Chapter 56: The Contract of the Slugs
Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a twinge of regret that Akatsurugi had shown no interest in the Monkey Sage Clan. Binding such a powerful shinobi to his own clan through a summoning contract would have been ideal. Unfortunately, Akatsurugi already possessed his own unique weapon, that flaming sword Ryūjin Jakka, which was perfectly suited to his abilities. He could only lament the missed opportunity.
However, when Akatsurugi heard the mention of the First Hokage's summons, his interest was piqued. The Slug Clan, from the Shikkotsu Forest—one of the three great sage regions. The slugs were renowned for their unparalleled healing abilities. Partnering with them would drastically increase his survivability and endurance. He could even train within the Shikkotsu Forest itself and explore its mystical arts.
"Lord Third," Akatsurugi said, "if it is possible, I would be honored to form a contract with the Slug Clan."
The Third Hokage nodded. Having broached the subject, he had the means to facilitate it. After all, his own student, Tsunade Senju, was a current contractor of the Shikkotsu Forest.
He dismissed Akatsurugi, telling him to await news. Soon after, an ANBU agent delivered the summoning scroll for the Slug Clan.
Akatsurugi unsealed it. The two most recent names inscribed upon it were indeed Hashirama Senju and Tsunade Senju.
Without hesitation, Akatsurugi wrote his own name and pressed his blood-seal onto the parchment. The moment the seal was set, he felt a mysterious, distant call.
Releasing his chakra control, he allowed the summoning to take hold. In a puff of smoke, he vanished from the room.
The ANBU agent, unsurprised, collected the scroll and went to report the completion of his task.
The moment the contract was sealed, Akatsurugi felt the distinct pull of a Reverse Summoning Jutsu. The Slug Sage herself must have sensed the new contract and summoned him for an audience.
Having experienced the disorienting tunnel of the Vault of Worlds, this spatial travel felt familiar, yet different. He was pulled forward through a swirling, chakra-infused corridor.
He noticed he was enveloped in a layer of foreign chakra, which seemed to be insulating him from the full force of the spatial transition. This chakra was slowly but steadily dissipating. He theorized that once it faded beyond a certain point, he would be forcibly returned to his origin point. So this is the mechanism, he mused. A chakra deposit as collateral for the summoning. Once it's spent, the contractee is returned.
Before he could ponder further, he materialized in the Shikkotsu Forest.
The air was thick with moisture and the scent of rich earth and strange herbs. Before him loomed the immense, blue-and-white form of the Slug Sage, Katsuyu.
"Greetings, Great Slug Sage," Akatsurugi bowed respectfully.
The colossal slug lowered her head, her gentle gaze studying him. "What a peculiar energy you possess," her voice echoed softly in his mind. "You hold a special power within you. Is this your Kekkei Genkai?"
Akatsurugi was slightly taken aback by her perception. "You could say that," he replied.
Katsuyu did not press the matter. "I sensed a new contractor and summoned you here. You are very strong. Your name is Akatsurugi, is it not? I look forward to our partnership."
Her demeanor was, as reputed, the most gentle and accommodating of the Three Great Sage Creatures.
"The honor is mine, Great Sage," Akatsurugi said. "I seek your guidance."
He observed his surroundings, noting the many smaller slugs—clones of the main body—that moved slowly through the damp forest. The true form of the Slug Sage was too vast to move freely.
"Akatsurugi," he began, "I wonder if it would be possible for me to learn Sage Art here."
Katsuyu regarded him thoughtfully. "It is possible. However, Sage Art is not easily mastered, especially the art of the Shikkotsu Forest. From ancient times until now, only a handful have truly mastered it. Hashirama Senju, decades ago, was one such person."
Hearing that it was possible was all the confirmation Akatsurugi needed. That only Hashirama had succeeded was not a deterrent; if anyone could achieve the delicate balance of natural energy required for Sage Mode, he believed he could. His successful fusion of the Flame-Flame Fruit's power with his chakra was a testament to his control.
"Thank you. I will return to train in Sage Art once I have settled my affairs in the human world," Akatsurugi stated.
Katsuyu gave a simple nod of assent. The Shikkotsu Forest did not restrict its contractors.
As the Sage released her sustaining chakra, Akatsurugi felt the familiar pull. He dissolved into smoke once more, traversing the corridor before reappearing exactly where he had started in his room. The summoning scroll was gone, likely retrieved by the ANBU.
His course was set. He would use this era of peace to deepen his power. The Flying Thunder God Technique, advanced fuinjutsu, Sage Art, and the elusive Bankai of his zanpakutō—all required dedicated, uninterrupted study. With no major war on the horizon for the next decade or so, the time was perfect.
He packed a few essentials and went to the Hokage's office.
"Hm? Akatsurugi, what brings you here?" Hiruzen asked, seeing him prepared for travel.
"Lord Third, I request leave to train for a period in the Shikkotsu Forest."
Hiruzen considered it briefly. With the world at a tentative peace, there was no immediate need for Akatsurugi's presence. Knowing his whereabouts was useful in itself.
"Granted. You may go."
Akatsurugi bowed and turned to leave. However, as he passed through the village gates, his surroundings shimmered, and the world shifted into the monochrome haze of a genjutsu.
He did not resist. The caster was an Uchiha surveillance ninja, using a messenger-cat as an intermediary.
"Akatsurugi. I am Uchiha Tai, the Great Elder of the Uchiha clan. My apologies for meeting you in this manner."
Akatsurugi regarded the middle-aged Uchiha within the illusion. He recalled his promise to Uchiha En to visit the clan compound. The matter had been delayed, first by the Slug contract and then by his plans for training. He had nearly forgotten.
It seemed the Uchiha had not.