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Qianyu had succeeded. He had mastered and activated Sage Mode.
But mastering the state itself wasn't the end. Qianyu began learning the Sage Arts unique to Ryūchi Cave.
The White Snake Sage herself took over his instruction.
Her teaching style, in Qianyu's view, wasn't strict. But that was relative. The Sage's demands were such that Qianyu always understood and met them within a short time.
The hardest part—achieving Sage Mode—was already done.
The Sage Arts of Ryūchi Cave were advanced applications of Sage chakra. It was like learning ninjutsu after mastering chakra control. Infusing a regular jutsu with Sage chakra could technically be called a Sage Art, but it was the most basic application. Just mixing the energies together. No real technique.
So from the very start, Qianyu could successfully infuse his Great Fireball with Sage chakra.
Any ninjutsu, taijutsu, or genjutsu powered by Sage chakra earned the title "Sage Art."
What the White Snake Sage taught him were arts that fully utilized the unique properties of Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode. Like the Inorganic Reincarnation, the White Extreme Technique, and others—exclusive techniques future Kabuto Yakushi would wield.
Under her guidance, over three months flashed by.
Qianyu wasn't just learning the Sage Arts she taught. He was also refining his hold on Sage Mode itself. The duration he could maintain it had nearly doubled from the initial three-minute limit.
For these three months, Qianyu pushed every waking moment. He compressed his rest, fueled by one thought: finish this, get back to Konoha, get back to Kushina.
Night. Qianyu unleashed the Sage Art. The empty training ground ahead erupted, earth torn and scarred.
He looked at the devastation. A satisfied grin touched his lips. Mastered. Next.
He returned to the temple, finding the White Snake Sage in her old woman form. "White Snake Sage, this one's done. What's next?"
She took a slow drag from her pipe. "There is no next. I have taught you all the Sage Arts of Ryūchi Cave."
Qianyu's eyes lit up. "Does that mean…?"
She nodded. "Mm. You may leave."
A smile broke across his face, unbidden. Four months in this place. Finally.
Then reality crashed in. An awkward one. How, exactly, was he supposed to get back?
He'd come here via reverse summoning by the white snake. So who in Konoha would perform the reverse summon to bring him back? No one.
He was walking. On his own two feet. From the hidden land of the snakes back to the village.
His expression stiffened. "White Snake Sage… how long is the journey to Konoha from here?"
"At your speed?" Another puff of smoke. "Approximately one month."
"…Right." He sighed, accepting it. Well, if he wanted to get back sooner, he'd better start moving.
Qianyu bowed deeply. "Regardless, thank you for instructing me in Sage Mode and teaching me your arts. I take my leave."
The Sage didn't reply. She just watched him through slitted eyes, pipe in mouth, until his figure vanished into the distance.
Only then did she let out a low, eerie chuckle. "Go on. Stir this wretched ninja world to its core."
…
Qianyu pushed himself to the limit. What should have been a month's journey, he forced into twenty days. He arrived at Konoha's gates deep in the night.
He let out a long, weary breath. The relentless travel had taken its toll. He was exhausted.
But the thought of seeing Kushina soon sent a fresh surge of energy through him. I'll sneak in. Give her a surprise. Then just hold her and sleep.
After a quick check-in with the gate guards, he was inside. His steps were light, fast, carrying him home.
Almost five months since he'd left. By the timeline, Miyuki Uzumaki should be pregnant by now. Several months along. Which meant… not many months left before Obito Uchiha would make his move.
Things were progressing well for him. Sage Mode, the biggest power boost available at this stage, was his. The next leap? Save up those Witness Points. Unlock the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
And the coming Nine-Tails attack… that was his chance. A massive influx of points. He'd made a deal with the fox, too. If he could keep Miyuki alive—change that event—he'd get a bonus. The real jackpot wasn't just witnessing history, but rewriting it.
With his current power? Barring those freaks of nature who hadn't shown up yet, he stood at the absolute peak of the ninja world. If he fought the Third Raikage now, with Sage Mode? It'd be even. No. He'd win.
Lost in thought, he realized he was almost home. Just a few more steps.
He took one.
A blade materialized from the shadows, slicing towards him.
Qianyu took a smooth step back. He raised an eyebrow. "Kakashi. Long time no see. This is quite a welcome."
Kakashi stared, shocked. "Qianyu-sensei?"
"What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?" Confirmation dawned on Kakashi's face, replaced by intense relief. "Sensei! You're finally back!"
"Shh!" Qianyu hissed. "Keep it down. I'm trying to surprise Kushina!"
Kakashi waved his hands frantically. "No! No surprises! You can't startle her. It's not good for her right now."
Qianyu blinked, confused. "Not good? Why?"
"She's pregnant. About six months along."
Qianyu froze solid.
It took a long moment for the words to process. When he finally spoke, his voice stammered. "K-Kushina? Pregnant? Six months?"
Kakashi nodded. "Yes. Lord Orochimaru has been checking on her every month, preparing nutritional supplements. She's very healthy. The baby is too. You don't need to worr—"
The 'ry' never left his lips. Qianyu was already gone.
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