I, who just wanted to be lazy, was forced to become the Hokage.

Chapter 497 An Unexpected "Acquaintance"!

Nara Rinka tightly gripped the S-rank technique scroll in his hand, immersing himself completely in its contents, eagerly reading and absorbing the essence of knowledge recorded within [Sage Mode: Senju Hashirama].

This "Sage Mode," named after a large pillar, differs somewhat from the other two "Sage Modes" currently mastered by Nara Rinkei.

First of all, whether it is Mount Myoboku or Shikkotsu Forest, the sources of natural energy that their "Sage Mode" can absorb and extract are limited to only two.

【Sage Mode - Mt. Myoboku】, absorbs natural energy from the atmosphere and the earth.

【Immortal Mode - Wet Bone Forest】, absorbs natural energy from seawater and the atmosphere.

By analogy, the [Sage Mode - Ryuchi Cave] that Nara Rangkei has not yet reached should absorb natural energy from the earth and sea.

However, in reality, the natural energy sources that the three holy lands can absorb in their "Immortal Mode" still have a clear focus.

Mount Myoboku leans towards "grandeur".

Shikotsu Forest emphasizes "seawater".

Ryongji Cave relies on the "earth".

This emphasis may be related to the characteristics of the creatures living within the three sacred sites (toads, slugs, and snakes).

In addition, the numerous immortal techniques passed down by the three holy lands can also indirectly demonstrate the emphasis of the three holy lands on the "immortal mode".

The most obvious example is probably the "Inorganic Reincarnation" in Ryuchi Cave.

Although [Inorganic Rebirth] mainly targets "inorganic matter".

However, in actual use, it manifests more like a large-scale earth-style ninjutsu.

Unlike the Sage Mode of the three sacred lands, 【Sage Mode - Hashirama Senju】can absorb natural energy from the atmosphere, the earth, and the sea simultaneously!

Simply put, it's the giant pillar's "Sage Mode," which allows it to absorb all natural energy from the outside world!

This has always been one of the goals that Nara Rangsei has been pursuing.

If there is a significant deficiency in the natural energy sources that can be absorbed by [Sage Mode].

Under normal circumstances, it might not have any impact.

It's better to be safe than sorry.

Nara Rinka didn't want to make a mistake on such a small matter.

His original plan was to gradually improve this shortcoming of [Sage Mode] himself, but he didn't expect that Dazhuzi's [Sage Mode] had already solved this problem for him.

Secondly, the Sage Chakra that can be synthesized by [Sage Mode: Hashirama Senju] has a clear target—Wood Release Chakra!

The chakra created by the Sage Mode of the three sacred lands is attribute-neutral chakra, which can be transformed into the corresponding attribute chakra through nature change according to the user's will (or hand seals).

However, [Sage Mode: Hashirama Senju] can only be used on Wood Release.

Nara Rinkei felt that "Wood Release: Sage Mode" might be a more suitable name.

Correspondingly, after using Sage Mode: Hashirama Senju, one cannot release other ninjutsu; one can only release Wood Release ninjutsu.

Nara Rinka previously obtained Wood Release Sage Techniques from Tsunade, such as [Sage Art: Myojinmon] and [Sage Art: Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands]... Now he can use them with the help of this "Wood Release Sage Mode".

Although these sage techniques can be released through [Sage Mode - Mt. Myoboku/Shikkotsu Forest].

However, it's clear that they are still more suitable for [Sage Mode: Hashirama Senju].

Finally, and most importantly.

The key point is that [Sage Mode - Hashirama Senju] is the first—and probably the last—human version of Sage Mode that Nara Rinka has encountered so far!

There is a precedent for this "Wood Release Sage Mode".

Nara Rinka can easily replicate other types of "Bloodline Sage Mode".

This is undoubtedly a very solid step towards the ultimate goal of winning the Nara laurel.

The "Sage Mode," exclusively for humans, has finally become more than just a plan; it's become a tangible and anticipated outcome.

Master Chung-kaku didn't need to observe carefully to notice the overflowing joy in Nara's Cassia Grove.

The old abbot couldn't help but have some doubts.

He knew perfectly well the origin of the ninjutsu scroll in the Fourth Hokage's possession.

Those were items left behind in the temple when the First Hokage visited the Temple of Fire.

At the same time, the First Hokage generously stated that if any talented members of the Sage Clan of the Fire Temple needed to learn the contents of this ninjutsu scroll, they could add to the strength of the Land of Fire.

Over the years, the talented members of the Sage Clan at the Fire Temple have naturally studied this scroll of inheritance left behind by the First Hokage within the temple.

Unfortunately, decades have passed, and none of the talented immortals have actually learned any skills from this scroll.

The reason is also very simple.

To train in Sage Mode: Hashirama Senju, there are two fairly basic restrictions.

First, a practitioner must possess a sufficiently large amount of chakra.

Second, the practitioner must be a user of the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai.

The first condition is something that the immortal talents of the Fire Temple can barely meet.

Although not every talented immortal possesses the "Chaton" of the First Hokage.

However, they are still qualified to cultivate [Sage Mode].

The second question is!

Those who are not users of the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai cannot train in Sage Mode: Hashirama Senju.

How rare is Wood Release?

Master Chung-kaku only knew that in the ancient scriptures of the Fire Temple, it was clearly recorded that only the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, possessed the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai!

Even the First Hokage's younger brother, the Second Hokage, did not awaken Wood Release.

But this Fourth Hokage, for some reason, seemed so excited...

Master Zhongjue had doubts, but he did not ask them.

If the Fourth Hokage is willing to explain the reason, Master Chung-kaku will provide a pair of quiet listening ears.

However, if the other party is unwilling to explain their reasons, Master Zhongjue will not rashly pry into their secrets.

The old abbot patiently waited for the Fourth Hokage to put down the ninjutsu scroll in his hand before slowly speaking again.

"Lord Hokage, aside from these few completed techniques..."

Master Zhongjue raised his right hand and pointed to a certain spot inside the building.

"This temple also houses some other unfinished techniques that are not perfect, as well as a large number of cultivation insights from talented immortals. They are all stored there."

"If Lord Hokage wishes to borrow it for further reading, he may do so."

"Thank you, Master."

Nara Lan Gui clasped his hands together and sincerely thanked them.

Then, in front of Master Zhongjue, he left a mark on the attic floor with the words "Shadow Blade".

"I apologize for any inconvenience I may cause in the coming days."

"You're too kind, Hokage..."

Master Zhongjue returned the greeting and then asked a question.

"Does Lord Hokage have any free time right now?"

"The ninja squad that delivered the message for Shikaku has been staying at the temple recently. They just learned that the Hokage is coming and wanted to come and pay their respects."

The Konoha ninja squad remained at the Fire Temple.

Don't they have any other tasks to perform?

Or was staying at the Fire Temple part of Nara Shikaku's mission for them?

Nara Rinka was somewhat surprised.

But since he himself was inside the Fire Temple, the village ninjas naturally wouldn't refuse if they wanted to come.

Master Zhongjue quickly led a four-person team over.

Nara took a quick look at the cassia tree.

Surprisingly, they were four "acquaintances".

The leader of the team, a Chunin named Might Guy.

The three accompanying team members were Izumo Kamizuki, Tetsuo Kou, and...

Matt Dae?!

(End of this chapter)