"The reason I was able to comprehend Sage Mode on my own…"
Hashirama Senju paused slightly.
Kyūsei's eyes immediately lit up.
Hashirama's Sage Mode was unquestionably powerful.
Judging from what was shown in the anime alone—whether it was Naruto's Sage Mode, Jiraiya's Sage Mode, or even Kabuto's twisted, half-human half-monster version—
None of them were even worthy of carrying Hashirama's shoes.
After all, Hashirama's Sage Mode was on par with Madara's Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
That alone said everything.
"The reason I could master Sage Mode by myself is entirely thanks to my unyielding perseverance and tireless spirit of self-improvement!"
Listening to Hashirama's confident declaration, Kyūsei twitched at the corner of his mouth.
Hashirama's path to becoming strong had always been a mystery.
No matter how powerful Madara became, Hashirama always managed to stay one step ahead.
"Uncle Hashirama, I'm serious."
"So am I."
Hashirama sounded genuinely confused.
To be fair, he really had learned Sage Mode by accident.
He had simply sensed the natural energy filling the air and wondered if he could control it.
So he tried.
And then—
Sage markings appeared on his face.
Perfect Sage Mode.
Just like that.
Listening to this blatant humblebrag, Kyūsei fell silent.
"…Then how exactly did you learn it?"
Even so, he pressed on.
"Hm?"
"Are you asking because you want me to teach you?"
Hashirama asked in surprise.
"Uh… Teacher Hashirama?"
Kyūsei tried tentatively.
"Good!"
"Finally! I, Hashirama Senju, have a true personal disciple!"
Hashirama's voice suddenly became excited.
Although Hiruzen had been his student, Hashirama's teaching skills were… questionable.
In the end, Tobirama had basically taken Hiruzen away.
But now Kyūsei wanted to learn Sage Mode.
Even if Tobirama were resurrected, he couldn't teach that.
Which meant—
Kyūsei was Hashirama's first true disciple.
Hearing his excitement, Kyūsei felt an ominous premonition.
"Uh… Uncle Hash—"
"Hm?"
Hashirama's tone instantly rose.
"Teacher Hashirama, what's the first step to learning Sage Mode?"
Kyūsei immediately corrected himself.
"First, we find a place where forests are dense and lush."
Natural energy existed everywhere, but places rich in vegetation had the most of it.
This first step sounded surprisingly reliable.
Without hesitation, Kyūsei headed toward the Forest of Death.
Towering ancient trees filled the area—perfect for cultivation.
His efficiency was high.
Less than three minutes later, he had already arrived.
Looking at the lush forest before him, he stepped inside without hesitation.
He found the densest part of the woods, leapt onto a thick branch, and sat down cross-legged.
At the same time, a tall, broad-shouldered man in crimson armor appeared before him.
It was Hashirama.
Satisfied, Hashirama began explaining,
"Dense forests are usually rich in natural energy."
"Now, start sensing the natural energy in the air."
"..."
Kyūsei stared at him blankly.
"…How do I sense it?"
After a long silence, he finally asked.
"?"
Hashirama looked at him strangely.
"Just… sense it."
"I can feel it. There's plenty here."
"..."
Alright.
Expecting proper instruction from this guy had been a mistake.
Kyūsei rubbed his forehead helplessly.
Still, since he was already here, he might as well try.
He closed his eyes, folded his hands, and focused.
Time passed slowly.
The blazing sun gradually dimmed into dusk.
The red-haired boy remained motionless on the branch, hair swaying in the breeze.
Hashirama watched him quietly, growing puzzled.
Had it taken him this long back then?
He stepped closer and leaned in.
A faint, steady snoring sound drifted from Kyūsei's nose.
Hashirama instantly understood.
He fell asleep.
So much for sensing natural energy.
Scratching his head helplessly, Hashirama sighed.
"It's supposed to be easy…"
"Why couldn't Tobirama do it… and now even Kyūsei…"
He had explained it so clearly.
"Kyūsei."
"You'll catch a cold sleeping here."
He gathered chakra at his fingertip and gently poked Kyūsei's cheek.
Normally, as a simple projection, he shouldn't be able to touch anything.
But chakra made it possible.
"Hm…?"
"Is it morning already?"
Kyūsei rubbed his eyes groggily.
The first thing he saw was Hashirama's honest-looking face.
"If you can't sense natural energy, just say so."
"You don't need to torture yourself like this."
Hashirama didn't understand why Kyūsei was pushing himself so hard.
In his view, Kyūsei—who was in perfect harmony with the Nine-Tails—already stood at the peak of the ninja world.
Even that Uchiha girl from before—
Kyūsei might struggle against her, but she wouldn't be able to defeat him either.
A perfect Jinchūriki wasn't afraid of Sharingan genjutsu.
And as for Susanoo?
With full Tailed Beast Mode, Kyūsei didn't fear that either.
From the God of Shinobi's perspective, although Dawn and Dusk now stood in opposition and war seemed imminent—
Neither side would act rashly.
Dawn feared the Nine-Tails' overwhelming power.
Without confidence in defeating it, they wouldn't move.
Dusk, meanwhile, was nearly surrounded on three sides by Wind, Earth, Lightning, and Rain.
The Land of Water behind them was too weak.
Once war broke out, they'd be trapped on all sides.
It would be catastrophic.
To Hashirama, this balance looked fragile—
Yet was strangely solid.
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