Chapter 128: Chakra Increase

Senjutsu is a state where one can utilize Sage Chakra. Its power far surpasses that of the normal state, sometimes by several times or even dozens of times, while also granting heightened sensory abilities.

The reason Orochimaru suddenly brought up Senjutsu was that, when he was contemplating power, a crucial question crossed his mind:

Can I learn the Senjutsu of the First Hokage?

It was a reasonable line of thinking. The First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, likely utilized the Sage Art from Shikkotsu Forest!

If that were true, then wouldn't it be impossible for him to learn the ultimate abilities of the First Hokage?

"Yes!"

As expected, Orochimaru's suspicions were confirmed when the Slug from Shikkotsu Forest answered directly.

This was precisely what Orochimaru had anticipated. In his memory, there were three great holy places for Senjutsu: Mount Myōboku, Ryūchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest. While the existence of Senjutsu from the latter had never been explicitly mentioned, it was well-known that Senju Hashirama was capable of it. However, it was never made clear where his Sage powers originated from.

Given Hashirama's connection with Tsunade, it made sense that his Sage Art came from Shikkotsu Forest.

But then, what should he do now?

From what he recalled of Jiraiya, Naruto, the First Hokage, and Kabuto using Sage Mode, it was evident that the powers of the three holy places were quite different.

If the First Hokage's Sage Art did indeed come from Shikkotsu Forest, then some conclusions could be drawn.

First of all, the Sage Arts from all three major locations require a massive amount of chakra, that's a given.

And if Shikkotsu Forest's Senjutsu requires even more chakra than Mount Myōboku and Ryūchi Cave, then we're talking about a whole other level.

Furthermore, Shikkotsu Forest's Sage Art likely leans toward physical offense and regeneration!

The regeneration part is obvious, Hashirama was known for his near-supernatural healing abilities. As for physical attacks, we're talking about the likes of the Myojin Gate and the massive Wooden Buddha with a thousand hands.

Ryūchi Cave's Sage Art, on the other hand, focuses on energy-based attacks and sensory perception.

Perception abilities need no further explanation, and energy-based attacks include things like light, sound, and mental attacks.

As for Mount Myōboku, it's a balanced approach, covering a wide range of techniques with no particular strength or weakness.

Given that the effects of Senjutsu differ depending on the holy place, what's the root cause of that difference?

Is it because the natural energy they absorb is different? Or is it simply due to the techniques themselves?

If the natural energy absorbed varies, then it's very possible that learning the Wood Release Senjutsu of the First Hokage would be impossible for him.

After all, inheritors of one Sage Art rarely inherit the powers of two different locations.

But if the natural energy is the same across the board...

Then there's no reason why he couldn't learn the First Hokage's Wood Release Senjutsu. As long as he masters Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu, developing Wood Release techniques might just be a matter of effort.

"Forget it. Let's send the Slug back for now," Orochimaru waved his hand.

It seemed that simply pondering the matter wouldn't give him a definitive answer. He'd have to test it out for himself later.

The Sage Arts from the three holy places are said to be extremely difficult to obtain, especially for anyone who isn't directly linked to those regions. But for the three of them, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and himself obtaining such powers wasn't an issue. It was all about the right connections.

"Orochimaru, what exactly are you scheming?" Jiraiya looked suspicious.

"Nothing, just asking," Orochimaru replied casually.

Without further explanation, he pulled out a scroll and summoned four potions two light green and two dark green.

"This is..." Jiraiya's eyes lit up.

Tsunade was also surprised.

They both recognized the potions immediately.

Orochimaru remained calm. "Take them. Use the light green one first, and after at least a month, use the dark green one. One of each for both of you. It might not be enough for Tsunade to master Sage Mode, but it should be more than enough for you, Jiraiya, to do so."

"But didn't you say that repeated use of these potions had no effect?" Jiraiya asked.

"Jiraiya, can't you tell from the color that these are different grades?" Tsunade rolled her eyes at him.

The previous potions were light green. Now there were two types, one light green and one dark green. It should've been obvious that they were different.

Of course, Jiraiya had noticed that. He just found it hard to believe.

After all, he had been close to mastering Sage Mode, but his chakra levels were just too low, making it difficult to maintain the proper balance with natural energy.

But how could someone like him, whose chakra levels were already high, possibly increase them further?

Through sheer training?

He knew all too well how slow that process was.

Especially after trying Orochimaru's earlier genetic enhancement formula. He realized just how painstakingly slow the normal training method was in comparison.

Before, increasing his chakra by even 30% would have taken him at least a year or two, even while still in his physical prime.

But with Orochimaru's formula, he had achieved that in just ten minutes. Not only that, but it had also accelerated his chakra growth rate moving forward.

It was a speed he never thought possible.

Since then, he had hoped Orochimaru would come up with something even more advanced, something that would save him from having to grind out hours of training every day.

After all, once someone has experienced the convenience of riding a car, they wouldn't be too eager to go back to walking long distances unless they had no other choice.

But Orochimaru had kept silent for a long time afterward, and Jiraiya hadn't wanted to press the issue.

And now, out of nowhere…

"This is amazing, Orochimaru!" Jiraiya looked at the two potions in his hands, still stunned. "But have you reported this to the village?"

"Do you think I have the time to do that?" Orochimaru answered with a question. "And even if I did, it wouldn't make a difference."

"Why not?"

"Because there are only a few of these in existence…"

Orochimaru didn't care to explain further.

He always found it tedious to explain the origin of these things.

So, he simply blamed it on the scarcity of rare materials. And, truthfully, some of the raw ingredients were incredibly difficult to find.

Orochimaru wasn't lying.

Besides, in Konoha, whether or not someone shares their personal discoveries is entirely voluntary.

After all, this technology wasn't developed using the village's resources.

No matter how powerful Konoha is, they can't force someone to hand over their scientific research, right?

Just like the clans don't have to hand over their secret techniques.

If Orochimaru chose not to share these technologies, no one could do anything about it.

Jiraiya understood this. He had only asked out of reflex, but after hearing Orochimaru's explanation, he let the matter drop.

In any case, his attention quickly shifted back to the two potions in his hands, and even the pain from his recent heartbreak was momentarily forgotten.

He returned to his tent with a wide grin on his face.

"Hahaha! Orochimaru's a genius! I haven't seen him in so long, and he never disappoints!"

"If this potion boosts my chakra by 30%, no if it increases it by just 20%, I'll definitely be able to master Sage Mode!"

Excitedly muttering to himself, Jiraiya expertly prepared the potion for use.

But something felt off.

Wait a minute… doesn't this stuff purge impurities from the body?

There's no way I'm doing that inside my tent!

With that thought, he hurriedly grabbed the potion and sprinted towards the river near their camp.

Ten minutes later...

"What?! A 60% increase?!"

Jiraiya was utterly shocked.