Chapter 57 Contract
As far as the eye could see, rows of trees pierced the sky. These trees had no leaves; their branches resembled thorns growing directly on the trunks, giving them a ghastly, bone-white appearance.
The forest was filled with a moist, refreshing atmosphere. When Tsunade arrived, she took a deep breath, feeling a sense of comfort that spread throughout her entire body.
This Shikkotsu forest was one of the three sacred places for summoning animals in the ninja world, known as the Damp Bone Forest. The entire space was the territory of slugs.
According to what Tsunade knew, the Forest had existed in the world long before the concept of ninja was born.
The ruler here was a giant slug with a gentle and kind disposition. The smaller slugs in this forest were all its clones, possessing unique abilities like division and the ability to spit out corrosive liquid.
"Lady Tsunade, why have you come here?" A slug crawled out from deep within the forest. Compared to the palm-sized slugs nearby, the one talking to Tsunade was already as big as a small mountain.
However, Tsunade knew that this was still not the true body of the slug; it was just an inconspicuous clone of its true self. During their first contract signing, Tsunade had the privilege of seeing the slug's true body, a colossal creature that could not be adequately described with words.
It was hard to imagine that such a miraculous creature existed in the ninja world. Even though Tsunade was much younger than it, she always liked to refer to her summoning partner as "Lady."
It could be considered an unconventional relationship among the three sacred places. Compared to the enigmatic Mount Myoboku and the ruthless Ryuchi cave, the slugs of the Damp Bone Forest were the most gentle-natured beings.
"It's been a while. Because the Leaf Village had some recent troubles, I'd like to ask you about something."
"Is that so? However, the ninja world is currently in turmoil, as it seems another great war has broken out."
The slug lowered its body slightly, its tone filled with a sense of sorrow.
Having lived for over a thousand years, it was an entity well-versed in history.
Humans and ninja were like an unending curse, an unbreakable destiny. War and destruction had always plagued this land.
Hearing this, Tsunade fell into silence. War was indeed not a pleasant memory. Her brother and loved one had both died on the battlefield, and young people were following in their footsteps, heading to their deaths. After this war, Leaf Village would likely have many more orphans with no parents.
"Then, Lady Tsunade, what would you like to know from me? Although I may not have all the answers, I do know some things about most matters in the ninja world."
The slug spoke gently.
Tsunade suppressed her sadness, raised her head, and looked up at the giant slug's head. Two large white tentacles extended out from it.
"I remember you told me in the past that the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku has a Sage's Talisman, which can resurrect the dead."
"Yes, Gamamaru indeed has such an item."
Gamamaru was the real name of the Great Toad Sage. In terms of status, the slugs were equal to it, with no superior or inferior relationship between them.
"Would they lend such an item to a human being so easily?"
Tsunade asked, as the situation was highly suspicious. She could understand if it were Jiraiya since he had formed a contract with Mount Myoboku when he was very young. However, the contract between Minato and Mount Myoboku was only established in recent years. Could their relationship be so friendly as to grant access to a thousand-year-old sanctuary, especially when it came to matters of life and death?
"Give it to a human? No, that item consumes Gamamaru's life force and Sage chakra. Under normal circumstances, it would not be used. As far as I know, Gamamaru has only used it on a human once over a thousand years ago."
The slug provided Tsunade with an accurate answer.
"Over a thousand years ago? Who was it?"
Tsunade was surprised. That was such an ancient time. The concept of ninja hadn't even appeared at that point.
"It was a man named Otsutsuki Hamura, the ancestor of the Hyuga clan in Konoha."
The name was unfamiliar, but being associated with the Hyuga clan... Thinking of the current situation of the Hyuga clan, which was being torn apart due to the departure of some branch members, Tsunade couldn't help but feel troubled.
"So, that means unless there are special circumstances, the Great Toad Sage wouldn't grant a Sage's Talisman to a human, is that right?"
"That's correct. If it were to happen, the person who Gamamaru saved was most likely the prophesized child he saw in his dreams."
Sharing leadership over the three sacred places, the slugs and the leaders of the other two sanctuaries knew some secrets about each other. The ninja able to form a contract with Mount Myoboku were individuals capable of bringing significant changes to the ninja world. However, if such a ninja were to meet an untimely death, Gamamaru would not easily use the Sage's Talisman to bring them back.
"If I guessed correctly, the person saved by Gamamaru was a human with blue eyes, right?"
The slug answered Tsunade's question with another question.
"Blue-eyed human? Let me think..."
Tsunade thought about the appearance of Minato, who indeed had blue eyes, and nodded in response.
"Yes, Minato did have blue eyes."
"In that case, that human is the prophesized child of Gamamaru, the one who will bring peace to the ninja world."
"Bringing peace to the ninja world? Minato?"
Tsunade widened her eyes in disbelief. After all, even her grandfather, the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju, didn't accomplish such a feat. The peace he created lasted only during his lifetime. Immediately after his time, the Ninja World saw the outbreak of the First Great Ninja War. It seemed that with each passing year, the disasters and destruction brought by the ninjas were only increasing. From Tsunade's perspective, peace was a distant and seemingly unattainable goal.
How could a young man under twenty like Minato achieve such a thing, even if he was a genius? He was just a talented Jounin in Konoha, and bringing world peace was anything but a simple task.
"Gamamaru's prophetic dream back then was like this. He approached the White Snake Sage of Ryūchi Cave and requested that if the prophesized child faced difficulties and sought help, he hoped the White Snake Sage would assist. Who would have thought that this so-called prophesized child would really appear?"
If it were just a blue-eyed human, it wouldn't be that big of a deal, but a blue-eyed human who Gamamaru would use the Sage's Talisman to resurrect – this basically confirmed their identity.
The slug knew that the young ninja Tsunade called "Minato" was, in most cases, the prophesized child Gamamaru saw in his dreams, the one who would bring peace to the ninja world.
"So, you're saying that Gamamaru saved Minato because of his identity as the prophesized child?"
Tsunade couldn't wait to ask.
"Indeed, it's like that. Otherwise, I can't think of any other reason why Gamamaru would help a human to this extent. After all, even contract partners are just that – partners. In general, summoning animals won't sacrifice their lives to save their partners."
The slug explained. It was apparent that Minato was a special case, as the prophesized child could not afford to die.
"But..."
The slug recalled something.
"But what?"
"The person who can kill the prophesized child is also a formidable individual. Tsunade-sama, if you happen to encounter that person, be very cautious."
The slug expressed concern for Tsunade's safety and advised her to avoid confrontation with such a dangerous person.
"That person is currently a rogue ninja from Konoha, and they were once my student at the Ninja Academy."
Tsunade replied with a wry smile.
"I see. Anyway, Tsunade-sama, please take care."
"Let's put this matter aside for now. About the prophesized child, I'd like to learn more."
Tsunade requested.
"This is a bit difficult. I know only this much about the prophesized child. If Tsunade-sama is interested in learning more, you might consider going to the Land of Demons and consult the current shrine maiden there for divination."
"The Land of Demons? What's that?"
"That's where the shrine maidens originate. Women who inherit the power of the shrine maidens, human females, possess a mysterious power to manipulate time and space and subdue demons. While their divination abilities might not be as versatile as Mount Myoboku's, they have their unique strengths. The shrine maiden might be able to assist you."
The slug explained. Regarding the prophesized child, it only knew this much. If Tsunade wanted to delve deeper, she would either have to go to Mount Myoboku or visit the human shrine maiden. Those were the only two options.
"Forget it. We're in the middle of a war right now, and I barely managed to find time for this visit. Going to the Land of Demosn would be a waste of time right now. It can wait. After the war is over, I'll visit the Land of Demons and consult the shrine maiden there."
Tsunade shook her head. As much as she was concerned about Minato and the prophesized child, winning this war was the top priority. With the combined forces of Sunagakure and Iwagakure attacking, The Leaf Village was under immense pressure, and this was not the time for leisure.
"Then, Tsunade-sama, please follow your own path. If you need help at any time, you can always call me."
The slug said and then slithered away into the misty depths of the Forest.
"The prophesized child... I seem to recall Jiraiya mentioning something about this while we were drinking..."
Tsunade watched the slug's departing figure and stood there, deep in thought.
"The Land of Demons... I'll visit there when I get a chance."
Moreover, she was also interested in the new company, Violet Orchid Pharmaceutical Technologies. It might offer further collaboration opportunities for Konoha.
…
The Land of Demons.
Within the military restricted area of the capital city, many sections were established after previous expansions. The office area handled meetings, issuing orders, personnel transfers, and so on. The research area was divided into research and development as well as a factory, one for developing new technologies and the other for mass production, occupying the largest area. The dormitory area was for rest and entertainment. The newly built school area was responsible for nurturing the next generation of ninjas to replenish the organization. There were also special areas for combat training and storing weapons. Where Shiroshi usually stayed was in two areas, the office area, and the research area. The building in the office area, when viewed from above, looked like an "口" character with an extra opening underneath it, and a spacious corridor in the middle.
The corridors of the four-story building were interconnected, with a spacious central courtyard surrounded in the middle. The ground was paved with smooth and durable stone slabs, and the area was adorned with flowers and trees, providing a natural freshness.
In the central part of the fourth floor was where Shiroshi's office was located. At this moment, Shiroshi was sitting in his office. The chairs and bookshelves were neatly arranged. On the balcony, there were several flowerpots placed to absorb the sunlight and be watered regularly.
Shiroshi was holding a wireless radio communication device with an earpiece, a type he had seen in Konoha as well. It could be used to communicate with teammates, exchange information, and tactics when the switch was turned on. However, due to the long distance, it wasn't very effective in actual combat. Nevertheless, information collection and timely communication were crucial for both strategy and tactics.
The wireless radio communication device he held was the latest model developed by the research department. It had superior functionality compared to those available on the market and a longer communication range, extending to about five kilometers. This range was approximately what most sensor-type ninjas could achieve using sensory ninjutsu. If this device were deployed, it would provide significant advantages in team-based combat situations.
Shiroshi had requested the modification and invention of various other electronic tools as well. He believed that the future would bring about changes in the ninja world, and the way of combat needed to adapt to the times; otherwise, it might become obsolete.
This was why Shiroshi had started early in the organization, instructing its members to seek scientific talents within the ninja world. He knew that a single person's power was minuscule and wouldn't be sufficient to drive change in an era. More talented individuals were needed to push the boundaries of what was possible.
As of now, the organization had recruited dozens of research personnel, and while they might not all be top experts in their respective fields, their collective wisdom and expertise should not be underestimated.
Shiroshi set down the wireless radio communication device and walked over to a corner where many boxes were stacked, filled with books and scrolls, some of which were covered in dust. These items were ancient materials that the team of Chudan had transported back and they served as a wake-up call for Shiroshi regarding the immense power of the Three Great Sacred Lands.
The power of these sacred lands went far beyond just senjutsu abilities. Shiroshi needed to gather more information and data to study the Three Great Sacred Lands in-depth. He began sifting through the boxes for what he needed.
The books and scrolls recorded stories and legends about sages and summoning animals, but some of the content seemed far-fetched and appeared to be works of fiction rather than the information he sought.
"Hmm? What's this...?"
Shiroshi pulled out a book from the bottom of one box. Its pages were yellowed and water-damaged, some were stiff and brittle. The title of the book was "The Heroic Tales of the Toad Sage."
The title explicitly mentioned a "toad sage," which made Shiroshi think of Mount Myoboku. He had a strong feeling that this book might hold the information he was looking for.
After carefully examining the book initially, he couldn't help but feel that something was off as he continued reading. His expression grew increasingly rigid.
The book described the adventures of a human protagonist who claimed to have obtained the power of the "Toad Sage" and roamed the ninja world with various explicit, romantic encounters with women, turning into a harem love story.
In short, it was adult content.
It was far from serious and appeared to be written by an author probably not older than twenty. Shiroshi skimmed through it and saw a familiar signature at the end of the book – Jiraiya.
"Sigh, no wonder there's a toad sage and a human."
Shiroshi couldn't help but laugh. He knew a bit about Jiraiya, one of the Sannin – known for being lecherous, loving to create, but the stories he wrote were mostly adult material, not suitable for underage audiences, according to what Tsunade had told him.
He put the book aside, walked to another box, and continued to search through the books and scrolls. It didn't take long before he found a scroll wrapped in a length of cord.
He detected a faint chakra fluctuation emanating from it. Shiroshi carefully unwrapped the scroll and found that it contained a list of names written in blood. Each name had a red fingerprint beneath it.
"This must be a summoning animal contract scroll."
Shiroshi recognized the origin of this type of scroll, one that could no longer be used for signing new contracts. The last box on the list had one of the names signed, and the blood fingerprint had chakra that was still active.
"However... what a prestigious list of surnames. The Uzumaki and Senju clans, as well as various members of the Hyuga and Kaguya clans. The closest Hyuga to the present day mentioned in this scroll dates back to over three hundred years ago."
Shiroshi observed the names, and he noted that these clans, including the Uzumaki, Senju, and Hyuga clans, had once been prominent noble ninja clans in the ninja world. After several centuries, the contract scroll was still in good condition. The signed names were all from prestigious ninja of their respective clans, and Shiroshi was sure that the origin of this summoning contract scroll was not straightforward.
"Well, the slots are already full, and I can't sign a contract on this scroll."
Shiroshi was disappointed. He was hoping to use the scroll to gain insight into the secrets of the Three Great Sacred Lands.
He had already figured out the probable origin of the summoning contract scroll before examining it. Shiroshi believed that it was most likely related to the summoning animal clan residing in Damp Bone Forest.
"Too bad, there's no more room for signing on this scroll. I guess I'll have to go for the Damp Bone Forest location and discuss it with the slug. However, I need to be cautious. The Damp Bone Forest is home to summoning animals that have lived for over a thousand years, and I'm not sure how they'll react to my presence. It's best to be careful."
Summoning the slug here, if it was not satisfied with the way he signed the contract, he could willingly release the contract.
Once he had thought it through, Shiroshi went outside to the central courtyard. He was about to perform the summoning jutsu to call the slug from Damp Bone Forest. Just as he was about to stand up, a white smoke suddenly enveloped him, and when the smoke dissipated, Shiroshi's figure was gone from where he stood.
About a minute later, someone knocked on the door and entered.
The person who came in was Rui, and she saw the empty office, which made her furrow her brows in dissatisfaction.
"Oh, is Shiroshi-sama not here?" Ayane inquired.
Ayane's voice also joined as she walked in from outside. Like Rui, she noticed the empty office, appearing puzzled.
Rui, seeing Ayane's arrival, furrowed her brows even tighter. She had assumed that Shiroshi had gone to see Ayane, but now Ayane's presence indicated that Shiroshi was not with her either.
"What is this? A summoning contract scroll?" Rui noticed a gigantic scroll spread out on the floor, with Shiroshi's name signed on the last slot.
Ayane activated her Byakugan, focusing intently on the scroll. "The names written in blood on it retain traces of his chakra. It's indeed a summoning contract scroll signed with a summoning animal."
She sighed. It was evident that Shiroshi's disappearance was related to this contract scroll.
On the other side, Shiroshi found himself in a place filled with eerie, pale trees and thick white fog, severely limiting his visibility. He scanned the surroundings, and blue-white slugs covered the ground and trees, secreting transparent mucus.
In this mucus, Shiroshi could sense natural energy.
The natural energy in this damp air was astonishingly concentrated, even by his standards.
"Damp Bone Forest, indeed," Shiroshi muttered, realizing his current situation.
If things went south, he could always gather his Clones here to deal with it. Furthermore, he sensed no hostility or intent to kill from the slugs in this environment. As Tsunade had mentioned, the slugs of Damp Bone Forest were gentle creatures who avoided combat and killing. Among the Three Great Sacred Lands, they were the most respectful of the will of their contract signers.
So, it was best to negotiate.
Shiroshi had no confidence in facing a summoning animal with a history of over a thousand years. After all, that was a battle he wasn't ready for.
He hadn't walked far when he came to a halt.
There was no path forward, and a massive silhouette loomed through the thick fog.
Shiroshi looked up and couldn't hide his astonishment.
A slug!
A blue-white slug, indescribable by words, was right there in front of him.
To be more precise, even if he turned his Water Clone into a gigantic water serpent while in Sage Mode, standing before this slug, it would be akin to comparing an infant to an adult.
The size difference was staggering.
The slightest movement of its body could cause earthquakes and unleash the immense destructive power of an S-rank destruction ninjutsu.
Moreover, the slug was abundant in natural energy and chakra reserves, like a vast ocean.
No, fighting was not an option. The power gap was insurmountable, rendering any strategy or trickery ineffective.
Shiroshi suppressed the awe inside him, maintaining a calm demeanor throughout.
The slug emerged from the thick fog, lowering its colossal head to face Shiroshi.
The scene became oddly tranquil.
…
The slug looked down at the human before it, who appeared as small as a pebble on the roadside. In its eyes, Shiroshi's body was indeed no larger than a roadside pebble.
"Ninja of the human race, may I ask who you are? I sensed a disturbance in the summoning scroll I previously left in the outside world. I recall it being a contract seal from the Uzumaki clan," the slug spoke in a soft, gentle female voice, with a calm and soothing tone.
"Are you the Slug Sage of Damp Bone Forest?" Shiroshi asked with a respectful tone, looking up.
"Just call me Livy, that's my name. Also, I'm not a sage, just a slug well-versed in senjutsu," the enormous slug, known as Livy, replied with a voice that remained gentle and humble. Even in the presence of a frail human, Livy treated him with utmost respect.
Shiroshi felt relieved, realizing he had misjudged the situation earlier. Livy seemed harmless and did not appear concerned about the alterations Shiroshi had made to the contract, even though he had manipulated the scroll by overwriting the previous contract holder's name.
"From now on, I'll call you Livy," Shiroshi replied.
"Sure, feel free. Now, could you introduce yourself?" Livy inquired.
"I'm Chiba Shiroshi, formerly a ninja from Konohagakure."
"Formerly? So, you're a missing-nin now?" Livy asked curiously.
"Although I don't see it that way, according to the current rules of the Five Great Shinobi Nations, I am indeed a missing-nin from Konohagakure."
Shiroshi answered. He could sense Livy's neutrality towards human affairs, and it seemed she wasn't concerned with how he had obtained the contract.
"Rest assured, human rules don't apply to me. While I've also signed a contract with Lady Tsunade of Konohagakure, it doesn't mean I belong to the village. I'm simply a slug skilled in senjutsu."
Livy reassured Shiroshi.
"If our ideals differ, parting ways is sometimes inevitable," Livy commented, as if reminded of something from her past.
"People with differing ideals have varying paths and thought processes. Forcing them to coexist leads to conflicts. I've seen this countless times among my previous contract signers."
She continued, listing the myriad causes of human strife, such as love, family, money, power, religious beliefs, and war.
"Although I don't mind the way you formed a contract with me, it's only for this time."
Livy was aware of what Shiroshi had done with the contract scroll from her previous contract holders, but since those contract signers had passed away centuries ago, there were no breaches of contract.
Shiroshi had forcibly severed the previous contract and added his name using the Uzumaki clan's contract sealing technique. It was an unprecedented scenario, and Livy decided to honor this particular contract but only for this instance.
"I understand, and I won't tamper with the contract scroll again," Shiroshi agreed, feeling embarrassed by his actions.
"This is a new contract scroll, Shiroshi-sama. Please take it. And next time you visit, make sure to bring the discarded contract scroll with you. It appears even full contract scrolls might have risks."
Livy handed him a blank contract scroll. Shiroshi inscribed his name in blood and pressed his fingerprint on it, reaffirming the contract.
"Now, Shiroshi-sama, what would you like to know?" Shiroshi had planned to ask Livy about several topics because a being who had survived for a millennium was essentially a living history book. This could greatly benefit the education and development of the Land of Demons.
If possible, Shiroshi hoped to employ Livy as a history teacher in the ninja academy he was establishing.
"Livy, I'd like to understand..." Shiroshi began to speak but was abruptly interrupted.
A figure emerged from the white fog behind him, and a fist was about to strike his back. However, the attacker was immobilized before the punch could connect because shadowy tendrils had ensnared her body, and countless shadow blades pressed against vital areas like her heart, neck, and the back of her head, exuding a chilling sensation.
If all these blades were to pierce through, it would turn her into a human pincushion.
"Tsunade-sensei, do you have to greet me so warmly right away?" Shiroshi called out the name of the female ninja who had attacked him from behind and turned around to see Tsunade already bound by the shadow tendrils.
"This little brat!" Tsunade was filled with rage upon seeing Shiroshi, and her chakra flared intensely. The shadows restraining her cracked and shattered.
"Please, Tsunade-sama, calm down. Shiroshi-sama is now one of my contract signers," Livy's voice intervened.
Tsunade's fist, which had approached Shiroshi's face, halted before making contact. Shiroshi had retreated his chakra, well aware of the destructive force of Tsunade's punches.
"Livy, can you explain what's going on here? Why is this guy here?" Tsunade asked loudly, pointing at Shiroshi.
"Tsunade-sama, please, calm down a little. Shiroshi-sama, like you, is now my contract signer."
Livy explained, and Shiroshi raised his eyebrows, untroubled by Tsunade. Even if the three legendary ninja were to face him together, he was not overly concerned. If Tsunade was alone, he could handle her, and this was Damp Bone Forest, making it inaccessible to the other two legendary ninja. Even if they could reach here, they would be powerless to act.
"What?" Tsunade was taken aback by the unexpected news that Shiroshi had entered into a contract with Livy.
Tsunade hadn't inquired about why Livy had chosen to form a contract with Shiroshi since it was Livy's own decision, and she had no authority to interfere. To her, human grudges and conflicts were like tiny specks of dust, not worth her concern.
Had Shiroshi not formed the contract, Livy would naturally stand on her side and assist in the fight. However, with the current situation, things were different.
"I've gotten myself into quite a predicament," Tsunade thought, feeling the difficulty of the situation. Livy treated all contract signers equally, regardless of the duration of their relationship. After all, to someone who had lived for over a millennium, her contract with Tsunade was a fleeting moment.
Even though Shiroshi was a missing-nin from Konohagakure, this fact didn't concern Livy. She didn't show any discrimination or dissatisfaction toward missing-nin contract signers. Once a contract was established, regardless of who the other party was, Livy would fight for them. Respecting the relationship with any contract signer was Livy's rule of conduct that had been upheld for centuries, and this was why Tsunade trusted her.
However, this trust placed Tsunade in a challenging position when she encountered a situation like this.
"While I did form a contract with Livy using a bit of a shortcut, we are still contract signers, Tsunade-sensei," Shiroshi addressed Tsunade with respect.
He continued to use the honorific title 'sensei' when referring to Tsunade. From her, he had learned valuable knowledge of medical ninjutsu, which had greatly aided him.
"I can't accept that 'sensei' title from you. You, who have caused damage to the village and killed your fellow shinobi, what do you intend to do?" Tsunade scrutinized Shiroshi with a wary and angry gaze. If it weren't for Livy's presence, she would have wanted to confront this insolent young man.
"Well, it's just something that couldn't be helped. There were many things to consider at that time. Besides, I don't feel like I owe anything to Konoha. The village's Anbu, Root, once tried to kill me, and your teacher, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, simply turned a blind eye and forgave Root's actions. It's a deep camaraderie," Shiroshi replied with a smile, which, when heard by Tsunade, came across as quite ironic.
While Shiroshi's tone was flat, it added to the irony of his words.
"So, this is your reason for leaving the village?" Tsunade sighed deeply. Regarding the situation with Root, she acknowledged that Konoha had wronged Shiroshi and didn't argue.
This man was extremely dangerous, especially considering his shadow ninjutsu, which, as reported by the Intelligence Division, was remarkably perilous. Slight carelessness could lead to death, making it a dangerous technique.
She needed to be on high alert and could not afford to lower her guard when dealing with Shiroshi.
"However, coming to the Damp Bone Forest at this time? Konoha is currently engaged in battles with Iwagakure and Sunagakure. Your absence puts a lot of pressure on our medical team," Tsunade expressed concern.
"It's best not to underestimate Konoha's shinobi; you should be well aware of their medical capabilities," Shiroshi responded. He had played a part in the development of Konoha's medical ninja, and the village's medical system was unparalleled, thanks in part to his contributions.
Rather than worrying about Konoha's situation, Tsunade felt the need to keep an eye on Shiroshi, who had come to the Damp Bone Forest. She suspected he had some ulterior motive in forming a contract with Livy.
She was especially concerned that his purpose might be related to senjutsu, which many shinobi had sought throughout history when searching for the secrets of the Three Great Sacred Places.
"Is your purpose in forming a contract with Livy related to senjutsu?" Tsunade suddenly realized something and looked at Shiroshi with a changed expression. She was worried that he might have come for methods of senjutsu training.
"That doesn't matter. Livy, can you take me on a tour of the Damp Bone Forest?" Shiroshi didn't give a direct answer. Instead, he gazed up at Livy and made a request.
"Of course, please follow my clone and enjoy the tour," Livy agreed wholeheartedly and split off a slug clone, nearly the same size as Shiroshi, to lead the way.
"Well then, I won't bother you, Tsunade-sensei," Shiroshi said and left with Livy's clone to explore the Damp Bone Forest. He was extremely curious about this ancient sacred place that had existed for a thousand years.
Once Shiroshi had left, Tsunade immediately turned to Livy and asked with urgency, "Livy, did he form a contract with you for the purpose of senjutsu?"
"It's not like that, Lady Tsunade. Shiroshi can't possibly be here for senjutsu," Livy explained.
"Why do you say that?" Tsunade inquired.
"I can sense that Shiroshi already has senjutsu chakra within him. He has long mastered senjutsu, and his senjutsu chakra is quite stable. He doesn't need to learn senjutsu here. Besides, my senjutsu isn't suitable for shinobi training, and I believe you're aware of this," Livy replied.
Right from the beginning, Livy had sensed that Shiroshi possessed chakra and natural energy fusion within him. It was evident that Shiroshi's senjutsu mode had already stabilized, and he had no need to learn the senjutsu of the Damp Bone Forest. Learning their senjutsu would be a waste of time and bring unforeseeable risks, such as bodily swelling and transforming into slugs.
Even though they had just formed the contract, Shiroshi felt different from ordinary humans, cautious and self-aware of what he needed and didn't need. He was precise in distinguishing what was useful or not.
"He's already mastered senjutsu? How is that possible? Where did he learn it? At Mount Myoboku or the Ryuchi Cave?" Tsunade asked in astonishment.
"Shiroshi's senjutsu mode is not inherited from Mount Myoboku or Ryuchi Cave. Those who learn the contract with a summoning beast possess some of the unique characteristics of that summon. The Shiroshi you just met, in the state he was, is already in Sage Mode. It's a senjutsu mode that suits humans," Livy explained.
Although it was their first meeting, Livy believed that their guess was not far from the truth. Moreover, it had overheard the conversation between Shiroshi and Tsunade.
Tsunade's student, a missing-nin, who had killed the Foretold Child— it wasn't difficult to deduce that Shiroshi was the missing-nin Tsunade had mentioned.
"I look forward to Shiroshi's future. Regardless of the time, humans are full of fascinating possibilities," for some reason, Tsunade felt that Livy's tone had become more cheerful, as if it had encountered something interesting. It was the first time she had seen Livy express such a cheerful mood.
"Is this really okay, though? The Great Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku entrusted you to take care of the Foretold Child, right?" Tsunade was somewhat puzzled.
"Lady Tsunade, the relationships between the Three Great Sacred Places are not as close as you might imagine. I despise all meaningless conflicts and battles. The Foretold Child is just one of the countless inhabitants of the shinobi world. The progress of the era cannot be reversed by a single individual. Humans keep repeating the same mistakes and arrogance born out of helplessness, something I have witnessed countless times. After all, we are all beings called 'life,' and fundamentally, there is no difference."
In the eyes of the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku, perhaps the Foretold Child was a unique presence, but in Livy's eyes, they were just ordinary people among the masses.
One person's strength, no matter how extraordinary, couldn't change the world.
These weren't baseless words but the perspective of Livy, who had lived for a thousand years, and had seen human history firsthand.
…
On top of a mountain in the Damp Bone Forest was a clear spring. As Shiroshi soaked in the hot spring, he felt the rich life energy surrounding him.
"Shiroshi, this is the Life Spring I created in the past. Immersing yourself in it is effective for sensing natural energy and healing injuries, as well as detoxifying various types of poison," the nearby clone of Livy explained the properties of the spring without Shiroshi asking.
Shiroshi looked at the boundless pool of water. This was probably the largest hot spring he had ever seen, surpassing even the Hot Water Country's hot springs.
Shiroshi nodded and, without hesitation, slashed his hand with a Shadow Blade, making a deep cut on his palm. He then submerged his injured hand into the warm Life Spring.
As expected, his wound rapidly healed at a visible pace, faster than his own medical ninjutsu.
"Shiroshi has already mastered senjutsu by himself, so the effect of this spring is essentially limited to healing for you," Livy commented.
"Can the water be consumed?" Shiroshi inquired.
"The effects of drinking it are similar to immersing yourself, but you can't store it for an extended period outside, as it's a result of my senjutsu and will lose its potency quickly once taken away," Livy kindly informed him.
"That's a shame," Shiroshi remarked. After giving it some thought, it made sense. If the Life Spring water could be taken outside, Tsunade would have already used it for Konoha shinobi. This spring could significantly reduce casualties during wartime by aiding in healing injuries.
However, it gave Shiroshi a clear idea of Livy's senjutsu capabilities. It was no longer as vague as before.
Looking down from the mountaintop, the forest below was shrouded in thick mist. Barren white trees emerged from the mist, and their sharp, needle-like crowns were visible.
"By the way, Livy, what are those trees below? I've never seen this type of tree in the shinobi world." Shiroshi pointed at the eerie white trees and asked curiously.
"They were originally common trees in the shinobi world, but after years of exposure to abundant natural energy and my corrosive mucus, they have become resilient as steel and thrived by absorbing natural energy," Livy explained.
Livy responded this way.
"Can I cut down some of these trees?" Shiroshi asked.
"Please feel free to, Shiroshi. These trees are of no use to me. I don't like their withered appearance, but if I move elsewhere, I'll turn the new place into this environment," Livy said.
Livy didn't object because, to it, these were all useless possessions.
"You are quite indifferent to everything, aren't you? Livy, to be honest, as a being as powerful as you, why did you choose to form a contract with humans?" Shiroshi was puzzled.
The senjutsu power within Livy was so immense that it was likely impossible for humans to reach such a level in their entire lifetime. Even its mere movement could cause massive destruction like an avalanche. And this was just its physical power, not counting its senjutsu abilities. So it was indeed strange for a being of such magnitude to form a contract with humans.
"Why did I form a contract with humans? Shiroshi, you are indeed a peculiar human. Humans come seeking me for senjutsu and power, and they value my medical skills. Lady Tsunade sees me as a friend, which is already quite rare. However, you are the first to ask this question," Livy remarked, finding Shiroshi's question somewhat unexpected.
Shiroshi, with his direct approach to the essence of the question, was a first for Livy.
"It's not a big deal, really. Forming contracts with humans isn't about gaining something for me; it's merely out of boredom," Livy answered in a gentle tone.
"Boredom?" Shiroshi turned to look at Livy's clone.
"My lifespan is extremely long. I also take care of my physical well-being and maintenance. Emotions that humans possess seem pale to me. In the end, nothing lasts. I'm not particularly fond of power and combat, but sometimes, I feel lonely. I hope to use human abilities to see the changes in the outside world and pass the time," Livy elaborated.
"Just passing the time?" Shiroshi asked.
"Yes. I can't see the end of my life, where or when it will be. So, like at the Ryuchi Cave and Mount Myoboku, I draft summoning scrolls to form contracts with humans, using their summons to pass the long and tedious time," Livy explained.
Humans would inevitably grow old and pass away. Even friends like Tsunade, who remembered Livy now, would eventually fade in its memory. In the distant future, its memories of friendship with Tsunade would become distant, leaving only a cold human name.
It would continue to exist in the shinobi world, meeting different humans in the future, forming contracts, and mutually depending on each other. In this process, it might encounter some interesting humans, creating unique and valuable memories.
Livy's tone was peaceful. It was the path it had chosen after seeing through the ever-changing nature of things.
Shiroshi looked at the nearby clone of Livy and sensed not loneliness or solitude but a sage who had seen the world from an observer's perspective.
Not above others, just an ordinary person, much like a hermit.
"Is that so? Then come and witness my life, Livy," Shiroshi said with a smile.
"?" Livy raised its head slightly.
"I plan to inject some unconventional ideas into this world, paths that are incompatible with the current shinobi world. Perhaps, in countless years, you will recall some interesting experiences from today, and it will bring a smile to your face."
"Well, I'll look forward to it, Shiroshi," Livy's tone sounded cheerful. It intended to witness what kind of changes Shiroshi would introduce to the shinobi world during his lifetime.
This change, perhaps, would be one of the most memorable things in these years. In countless years, recalling today's events, the human ninja named "Chiba Shiroshi" might not remain a cold symbol in its memory.
(Chapter End)