Chapter 48: Entering Shikkotsu Forest
"Are you... human?" The slug's voice, a soft, echoing hum, cut through Uchiha Raizen's panic.
"You... you... Huh? Wait." He took a steadying breath, forcing his rational mind to take over. "This is the Naruto world. You're a summoning creature. A slug. You can talk. Are you... the Slug Sage?" He had finally calmed down enough to process his situation.
Had he actually been summoned to Shikkotsu Forest? But that didn't make sense. The Fūma clan's transformation was linked to Ryūchi Cave's influence. Why had he ended up in the territory of Katsuyu, the Slug Sage?
"I am not the Sage herself. I am a clone of the Great Slug Sage," the large slug clarified. "You have not answered my question. Are you a human?"
Hearing this, Uchiha Raizen slowly got to his feet. He was in the domain of a legendary Sage. He couldn't afford to show weakness. To prove he was a respectable, upstanding individual (or at least appear to be one), he decided to respond with grace and composure.
"Yes, I am human," he stated, his voice firm. Then, his dignified facade cracked instantly, replaced by unabashed eagerness. "So, uh... about that... can I learn Sage Mode here?"
In the face of ultimate power, dignity was a cheap commodity. What was a little pride compared to the potential of Sage chakra?
"Learn Sage Mode? Let me see you first." The large slug began to crawl toward him, its glistening body leaving a faint trail. It slowly made its way up his leg and onto his torso.
Uchiha Raizen shuddered internally, fighting the primal urge to find a bag of salt. For Sage Mode... for Sage Mode... I can endure this.
"Fascinating," the slug clone hummed, its sensory abilities probing him. "You are of the Uchiha clan, yet you possess a potent Yang chakra nature. And you already carry the trace scent of Shikkotsu Forest's natural energy. How curious."
"I... I don't know how that happened," Uchiha Raizen stammered, seizing the opportunity. "Maybe it's because I'm special? Don't you think it's fate that brought me here? I'm a good person, really! My character is excellent! So, what do you say? Will you teach me? Huh?"
The slug clone seemed to vibrate with what might have been a sigh. The human's narcissism was staggering.
"Very well. Come with me." Perhaps due to the presence of both Sage energy and Yang nature within him, the slug clone decided to lead him onward.
A triumphant grin spread across Uchiha Raizen's face. As long as I can meet the main body, my chances of learning Sage Mode are at least fifty-fifty!
Despite their reputation for slowness, the slugs of Shikkotsu Forest moved with a surprising, fluid grace that easily outpaced a normal turtle. Soon, they arrived before a being that resembled a small, gelatinous mountain.
It was the Great Slug Sage, Katsuyu.
"So, you are the human who has entered our realm," a vast, gentle voice echoed in his mind. "An Uchiha... I can feel the cold, sharp chakra typical of your clan. However, since you are here, and you possess a strong Yang nature, I will grant your request. I will teach you."
"Thank you, Great Sage!" Uchiha Raizen bowed deeply. "Once I master this power, I swear I will use it to help the weak, to save—"
"Do not thank me yet," Katsuyu interrupted, her tone serene. "The Sage Art of Shikkotsu Forest is not like that of Ryūchi Cave or Mount Myōboku. It does not grant overwhelming offensive power. Instead, it focuses on expansion. It increases the user's chakra capacity. In theory, with our Sage Art, your chakra reserves can grow indefinitely. It is possible for you to surpass even the Tailed Beasts in raw volume."
"You mean... it increases the size of the vessel? It lets me hold more chakra?" Uchiha Raizen asked, his eyes wide with realization.
"Precisely. Furthermore, you may form a summoning contract with my clones. While we are not suited for direct combat, we are unparalleled in the art of healing."
"Thank you, Great Sage! When can we begin?" Uchiha Raizen was practically vibrating with excitement. He didn't want to waste another second.
"We may begin... now."
And so, Uchiha Raizen's training in the Sage Art of Shikkotsu Forest commenced.