It was the first time that Mizuki saw a ninja with insufficient chakra practicing Sage Mode.

Mizuki didn't think he would succeed the first time. It was basically impossible, especially for Xiaochun, who was not good at fine control of chakra.

But surprisingly, Xiaochun did quite well in this regard.

If the amount of chakra is insufficient, the chakra that needs to be controlled will also be reduced.

At this point, the key to successfully practicing the Sage Mode is to maintain the balance of natural energy and chakra in the body, rather than how to strengthen control, improve the completeness of the Sage Mode and the power of the Sage Technique. That is what to do next.

Ninjas who have been baptized by natural energy will undergo changes in many aspects.

Among the Sage Modes that Shuimu knows about, the one with the biggest change is Kabuto Yakushi, but Shuimu doesn't know what he looks like now after practicing another version of the sage art. Logically speaking, there shouldn't be any obvious mutations.

Jiraiya's Sage Mode also has obvious frog transformation characteristics.

There is not much difference between the Sage Modes of Haruno Sakura and Mizuki, but Mizuki's eye color and hairstyle have changed a lot. Sakura's change is not so obvious. Only the color of her pupils has added a lot of golden glow, and there are no other noticeable changes.

This is certainly not because Sakura's Sage Mode is more complete than Mizuki's. The reason is that Mizuki is affected by the things sealed in his body, especially the will of the summoned beasts collected by the soul gathering array engraved on his body, which caused him to have some changes.

Sakura's degree of alienation is very low because the Sage Mode she practices is quite pure, without the influence of Myoboku Mountain and Ryuchi Cave, so the posture she displays is the most reasonable.

This is just like how a toad magician cannot grow fangs, and a snake magician cannot grow limbs.

The performance of Xiaochun's Sage Mode was even more strange. Mizuki could not find any changes after careful observation. If he could not feel the Sage Chakra in his body, Mizuki would have thought it was a complete failure.

"Did it work?"

Xiaochun waited hopefully for Shuimu's decision.

"Um!"

Shuimu lowered his head and thought for a while before answering.

"It shouldn't be a problem, but it's a bit unexpected."

For example, Jiraiya's immortal arts that change a lot are because the immortal arts are not complete enough. Xiaochun's problem is somewhat similar, but the root cause is different.

"The amount of chakra is insufficient, the ability to sense natural energy is too limited, and the senjutsu chakra is also very scarce. Although this can be considered sage mode, it is a little different from what I imagined."

The senjutsu chakra in Xiaochun's body has become so thin that it cannot activate the sennin transformation that Mizuki understands.

This is similar to how Orochimaru decomposed the snake senjutsu and integrated it with Jūgo's curse seal and then advanced it step by step. Xiaochun is now like a beginner who has just mastered the senjutsu chakra. He needs to continue to practice and adapt, and refine as much senjutsu chakra as possible to better exert its power. The only difference is that this transition will be smooth, and unlike the Curse Seal One and Two states, he will not have to risk his life when he is suddenly promoted.

“Really?”

Xiaochun was a little disappointed. She had been looking forward to this kind of combat state that could bring a qualitative leap to Shuimu's strength for a long time, but she didn't expect to only get a semi-finished product now.

"Focus and don't let your mind wander."

Shuimu reminded him, and just when he was distracted for a while, the natural energy in Xiaochun's body began to fluctuate, and Shuimu had to increase the strength of the fragments of the Outer Path Golem to absorb the natural energy.

"This is not a bad thing. It is important to improve your strength step by step. It is not a good thing to rashly master uncontrollable power. At least you are now a beginner. You can get in touch with it earlier and avoid many detours."

This is like an educated child who enters the primary school affiliated to a famous school at an early age. As long as he studies step by step, he can enter the affiliated junior high school, the affiliated high school, and then enter the famous school. This is much more convenient than those unconventional ways to get through the exams one level at a time.

"There is still a gap in terms of quantity, but the essence is not bad. With a high enough starting point, all that remains is more practice..."

The only trouble is that Shuimu has to spend a lot of time to escort Xiaochun's practice, but this is nothing.

"Take your time, this can't be rushed!"

It's already great to be able to find a way for Xiaochun, who originally had no chance of contacting natural energy and practicing the Sage Mode. And now it has been proven that this path is feasible, it's just a bit rugged and difficult. It's much better than having no clue at all.

"Well, I just thought that if I could become stronger, I could help you!"

"Don't worry, there is still time. There will naturally be many things in the future that will require you to share my worries."

Although three years have passed, there is still some time before the Fourth Ninja World War. It is basically impossible to become the backbone that can turn the tide. That is something that only protagonists like Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke can do.

But in other situations, other tasks that are not on the front line facing the Mangekyō Sharingan, the Rinnegan, and the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki can still play a big role.

Moreover, Sage Mode is not only a combat skill, but also a platform to broaden your horizons. After experiencing higher-level powers personally, you will naturally have a deeper understanding of the ninja profession.

…

Three years is a long time, and Uchiha Sasuke does not regret choosing to stay in Konoha Village.

As a jonin already, he understood that he was rapidly improving his strength almost at the limit of his body's growth. Although he didn't know how strong he would become following Orochimaru, he would definitely not surpass his current self by much.

Sasuke was somewhat dissatisfied with the fact that the three members of Team 7 were easily defeated by their teacher, Kakashi Hatake, some time ago.

Who is stronger between Uchiha Itachi and Hatake Kakashi? According to the information I have collected so far, Uchiha Itachi should be a little stronger. Now my absolute strength is already close to Kakashi, but there is still a big gap in actual combat ability.

As for the problem of Team 7's lack of coordination, this does not affect his killing of Uchiha Itachi. The hatred can only be resolved by dealing with it personally, and he will never allow others to interfere in his revenge.

Sasuke didn't find it completely unacceptable to lose to Hatake Kakashi.

Some ninjutsu are not meant to be used against companions. If it really is a life-and-death duel, Sasuke can be sure that the combined strength of the three members of Team 7 is definitely stronger than Kakashi.