Chapter 391: Blue Eyes and Red Eyes
Kushina was the first to begin training in 'Masahiko's Sage Mode', but Konan was the first to successfully master it.
Of course, this didn't mean that Konan's talent for Sage Arts was higher than Kushina's. She succeeded faster simply because she could devote more energy to her training, whereas Kushina still had the bratty Naruto to worry about.
Right before Masahiko's eyes, Konan took only about three minutes to absorb enough natural energy and enter Sage Mode. Because she couldn't fully control the Sage Chakra yet, her eyes were veiled by a layer of light blue Sage Chakra, which was the only change in her appearance.
Speaking of which, Konan was incredibly blue right now...
Light blue hair, light blue eyes, a light blue paper flower worn on the right side of her head, plus blue-purple eyeshadow; she might as well change her name to 'Little Blue'.
She herself was very satisfied with her current look, possessing a deep love for the color blue.
"Why do these girls turn into 'blue children' after training in Sage Mode? Tsunade was like this, and now Konan is too." Masahiko pondered for a moment. "Kushina probably won't. Influenced by the Nine-Tails' chakra, after she successfully masters Sage Mode, her eye color will probably turn... red?"
After letting his thoughts wander, Masahiko refocused his gaze on Konan. "Right now, you have only initially mastered the Sage Arts. Looking at the dissipation rate of the Sage Chakra on your body, this Sage Mode can probably only be maintained for two or three minutes."
When Konan used his Sage Arts, not only did it create a faint resonance with his chakra, but Masahiko could even see the Sage Chakra dissipating from her body with his naked eye... It was very blue.
Konan nodded. "I tested it earlier; it can only be maintained for close to three minutes."
"What about the power?" Masahiko's eyes held anticipation.
Konan smiled sweetly. "Very strong. The power of my jutsu has increased by at least a dozen times. I haven't had time to test the rest."
Masahiko nodded in satisfaction. "My Sage Arts must be strong. How about it, do you have the confidence to beat that silly boy Nagato?"
"Yo, Sensei, I'm right here."
Konan turned to Nagato, chuckling as she shook her head. Her Sage Mode time was up, and it automatically deactivated.
"The duration is too short, but this can be slowly improved as you get more familiar through training. Let's go to the stadium first to see exactly how powerful the Sage Arts are."
...
At the Land of Whirlpools Stadium, Nagato was scurrying like a rat under Konan's attacks.
Konan's attack method was very singular. She formed a pair of wings through her 'Dance of the Shikigami', and then used a skill called 'Paper Drizzle'. The two wings rapidly fired countless pieces of paper. The fired paper could also quickly merge back onto the wings, creating a cyclic effect—this was the normal usage.
After entering Sage Mode, the surface of the paper Konan fired was coated with a layer of light blue Sage Chakra. The speed increased tenfold, and the paper underwent intense friction and burning in the air. By the time they reached Nagato, they had turned into clusters of light blue fireballs. The individual lethality wasn't too high, but it was impossible to withstand their sheer speed and quantity.
To describe it vividly: Konan's wings had turned into two Gatling guns spewing blue fire—Da da da da da!
Nagato wasn't holding back; Konan's firepower was simply too fierce, forcing him to temporarily evade the brunt of the assault. He had been a bit careless earlier, letting Konan attack first, and now he didn't even have the time to form hand seals to cast an Earth Encampment Wall.
Fortunately, this attack method of Konan's also had a flaw. The paper burned up and couldn't be recycled. Half a minute later, her wings were completely 'shot empty'. She had to pause her attack to 'reload her bullets', giving Nagato a chance to catch his breath.
Nagato finally had the opportunity to cast an Earth Release defensive ninjutsu, and Konan also changed her attack method.
The Gatling gun was swapped for a sniper rifle. The paper folded into paper spears, instantly resulting in explosive damage output.
After the three minutes of Sage Mode duration had passed, Nagato was left battered and covered in dirt...
Masahiko was very satisfied with the power of the Sage Arts, which surprisingly resonated perfectly with Konan. Now, if Nagato didn't use Sage Mode or Dust Release, he would probably be completely suppressed and beaten up by Konan.
"Judging by this power, once Kushina masters the Sage Arts, even Minato will struggle to be her match... Oh, it doesn't seem to make a difference anyway; Minato never dared to fight back in the first place," Masahiko mused inwardly.
His two disciples came to a halt in front of him. A brilliant smile bloomed on Konan's face. Having been taken in as Masahiko's disciple for over a decade, this was the first time she had gained the upper hand in a spar with Nagato.
Mm, you can also see from here why Nagato is still single.
"Yo! Sensei, your Sage Arts are so strong! I want to switch to learning this kind of Sage Art too."
Masahiko was stunned, his face darkening slightly at this foolish disciple. "It's not the Sage Arts that are strong, it's Konan who is strong. It's useless for you to learn it!"
Nagato scratched his head. "Is that so?"
Konan smiled sweetly. "Sensei, your Sage Arts are strong."
Masahiko nodded, looking smug. "Of course. I am a true Sage, after all."
Nagato: ???
He didn't quite understand, but going along with what Masahiko said was definitely the right move. "How are Sensei's Sage Arts strong? It's Konan who has become stronger."
Masahiko's face twitched. He felt so exhausted.
The corners of Konan's mouth curled up into a smile. "Sensei, Nagato, I'm going back to continue my training."
"Mm." Masahiko nodded. "Training in Sage Arts cannot be achieved in a single day. Just familiarize yourself with it simply for now. In a few days, find some time to take Kimimaro's trio to experience an A-rank mission."
"Understood, Sensei."
Watching Konan leave, Masahiko turned back to Nagato, his expression already turning slightly grave. "From now on, leave a Shadow Clone near Ichiraku Ramen long-term. Protect Sara for me."
Nagato also became serious. "Sensei, that letter from before...?"
Masahiko sighed. "It's unclear whether it's a friend or foe for now, and there's no way to investigate it. I've placed something on Sara that can ensure her safety under most circumstances. Later, I will also set up a few formations near the Ichiraku Ramen shop. Coupled with your Shadow Clone, it will be enough."
Nagato was taken aback. "Why don't you... leave your own Shadow Clone?"
Masahiko glared at him. "Cut the crap! If I tell you to leave one, just leave one!"
"Yo!" Nagato nodded.
Masahiko was finally satisfied. If he left his own Shadow Clone, heaven knows if the clone would get bored and wander off to have fun, ultimately delaying serious business. Although Nagato always spouted 'Yo, yo, yo', he was reliable when it mattered most.
Just as he was thinking about this, the chakra within his body suddenly sensed something again. "Konan shouldn't have reached home yet, so this time it's Kushina? What a coincidence, she also mastered Sage Mode today."
"I wonder how powerful her Sage Mode is..."
...
Meanwhile.
Konoha Village, Kushina's house.
Kushina rushed out of the inner room excitedly, stopping right in front of Minato. "I finally mastered Great-grandfather's Sage Mode! Little Sun, find a place to help me test its power."
Minato was slightly stunned. Looking at Kushina's blood-red eyes that looked like they wanted to devour someone, he started to panic...
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