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"Senjutsu is completely different from ninjutsu. It requires sage chakra, not the ordinary chakra found in the body. It's distinct from physical energy and spiritual energy… Sage chakra combines natural energy, physical energy, and spiritual energy…"
Tagitsuhime held a pointer, pacing in front of Midorima and Jugo.
Midorima had already read about sage chakra in the manga and understood the basics of senjutsu and sage chakra quite well. On top of that, the exam skills he'd honed before transmigrating gave him a natural edge in grasping theoretical knowledge.
Jugo, however, struggled with the theory.
He was more of a practical fighter. After years locked away by Orochimaru, he'd barely kept up with reading. Following Tagitsuhime's pace was a real challenge for him.
Even so, he pushed himself not to fall behind. It just took him longer and tired him out more than Midorima.
Because of that, Midorima often asked questions on Jugo's behalf—questions that, in a way, also touched on how he could use his Cell Laboratory.
"Can his body use senjutsu?" Midorima asked.
"Him?" Tagitsuhime blinked and glanced at Jugo.
"It'll be difficult for him," Tagitsuhime shook her head.
"His body can absorb natural energy on its own," Midorima explained.
"I know. But some people can't use senjutsu. Do you know why?" Tagitsuhime asked.
Midorima shook his head.
"It's because their own chakra reserves are insufficient. Refining sage chakra demands a massive amount of chakra. Natural energy comes from the sky and earth—it's inexhaustible, so there's no worry about running out. But physical and spiritual energy? If you can't balance them perfectly at a 1:1:1 ratio with natural energy, you lose control and can't use senjutsu at all. His problem is too much natural energy—his own chakra can't keep up."
"So… what do we do?" Midorima asked.
"Either he learns to control the rate of natural energy absorption so it doesn't overwhelm him—which is extremely hard for him—or he increases his physical and spiritual energy. Right now we're just teaching basics. For a long time after this, we'll supervise you both closely. You and Jugo face different issues. Using the same method would mean one of you gets very little benefit." Tagitsuhime laid out the plan for Midorima and Jugo.
Midorima glanced around—no sign of Ichikishimahime. "Where's Ichikishimahime?"
"Her? She's handling the trials," Tagitsuhime said. Her expression suddenly shifted; her mouth split wide, revealing serpentine features as her tongue flicked out. She licked her lips hungrily. "Lucky her—she's probably stuffed by now."
Midorima gave an awkward laugh.
Whether lost wanderers or genuine senjutsu seekers, facing Ichikishimahime was rarely pleasant.
Fail the trial?
The higher-ups here had mentioned it repeatedly—you get eaten.
Clearly, Tagitsuhime was a little jealous…
"By the way, is there anything in Ryūchi Cave that makes training easier?" Midorima quickly changed the subject.
Something like the toad oil from Mount Myōboku.
The oil Shima gave Naruto and Jiraiya had played a crucial role in their training.
"Huh?"
Tagitsuhime and Tagorihime exchanged confused glances.
Midorima rolled his eyes inwardly.
No wonder Orochimaru and Kabuto came out of Ryūchi Cave looking so creepy and demonic—completely different from those who trained at Shikkotsu Forest or Mount Myōboku. The difficulty levels weren't the same.
Looks like mastering senjutsu would take serious effort.
After covering the foundational theory, Midorima and Jugo split up for individual training.
Tagitsuhime took charge of Jugo, focusing on boosting his physical and spiritual energy.
Logically, Jugo's physique was outstanding—his physical energy shouldn't be lacking.
But compared to natural energy, both were far too low.
So Tagitsuhime deliberately summoned Garaga.
When Garaga's enormous body coiled onto the training ground, the space instantly felt cramped.
Garaga was thrilled, roaring at Midorima: "Finally, a chance for revenge! This time I'll crush you to dust!"
Midorima pointed at Jugo and sighed. "He's your opponent."
Jugo, shirtless and rippling with muscle, flexed his biceps as Garaga's gaze turned to him. "I'm the one you're fighting!"
Garaga clicked his tongue in disdain.
Jugo?
Not even worth a bite.
That single glance ignited the spark.
And so—
Garaga chased Jugo all over the mountains.
Training ground? What training ground?
There was no such thing. The entire Ryūchi Cave was the training ground.
"Good, the annoying ones are gone." Tagorihime floated in the air, eyes narrowed. "Now it's our turn. I'm very strict. If you're careless and die, I'll definitely eat you."
"Impossible." Midorima shook his head. "I'm confident you won't get the chance."
The next moment…
Tagitsuhime brought him to a massive valley. A single vine stretched across the chasm; below, countless pythons writhed together. The stench of blood rose steadily on the wind.
The pythons tore at one another, eyes glowing crimson.
Spotting Midorima atop the cliff, many stopped fighting their kin and reared up, jaws gaping red.
"This is…"
"This is your training. Sit on that vine." Tagorihime pointed to the vine spanning the valley.
"What? Sit on the vine?"
Midorima blinked. Did this snake think he was some wuxia hero?
"Exactly. To learn senjutsu, you must absorb natural energy. You need perfect stillness, total focus—become one with nature."
"But… with all those pythons down there, what if I fall?"
"Simple. Either they bite you to death, or you bite them to death. Oh, remember what you asked the Great White Snake Immortal? About whether training in Ryūchi Cave turns people into snakes… If you fall too many times, you'll start looking like one." Tagorihime said.
Midorima blinked again. Looking at the snakes below, he suddenly felt a little traumatized.
"What's wrong?" Tagorihime asked.
"Nothing…" Midorima took a deep breath and turned to her. "Let's begin?"