Rasa's explanation cleared up some of the confusion in everyone's minds. However, when it came to Yin-Yang Release, the group was still somewhat puzzled. They had never seen or experienced Yin-Yang Release techniques before.
This was understandable, as Yin-Yang Release was a power at the level of the Sage of Six Paths, a secret art only accessible to those with Ōtsutsuki lineage.
The highest level of power ordinary shinobi could achieve was Kekkei Tōta, such as Dust Release.
"Alright, that's all I currently know about the characteristics and abilities of Senjutsu energy. From here on out, you'll need to explore and understand it through your own training."
Rasa didn't reveal everything he knew about Senjutsu.
For one, Senjutsu energy, in his view, was different from natural energy. It could be used without mixing it with chakra. Secondly, he didn't want to expose the fact that he couldn't use the five basic nature transformations.
With that, he had said all he needed to.
"Do you have any other questions?"
Everyone shook their heads, their expressions a mix of seriousness and anticipation as they gazed at the vast forest around them.
Rasa nodded in satisfaction.
"Then you're free to explore. You now know the location of this place. If you're unsure, you can ask Baki to guide you here. Starting today, you can come here to train at any time. However, this is limited to you. Everything here must remain confidential from the rest of the village."
Seeing that no one had any objections, Rasa turned to Hana and continued,
"Hana, your task here is the most challenging. Aside from me, you're the only one who can sense Senjutsu energy. So, if anyone experiences anything unusual during their training, you need to alert them immediately."
"Understood, Rasa-sama!"
Hana nodded earnestly, her expression both obedient and serious.
"Good. Now, feel free to look around and familiarize yourselves with the environment. I have some personal matters to attend to. Bunpuku, Karura, come with me."
Under the watchful eyes of the others, Rasa, Bunpuku, and Karura flew into the air, heading deeper into the forest.
Soon, they arrived at the heart of the forest, the center of the seal. Karura gasped as she saw the massive divine tree surrounded by four towering statues.
Rasa, however, frowned slightly as he looked at the tree. He turned to Bunpuku and Karura and said,
"Next, I need to go to a certain place. Since there's some uncertainty involved, I need to make some preparations."
Bunpuku was puzzled, while Karura immediately grew anxious and asked,
"Rasa-kun, is it dangerous?"
Rasa hesitated.
"I'm not sure. Based on the goodwill the other party has shown so far, it should be safe. But since this entity is completely unknown to me, I can't say for certain."
Bunpuku then asked curiously,
"Then, Kazekage-sama, is it necessary for you to go to this place? Or do you have to go now?"
"Originally, there was no rush. But this time, the other party took the initiative to reach out. I'm not sure of their intentions, but one thing is certain: if they're coming to me directly, it's unlikely to be a trivial matter. That's why I think it's better to meet them sooner rather than later. Of course, another reason is that I now have some confidence that even if they try to harm me, I can escape."
Bunpuku nodded in understanding.
"What do you need us to do, Kazekage-sama?"
Rasa clasped his hands together.
"Summoning Technique: Gate of Yomi!"
As Senjutsu energy surged within him, a massive, ancient-looking stone gate rose from the ground. The gate appeared plain, with no carvings or decorations, and its doors were tightly shut, hiding whatever lay beyond.
If Honoka had been there, she would have recognized this gate as identical to the one at the shrine in the Land of Demons that sealed Mōryō.
This was the first ability Rasa had gained after absorbing Mōryō's power.
As the inheritor of Mōryō's power, he also inherited the alternate dimension created by Mōryō—a vast, empty world known as Yomi.
As the master of this space, Rasa could freely open portals to enter and exit it. However, for others to enter, they would need to use a summoning technique to call forth the Gate of Yomi and open it.
Seeing the massive stone gate rise out of thin air, Bunpuku's face showed curiosity, while Karura's expression was filled with concern.
"What I need you to do is simple. It's currently 9 PM. If I haven't returned by this time tomorrow, I need you to open this gate. I'll teach you the hand seals required to do so."
The reason Rasa took this precaution was straightforward.
As the master of the Yomi space, while he could freely enter and exit it, he couldn't choose his exit point at will, unlike techniques like Kamui or Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's Amenominaka.
To be precise, the point where he entered the space would also be the point where he exited. This meant he could use the Yomi space to evade enemy attacks, but if he couldn't defeat the enemy, he would be trapped inside, waiting for the enemy to leave.
If the enemy refused to leave and guarded the entrance, Rasa would either have to stay inside indefinitely or wait until he became strong enough to defeat the enemy.
Mōryō, as the former master of this space, was well aware of this limitation. Thus, he developed this summoning technique, creating a "backdoor" to the space.
Rasa quickly taught Bunpuku and Karura the hand seals needed to open the gate. Once he confirmed they had mastered the technique, Rasa felt a sense of relief. These two were the only people in the world he could fully trust.
Bunpuku, because of his noble character.
Karura, because they now had a child together.
With this contingency plan in place, Rasa felt secure enough to meet the White Snake Sage of Ryūchi Cave.
With that in mind, he pulled out the scroll given to him by Tenjin from his pocket.
Seeing the worried and curious looks on their faces, Rasa explained where he was going.
"The place I'm about to visit is one of the Three Great Sage Regions: Ryūchi Cave. The White Snake Sage, who rules there, has requested to meet me, so I must go."
The Gate of Yomi wasn't his only safeguard. After all, he had not only inherited Mōryō's power but also the power of the shrine maiden.
Karura, with her submissive nature, never opposed Rasa's decisions. She simply looked at him with concern. Bunpuku, knowing that persuasion was futile, said,
"Don't worry, Kazekage-sama. Karura and I will guard this place until you return."
"Good."
With that, Rasa unsealed the scroll.
A burst of white mist erupted, and a figure reappeared before Rasa.