Chapter 30
"If there are no problems, we'll leave it at that for today. When you get home, practice diligently—memorize the hand seal sequence and work on increasing your speed. Tomorrow, we'll begin some basic missions."
After ensuring there were no further questions, Yamato dismissed them, allowing them to return home and practice on their own. Meanwhile, he planned to report the situation to the Third Hokage.
"No problem. We'll accept the mission... and we'll make sure to train our ninjutsu properly," they nodded in agreement. Before worrying about anything else, they planned to familiarize themselves with their newly summoned creatures.
Zixu, on the other hand, was eager to return home as soon as possible. He had something far more important in mind—training in Sage Mode.
After bidding farewell to Hyuga Chinano and the others, he returned to his room, locked the door, and used a soundproofing technique to ensure he wouldn't be disturbed. Then, he reached up and pulled down the small black snake that had been stubbornly clinging to his head, refusing to leave.
"Hmm... technically, I didn't summon this guy through spiritual communication. Even though it signed a contract with me, it's not returning to Ryūchi Cave for some reason. Could this be the doing of the White Snake Sage...?"
Zixu poked the little black snake's head with his finger. It looked utterly clueless—dull, almost foolish.
The snake, however, seemed quite attached to him. It lazily lifted its head, brushing against his fingertip with half-closed eyes.
"Well, whatever. Let me start practicing Sage Mode first. Since you're a snake from Ryūchi Cave, I hope you'll be of some use during my training..."
Of course, Zixu was just talking nonsense. The little black snake was completely useless at the moment. Still, it raised its tail and made a cheering gesture, as if trying to encourage him.
"Alright then... To practice Sage Mode, I first need to sense the natural energy around me and merge it with physical energy and spiritual energy in a perfect 1:1:1 ratio..."