"Kukuku," the spirit resembling Tsunade laughed. "It seems my daughter has grown up to look just like me."
"That's for sure. From a young age, you could already tell she'd become a beauty," another male spirit agreed.
Just from that brief exchange, their identities were clear—they were actually Tsunade's parents. No wonder they had never been mentioned before; and the main reason Tsunade hadn't come to Shikkotsu Forest to study Sage Art was because her parents had died right here, killed during their cultivation of Sage Art.
Seeing Anya's shock, Tsunade's mother asked, "Since you're able to come here and learn Sage Art, you must have a deep connection with the Senju Clan. How are Tsunade and Nawaki? Are they doing alright?"
Anya paused thoughtfully, then smiled and replied, "They're both doing great. The siblings love each other dearly, and Nawaki is working hard to become Hokage. They're both excellent Konoha ninjas now."
"Really? That's such good news." Tsunade's mother happily smiled but looked guilty. "It's all our fault—we forcefully pursued Sage Art and failed, leaving them as orphans."
"It's my mistake. If I hadn't insisted on training, you wouldn't have come here either," Tsunade's father said with regret across his face.
Tsunade's mother focused back on Anya curiously, asking, "What exactly is your relationship with Tsunade? Just now when you saw my appearance, you seemed quite emotional."
Women are always quick to notice the details.
Anya didn't hide anything and answered honestly, "Tsunade is my woman."
"Oh really?" Tsunade's father's expression darkened instantly. His earlier friendly demeanor vanished, replaced by a stern gaze as he began scrutinizing Anya—just like how someone would stare at a thief who had stolen their treasure.
"Don't scare him," Tsunade's mother chimed in, floating straight in front of Anya and giving her a close once-over. "He doesn't look half bad—almost as good-looking as Tsunade's uncle Taka! How do you two get along? Tsunade was spoiled since childhood and even picked up her father's gambling habit."
"We get along very well. She's always been very accommodating toward me and has given me many things—like a luxury mansion, a necklace, summoned creatures, and more," Anya replied casually, though deep inside he felt a wave of guilt.
"She gave you that necklace too?" Tsunade's father exclaimed in surprise. "Then it seems she truly loves you deeply. If that's the case, you better treat her right. Otherwise, even if I'm just a spirit, I'll still come out and bite you myself."
"I will," Anya responded without hesitation.
After going through life-and-death situations, Anya had deepened his understanding of emotions—he cherished them even more now. He and Tsunade indeed had many differences, but why shouldn't he make compromises? Why keep insisting on his own way? He'd known some things upset her, yet still pushed forward regardless, causing us to part ways painfully.
If given a second chance, Anya would never act so recklessly again.
"Well then, fate has been kind to us. It's truly delightful meeting you here."
Tsunade's parents both smiled warmly, eyes filled with affection and satisfaction.
"Originally, our soul forms couldn't last much longer either. The reason we kept holding on was hoping to assist the next Sage Art practitioner. We never expected we would share such a connection with you. That makes us even more determined to help you."
Anya's heart stirred, her joy evident on her face as she hurriedly thanked them, "Thank you both so much."
"You've already experienced firsthand the corrosive nature of the Sage Arts of Shikkotsu Forest. After enduring countless trials, our skeletons have developed an indestructible quality that can withstand the energy here. Now, we will bestow this indestructible essence from our skeletons upon you." Aoi Tsunade spoke solemnly, "However, this will only keep your physical structure intact. Your internal organs, blood, and flesh still depend on yourself. Remember, under no circumstances should you follow our example. Even if you fail to master it, you must protect your life. I don't want my daughter Tsunade to lose her parents and then lose her beloved as well."
Moved by their words, Anya hesitated before simply nodding and whispering, "Okay."
The two souls' faces lit up with relief as their spiritual power glowed and scattered into flickering motes of light, drifting into Anya's spirit.
Outside, the glowing jade-light skeletons began turning into powder. This powder transformed into the purest energy, flooding straight into Anya's body. Her previously weakened form instantly received nourishment. Her vitality surged, completely dispelling her earlier state of depression.
Yet, Anya's flesh continued slowly dissolving away. Once the acid rain completely corroded her skin and flesh, reaching her internal organs, death would still be inevitable. However, the refinement of Sage chakra was still ongoing—there had to be a way through.
Having come this far, she couldn't give up now. There must still be a solution.
Deep in thought, Anya suddenly held a scroll in her hands—the one gifted by the Serpent Master, said to be capable of offering help in critical moments.
Trusting the Serpent Master, Anya unrolled the scroll. Inside was depicted a sealing formation, seemingly imprisoning some being. What could it be? Why did the Serpent Master believe this could assist her?
Without hesitation, Anya formed hand seals and activated the Release Seal Technique onto the scroll.
A yellow coffin slowly emerged from the scroll. On the coffin, the clearly visible character *"First"* stood out prominently.
Could it really be…?
As the coffin lid opened, Hashirama Senju stood before her. His long black hair flowed as he wore a black skin-tight combat suit over his torso, layered with red armor plates, possessed red metallic bracers on both wrists, and wore the Konoha forehead protector across his brow.
From his appearance alone and that familiar face, Anya's soul immediately recognized him—this man was none other than Hashirama Senju, one of the founders of Konoha Village, revered as the Ninja God.
Never would she have imagined that the Serpent Master had used the forbidden Impure World Reincarnation to bring him back—an unholy technique said to defile the souls of the dead, sealing him inside this scroll all along. As the scroll's seal released, Hashirama Senju gradually stepped out of the coffin.
Clearly, the Serpent Master hadn't suppressed his original consciousness. It was hard to say whether this was good or bad—it was, after all, the forbidden Impure World Reincarnation, which desecrated the spirits of the dead. Having just released him like this, she might even end up getting crushed with one hit.
Anya was in terrible shape. Facing the Impure World Reincarnation version of Hashirama Senju, she was practically helpless.
"No-Hand-Sign Healing Jutsu."
Hashirama immediately assessed Anya's condition. Without hesitation, he pressed his palms together and channeled a stream of refined healing energy into her body. This power far surpassed any Medical Ninjutsu Anya had ever encountered.
No, it actually went beyond the realm of medical ninjutsu entirely—it was comparable to a miracle pill.
Damaged flesh swiftly regenerated. Wounds across her body were healing. A life force stronger than before flowed into her. At the same time, Anya finally began to grasp the basics of [Sage Arts of Shikkotsu Forest].
"Here it is," Katsuyu urged. "Quickly refine it and integrate it into your own chakra."
"Got it," Anya replied. For the first time, she truly believed in this treatment.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
Want to read the subsequent content in advance?
Please follow my Patreon:patreon/Tansnovel
Tans Novel - The Fastest-Updating Naruto Fanfiction Account
Read 100+ chapters in advance, with at least 3 new chapters updated every day! More free chapters! 20+ Naruto fanfictions!
Just three steps:
1. Download and open the "Patreon" app
2. Search for "Tans Novel"
3. Click on the collection and enjoy to your heart's content
<><><><><><><><>