Chapter 117: Final Preparations

Shikkotsu Forest.

Yuto lay on a slug the size of a vehicle, staring blankly at the sky.

Shikkotsu Forest is a mystical place, filled with endless marshes and forests—two of the most vibrant ecosystems. However, due to the immense life force of the Slug Sage, Shikkotsu Forest is devoid of life except for the slugs and the occasional summoning contract holder.

Isolated and lifeless, but when Yuto was here, he always felt a sense of security.

When he was a child in his previous life, he liked to lay a blanket under his bed, bring his favorite toy models and a fluffy pillow, and curl up with a small flashlight, spending the whole night there.

Narrow spaces make some people feel comfortable.

Isolation inevitably leads to loneliness, but in society, being hurt by others is unavoidable.

In Shikkotsu Forest, no one could hurt him.

'If only I could become a slug... But if someone is lonely for too long, they might become like the Slug Sage, right? To seize the opportunity to break free from fate and confinement, deeply cooperating with a human and betting everything.'

Yuto absentmindedly stroked the slug's antennae.

"Yuto-kun."

The Sage's voice rumbled from the depths:

"Is something wrong?"

"No," Yuto yawned. "I just feel like I'm not a genius. With the help of the First Hokage's cells, I managed to sense natural energy, but I'm stuck on the second step."

"Sensing and controlling are two different things," the Slug Sage's voice remained gentle. "You are progressing quickly. You will likely complete your Sage Mode training within a year."

"A year, huh? Sage, what is Shikkotsu Forest's Sage Mode like?"

"You will see that view, Yuto-kun."

At that moment, a plume of smoke rose in a part of Shikkotsu Forest as one of the Slug Sage's clones returned to the main body.

"Good news," the Sage said, receiving memories from the small slug. "Yuto-kun, the things you requested have been moved from the Land of Hot Water to the base in the Land of Rain."

"You're the best, Sage," Yuto smiled. "Without you, I couldn't accomplish many things."

As the vice commander of his branch, Yuto could continually "procure" supplies, but his high position made long absences impossible unless on a mission.

Fortunately, with the slug as an ally with no conflicting interests, Yuto could prepare the necessary supplies for the upcoming war.

Now, he had collected over a dozen corpses of his clan, enough to create two masks without any issues. The slug had even transported some items from the Land of Hot Water base.

With all his cards ready, Yuto only needed to wait for Hiruzen Sarutobi to make his move.

He was curious about the strategy and combat power the Third Hokage would use against the Moon God.

Like two unparalleled swordsmen, it was unclear who had the upper hand. They both watched each other cautiously, with uncertain eyes, revealing their brilliance only when they drew their swords.

Yuto knew that day wouldn't be far off.

"Thank you for taking me in, Sage," Yuto got up.

"Leaving already?"

"Yeah, I need to check the progress of the God's Mask at the base and handle the items brought from the Land of Hot Water."

"Also, Yuto-kun," the Slug Sage said calmly, "Tsunade came by yesterday and said she might need to borrow my strength these days."

Yuto paused, then smiled bitterly. "So my sensei is involved in the encirclement. But her hemophobia hasn't been cured yet. I wonder what the Third Hokage is thinking..."

He shrugged, thanked the Slug Sage for the information, and left Shikkotsu Forest.

After returning to the Konoha camp, he didn't stay long. Under the guise of training ninjutsu, he left the camp and arrived at a secret underground base.

The underground base in the Land of Rain was near the Land of Taki, very remote and untouched by war.

Besides having fewer facilities, it was similar to the underground base in the Land of Hot Water, equipped with a "extractor," a constant temperature cultivation room, and a medical preservation tank filled with preservative fluid.

Shinosuke Hyuga's corpse floated in the tank.

This was what the slug had just transported. To avoid detection, the slug moved cautiously underground, taking a month to complete the transfer.

Yuto glanced at the cultivation room and saw that two thin masks had already taken shape.

He whistled lightly and moved the metal operating table to the center.

Shinosuke's corpse was placed on the table.

The two removed Byakugan were placed beside the body.

Yuto then took out a dozen Black Receivers. These were all he had left, initially intended for making other clones, but Hiruzen Sarutobi's encirclement plan disrupted his arrangements.

"Shinosuke-sama, you were quite handsome... though not as much as me, haha."

He muttered, sorting through the Black Receivers:

"When we first met, I had a good impression of you. Although arrogant, it was understandable for someone from the main house."

"Of the three of you, I disliked Naoto Hyuga the most. Despite being from the branch family like me, he excelled in Taijutsu but was willing to be a dog."

"Even if not rebelling, at least don't be so submissive. When I was suppressed by the Caged Bird, he held my arms so tightly, as if I were his mortal enemy."

"How can someone like that exist? Truly strange."

"As for Meiko Hyuga, I don't understand love-struck girls at all, so I won't comment on her in front of you."

"I guess you treated her very well. When she heard about your death, she almost attacked me in front of the Anbu. I bet you never saw her look at anyone like that, as if she wanted to devour me."

"Thinking about that day always cheers me up... haha..."

Yuto chuckled, brushing Shinosuke's hair aside, apologizing:

"I'm such a terrible person, Shinosuke-sama."

He finally found a Black Receiver of the right size.

Testing its weight, Yuto removed his shirt and marked a spot on his chest.

'Hopefully, this temporary use won't cause adverse reactions...' Yuto licked his lips and then thrust the Black Receiver into his skin.

The physical pain was bearable, but the chakra disruption caused by this Yin-Yang Release creation made Yuto frown.

"Shinosuke-sama... it's your turn soon. After I return your two eyes."

In the dim underground base, the branch family boy's eyes glowed coldly:

"I have a strange premonition. Perhaps... you might get a chance to see your beloved girl again."

(End of Chapter)