044 Katsuyu Sage? Salted Fish Sage! 

Third Hokage put down his long pipe while talking.

Then, he took out a scroll with a very historical sense.

"This is the contract scroll between the Senju clan and Shikotsu Forest."

"It was placed in the Hokage treasury after the Senju clan disbanded."

"As long as there are outstanding ninjas in the village, they will have the opportunity to take the test from Sage Katsuyu and become contracted with Shikotsu Forest."

Minato looked at the scroll and asked:

"So, did Senior Tsunade also make a contract with Shikotsu Forest using this scroll?" Minato asked. 

The Third Hokage nodded slowly and explained, "The process is simple: you just press your blood handprint on the scroll. However, your contract must be approved by Katsuyu Sage before you can be invited to Shikotsu Forest." 

Simu nodded, playing up his usual distasteful traits.

"Tsk, it's the legendary sage; it looks very powerful."

Minato and Third Hokage looked at Simu's face and suddenly wanted to beat him up.

They silently wondered if this guy would be beaten to death by Katsuyu just after he entered the Shikotsu forest.

The contractors of these holy places were not randomly selected.

They must meet specific requirements related to the sacred land, and their character and abilities are important factors. 

Like Mount Myōboku, which is always asking Jiraiya to help find the "Son of Prophecy's" 

Ryūchi Cave is a big careerist, only on strength.

And whether it is Orochimaru or the later Kabuto, there are more or less perverts.

Even if these two Simu get together, they probably won't talk to Simu.

If they were interested, Jiraiya would have taken Simu to Mount Myōboku a long time ago.

The Shikotsu Forest, home to Sage Katsuyu, is peaceful and doesn't cause trouble, which suits Simu perfectly.

Salted fish!

Simu likes to slack off the most.

Without hesitation, Simu opened the scroll, bit his finger to draw blood, and pressed it firmly onto the scroll.

A light green energy flowed from the scroll, radiating a strong vitality that felt warm and comforting, almost making Simu want to sleep. 

The contract was signed! 

Just as he was about to summon Katsuyu with a wave of his hand, a large cloud of white smoke surrounded him.

"Reverse Summoning…"

Simu quickly expanded his observation to see his surroundings.

"As expected of a sage, you can summon your contractor instantly," 

Simu thought as the smoke cleared. In front of him, rows of towering trees reached up to the sky. 

These trees had no branches or leaves; their bare trunks and limbs glowed with a pale luster, resembling white bones. 

Despite this eerie appearance, Simu could feel the strong vitality of the forest. 

This life force wasn't just in the trees; it was also present in the lakes and even in the ground.

Everything here was full of life. 

Simu took a deep breath and felt more at ease. "As expected of a holy place; it truly is a treasure of nature cakra."

"Katsuyu is as powerful as a monster." 

Using Observation Haki, Simu sensed a calm yet terrifying presence in the distance, like a deep, serene sea. 

Though it appeared peaceful, he knew that if angered, it could unleash a storm.

At that moment, he felt someone approaching.

In the woods, blue and white Katsuyu of various sizes peeked out. 

A larger Katsuyu wriggled forward and spoke softly, her gentle demeanor contrasting with her appearance. 

"Excuse me, are you Hanyu Simu-sama?"

Simu waved his hand and replied, "Oh, I wouldn't call myself that. I'm just a Genin of Konoha." 

Well, a Konoha Genin who casually kicked out Jōnin.

"It would be nice if Katsuyu Sage called me Simu, but it would be even better if you called me Kizaru." 

As one of the oldest immortals, Katsuyu Sage is essentially the embodiment of the entire Shikotsu Forest. 

His strength is both huge and intimidating! 

Despite being such an ancient and powerful being, Katsuyu Sage has an extraordinarily friendly and harmless nature.

Katsuyu Sage hardly cares about the disputes in the ninja world. 

Her contractors rarely intervene, and even when they do, it's usually to help the injured, like when Tsunade summons Katsuyu assistance for healing people. 

He's truly harmless.

"Yellow... ape." 

"I'll keep an eye on Mr. Kizaru." Simu smiled with satisfaction.

Looking at this Katsuyu, Simu thought she was powerful and kind to even the smallest creatures, but she didn't seem to fit well with him.

"Mr. Kizaru, please don't call me a sage. I'm just a Katsuyu who has lived a long time and happened to learn a little about sage techniques."

So, she was just an ordinary worm who had lived for thousands of years and created a holy place.

"I see, Katsuyu. You are truly humble."

"You are humble too, Mr. Kizaru."

Simu and Katsuyu exchanged glances, feeling a sense of confidant.

.

TO BE CONTINUED

_________________

Noted : if you guys want read advance chapter +15 ch ahead of everyone, you can check at my P@treon : patreon.com/MoonEater18