the village, the Third Hokage didn't immediately take a break following his hectic schedule. Instead, he promptly summoned the senior advisors of Konoha for an unexpected meeting.
It was during this meeting that Haseo's report was brought up for discussion.
The Third Hokage's voice faded into silence, followed by a heavy pause.
Then Danzo Shimura, the only one who truly grasped the deeper implications of the report, was the first to speak. "I don't see the necessity for this. All the issues discussed here are baseless speculations—someone is simply overreacting."
Danzo wasn't opposing the idea merely because his personal interests were affected. Perhaps even he couldn't imagine what he himself would become in the future—a man who would remain inactive even when Pain attacked Konoha.
Preserving Konoha's fighting strength? Maybe there was some thought behind it, but his selfishness completely overshadowed everything else.
"There are benefits and foresight involved, but also disadvantages. First of all, Konoha currently lacks enough ninja manpower, and establishing a new institution would require significant investment. Therefore…we can consider it, but it's not urgent."
The Third Hokage leaned toward supporting Haseo's suggestion—the reasoning needed no explanation—while Danzo Shimura leaned against it. As for other advisors who remained impartial, their opinions seemed fairly balanced and objective.
They recognized both advantages and drawbacks, so they hesitated temporarily—meaning this so-called fairness could colloquially be called slackers.
However, just as the top brass were locked in heated debate, arguing themselves hoarse, Mito Uzumaki's attendant suddenly appeared at the meeting hall, delivering a single sentence to these "kids."
Under her fiery red hair, Shikou wore an emotionless and expressionless face. Her lips moved as she spoke:
"Lady Mito has only one thing to say: …Haseo is right."
In an instant, everyone in the room mirrored her blank expression.
o_o....
What Lady Mito meant was… you're all just boys getting worked up over nothing.
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