Unknowingly, three days had already passed.
Deep within Ryūchi Cave, Hayashi sat cross-legged, already almost one with the surrounding natural energy. He had reached the second stage of Sage Mode. In just three days, he had completed the first stage that many ninja could not achieve in an entire lifetime.
The pace of his progress was astonishing, almost godlike. If Jiraiya had known, he would likely have been fuming with frustration, having spent years mastering the basics without such rapid results.
Hayashi's speed came down to two factors. First, his chakra control was extraordinary. Balancing natural, mental, and physical energy was difficult for ordinary people, but for him, it was instinctive. Second, as soon as natural energy flowed into him, the System recognized his Sage Art attribute. By investing a significant amount of his remaining ninja points, the process proceeded smoothly and efficiently.
The System had even explained the benefits of a high Sage Art attribute: a high enough rank shortened activation time, allowing instant entry into Sage Mode, and eventually, indefinite maintenance of the form. Battles were won in seconds, and preparing for a prolonged period like Jiraiya would have been impractical.
Hayashi's immediate focus was completing the second stage of Sage Mode. At this stage, the key was to eliminate all distracting thoughts, merging with nature and using its power to fight.
Unlike Mount Myōboku's teachings, Tashin-hime didn't have him sit on a stone slab. Instead, she used ninjutsu to make the surrounding air vibrate continuously, challenging his concentration. Under such conditions, ordinary people would become irritated, unable to focus for long. But Hayashi discovered a trick: he didn't resist the vibrations. Instead, he became one with the air, letting it flow through his body and mind as if he were part of it.
Tashin-hime observed silently, a flash of surprise crossing her eyes. To grasp this key so quickly, what kind of prodigy was he?
"Perhaps… he can truly master Sage Mode," she thought.
Time passed slowly in that focused atmosphere.
One month later, Tashin-hime, coiled on a rock, suddenly raised her head. Her pupils narrowed in shock as she saw massive streams of natural energy flowing into Hayashi, absorbed perfectly and balanced flawlessly.
"This is…" she murmured, astonished.
The scales on Hayashi's body receded, and black patterns emerged around his eyes. His pupils had transformed into golden snake-like orbs, with dark markings radiating outward toward his forehead and nose—the iconic signs of Snake Sage Mode.
The twin dragon horns on his head had disappeared, replaced by a single white horn adorned with subtle black patterns, reminiscent of Mitsuki's design.
"I did it!" Hayashi thought, feeling the surging, unrestricted power within him.
Tashin-hime's expression was complex. Many who had signed contracts with Ryūchi Cave had tried and failed to attain Sage Arts, some spending over a decade only to be defeated by the difficulty. And yet, this sixteen-year-old had achieved perfect Sage Mode in a single month, without any sign of succumbing to the snake's chaos.
"Congratulations. You have become a true Sage," she said, composing herself.
"Thank you, Lady Tashin-hime, for your guidance these past days!" Hayashi replied sincerely. Without her, this feat would have been impossible.
Tashin-hime nodded, her voice calm but firm. "You have mastered Sage Mode, but the training is far from over. Ryūchi Cave's Sage Art Legacy includes combat techniques as well, similar to Mount Myōboku's Frog Kumite. These methods utilize surrounding natural energy offensively, and their presence is invisible to enemies."
Hayashi nodded, ready for the next step. If he could perform techniques impossible in normal state, like Wind Release: Rasengan or Lightning Release: Rasengan, his combat capabilities would soar.
With a swift movement, he vanished from the cave and reappeared outside moments later. He leaped, condensing a massive amount of chakra in his palm instantly.
"Sage Art: Lightning Release: Chidori Sharp Spear!"
A javelin of lightning, over five meters long, formed in his hand. Unlike his normal Chidori, this one solidified into a true spear, possible only due to Sage Chakra.
He hurled it forward with immense force.
"Boom!"
The spear pierced a thick rock layer, exploding violently and kicking up debris. A sharp, ear-piercing screech filled the air, scattering the surrounding snakes in fear.
"The activation speed… it's even faster than before," Hayashi noted. The Sage Chakra had not only improved speed, but the power of his Lightning Release techniques had likely doubled.
"Now, let's see what other ninjutsu can do."
A Rasengan, over three meters in diameter, appeared in his hand with ease. From a distance, Manda watched the explosions, his heart racing.
"My god… maybe it's safer to hide for a while," the giant snake muttered, retreating into the shadows.