"Brother, congratulations on mastering Sage Mode!"
Sarutobi Asuma retracted his thoughts and congratulated him with a smile.
Everyone else chimed in.
Sarutobi Shinya was quite excited, but still humble, "Although I've mastered it, I can currently only maintain it for 3 minutes."
Namikaze Minato chuckled, "It was the same for me at first. But Asuma developed the Sage Power Eight Trigrams Seal, which can greatly extend the duration of Sage Mode."
He had mastered Sage Mode long ago, but before the Sage Power Eight Trigrams Seal, he had barely used it in battle.
It was somewhat of a chicken-and-egg situation; for Namikaze Minato, its presence or absence didn't affect his combat power.
After all, with his attack patterns, a single Rasengan was enough to neutralize an enemy's fighting capability.
Unless he faced opponents like the Fourth Raikage, Jinchuriki, or Uchiha Obito, who had Hashirama Cells and powerful regenerative abilities.
Otherwise, he could basically defeat them all instantly!
"Then, from now on, everyone can come here to train and try to master Sage Mode."
Sarutobi Asuma said with a smile.
As Hokage, Namikaze Minato immediately stated, "The village should also select a group of Jonin with excellent Chakra reserves to train!"
"Of course, no problem."
Sarutobi Asuma agreed and said, "The Sage Tree's coverage is vast, encompassing the northern and southern forests, as well as the Forest of Death."
"However, in the Forest of Death, due to the Sage Tree's influence, the beasts inside might undergo changes, and the village will need to re-evaluate."
"Of course, perhaps many summoning animals can be born."
Namikaze Minato immediately took this seriously and said to Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, "Two advisors, how about we entrust the matter of the Forest of Death to you two?"
"Perhaps that place can become a long-term avenue for Konoha to acquire summoning animals!"
Summoning animals were not uncommon in the Ninja World, but the vast majority of ninjas did not have them.
After all, very few animals could use Chakra.
And those with considerable intelligence, or even the ability to speak, were even rarer.
"Understood!"
"You can leave it to us with confidence!"
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura immediately agreed.
They had actually been gradually marginalized from Konoha's political center.
While Sarutobi Hiruzen was still shining brightly at the Ninja Academy, they were truly just advisors, not even advisors to advisors.
After all, Namikaze Minato now relied most on Nara Shikaku, the strategist, when handling village affairs.
And now, with Uzumaki Kushina and Uzumaki Miri helping out.
There was no longer a place for them in the higher echelons.
Now that they had something to do, and it was quite important, they naturally accepted immediately.
Although they were no longer young, they didn't want to lie at home and grow moldy.
With the matters settled, everyone dispersed.
Namikaze Minato and the others didn't have the luxury of time like Sarutobi Asuma to train here continuously.
Uzumaki Kushina and Uzumaki Miri went into the forest together to find Naruto and Karin. When they found the two little ones, they discovered them sleeping blissfully on the back of a black bear, their bellies bulging from eating fruit.
Uzumaki Kushina and Uzumaki Miri exchanged glances, both unable to suppress a wry smile.
These two mischievous children were too daring; weren't they afraid of being eaten by the black bear!
However, they weren't worried.
This was, after all, Sarutobi Asuma's territory.
After picking up the two wild children, they headed home together.
After seeing everyone off, Sarutobi Asuma sat under the Sage Tree, contemplating his future training.
He had already obtained the first Kekkei Mōra.
Then, what about the second?
Dust Release?
Or Electromagnetic Release?
"No... I should first develop more Kekkei Genkai and pave a path."
"Moreover, any Kekkei Genkai or Kekkei Tōta has the potential to become a Kekkei Mōra. I should forge a path first before proceeding further."
Sarutobi Asuma had a different idea.
Of course, it was also for Tsunade and the others.
Leaving aside the Sharingan and Byakugan for now, Lava Style, Boil Release, Ice Release, Explosion Release… all of these can be grand highways to power.
After some deliberation, Sarutobi Asuma decided to start with a Kekkei Genkai related to genjutsu.
The Sharingan could be considered a genjutsu-type Kekkei Genkai, as could the Kurama Clan's sensory manipulation.
However, having developed "One Thought Bloom" and with the concept of "Dream Stealing Space" in mind, Sarutobi Asuma already had his own ideas.
Using Yin Style as the primary component, supplemented by Yang Release, these two Chakra Nature Transformations would fuse to form a genjutsu-type Kekkei Genkai.
And Sarutobi Asuma's goal was precisely that: Dream Stealing Space!
He lowered his gaze and began to cultivate.
Half a day passed in the blink of an eye.
The next day, Uchiha Shisui, Shimura Dan, and the two youngsters Karin and Naruto, who had been summoned, sat beneath the Sage Tree before Sarutobi Asuma.
Except for Naruto, they were all his disciples.
However, Naruto wasn't the type to sit still.
He hadn't had enough of the delicious fruits from yesterday!
He also wanted to catch the cute little squirrel he'd seen yesterday and play with it.
"Uncle Asuma, can my sister and I go play?"
Naruto wiggled on his seat.
Beside him, Karin also looked expectantly at Sarutobi Asuma. She wanted to catch butterflies.
She also wanted to find all her friends and play together; this place was so fun.
Uchiha Shisui and Shimura Dan watched with smiles.
It was good to be young!
Sarutobi Asuma smiled at Naruto and said, "Naruto, you're 4 years old now. Don't you want to learn ninjutsu, and don't you want to defeat Karin, who always has you under her thumb?"
Naruto's eyes lit up at this, and he nodded repeatedly. "Yes, of course! Uncle Asuma, will you teach me?"
"But Mom said you're Karin's teacher!"
Sarutobi Asuma chuckled. "Of course, I can. After all, I'm also a disciple of Aunt Kushina."
Naruto immediately became excited, jumping and gesturing. "Then Uncle Asuma, teach me ninjutsu quickly!"
"I'm definitely going to defeat that Karin!"
As he said this, he cast a smug look at Karin beside him, acting incredibly cocky.
Karin's eyes widened as she looked at Sarutobi Asuma, then felt incredibly wronged. "Teacher Asuma, how could you do this?"
Sarutobi Asuma said gently, "Don't worry, I'll teach you ninjutsu too."
"That's more like it!"
Karin felt relieved, then glared fiercely at the stunned Naruto with an evil grin, brandishing a fist. "Damn you, Naruto, you're dead!"
Naruto shrunk his neck, but under the gaze of three people, he immediately puffed out his chest, sticking out his neck stubbornly. "I'm a man, I'm not afraid of you!"
Uchiha Shisui and Shimura Dan couldn't help but chuckle silently at the scene.
Uchiha Shisui secretly thought, The teacher really has a mischievous side!
Shimura Dan gained a new understanding of Sarutobi Asuma.
After teasing the two little ones, Sarutobi Asuma finally turned his attention to Uchiha Shisui and Shimura Dan.
Truth be told, he hadn't seen Uchiha Shisui in a while.
Of course, this was limited to his true body.
At 14 years old, Uchiha Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan power was growing stronger. Even without activating it, Sarutobi Asuma could sense it.
His talent was exceptional.
He might not be able to awaken the Rinnegan, but he could potentially rival Uchiha Madara before he awakened the Rinnegan!
"I summoned you here today to teach you a new technique."
Putting his thoughts aside, Sarutobi Asuma got straight to the point, explaining the concept of Sage Mode and then the method for cultivating it.
The cultivation of Sage Mode didn't appear complicated.
There were only three steps: sensing Natural Energy, absorbing Natural Energy, and creating Sage Chakra.
It was easy to understand. After explaining the method, Sarutobi Asuma had them try it themselves, then turned his gaze back to Karin and Naruto.
In that short time, the two restless children had already started to get restless again. Seeing Sarutobi Asuma look over, they immediately sat up straight.
Sarutobi Asuma asked with a smile, "Naruto, what kind of ninjutsu do you want to learn?"
Naruto immediately shouted, "Of course, the really powerful kind that can defeat Karin in one hit!"
Karin immediately yelled, "Idiot Naruto!"
"Aunt Kushina and Mom always said that the foundation is the most important thing. You idiot, you can't even control your Chakra properly yet!"
After speaking, Karin looked expectantly at Asuma Sarutobi, "Teacher Asuma, I've already mastered chakra!"
Naruto became anxious and said indignantly, "Who says I can't control it well?"
"Damn Karin, I'll prove it to you right now!"
"Ah..."
Naruto stood up, put his hands together, and gritted his teeth to refine his chakra.
Asuma Sarutobi watched as a blue chakra ring appeared around Naruto, spinning and creating an airflow that formed a strong gust of wind.
What incredible talent!
Asuma Sarutobi thought to himself.
To have such a large amount of chakra at such a young age.
However, Karin wasn't wrong; he indeed couldn't control it well.
Such powerful chakra was difficult to manage.
So, the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu really is naturally suited for this kid!
Asuma Sarutobi mused.
Naruto then lifted his little head, "See!"
"My chakra is very powerful!"
Karin pouted, "Stupid Naruto!"
Asuma Sarutobi smiled, pointed, and the ground caved in, water surging up to form two small pools.
Then, vines coiled around Naruto and Karin respectively.
Plop!
The two little ones, flailing their arms and legs, fell into the small pools and quickly surfaced.
The water level in these pools only reached their necks.
"Alright, now, whoever can stand on the water first, I'll teach them a powerful ninjutsu!"
Asuma Sarutobi said with a smile, "A very powerful ninjutsu!"
"Something like this..."
As he spoke, he raised his hand and pointed. A beam of purple lightning shot out, and before the two children's eyes, it struck a large tree, which then exploded into pieces with a boom.
"Wow!"
Naruto and Karin exclaimed in unison, their eyes wide with excitement.
Then, the two children exchanged glances, sparks flying, their fighting spirit ignited.
"Smelly Karin, I'm definitely going to beat you this time!"
"I, Namikaze Naruto, am the son of the Hokage, and I will become the strongest Hokage in the future!"
Naruto declared, lifting his chin.
"Tch, stupid Naruto, only knows how to brag!"
Karin scoffed dismissively.
Naruto, annoyed, scratched his ears and cheeks, yelling loudly.
But Karin had already started trying her best.
Asuma Sarutobi chuckled, "Naruto, you need to try harder!"
"As a man, how can you always be protected by a girl?"
"If someone bullies Karin in the future, you should stand up and protect her!"
Naruto was stunned, then looked at Karin. He remembered how this girl, who always snatched his toys, had helped him beat up others time and time again. He nodded heavily, "Okay!"
"I understand!"
"Smelly Karin, from now on, I, Namikaze Naruto, will protect you!"
Karin was touched at first, then her expression darkened, and she pouted, "Stupid Naruto, win against me first before saying such big words!"
"Just you wait!"
"I, Namikaze Naruto, will definitely do it!"
Naruto shouted and began to struggle against the water.
Asuma Sarutobi nodded with satisfaction, occasionally offering guidance to the two children on how to control their chakra to stand on the water.
An hour passed in the blink of an eye.
The two children were already exhausted. After eating fresh fruit, they lay on beds woven from vines, suspended in mid-air, fast asleep.
Asuma Sarutobi lowered his gaze, practicing and exploring new Kekkei Genkai.
At the same time, his body was undergoing Sage Transformation at an even faster rate.
This was another benefit brought by the Kekkei Mōra!
In the blink of an eye, it was noon.
Sarutobi Asuma sensed something, opened his eyes, and saw Uchiha Shisui had completed Sage Mode, his face displaying facial patterns.
Beside him, Shimura Dan still showed no signs of progress, repeatedly undergoing wood style transformation and de-transformation.
"Very good!"
Sarutobi Asuma was very satisfied, then called Shimura Dan awake.
Shimura Dan felt a bit ashamed, but Sarutobi Asuma said, "Don't compare yourself to others. You should strive to conquer yourself."
"An entire morning doesn't prove anything."
"Yesterday, the Third Hokage also didn't achieve Sage Mode in a morning, so this is nothing special."
Shimura Dan immediately bowed upon hearing this, "Yes, Teacher!"
Sarutobi Asuma nodded and asked Uchiha Shisui, "How does it feel?"
"Extremely powerful!"
Uchiha Shisui's expression still held shock as he said, "Sage Mode has even strengthened my ocular power!"
"Moreover, it feels like my Yang Style Chakra Nature Transformation has improved significantly. Although I haven't tried it yet, I can sense that this mode will greatly reduce the side effects of using ocular techniques."
Sarutobi Asuma nodded. This was clearly a characteristic brought by the Sage Tree.
In addition to increases in normal ninjutsu, genjutsu, strength, reaction time, and speed, there was also an emphasis on recovery, or rather, on Yang Release.
Sarutobi Asuma said, "You cannot relax in your Sage Mode training. Continue to deepen it until you can activate it instantly."
"As for the duration, it's related to your individual chakra reserves."
"However, your body is still growing, and there's still plenty of room for improvement. Once you've fully mastered it, you can use Fūinjutsu to maintain it for a longer period."
Uchiha Shisui nodded, "Yes, Teacher!"
"Let's head back. Come again this afternoon!"
Sarutobi Asuma waved his hand.
Uchiha Shisui and Shimura Dan bowed respectfully before using the Body Flicker Technique to depart.
Not long after, Uzumaki Kushina came to pick up the still soundly sleeping Naruto and Karin to take them home, and would bring them back at two o'clock.
In the afternoon, Sarutobi Asuma continued to train the two youngsters.
When both of them were exhausted, to avoid crushing their enthusiasm, Sarutobi Asuma smiled and said, "Although you haven't achieved it yet, as a reward for your hard work, I'll teach you a ninjutsu!"
Hearing this, Naruto and Karin, who were resting, immediately scrambled up and looked at Sarutobi Asuma expectantly.
Naruto couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Asuma, can I learn the technique from this morning?"
"No!"
Sarutobi Asuma shook his head, "You can't learn that technique yet."
"I'll teach you a very fun jutsu!"
As he spoke, with a poof, his body transformed into Naruto's appearance.
Then, he transformed into Karin.
After returning to his true form, Sarutobi Asuma laughed, "How was it, Naruto?"
"In the future, if Karin snatches your toys, you can transform into your Aunt Miri and scold her!"
Karin was dumbfounded, while Naruto excitedly nodded, "Okay, I want to learn this jutsu!"
"Karin is the most afraid of Aunt Miri!"
Karin immediately retorted, "Stupid Naruto, you won't be able to learn it at all!"
Then she said to Sarutobi Asuma, "Teacher Asuma, I want to learn this jutsu too!"
"Hmph, I want to transform into Aunt Kushina and teach stupid Naruto a good lesson!"
Sarutobi Asuma nodded with a smile.
Indeed, the power of hatred was infinite!
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