Chapter 302: Katsuyu and Saiken!

Chapter 302: Katsuyu and Saiken!

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Sage Katsuyu."

Gazing at the small and adorable Katsuyu, Nara Keisuke showed no hint of disdain. Instead, he bowed respectfully in greeting.

"I am a shinobi from Konoha Village's Nara Clan. Using the contract scroll gifted to me by Princess Tsunade, I used my blood as a medium to summon you from Shikkotsu Forest."

"Mhm, yes. I did leave a summoning scroll with Tsunade-sama," Katsuyu replied, propping up her soft upper body, her voice light and cheerful.

"However, if I may, Nara-sama, please do not call me 'Sage.' I am just a small slug. I am not yet worthy of such a title."

Nara Keisuke nodded slightly. He was well aware of Katsuyu's gentle nature. As for what she meant by "slug," it was actually referring to the unique ninjutsu Katsuyu's main body possessed, called "Slug: Great Division."

In terms of effect, "Slug: Great Division" was very similar to the A-Rank ninjutsu [Fission Technique] that Nara Keisuke had acquired from Iwagakure.

But the [Fission Technique] developed by the Second Tsuchikage, Mū, was a ninjutsu that created a clone which split the user's body and chakra, much like a physical, upgraded version of the [Shadow Clone Jutsu].

Katsuyu Sage's "Slug: Great Division," however, could divide her at will into countless small bodies, each with independent thought. It was incredibly effective for dodging physical attacks, and the divided bodies could later re-merge.

If the [Fission Technique] was a physical upgrade of the [Shadow Clone Jutsu], then "Slug: Great Division" was a super upgrade of the [Fission Technique].

"In that case, I will call you 'Katsuyu-sama'."

Nara Keisuke spoke, then immediately got straight to the point.

"Katsuyu-sama, I must apologize. Without any prior notice, I rashly left my blood imprint on the Shikkotsu Forest summoning contract scroll."

"It's quite alright," Katsuyu shook her head, speaking gently.

"Since Tsunade-sama gifted the Shikkotsu Forest contract scroll to you, it means that in her heart, Nara-sama is a trustworthy companion. Shikkotsu Forest would not refuse an outstanding shinobi such as yourself."

Just as Tsunade had said, Katsuyu was indeed very easy to talk to.

But Nara Keisuke wasn't going to accept her goodwill for nothing.

In interpersonal relationships, "give and take" was the path to longevity.

"But I am still very sorry for the intrusion."

Nara Keisuke took a scroll from his ninja pouch. This was a "gift" he had prepared in advance.

"Katsuyu-sama, as far as I know, your true form is that of a slug, correct?"

"Yes, my species is slug. Katsuyu is just my name."

Katsuyu nodded lightly, looking with curiosity at the scroll in Nara Keisuke's hand.

"Nara-sama, what is this?"

"It is a ninjutsu scroll, but its origin is somewhat special."

Nara Keisuke did not immediately hand over the scroll, but asked another question.

"Katsuyu-sama, you are aware of the existence of the special creatures known as 'Tailed Beasts,' correct?"

"Of course."

"Then... do you know of the Six-Tails, Saiken?"

Only then did Nara Keisuke present the technique scroll to Katsuyu.

"The Six-Tails, Saiken, is a Tailed Beast, but its form greatly resembles a giant slug.

"Ever since the Tailed Beasts were distributed to the various shinobi villages by the First Hokage, researching and learning Kekkei Genkai from them has become a tradition for every village.

"This scroll records the [Corrosion Release Chakra Production Method], which is derived from the Six-Tails, Saiken's ability to produce an acid that can corrode everything."

The Six-Tails, Saiken, indeed looked like a massive slug with six tails.

Nara Keisuke didn't know if there was a special connection between Katsuyu Sage and the Six-Tails, Saiken.

But one thing had to be admitted: both Katsuyu Sage and the Six-Tails, Saiken, had mastered the ability to release highly corrosive acid.

Katsuyu's "Tongue Tooth Sticky Acid" had an attack power that could instantly corrode and vaporize even rock, its power far exceeding imagination.

At least in terms of their attack's essence, Katsuyu's strong acid and [Corrosion Release (Acid)] were very similar.

This was why Nara Keisuke chose to gift the [Corrosion Release Chakra Production Method] at this time.

His true goal in signing the contract with Shikkotsu Forest was to obtain Katsuyu Sage's [Sage Mode].

But he couldn't just shamelessly beg for it right off the bat.

With this [Corrosion Release Chakra Production Method] as an offering, the difficulty of asking Katsuyu Sage for Shikkotsu Forest's [Sage Mode] would surely be much lower.

"I do know of Saiken…"

Katsuyu looked at the scroll, which was almost as long as her own body, and her tone inexplicably drooped.

"However, Nara-sama, please take this scroll back—"

"Nara!"

Tsunade's voice suddenly cut in.

"Why didn't you wait for me—

"Never mind. Katsuyu, this is Nara Keisuke. He is my... my... disciple."

In front of Katsuyu, Tsunade really couldn't bring herself to say that Nara Keisuke was her man, so she had to use "disciple" to cover it up. In any case, she had taught him taijutsu for a period of time.

Calling him "disciple" wasn't wrong.

But Nara Keisuke, standing to the side, was rather dissatisfied with this form of address. Was he, a perfectly respectable man, the kind of rebellious disciple who would make a move on his master?

Tsunade knew her choice of words was poor and frantically shot Nara Keisuke a look, begging him not to blow her cover.

"Tsunade-sama, it has been a long time."

Katsuyu looked at Tsunade, greeting her warmly.

"You haven't summoned me in a very long time."

"There... were some reasons..."

Tsunade didn't mention her hemophobia, but instead pointed at Nara Keisuke.

"Katsuyu, from now on, Nara will be Shikkotsu Forest's next contractor."

This is your solution?

You're just... ordering her around!

Nara Keisuke looked at Tsunade, speechless. He had thought Tsunade would gently plead with Katsuyu, but he never expected... this was how the two of them interacted?

"Of course, that is no problem."

Katsuyu replied softly.

"My interaction with Nara-sama has been very pleasant. Shikkotsu Forest will not refuse such a contractor."

Hearing this, Tsunade immediately shot a smug look at Nara Keisuke, her expression saying it all:

'See? With me here, it's no problem!'

But then, Tsunade got straight to the point.

"Katsuyu, Nara signed the contract with Shikkotsu Forest because he wants to see our Senjutsu!"