The reverse summoning jutsu concluded with a subtle ripple in the air, depositing Sasuke amidst an ethereal expanse unlike any he had previously encountered. Towering trees, their bark a smooth, bone-white hue, reached towards a sky dappled with an otherworldly luminescence.
Instead of typical undergrowth, the forest floor was carpeted with what appeared to be calcified flora, intricate and delicate yet undeniably osseous in nature. A damp, almost viscous, quality permeated the air, carrying the faint scent of petrichor mingled with an earthy sweetness.
Before him, a being of considerable size, a larger iteration of the slug he had briefly summoned in Hokage office, regarded him with placid, intelligent eyes. This Katsuyu stood nearly Twice of Sasuke's own height, her form exuding an ancient and serene presence.
With a respectful inclination of his head, Sasuke offered a formal address. "Lady Katsuyu, I will be in your care."
The colossal slug responded with a gentle undulation of her form, a movement that rippled through her translucent body. "Indeed, Sasuke. Tell me, were you aware of the peculiar nature of your chakra? It possesses a subtle potency, an inherent quality that suggests a natural, albeit a little bit, absorption of natural energy."
Sasuke's brow furrowed slightly. He had already hear this from Tsunade last time. His gaze drifted towards the faint remnants of the curse mark upon his shoulder, a series of tomoe that had noticeably faded in recent weeks.
"I had believed this mark to be the cause. However, Tsunade-sama assured me that it was not, suggesting instead an innate predisposition for Senjutsu."
Katsuyu listened with an air of profound stillness. "And how did you come to bear this… mark?"
Sasuke recounted the events of the Chunin Exams, the sudden intrusion of Orochimaru, and the unwelcome gift of the cursed seal. He carefully omitted any mention of his System, simply stating, "For reasons unknown to me, the malevolent soul fragment within the mark was… purged. Since then, I have maintained complete dominion over its power."
He then added, referencing his recent experiences, "Furthermore, during my mission approximately six weeks prior, I observed a gradual fading of its influence."
Katsuyu absorbed his explanation without interruption, her multifaceted eyes unwavering. "The mark is not fading, young one. Rather, it is in the process of a more profound integration, a merging with your very chakra. It is this unique confluence that lends your energy that faint, almost imperceptible, resonance with natural energy."
A wave of surprise washed over Sasuke. "But Tsunade-sama was certain it was not due to the mark."
Katsuyu offered a slow, deliberate nod.
"Tsunade-sama possesses a rudimentary understanding of Senjutsu, it is true. However, the ability to fully perceive and differentiate between standard chakra and chakra subtly imbued with natural energy requires a far more refined sensitivity. She, despite her considerable talents, lacks this particular acuity."
A faint ripple of what might have been disappointment traversed her form. "Indeed, I have on occasion suggested she pursue the path of the Sage Arts, but she has never deemed it a worthy endeavor."
A small, awkward chuckle escaped Sasuke's lips. He could well imagine the Fifth Hokage's dismissive reaction to such a suggestion. She would rather focus on Gambling & drinking.
Katsuyu continued, her tone shifting slightly. "Furthermore, I sense a faint residue within your chakra, a subtle… venom, reminiscent of the Serpent Sages of Ryuchi Cave. They employ similar methods to our own, utilizing unique environments – their Road of White Bones, our Shikkotsu Forest's… wellspring – to facilitate the initial stages of Senjutsu training."
Sasuke nodded, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. He recalled fragmented information from his past life, the distant connection between Juugo's clan and the denizens of Ryuchi Cave. It seemed the world held far more intricate connections than he had initially grasped.
"Now," Katsuyu announced, her attention returning to him fully, "let us proceed to the location where your training shall commence. It is the true Katsuyu who will guide your steps."
Sasuke tilted his head, a question forming on his lips, but he refrained from voicing it, choosing instead to follow the colossal slug as she began to move through the silent, bone-white forest.
______
( At Konoha )
The following morning, the sun cast long shadows across the bustling streets of Konoha. Within the Hokage's office, amidst stacks of paperwork that seemed to multiply by the hour, Naruto Uzumaki stood before Tsunade, his enthusiasm radiating like a miniature sun.
"Tsunade-obaasan!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing slightly in the spacious chamber. "I also want to learn Senjutsu! Teach me too!"
Tsunade, who had been meticulously reviewing a report, slammed her palm onto the desk with a resounding thud, her emerald eyes flashing with irritation. "Stop calling me 'grandma,' you knucklehead! Do I look like a decrepit old hag to you?"
Shizune, standing quietly beside her, offered a small, almost imperceptible chuckle before refocusing on the documents in her hands, diligently assisting her beleaguered mistress.
Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples. "Naruto, you already possess a contract with the Toads of Mount Myoboku. They are also capable of instructing in the Sage Arts. Have you considered asking them?"
Naruto's face brightened considerably. "So, Gamabunta can teach me Senjutsu?"
Tsunade shook her head, a weary expression returning. "Just… ask Jiraiya about it when he returns from his… research trips."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Naruto's features. Before he could voice his protest, a familiar voice echoed within the confines of his mind.
"Oi, brat. Instead of bothering the old hag, perhaps you should focus on mastering even a fraction of my power. You can barely channel enough for a single tail worth chakra, let alone the Sage Arts."
Naruto blinked, a thoughtful expression replacing his earlier enthusiasm. "Yeah… you're right, Kurama." He mentally conceded. "I should probably work on that first. I can ask Pervy Sage about Senjutsu when he gets back."
With a newfound resolve, Naruto grinned at Tsunade. "Alright, Baa— Hokage-sama! I'll go train! See ya!" He then promptly vanished in a swirl of leaves, leaving Tsunade to sigh once more, the endless tide of paperwork her only remaining company.