"This… is it really that exaggerated?"
Uchiha Gen's Sage Mode had finally stabilized. When he opened his eyes and looked around, his breath caught.
From the heavens, petals had fallen like golden snow. From the earth, lotuses had bloomed in radiant light.
For a moment, even he was stunned. Then delight bubbled up inside him.
With a scene this divine, how could his Sage Mode possibly look ugly?
Grinning, Gen pulled out a mirror he had prepared in advance.
His reflection made him freeze again.
His eyes glowed with divine patterns. A celestial mark shone on his forehead. Behind his head hovered a halo, seven-colored and radiant. Around him, faint hymns whispered in the air.
If this were a cultivation world, he thought, wouldn't people call him a Golden Immortal without hesitation?
Add to that his already sharp, confident features, and the result was dazzling, an image both awe-inspiring and intimidating at a glance.
"Hahaha… truly an unexpected joy," Gen laughed aloud, savoring the sight.
His Sage Mode philosophy had been different from the start. Unlike the Sages of the Three Great Regions, he hadn't gathered natural energy indiscriminately. His approach was targeted.
Using Flying Thunder God, he had traveled to specific sites, mines, forests, rivers, volcanoes, even the deep earth, to collect pure elemental natural energy.
Beyond that, he had gone to the highest peaks, where the sun and moon hung closest, and absorbed their essence as well.
If his deduction was correct, it was this fusion of elemental and celestial energies with chakra that had birthed his unique Sage Mode.
The seven-colored halo symbolized it: Yin, Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, and Yang.
Compared even to the perfected Sage Modes of the Three Great Regions, his Sage Mode radiated something higher...something divine. Its aura was beyond mortal.
In appearance alone, if their perfect forms were heavenly generals, and their flawed forms ox-headed demons, then his was the aura of a god.
But it wasn't just beautiful. Its power was terrifying. His new Sage Mode amplified his techniques fifteenfold with no risk of backlash.
Gen couldn't help but smirk.
A fifteenfold boost didn't mean fifteen times overall strength, but even limited to jutsu amplification, it was overwhelming. Enough to let him walk back into Konoha with new confidence.
Things he had once hesitated to attempt were suddenly well within reach.
The grin tugged at his lips even as he forced himself to stay composed. He rose and walked toward the door, shoulders straight, heart pounding.
Restraint or not, he still looked like a man who had just won the lottery without even trying.
When the door opened, the White Snake Sage, her three great attendants, and Orochimaru were waiting.
Though the falling petals and golden lotuses had already faded, the lingering aura was enough to stun them.
Immortal. That was the only word for it. Even the White Snake Sage, who had lived a thousand years, was caught off guard.
"So this is the Sage Mode you created," she said at last. "Sacred. Ethereal."
Her ancient eyes scrutinized him as she spoke, though she wore the guise of a wrinkled grandmother instead of her true serpent form.
Gen bowed lightly. "Your praise honors me. Without your help, I could never have succeeded. In return, I have a suggestion that may benefit Ryūchi Cave's Sage Arts."
"Oh?" Her voice carried curiosity. "Speak."
"I believe the snakes of Ryūchi Cave who cultivate Sage Arts should draw more on the natural energy of the moon. And also, when possible, seek out energies that align with their personal strengths."
"The latter makes sense," she said. "But why the moon?"
"Because snakes are inherently Yin. And the moon's natural energy is pure Yin, flawless."
He knew this world's moon wasn't ordinary. Forged by the Six Paths Sage and Hamura Ōtsutsuki, with Kaguya sealed within, it was no simple satellite. To him, it was the ancient Greater Yin Star itself, while the countless moons in the night sky were mere reflections of its power.
"I think it would suit you. I found moonlight energy the most harmonious to absorb. In contrast, the energy of the sun was the harshest and most painful. After that came fire, metal, earth, wood, and water."
"Of course, this is only my theory. You would need to test it yourselves."
The White Snake Sage nodded thoughtfully. "I understand your intentions. I will send my followers to try it."
She studied him further. "And how strong is your Sage Mode's amplification?"
"Fifteenfold," Gen said with a smile.
"Hisss—"
Orochimaru and the three great snakes inhaled sharply, unable to contain themselves.
Even the White Snake Sage blinked in surprise. "One more than the fourteenfold amplification of Ryūchi Cave's perfect Sage Mode… Remarkable."
Then she added, "But remember...such strength is built atop Ryūchi Cave's thousand years of knowledge. Without it, even you could not have reached this height."
"I understand," Gen said sincerely. "That's why I must thank you, and Ryūchi Cave, for your generosity."
The White Snake Sage's attendants, who had felt a flicker of resentment earlier, found their feelings soften at his words. Even their goodwill toward Gen swelled.
"Young one, your vision is sharp, and your strength at such an age is impressive. Your future is immeasurable."
Gen inclined his head. "I'll take that as your blessing."
She gave a final nod. "Though your path is new, the archives of Ryūchi Cave are yours to consult. Seek out my attendants for keys. If you struggle, you may come to me."
With that, her form dissolved into nothingness.
Gen bowed. "Thank you, White Snake Sage."
The three attendants lingered briefly, chatting with him, agreeing on future exchanges, and leaving him with keys before departing.
When they were gone, Orochimaru chuckled. "Your talent is… enviable. It will take me much longer to master Sage Mode."
He knew the history. Naruto had mastered the toads' quick version in half a month. Jiraiya had taken nearly ten years of intermittent study to manage a flawed form.
Compared to that, Gen's progress was monstrous.
Gen only smiled. "The student surpasses the teacher, and the waves behind drive the waves ahead. If I were weaker than you, wouldn't that reflect poorly on your teaching? You should be proud."
"That's one way to put it," Orochimaru mused. "So, what next?"
"I'll study Ryūchi Cave's archives, exchange techniques with the three great snakes, and then return to Konoha. I can't remain away too long now."
"And you, sensei?"
"I'll stay until I master Sage Arts. After that, I'll refine them further and add something to my research."
"Oh?" Gen asked, feigning curiosity. "What addition?"
Orochimaru's lips curved. "Research into beautifying Sage Mode's appearance. I have a suspicion mine won't be… flattering."
Gen burst out laughing. "You? Caring about appearances?"
"I didn't before," Orochimaru said smoothly. "But imagine one day, we stand together against an enemy. Both of us activate Sage Mode. If the difference in image is too vast, wouldn't that tarnish my dignity? Everything is afraid of comparison, after all."
Gen grinned and gave a thumbs-up. "Well said, sensei. A very profound observation. And if anyone can solve that, it's you. Just a matter of time."
He remembered Mitsuki's Sage Mode from another world, a sleek, elegant form. Clearly, Orochimaru had cared enough to make it beautiful.
Orochimaru simply smiled, eyes glinting with quiet confidence.
The two chatted a while longer, then parted ways to pursue their own goals.