With the integration of the Gedo Statue, this not only expanded the capacity of his 'god tree source' but also allowed him to use more 'Divine Wood Release'.
"Those Wood Release data can be put to use."
This transformation brought a huge increase in Takemi's strength, and the things he mastered also slowly increased.
Gently rubbing his eyes, he felt that the rate at which his eyes absorbed Chakra had increased again.
Perhaps filling them up would brew a new power.
"The future, it stands on my side."
Just as Takemi was marveling at his recent improvement, the soaring Chakra generated by his previous transformation slowly spread out, continuously overflowing throughout the sky.
In the depths of the Ninja World, in a place almost devoid of people, a monk-like figure stiffened slightly.
An expression of disbelief immediately appeared on his face, and then he felt intense pain throughout his body.
The next moment, his eyes seemed to become solemn, and his entire aura changed.
"This is… who?"
Meanwhile, in the Land of Rice Fields, Black Zetsu, who was investigating Otogakure, suddenly gasped.
He incredulously looked up at the sky, and his body trembled slightly.
"Black, what's wrong with you?"
His half-body White Zetsu noticed the anomaly and asked curiously, but Black Zetsu ignored him at the moment.
His gaze remained fixed on the sky, and after a long while, he gritted his teeth and whispered.
"Nothing, just felt something bad. Let's focus on what's in front of us."
After saying that, Black Zetsu said no more. His most important task now was to execute the plan he had already formulated.
However, feeling the strange Chakra in the sky that was already dissipating, he had a doubt in his heart.
"Why did it get stronger again?"
Unfortunately, no one could give him an answer, and he could only take a deep breath and stop thinking about it.
"Do what's at hand, we will win."
Meanwhile, in Mount Myōboku, Jiraiya looked at the Great Toad Sage with a depressed expression.
"Toad Sage, that's the situation. Also, can you let me go back? I'm still injured."
In the great battle outside Konoha, Jiraiya was the unluckiest of Konoha.
Because he went too deep, he was caught in the aftermath. Even with Tsunade's help, he still needed to recuperate in the hospital after the meeting.
As a result, Jiraiya, wrapped in bandages and preoccupied with Nagato's condition to the point of not even being interested in teasing the nurses, was suddenly teleported to Mount Myōboku.
"Jiraiya, you know the situation is too dangerous, so I had no choice but to do this."
Gamamaru also felt somewhat apologetic, but to clarify the situation, he had no choice but to do so.
"I understand. After all, that guy is too terrifying."
Jiraiya's eyes darted, seemingly having an idea. He nodded while speaking.
"It's not easy to deal with that guy, Toad Sage. If possible, could you tell us more about him?"
"Information?"
"Yes, besides that, do you remember Takemi whom I told you about? That child's talent is truly incredible. The village has decided to fully nurture him, so…"
"I understand what you mean. Unfortunately, he is unwilling to accept the contract, but I will think of a way. As for the information you want…"
Gamamaru was a little amused and helpless, but he didn't mind. He was now even more curious about this Takemi.
Besides, he was also hesitant, because he wasn't sure if telling these things to ordinary people was a good idea.
However, before he could think further, he suddenly felt a peculiar Chakra spreading in the sky.
And this Chakra instantly cleared his drooping eyes. Almost immediately, his Chakra also erupted.
"Hmm?"
Jiraiya was still waiting for Gamamaru's answer, but then he felt a vast Chakra erupt.
He didn't even have time to react before he was sent flying backward, crashing heavily into the wall.
The next day, Konoha Hospital.
After Takemi bought flowers from Ino, he found Kakashi and Guy and went to Konoha Hospital together.
Last night, he had heard that Jiraiya's injuries seemed to have worsened. Tsunade was currently treating him and wouldn't allow visitors, so he rushed over early in the morning.
"Pervy Sage, why are you in the hospital again?"
Pushing open the door, Takemi chuckled and shouted, but he quickly noticed there were other people inside.
"Tsunade-sama, Hokage-sama."
"Tch, you brat, can't you say something nice first thing in the morning?"
Before Hiruzen and Tsunade could speak, Jiraiya had already grumbled unhappily.
"What do you mean 'again'? I just encountered some unexpected circumstances."
"Mm-hmm."
Takemi smiled as he arranged the flowers, then chuckled.
"But I remember it was always Kakashi-sensei who ended up here before. I didn't expect it to be you now, Pervy Sage."
"..."
Kakashi, who was just greeting the Third Hokage with Guy, stiffened upon hearing this.
He rolled his eyes and looked at Takemi, saying, "Hey, this isn't about me right now, is it? Besides, I'm fine now, that's all…"
"It's me who's taken your place, isn't it?"
Jiraiya looked at Kakashi with a hint of resentment. He recalled how it used to always be Kakashi who ended up in the hospital.
Then things changed. It was either Hiruzen or him, which made Jiraiya truly wonder if there was some kind of curse involved.
Or perhaps...
"Is this testing Konoha's medical system?"
Jiraiya rubbed his head. There were some things he couldn't quite articulate.
In any case, Konoha's education and medical systems seemed to have some issues.
"Alright, enough about that."
Hiruzen immediately interrupted Takemi and the others. Strictly speaking, he himself was a victim, and he didn't want these topics to continue.
"Takemi, Kakashi, Guy, you've come at a good time. There are some things I wanted to discuss with you."
"Hey, aren't you here to see me?"
Jiraiya lied down on the bed and asked somewhat dejectedly, but Hiruzen smiled and shook his head.
"Some things are better discussed when the opportunity arises. Now is a good time to talk, just us."
"Uh."
Guy seemed a bit confused. He wasn't sure if his presence was appropriate, but Hiruzen spoke up, "Please invite the two elders over. Thank you for your trouble."
"Yes."
The Anbu outside the door immediately replied, then disappeared.
Hiruzen continued, "Jiraiya, did you get any information from your trip to Mount Myōboku?"
"Yes, do these injuries count?"
Even in his current state, Jiraiya didn't forget to crack a joke, then spoke more seriously.
"I asked for information about Ōtsutsuki Takeshiki, but unfortunately, Toad Sage wasn't willing to reveal too much. However, he did agree to one thing."
"What is it?"
"He knows that Takemi has already learned Sage Mode, so he is willing to provide some insights and applications of Sage Mode from Mount Myōboku's collection."
"That sounds pretty good… Wait? From toads?"
"That's right. According to them, Takemi learned Sage Mode on his own. He's a spirit of nature, so there shouldn't be much problem with him using it."
"..."
Hiruzen was somewhat speechless. What he had prepared for Takemi was at least from the First Hokage.
Yet Mount Myōboku directly offered something used by toads. Although it showed sincerity, was it appropriate?
"Uh, perhaps it can be used as a reference."
Jiraiya also looked a bit awkward. He turned to Takemi.
"What do you think, Takemi?"
"I don't mind. Perhaps I can give it a try."
Takemi thought for a moment before speaking. It was hard to say whether the things from Mount Myōboku would be useful, but referencing them shouldn't be a big problem.
Moreover, he was curious about one thing: the Sage Mode from Ryūchi Cave came with some special abilities.
'For example, Inorganic Reanimation and White Rage Technique. Does Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode have similar things?'
He was indeed puzzled by this, but his memory wasn't very clear, so perhaps reviewing Mount Myōboku's data wouldn't be a bad idea.