Chapter 191: Sage Mode

Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its characters belong to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I create.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 191: Sage Mode

"You want to learn everything," Kakashi repeated, his voice tinged with skepticism.

"I meant eventually. But I am very patient, so for now, I'm focusing on understanding the jutsu my father left me," Naruto replied.

"The Flying Thunder God," Kakashi muttered, familiar with the infamous technique. "And... any progress?"

Naruto seemed to consider his response carefully. "Not sure yet. I'm still testing the formula for creating the mark, but I think I've figured out the other part."

Kakashi's visible eye narrowed slightly. "Really?" He doubted Naruto could have had access to the full jutsu for more than a few days since returning to Konoha. Of course, the Shadow Clone training method could significantly accelerate progress, something Kakashi had only recently realized the extent of.

"I'd love to see it in action once it's complete," Kakashi offered, genuinely intrigued. The Flying Thunder God was the cornerstone of Minato's fearsome reputation, after all.

"Sure," Naruto said nonchalantly as he stepped into the center of the clearing. "Are you ready?"

Kakashi pulled up his forehead protector, revealing his Sharingan. He had a feeling he was going to need it. "Did you visit Mount Myōboku by any chance?"

Naruto nodded. "I did. That was one of our first stops. Why do you ask?"

"I was curious about something..." Kakashi hesitated before asking. "Did they teach you about becoming a Sage?"

Even his Sensei Minato, who was considered a peerless genius, was never able to completely master it. He remembers his Sensei telling him that he would rarely use the Sage Mode in battle because it took him too long to mold the necessary amount of natural energy and even if he did, it would not last for long.

'But Naruto is always surprising me, so maybe...' Kakashi thought.

Naruto tilted his head slightly. "Oh? Do you want to know about that? Yes, I did learn their method."

Kakashi's surprise was evident, despite the fact that he had his suspicions. "You did? In only two years?" He grinned, trying to mask his astonishment. "That's very impressive. I'd love a demonstration if you don't mind."

Naruto's lips curved into a slight smile. "What do you mean by a demonstration? I'm already using it."

"What?" Kakashi blinked in confusion. "When one activates Sage Mode, there are clear physical changes. I saw Lord Jiraiya demonstrate it once, as well as your father. Their eyes would turn yellow, and they'd gain toad-like features."

Naruto nodded knowingly. "Ah, that. Those changes happen when you fail to create a perfect balance with natural energy. Even a slight excess causes those features. I don't have that problem."

Even if he wanted to, he could not do that. His cultivation method was doing more than just keeping the natural energy in balance.

At this point, his yin, yang, and natural energy, had all been combined into one and solidified into his core. There was no way for him to break away from that balance.

The only downside to this was that he had to keep some of his excesses Yang Chakra stored away, the one that he got from absorbing the Yang half of the Kyubi, and was unable to combine it as it would break that delicate balance.

As he gained more Yin Chakra by dual cultivating or by absorbing other Bijuus, he would be able to incorporate that one too into his 'Core' and increase his cultivation at a rapid pace.

"You're saying you can use Sage Mode without showing any physical changes? Is that even possible?" Kakashi's doubt was apparent. The notion that Naruto could achieve something Minato hadn't in so short a time seemed absurd, no matter how talented Naruto was.

"Not quite. What I'm saying is that I'm always in what you call 'Sage Mode.' I'm constantly using and blending natural energy with my own chakra," Naruto clarified.

" That's…." Kakashi wanted to say that it was ridiculous. And that there was a limit on how much he could make up.

His Sharingan was not able to see Naruto's charka as clearly as the Byakugan could, but if he was currently using natural energy, he should be able to feel something distinct about his chakra…but there was nothing, no matter how much he looked.

Naruto's chakra was still as a pond.

"I see you have doubts," Naruto felt a bit annoyed by his former Sensei's lack of faith but kept calm. He did not want to come out as rude. "I suppose I can't blame you, but fine. Since you wanted a demonstration, let's do that."

A sense of unease settled over Kakashi.

Naruto extended his right hand. "Sage Art: Exploding Flame Ball."

In an instant, a massive sphere of fire materialized in front of Naruto's palm before shooting toward Kakashi. As this one moved away, the fireball erupted mid-flight, creating a blazing torrent of flames.

"Sage Art: Vortex," Naruto called lazily.

A powerful gust of wind surged forward, combining with the flames. Moments later, a roaring fire tornado formed, tearing through the clearing.

Kakashi's visible eye widened. "I don't think the training field is going to survive this..."

A.N 1: - The reason Naruto doesn't gain any of the typical Sage marks on his face is because he's not using Sage Mode in the conventional way. Instead of temporarily boosting his power, he's permanently merging natural energy with his chakra. This feat would be impossible without Naruto's unique cultivation technique. He still gains all the benefits of Sage Mode, such as increased physical abilities and the ability to use senjutsu.-

A.N 2: - Remember to comment, vote, and/or leave a review if you have the time. Those things help me a lot and I would really appreciate it.

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