บท 72: Chapter 72: Journey to the Damp Bone Forest

Although he had decided to attack Iwagakure, Hattori did not rush to set off.

The distance between Iwagakure and Sunagakure was too great; running on foot alone would be too exhausting.

Hattori did not want to endure that, so he used a summoning jutsu to call forth a small slug.

"Katsuyu, use reverse summoning to send me to the summoning realm. I need to find a rideable summon!"

"Understood!"

The slug responded immediately and then added:

"Lord Hattori, my main body resides in the Shikkotsu Forest, so I can only summon you there. Is that alright?"

"Yeah, that's fine," Hattori nodded.

Receiving his approval, the slug nodded as well.

"Alright, I'll start now!"

With that, it disappeared with a puff of white smoke.

A few seconds after the slug vanished, Hattori felt a sudden shift, and the scenery around him changed entirely.

Where he had stood in the moonlit desert, surrounded by pale sand, was now a damp, shadowy forest.

But the most striking thing wasn't the change in scenery.

The most noticeable was the massive slug standing before him!

This slug was so enormous that it dwarfed Shukaku, whom Hattori had seen when he first arrived in Sunagakure, by at least tenfold.

The most immediate impression was that when Hattori looked up, it seemed like the slug blocked out most of the sky.

And its attributes were even more astonishing—

**[Name: Sage Slug]**

**[Level: 99]**

**[HP: 98,660/98,660]**

**[MP: 86,800/86,800]**

**[Specialties: Acid, Division, Sage Arts, Space Transfer]**

**Combat Strength Evaluation: SS+**

Hattori: "╭(°A°`)╮"

What a formidable being!

Seeing this, he finally understood why, in the original story, even Tsunade and Sakura using the Strength of a Hundred Seal could only summon a tenth of the Sage Slug.

A summon of this size—being able to summon even a tenth was impressive. Summoning the entire creature could probably go toe-to-toe with a tailed beast!

Sensing Hattori's astonishment, the colossal Sage Slug spoke.

"Little Hattori, you've arrived!"

Unlike Katsuyu's respectful tone, the Sage Slug's attitude was more affectionate, like a grandmother looking at her grandson.

Hattori could clearly feel this.

So, he immediately bowed respectfully to the Sage Slug.

"Greetings, Great Sage Slug. I came in a hurry this time, so I didn't bring a gift. I won't forget next time!"

"Hahaha!"

Hearing this, the Sage Slug laughed heartily.

It lowered its head, bringing its eyestalks close to Hattori.

"What a good child, just like Tsunade. I remember she used to bring me broccoli a decade or so ago. Little Hattori, can you promise me one thing?"

"Of course, no problem!"

Hattori nodded right away as soon as the Sage Slug spoke.

"If it's within my power, you can count on me. Even if it's not, I'll try my best!"

"Hahaha, it's nothing that troublesome!"

The Sage Slug laughed again and then made its request.

"My request is simple: do not harm little Tsunade. Even though you are from different villages, she, like you, is a good child. So please, don't harm her!"

"Uh… what if she tries to harm me?"

"She won't. I trust her."

"…"

Seeing the unwavering confidence of the Sage Slug, Hattori's lips twitched, but he eventually nodded.

"Alright, since you ask so earnestly, I promise that unless Tsunade tries to kill me, I won't harm her. Is that okay?"

"Yes, that's fine. I trust you."

The Sage Slug nodded again and unrolled a massive scroll in front of Hattori.

"I know you need a rideable summon. Here's a list of all the summons from the Shikkotsu Forest. I suggest you choose the dragonfly—it's the fastest among them."

"Alright, I'll take it then."

Trusting the Sage Slug's recommendation, Hattori promptly found the dragonfly's symbol on the scroll, bit his finger, and signed his name below it.

As he finished signing, a new skill-unlock prompt appeared.

**[Summon Unlocked: Giant Winged Dragonfly – A very fast summon. Summoning costs 100 MP per use.]**

Seeing this prompt, Hattori felt relieved.

Based on his past experience, the bigger the summon, the more MP it consumed.

Summoning this dragonfly required 100 MP, indicating its size was significant—enough to carry him through the skies.

He bowed once more to the Sage Slug.

"Thank you, Great Sage Slug. I've signed the contract; please send me back now!"

"Alright, remember to visit me when you have the time!"

"Hehe, I will!"

As soon as he spoke, the Sage Slug undid the reverse summoning.

Hattori felt another flash, and when he came to, he found himself back in the familiar desert.

Looking at the familiar surroundings, he couldn't help but smile.

"The Sage Slug truly has a straightforward nature, which I like. Now, time to set out!"

With that, he performed the summoning jutsu for the Giant Winged Dragonfly.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

"Poof!"

A large cloud of white smoke appeared and dissipated, revealing a black, ten-meter-long dragonfly whose wings spread like those of a jet fighter.

Seeing the colossal creature, Hattori's eyes lit up.

"Wow, are you my new summon?"

The dragonfly couldn't speak, but it understood Hattori's words and nodded.

Hattori's grin widened, and he leapt onto its back, sitting cross-legged.

"Let's go! Take me north to Iwagakure—it's time for them to face me. Onward!"

With those words, the giant dragonfly took off with a whoosh.

Its wings made a loud buzzing noise, and as it gained speed, it sounded like the roar of engines, reminiscent of racing cars on a track or bombers in a war film.

But far from being annoyed by the noise, Hattori's excitement only grew.

"Yes, exactly this! You're amazing, Giant Winged Dragonfly. I bet we're going to give Iwagakure quite a surprise, hahaha…"

*End of Chapter*