So this is natural energy, Ryūjin thought, letting out a quiet sigh. It reminded him of the spiritual energy described in cultivation novels, though in the ninja world it was called Sage Art. Feeling the immense energy coursing through his body brought him an almost indescribable satisfaction.
Yet one limitation remained clear. Entering Sage Mode required a precise balance of three energies: natural, physical, and spiritual, each making up exactly one-third of the total. If natural energy exceeded that balance, the user risked turning into a toad. The Perfect Grade Sage Art Ryūjin had just acquired allowed him to achieve that balance instantly. However, his chakra reserves were limited, meaning this perfect-level Sage Mode could only be maintained for a few minutes.
Even so, the power boost was extraordinary. In Sage Mode, Ryūjin's ninjutsu and taijutsu could be enhanced dozens of times, an ability that defied natural limits.
"What is this chakra? How could someone master Sage Art?"
Ryūjin's thoughts were interrupted by three figures appearing before him: Fukasaku, Shima, and Gamabunta. Fukasaku's eyes widened instantly upon sensing Ryūjin's Sage Chakra. How had this intruder learned the Sage Art of Mount Myōboku? The toads had never shared it with anyone outside their sacred order.
Gamabunta, however, didn't even recognize Ryūjin, because he had used Transformation Jutsu to assume a different appearance. If he had shown his true form, Gamabunta would have recognized him immediately, risking Mount Myōboku alerting Jiraiya, which would only bring trouble. And Ryūjin was not one for unnecessary complications.
Fukasaku's gaze remained sharp as he asked in a low voice, "Sir, who exactly are you?"
Ryūjin shrugged casually. "No need to be nervous. I bear no malice toward Mount Myōboku. As for who I am, I'll keep that to myself for now."
Without another word, he activated Kamui and disappeared before the toads' eyes.
"This is… space-time ninjutsu. No wonder he could enter Mount Myōboku undetected," Fukasaku muttered, massaging his temples. Even if they had tried, the toads could not stop someone wielding such a technique.
Left with no choice, the group quietly dispersed. They had no way to gather information about the mysterious intruder and had to let the matter rest—for now.
But Ryūjin was far from finished. After the toads had left, a spatial vortex appeared again. Ryūjin emerged silently behind Gamabunta, moving like a ghost.
"Who!" Gamabunta exclaimed, startled. He leapt aside instinctively, sensing a sudden presence behind him. A spatial vortex dissipated before his eyes, and the mysterious figure vanished without leaving a trace.
Gamabunta checked himself quickly, relieved to find no harm done. He had no idea that Ryūjin's true intention was simply to erase the Flying Thunder God mark he had previously placed on him. If Mount Myōboku's residents had noticed, they would have alerted Konoha, and Ryūjin wanted to avoid that kind of trouble at all costs.
Satisfied with his work, Ryūjin quietly left Mount Myōboku, contemplating his next move.
Not a bad haul, he thought.
Since checking in at Mount Myōboku granted him the Sage Art, what about the other sacred sites, Ryūchi Cave or Shikkotsu Forest? Though Mount Myōboku was the most famous, these three heritage sites were actually on par with each other. The same opportunities he had here should exist there as well.
The plan began to form in his mind. If he could find Orochimaru and Tsunade and force them to summon Manda and Katsuyu, he could access the techniques and creatures needed. He only hoped Orochimaru had truly survived the incident from a year ago.
...
*Land of Wind*
Vast yellow sand stretched as far as the eye could see, waves of desert rolling endlessly. In a hidden spot, a lone figure crouched with hands pressed to the ground.
The sand in front of him began to churn violently like storm-driven waves. Beneath the surface, a layer of golden material slowly condensed. Gold.
Thanks to the Fourth Kazekage Rasa's Magnet Release, the gold dust could be controlled; without it, Sunagakure's financial situation would have collapsed entirely.
Baki watched silently as Rasa worked tirelessly, panning for gold himself. After wars and misfortunes, the village was struggling more than any other. To make matters worse, the Land of Wind had reduced its financial support to Sunagakure at a critical moment, forcing Rasa to use his own bloodline to sustain the village. The effort weighed heavily on the Kazekage.
Suddenly, figures flashed beside him. Several Sunagakure ninja had arrived using the Body Flicker Technique.
"Lord Kazekage, it's bad! Shukaku has been resurrected!" one reported urgently.
Rasa's expression immediately hardened. Shukaku's Jinchuriki, Bunpuku, had died over two years ago, taking Shukaku with him. Tailed Beasts were composed entirely of chakra, though, and could return after death, though the exact timing was uncertain.
Normally, Rasa would have remained inside the village to suppress Shukaku, but urgent financial matters had forced him outside. Now, the very danger he feared had come to life.
"Return to the village!" he ordered. The desert's vast expanse did nothing to slow him. He raced back at top speed.
When they arrived, the scene was chaos. Shukaku had already disappeared without leaving a trace.