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Sasame entered Sage Mode at incredible speed, the markings appearing around his eyes and forehead. However, due to his mask, they weren't very noticeable.
While all three great sage regions possess Sage Mode, each has its own unique characteristics.
In terms of duration, Mount Myōboku's is the shortest—without toad assistance, it lasts no more than five minutes. Shikkotsu Forest, on the other hand, allows near-instant activation.
As for effects:
Ryūchi Cave enhances perception and bodily flexibility.
Mount Myōboku boosts chakra and physical prowess.
Shikkotsu Forest maximizes recovery and bodily resilience.
However, the ability to amplify ninjutsu with senjutsu chakra is common to all.
Sasame had once asked the Slug Sage about Hashirama Senju. Indeed, the First Hokage had learned Sage Mode here. But given his overwhelming strength, his version had evolved into something entirely different—much like his Wood Release.
Sage Art: Water Release: Water Wall!
Sasame didn't use Wood Release—there was no need. Surrounded by water, his Water Release was already significantly enhanced. Combined with Sage Mode, it was more than enough to handle most shinobi.
Senjutsu chakra churned the seawater, instantly erecting a massive barrier in front of Mei Terumī. All weapons and jutsu were blocked effortlessly.
Mei shuddered slightly, a flicker of hope crossing her pale face. Since she hadn't cast this technique, someone must have come to her aid. Her first thought wasn't Sasame, but rather the shinobi under Elder Chōjūrō's faction in Kirigakure.
Ei, still unaware, assumed Mei had performed the jutsu. The chaotic chakra fluctuations of their battle masked Sasame's presence. Moreover, ordinary ninjutsu infused with senjutsu chakra showed no obvious visual differences.
"Earth Release, now!" Ei barked.
Earth countered Water. Earlier, they had broken Mei's Water Wall with Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet. Now, they repeated the tactic.
At his command, three massive earthen dragon heads erupted from the ground, spewing mud projectiles.
Mei frowned, suppressing her discomfort as she formed hand seals. She knew a single Water Wall couldn't withstand three simultaneous Earth Dragon Bullets.
But then—her eyes widened in shock.
The mud bullets slammed into the water barrier… and did nothing.
This is the work of a master.
The only way to surpass a technique's normal power was to pour in an overwhelming amount of chakra.
Who could it be?
Did Kirigakure even have such a powerful shinobi? The only one Mei could think of was Yagura Karatachi, the Three-Tails Jinchūriki. But he would never come to her aid.
Just as the thought crossed her mind, a deafening roar erupted from behind her.
Ei had no time to question why the Water Wall was so indestructible. He hastily formed seals.
Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!
A serpent of water surged before him, coiling and rising rapidly.
"Everyone, be alert! There's someone else!"
Finally, Ei realized the truth—Mei hadn't formed a single seal. This jutsu belonged to another.
The moment he spoke, the two dragons collided.
Ei's face froze.
His Water Dragon was obliterated instantly, as if it were made of paper.
He scrambled backward.
"The victorious water dragon crashed down, its ferocious chakra scattering in all directions. Mud, debris, and chakra shrapnel pelted the attacking shinobi."
Screams filled the air.
A third of the force fell in an instant.
"What?!"
Ei stared in disbelief.
How could a mere Water Dragon Bullet be so devastating?!
Why did mine look like a cheap imitation?!
A chill ran down his spine.
His squad consisted of elite jōnin and chūnin—Kirigakure's finest. Yet half were already gone.
How will I explain this when I return?
"Lord Ei! Run!"
A panicked shout snapped him out of his daze.
He looked up—and his blood turned to ice.
The entire sea was boiling, as if some colossal beast were rising from the depths. Towering waves, over ten meters high, loomed above them, poised to crash down.
This was no ordinary ninjutsu. This was raw power, beyond anything a normal shinobi could muster.
Ei spun on his heel and fled. His remaining men did the same.
Mei swallowed hard.
Though protected by the Water Wall, it only shielded one side. Her chakra was nearly depleted.
As she forced herself to move, a figure materialized before her.
"Gu—"
Her mind blanked.
Of all people, she hadn't expected him—the merchant, Takashi.
"Don't resist."
Sasame gripped Mei's smooth shoulders, then slid one arm beneath her knees, lifting her in a princess carry. In a flash, they vanished.
A second later, the sea erupted, swallowing the ruins of Uzushiogakure—and Ei's forces—whole.
An unfamiliar warmth seeped into Mei through their close contact. Her entire body stiffened.
This was her first time being held by a man.
Mei was the epitome of a strong woman.
And why wouldn't she be?
In Kirigakure, her talent was unmatched, her strength unrivaled. Destined to be the next Mizukage, she had never relied on anyone—she was the village's pillar.
But now… something shifted.
A strong woman only acknowledges someone stronger.
She had already admired Sasame's foresight. Now, she witnessed his unfathomable power.
And more importantly—she was in a vulnerable state.
In her past life, there was a psychological phenomenon called the "suspension bridge effect."
When crossing a shaky bridge, one's heart races. If they encounter another person in that moment, they might mistake their pounding heart for attraction.
This was why amusement park rides like roller coasters spawned more couples than any other setting.
Mei felt an unprecedented sense of safety. A faint blush crept across her cheeks.
But within moments, darkness claimed her.
Exhausted from the battle, her body finally gave out the moment her mind relaxed.
Sasame didn't return to Kirigakure. Instead, he found an inn in a nearby town.
After laying Mei on the bed, he checked her condition. Aside from chakra exhaustion, she was unharmed.
He exhaled in relief. No need to call for help—just rest would suffice.
Then, rubbing his hands together, he grinned.
Since she can't resist… why not have some fun?
Not that kind of fun.
He was going to do her hair.
If she asked later, he'd blame it on the battle.
Sitting beside her, he propped her up and undid her hair. Gently, he parted her bangs, revealing her right eye—usually hidden. Then, he combed through her natural curls, shaping them into soft, flowing waves.
Her cheeks were irresistibly soft, though. He couldn't help pinching them a few times.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 140 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 35 power stones I will publish the next chapter.
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