Chapter 112: Chapter 112 : Whether to Learn
"The Path of Human Cultivation of Senjutsu (Sage Mode) has its significant flaws," the White Snake Sage commented as it took up its smoking pipe once more, puffing thoughtfully.
"To enter this state, one must dedicate considerable time to absorb natural energy. During this period, individuals become vulnerable and easily susceptible to harm. Enemies could exploit this weakness, even hindering their access to the Sage Mode."
Orochimaru nodded, acknowledging the glaring issue. The rapid absorption of natural energy could lead to chakra imbalances and assimilation with nature, risking petrification.
"But if one is sufficiently powerful, could they bypass this vulnerability?" Orochimaru inquired, reflecting upon Hashirama's immense strength.
"It's not that simple," the White Snake Sage shook its head.
"Why is it called the Sage Mode, and why am I known as the White Snake Sage?" The snake seemed to boast a little. "Because, their supposed use of natural energy to enhance physical prowess, fuse more chakra, heighten perception, and amplify ninjutsu abilities—I possess all of these attributes at all times, and my might surpasses theirs by a considerable margin.
Let's begin with the body. While chakra is a formidable power, over time, their bloodlines have weakened, causing a decline in chakra quality and an increase in defects."
The White Snake Sage continued sternly, "I've encountered many ninjas with ample chakra reserves, yet their bodies remain fragile, making them easy targets. Unless they're particularly skilled in physical combat (Taijutsu), imperfect chakra yields only limited enhancements in physical strength."
Imperfect chakra? Isn't that the norm for most ninja in the world? Orochimaru pondered, considering that perfect chakra might refer to the ten-tails' original power.
"Setting that aside, the most glaring aspect is that as chakra tends towards perfection, ninja would inherently possess all five elemental affinities. This renders specialized cultivation of attributes practically fruitless and limits them from attaining their utmost potential."
"Is that so?" Orochimaru mused.
The White Snake Sage shot Orochimaru a look. "You don't possess perfect chakra, do you? You achieved all five affinities by consuming others' chakra!"
"...Um, yes."
Thus, Senjutsu wasn't bound by elemental attributes?
"Let's delve into perception. I mentioned earlier that some ninjas may be powerful but are nonetheless frail. This is exacerbated by the fact that unless they possess inherent perception or mental strength, or are adept in sensory ninjutsu or have special bloodlines, their sensory abilities are subpar."
"...I suppose I feel the same when comparing to you," Orochimaru admitted, recalling the elusive Three Snake Girls.
"Herein lies the issue."
The White Snake Sage shifted its serpentine form for comfort.
"Due to this flaw, numerous powerful ninjas have been killed by adversaries much weaker than them. It's a ludicrous situation."
Orochimaru couldn't help but recall the scene where Madara Uchiha, mighty as he was, succumbed to an attack from Night Guy, and sighed.
"This is why countless talents flock to learn Senjutsu. The Sage Mode helps rectify their deficiencies to an extent, rapidly bolstering their strength.
First, physical prowess—human bodies are inadequate for comparison with colossal ninja beast. This holds doubly true for those of us who practice genuine Senjutsu. We can even subdue weak ninjas with our bodies!"
Orochimaru couldn't help but glance at his own form. With the bloodline of a white-scaled serpent, am I more human or beast?
"And perception, when honed through Senjutsu, greatly enhances this ability. Although we permanently integrate absorbed natural energy into our own power, we remain intrinsically connected to it. As a part of nature, we are enveloped by surrounding natural energy."
The White Snake Sage closed its eyes. Its immense power seemed to gradually fade, replaced by an aura of tranquillity and emptiness.
Orochimaru focused his mental prowess to perceive and was astonished to find the White Snake Sage blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Were it not for visible cues, it would have been almost impossible to spot.
Pairing this with the skills of the agile snake girls, who deftly vanished and reappeared, it would be effortless to assassinate opponents. Even individuals of Kage-level strength would likely fall prey to such tactics.
The notion sent a shiver down Orochimaru's spine. It seems practicing taijutsu and enhancing perception was imperative.
But should I achieve such mastery, um...
As if sensing Orochimaru's thoughts, the White Snake Sage let out a chuckle. "Boy, stop dreaming. While the pure Sage Art wields incredible power, it's not without its drawbacks. Progression is slower, requiring more time and patience to comprehend the power of nature."
"How much time are we talking about?" Orochimaru had a foreboding feeling.
"To attain a level akin to mine, it might take you hundreds of years," the White Snake Sage stated matter-of-factly, peering down at Orochimaru. "And it could very well require decades to reach your current chakra intensity."
"What?! Decades?!"
Orochimaru felt a sense of impending doom. This disadvantage effectively negated dozens of previously touted benefits.
It was worth noting that during the Warring States period, the average ninja lifespan was a mere twenty-four years—a grim reality.
Children as young as six or seven were thrust onto battlefields, and reaching the age of forty was considered an impressive feat. How could one possibly find the time to seclude themselves for solitary cultivation?
By the time one attained Kage-level prowess, all familiar faces would likely have long passed, with the grass on their graves nearly half a human's height.
"Um... Are you certain I can dedicate hundreds of years to the cultivation of Senjutsu? I am, after all, human."
In truth, Orochimaru longed to say his farewells now. The prospect of eternal seclusion held no allure.
Human lives spanned merely a few decades, and Orochimaru's current growth rate suggested achieving Kage-level status within the next several years—time was scarce for such extensive "cultivation"!
"It now dawns on me why you would teach the less refined Sage Mode to humans," Orochimaru sighed, gazing skyward. "Humans lack your millennia-long lifespan, making the Instant Sage Mode a more pragmatic option."
True, ninjas (excluding Otsutsuki and their descendants) boasted the longest lifespans among humans, though even then, that longevity might not compare to a human's life expectancy. The validity of such a state remained ambiguous.
Longevity was also a trait of Madara Uchiha, Orochimaru, and Tsunade. Ultimately, Orochimaru emerged victorious in this regard.
Nonetheless, even with extended lives, a lifespan of over three hundred years seemed requisite for effective "Real Senjutsu" cultivation.
"Oh? So, you're concerned about longevity. In truth, you needn't fret. The power of nature encompasses yet more remarkable attributes!"
The White Snake Sage chuckled, prompting Orochimaru's heart to skip a beat.
"True Senjutsu can extend one's lifespan," the snake declared.
Orochimaru's heart raced, grappling with the concept.
"You may be unaware that even ordinary animals, through Sage Arts, can undergo astounding transformations, transcending their base forms to become Sage beings. Even a commonplace monkey could ascend to an invincible Monkey King!"
"The inherent vitality and evolutionary potential of nature's power bestows practitioners with transformative abilities, even in humans. With adequate dedication, a human could potentially live for around five centuries..."
The White Snake Sage expounded on the marvels of Senjutsu, yet Orochimaru's mind raced with disbelief.
Was this truly the world of Naruto to which I've traversed? Why do these explanations echo cultivation techniques?!
Indeed, this world was peculiar!
However, considering the existence of extraterrestrial beings...
Well...
Orochimaru refocused, intently gazing at the White Snake Sage.
To be candid, if Senjutsu proved as enticing as portrayed, Orochimaru was intrigued. Firstly, the paradox of Senjutsu eased—the pursuit of scientific ninjutsu over five centuries could render Orochimaru an unparalleled force.
But would this span of time only relegate me to an observer in isolation?
Why did I come to this world in the first place? What purpose lay behind all these endeavours?
Ultimately, Orochimaru sighed, "Forgive me, could you teach me the simplest Sage Mode?"
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