Naruto : Konoha Light

Shimizu's expression remained unchanged as he nodded and said, "I understand the risk. Tsunade-sensei has already explained it to me."

Jiraiya responded sincerely, "Then do you still plan to go through with it?"

Instead of answering directly, Shimizu brought up another topic. "I heard from Tsunade-sensei that practicing Sage Mode requires two prerequisites: first, a vast amount of chakra; second, an unwavering will."

Jiraiya, though slightly puzzled by Shimizu's shift in conversation, followed along. "That's just the requirement to sense natural energy. Refining it into Sage Chakra requires precise chakra control and strong spiritual discipline. But in your case, these two factors are indeed the primary concerns for now."

Shimizu nodded. "Having a large amount of chakra is not a problem. I can just borrow some from Sister Kushina…"

After the events of that night, the fact that Kushina was a jinchūriki was no longer a secret among the higher-ups.

Jiraiya was visibly startled. "Wait, that little girl can already control the Nine-Tails' power?"

Shimizu smiled faintly. "It seems Kushina and the Nine-Tails are more compatible than expected."

Jiraiya sighed dramatically. "Oh boy, just what we needed. She's already as feisty as Tsunade, and now her strength might catch up too. Minato is in for a rough time… Maybe it's time I teach him how to dodge being chased down!"

Ignoring Jiraiya's lamenting, Shimizu continued, "Although the power isn't mine, if I borrow it, I should be able to resist the natural energy's corrosive effects."

Jiraiya gave a slight nod. Natural energy was like ink dropped into water—if the water was too little, it would be instantly overwhelmed. But if he had the Nine-Tails' chakra as a buffer, he might be able to withstand it.

"But you do realize," Jiraiya warned, "natural energy's danger isn't just in how it assimilates your body instantly. Even if you resist at first, its influence seeps in over time. If your will isn't strong enough, you'll still be swallowed by it eventually."

Shimizu understood this wasn't just an empty warning. If controlling Sage Mode were easy, more shinobi would use it.

"I have confidence in my will," Shimizu said. "But for safety's sake, I want you to test me first."

Jiraiya scratched his head. "Sounds like you're asking me to beat the natural energy out of you with a stick, just like Fukasaku did to me."

Shimizu nodded earnestly. "That's exactly right. If anything goes wrong, I'll need you to stop me before it's too late."

Jiraiya folded his arms, considering. "Alright, but I have one condition!"

Shimizu raised an eyebrow. "As long as it's within my power, I'll do my best."

Jiraiya suddenly leaned in, grinning. "Tell me your secret—how do you make all these girls flock to you?"

Shimizu blinked, confused. "Huh? That's something you need to learn?"

Jiraiya's grin vanished. "What do you mean, 'need to learn'?! Do you think it's normal for a six-year-old to have more than ten girls fawning over him?!"

Shimizu shook his head. "Of course not."

Jiraiya sighed in relief.

Then, Shimizu added, "I had to turn down a lot of them. That's why only about ten remain."

Jiraiya: (⊙_⊙)

As Shimizu watched, Jiraiya's posture gradually shrank until he finally collapsed onto the ground in utter defeat.

The next day, at Konoha Hospital.

"Jiraiya… Jiraiya?"

"Hm? I'm here!"

Tsunade gave him a wary look. "If you're still mad about what I said last time, fine, I apologize. I shouldn't have called your book garbage. But if you ever dare to put me in another one of your stories—"

Before she could finish, Jiraiya waved his hand quickly. "No need to say it! I understand!"

Tsunade frowned. Something felt off about Jiraiya today…

"Whatever. At least he's in a good mood," she muttered before turning to Shimizu. "Are you ready?"

Shimizu clenched his fists, his chakra flaring to life in a red-orange aura, nearly overflowing from between his fingers. "I feel great. We can start anytime."

Behind him, Mizuki looked on with admiration.

This was an incredible lineup—a powerful jinchūriki's chakra, one of the Legendary Sannin, and a sage from Mount Myōboku. There was no way he would have been able to gather such forces alone.

"They're all here because of Shimizu…"

Mizuki's gaze burned with gratitude. Shimizu was the only one who truly gave him hope!

Tsunade looked at Mizuki and then back at Shimizu. "Regarding the matter of jinchūriki, we'll keep the details sealed from now on. I hope you understand."

Mizuki nodded firmly. "I understand."

With all preparations complete, Jiraiya turned his head and called out, "Alright, you can come out now."

A moment later, an old man with a wooden staff and a tattered cloak appeared before them. He had a somewhat frail, elderly appearance—until you saw his sharp, knowing eyes.

"Fukasaku, it's good to see you again," Jiraiya said with respect.

Fukasaku tapped his staff on the ground and narrowed his eyes. "Jiraiya-boy, are you messing with me? This kid looks way too young… Wait a minute, this chakra aura…"

His gaze shifted to Kushina.

"Oh ho! So it's that brat, huh? Looks like I've fallen behind the times."