Chapter 36: First Mastery of Sage Art
When Kawakaze opened his eyes, he saw Tsunade's fair face close to his. She was sound asleep.
"She used too much chakra healing your wounds, so don't wake her," Lady Katsuyu advised.
Kawakaze noticed a few Katsuyu slugs still clinging to his face, their cold, slimy touch lingering. His wounds were mostly healed now. What a silly girl.
Gently, he shifted Tsunade, resting her head on his lap. This hard boulder wasn't exactly comfortable. He also brushed her light yellow hair aside to keep it from disturbing her sleep.
"How do you feel now?" Lady Katsuyu asked.
"I still feel a bit weak," Kawakaze admitted, sensing a powerful energy surging within him—the Senjutsu Chakra.
"This is normal. I didn't expect your cells to be so active," Lady Katsuyu remarked. "Lord Hashirama completed the fusion directly, but you managed to turn things around after failing. Today, you've opened my eyes."
Her praise was genuine. Shikkotsu Forest had proven its capability for Senjutsu, contrary to the beliefs of those who favored toads and snakes.
"It was just luck," Kawakaze said humbly. "I almost gave up."
"A person reduced to dust, or even pus, still returns to nature," Lady Katsuyu replied cryptically.
Kawakaze, drenched in sweat, felt the conversation wasn't leading anywhere. "Does this make me a full-fledged Sage now?"