Uchiha Ryun snapped back to reality, feeling a surge of joy in his heart. Anyone would feel the same if they became a sought-after figure by the three great sage regions.
He continued practicing in the clan's training ground, using golden Fire Release, iron sand Magnet Release, and Wood Release. Wait, no—Wood Release was out of the question. Using that would definitely raise questions.
Around 8 a.m., Uchiha Ryun first went to the Hokage Building to inform the Hokage.
"Ryun, you're saying you've been invited by the White Snake Sage of Ryūchi Cave to train in sage techniques?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi widened his eyes. He had heard of the three great sage regions—after all, his three students, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya, were all contracted with them.
Uchiha Ryun nodded, which made Hiruzen take a sharp breath. The current Uchiha Ryun was already at Kage-level strength. Once he mastered Sage Mode, how powerful would he become?
He looked at Uchiha Ryun with the same warmth as if he were his own son and said with a smile, "Ryun, don't worry. I'll approve your leave. No matter how long it takes, just focus on your training. The future belongs to you young ones."
Hiruzen took this matter very seriously and patted Uchiha Ryun's shoulder, his lips curling upward.
The scene vaguely resembled a father encouraging his heir.
Uchiha Ryun understood Hiruzen's calculations and responded with a smile, "Thank you, Lord Hokage. Once I master Sage Mode, I will return to serve Konoha!"
"Good, you may go." Hiruzen nodded.
After Uchiha Ryun left, Hiruzen performed a summoning jutsu, calling forth Enma.
"Enma, what do you know about the three great sage regions?" Hiruzen asked calmly.
"Hiruzen, of course I know. What do you want to ask?" Enma scratched his head.
"Uchiha Ryun has been recruited by the White Snake Sage to learn sage techniques. What do you think his chances of success are?" Hiruzen closed his eyes in thought.
"If that's truly the case, then mastering Sage Mode is only a matter of time for Uchiha Ryun. He will undoubtedly succeed. The sages possess the ability to foresee the future, and the White Snake Sage in particular can glimpse what lies ahead. He must have seen something in Uchiha Ryun's future." Enma frowned.
Hiruzen opened his eyes. "So you're saying the White Snake Sage has high expectations for this kid?"
Enma nodded and said nothing more. Hiruzen waved his hand. "You may return. I need to think this over."
A true leader remains unshaken even if Mount Tai collapses before them and shows no panic even if the Yellow River bursts its banks. They conceal their emotions, hide their preferences, and never let sorrow show on their faces.
Hiruzen pondered whether Uchiha Ryun's departure would be beneficial or detrimental to his rule.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Ryun left the Hokage Building and headed straight for the Senju clan compound. If he remembered correctly, today was a day off, and Tsunade should be at home. He needed to inform her.
When he arrived at the Senju compound, he knocked on the door. Nawaki opened it and immediately put on an ingratiating smile when he saw Uchiha Ryun.
"Brother-in-law, you're here! My sister's home. I'll go get her." Nawaki was sharp. To live well, one must please their sister, and the best way to do that was through her man.
Uchiha Ryun nodded and stepped into the courtyard. Nawaki quickly relayed the message to Tsunade.
Tsunade was momentarily stunned upon hearing the news, then her lips curled upward. "You know how to handle things." She pointed at Nawaki and handed him a 2,000-ryō note. "It's all yours."
She then adjusted her hair in front of the mirror, ensuring she looked flawless before heading out to meet Uchiha Ryun in the courtyard.
As she stepped outside, she saw Uchiha Ryun standing under the cherry blossom tree, gazing at the blossoms with a faint smile.
Tsunade's heart pounded uncontrollably. A handsome man amidst beautiful scenery—who could resist that?
Uchiha Ryun turned and noticed Tsunade. He walked up to her and said, "I have something to tell you."
Tsunade blinked. "Good news or bad news?"
"Both good and bad." Uchiha Ryun sighed.
"Then what's the bad news?" Tsunade wanted to brace herself first.
"I'll be leaving for training in three days, and I don't know how long it'll take to return." Uchiha Ryun said.
Tsunade visibly deflated, her lips pursing. "And the good news?"
"The good news is that the White Snake Sage sent Manda to invite me to train in sage techniques at Ryūchi Cave." Uchiha Ryun smiled.
Tsunade froze. "Manda? Orochimaru's summon? It invited you to Ryūchi Cave? On the White Snake Sage's orders?"
Uchiha Ryun nodded. "Not just the White Snake Sage. The Slugs Sage and the Great Toad Sage also sent representatives to invite me. But in the end, I chose Ryūchi Cave."
"But training in Sage Mode is dangerous, Ryun. You..." Her eyes filled with worry. As a contractor of one of the three great sage regions, she understood the risks involved.
She had previously discussed Sage Mode training with Jiraiya and Orochimaru.
In Shikkotsu Forest, the sage technique involved being enveloped in mucus. If one failed to grasp Sage Mode within a certain timeframe, they would be assimilated into the Slugs Sage's clones.
In Mount Myōboku, the sage technique required covering the body in toad oil to sense natural chakra. One had to balance natural chakra with their own chakra to succeed. If they failed, they would gradually turn into a frog and eventually petrify. However, with the two toad sages guiding them, the risks were relatively low.
Ryūchi Cave's method was far more brutal. The White Snake Sage injected sage chakra into the trainee through its fangs. Those who endured would master it. Those who failed would be eaten.
Thus, Ryūchi Cave was the most dangerous, followed by Shikkotsu Forest, while Mount Myōboku was the safest.
Orochimaru had given up on Sage Mode, and Tsunade lacked confidence in it. Only Jiraiya had attempted it, though his progress had been slow even after all this time.
"Ryun, maybe you should reconsider. Sage Mode isn't worth the risk. Staying safe is what matters." Tsunade was deeply concerned.
Uchiha Ryun smiled and patted Tsunade's head. "Mastering Sage Mode will allow me to better protect our little princess."
"Oh, fine." Tsunade remained sullen, her lips still pouting.
At that moment, Uchiha Ryun wrapped an arm around Tsunade's waist, lowered his head, and kissed her pouting lips.
"Mmm—" Tsunade let out a muffled sound, startled by Uchiha Ryun's boldness. She struggled briefly before giving in, allowing him to take what he wanted.
Their minds went blank as they lost themselves in each other's presence.
"Breathe." Uchiha Ryun noticed Tsunade's face turning red from holding her breath and reminded her. Following his cue, Tsunade relaxed.
Their body temperatures rose as they lost themselves in the moment. Then, Nawaki's sudden appearance shattered the atmosphere.
"Sis, brother-in-law, Grandma is calling you—" Before he could finish, he froze in shock.
Tsunade pushed Uchiha Ryun away, her chakra flaring as she gritted her teeth. "Nawaki! Come here!"
What followed was an intense scene.
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