"Ultimate Sage Mode?"
This time's sign-in reward wasn't just Sage Mode—it was Sage Mode at its absolute peak.
Senju Haruto hadn't expected this at all, but of course, he was delighted.
The truth was, even Sage Mode came in different levels. For example, Jiraiya's Sage Mode was slightly inferior to Naruto's—his facial features would swell, and the frog eyes were painfully obvious. Even Naruto's version, in Haruto's opinion, was still not truly perfect.
The First Hokage, Senju Hashirama's Sage Mode, however, showed almost no signs of frog transformation—only the black markings on his forehead and around his eyes appeared.
Although the series never stated that Hashirama had trained in Mount Myōboku, Haruto felt certain that this "Ultimate Sage Mode" from his sign-in reward was on par with Hashirama's level.
Of course, he wasn't in a rush to test it. Now that Sage Mode was his, there was no harm in waiting. The priority right now was to accompany Naruto to meet the Great Toad Sage.
It didn't take long before Haruto and the others reached their destination. Along with the Great Toad Sage, the Scroll Toad was also there, as if he had been waiting for some time.
However, the Scroll Toad stood with his arms crossed, looking rather displeased.
Haruto noticed and immediately understood why—
Even if Naruto learned Sage Mode, the Scroll Toad still doubted he could master the Nine-Tails' power. And right now, Naruto wasn't even officially a genin.
"Lord Fukasaku, I think we should reconsider this carefully," the Scroll Toad said as soon as everyone had gathered. To him, this decision was sheer recklessness.
"This is the result of careful consideration."
Haruto's voice dropped into a firm tone, seizing the lead in the conversation. "If Naruto can control the Nine-Tails' power, it won't just erase the village's fear of the beast—it will also prevent another rampage from happening."
The moment "rampage" was mentioned, Naruto lowered his head.
Although he now knew the truth, the Nine-Tails' rampage had still happened because he hadn't resisted its temptation. The damage to the village weighed heavily on his conscience.
Haruto, noticing Naruto's sudden gloom, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Naruto instinctively looked up—and saw Haruto's warm, sun-bright smile.
"Even if his intentions are good, Naruto is still a child," the Scroll Toad countered. "I don't believe he has the courage to face the Nine-Tails. Once the seal left by the Fourth Hokage is undone, the beast's malice will instantly consume him."
The Scroll Toad paused, spreading his arms as if to point out their surroundings.
The Nine-Tails had nearly destroyed the Leaf Village twice—he would not risk something similar happening to Mount Myōboku.
"That's exactly why I wanted to bring him here."
Haruto glanced briefly at Jiraiya—he had already predicted the toads would resist this idea.
"I want you to teach Naruto Sage Arts."
At that, every toad present sucked in a sharp breath, followed by a chorus of murmurs.
"Sage Arts?!"
Naruto froze. He had heard of genjutsu, ninjutsu, and taijutsu in class—but what was this "sagejutsu"?
"Normally," Jiraiya began, turning to Naruto, "chakra is formed by blending physical energy and spiritual energy. Ninjas use that chakra to perform ninjutsu and genjutsu. Sage Arts are different—they take that same chakra and add in natural energy to create a special kind of chakra for unique techniques."
"In other words," Haruto added, "using Sage Arts means entering Sage Mode."
"Exactly," Haruto nodded. "But entering Sage Mode isn't easy. And it can only be learned here on Mount Myōboku."
In truth, the three great sacred lands each had their own way of teaching Sage Mode. But under the current circumstances, Haruto had no intention of taking Naruto to Ryūchi Cave or Shikkotsu Forest, so this was the story he went with.
Besides, although he himself had mastered Sage Mode, that mastery had come as part of the sign-in reward—it was muscle memory embedded in his mind, not something he could teach.
So, if Naruto wanted to learn Sage Mode, he would have to rely on the toads.
Once Naruto grasped what Sage Arts were, his eyes lit up with excitement. He didn't understand most of what Jiraiya had said—but one thing was clear: Sage Arts were stronger than ninjutsu.
"I want to learn! I have to learn!"
Naruto couldn't hold back his shout. "Once I've mastered Sage Arts, I'm gonna pound Sasuke into the dirt!"
"Sasuke?!" Jiraiya blinked in surprise. He vaguely remembered that name—it belonged to the father of his teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Yeah—our school's… uh… the only guy tied with me for first place. He's not as popular with the girls, but in sparring, I almost beat him every time!" Naruto puffed up with pride. "If I can master Sage Arts, I will beat Sasuke!"
He looked like he couldn't wait another second to start swinging.
Pfft—
Jiraiya couldn't help laughing.
If Naruto learned Sage Arts, he would surpass most of the ninja in the village. Yet his first goal was to challenge the strongest kid at the academy.
Typical child—so simple-minded.
Haruto, however, felt a little sorry for Sasuke.
After all, Naruto was a ninja who always kept his word…
"I really wonder what Sasuke's face will look like when he sees Naruto's Sage Mode."
Still, their thoughts were one thing—the decision to teach Sage Arts to Naruto ultimately lay with the toads of Mount Myōboku.
One by one, the toads—including the Scroll Toad—turned to the Great Toad Sage, awaiting his verdict.
And at last, under their collective gaze, the Great Toad Sage awoke from his slumber.
"…I understand."
His deep, aged voice rumbled—he had been asleep, but had already grasped the situation.
"I have decided… to teach young Naruto Sage Arts."
"What?!"
The Scroll Toad's eyes went wide—he had never imagined the Great Toad Sage would agree.
"And as for Haruto…"
But before he could finish his third sentence, the Great Toad Sage suddenly drifted back into sleep mid-sentence.
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