Chapter 45: Contracting with Shikkotsu Forest

Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Contracting with Shikkotsu Forest

A bunch of slimy bugs crawling all over him—this sensation made Charizard feel utterly miserable.

"Just as you previously speculated, Natural Energy is relatively unfamiliar to Charizard and the others. Having grown accustomed to using physical stamina as their energy core, and with it already becoming instinctual, it’s very difficult for them to accept a new power system.

However, after this period of research, and by combining it with that fool Jiraiya’s method of practicing Senjutsu, as long as we use Slug Sage’s clones as a bridge to help the three of them come into contact with Natural Energy, they can complete their first absorption of Natural Energy into their bodies.

Afterward, by forcibly sealing this portion of Natural Energy inside their bodies using Sealing Arts, and relying on this energy to transform and guide them, they can then attempt to master Natural Energy on their own.

However, Natural Energy is extremely dangerous. Although Slug Sage mentioned that their unique body structures give them a high receptivity to Natural Energy, the act of sealing Natural Energy inside their bodies is itself extremely perilous.

With the slightest carelessness, they could very likely explode like an Explosive Tag or be completely assimilated by Natural Energy. And the result of being assimilated by Natural Energy..."

Tsunade stood up, her expression somewhat serious as she looked at Uchiha Xuan.

She had already devised a method for Pokémon to master Sage Art. As for whether to use it or not, that was something Uchiha Xuan and these three Pokémon needed to discuss among themselves.

"Roar!"

Before Uchiha Xuan could speak, Charizard gently flapped his wings, shaking off all the slugs on his body to reveal his torso covered in Sealing Formulas, and let out a low, muffled growl.

"He says... watch him set an example for his younger siblings."

Looking at Charizard’s defiant expression, Uchiha Xuan smiled faintly and spoke softly.

The danger of death? Immortal Totem, ever heard of it?

"I knew with your personalities, you two would definitely give it a try, so I prepared the Sealing Formulas in advance. Tsk, as a Medical Ninja, I had to learn my grandmother’s Sealing Arts just to research this stuff for you.

Although Gardevoir helped with almost everything, it still feels wrong no matter how I think about it. Kid, don’t you dare go back on your promise to let me gamble to my heart’s content for a day.

Oh, right, before we officially begin, there’s one more thing I need to tell you. Slug Sage has something she wants to discuss with you, and it’s about them."

Hearing this, Tsunade rolled her eyes, reached out, and gently patted Charizard’s large belly. Looking at the already inscribed Sealing Formulas, she suddenly seemed to remember something and turned to Uchiha Xuan, who was teasing Gengar.

"Slug Sage? About them?"

Patting Gengar’s head, Uchiha Xuan was momentarily taken aback.

Because he already had Charizard and the others, he hadn’t formed a contract with Shikkotsu Forest, so he had no connection with Slug Sage either.

The only time they had spoken was when Tsunade and he were performing surgery in the medical department. Tsunade had summoned slugs to assist with the treatment, which drew the slugs’ attention to Gardevoir, who was learning Medical Ninjutsu alongside the two of them.

From then on, the Slug Sage would often have Tsunade summon her to chat with Charizard and the others. Eventually, she took the initiative to propose teaching Gardevoir and the others Senjutsu. Unfortunately, the first attempt at learning ended in failure.

This was why Tsunade had been conducting research during this period.

"Yes, little Xuan~"

Just as Uchiha Xuan was feeling puzzled, all the slugs that had been shaken off by Charizard quickly merged together, forming a larger slug.

"I greet the Slug Sage."

Seeing this, Uchiha Xuan immediately understood that the main consciousness of the slug had arrived and spoke respectfully. In truth, the entire Shikkotsu Forest had only one slug—the Slug Sage. The numerous slugs Tsunade usually summoned were merely clones split from the Slug Sage.

The Uchiha respected the strong, especially those who treated him well.

"There’s no need for formalities. This time, I came to seek your agreement on a matter, though of course, it depends entirely on your own wishes."

The Slug Sage’s voice was gentle. If one ignored her slimy body and only listened to her voice, she would undoubtedly come across as the kind, gentle older sister next door.

"Please speak, Slug Sage."

"I wish to form a Summoning Contract with you for the Shikkotsu Forest and also incorporate these three children into it. Of course, this does not mean they will become summoning targets for the Shikkotsu Forest.

They will remain your Summoning Beasts alone. I will not overstep in this regard, so please rest assured, little Xuan."

The Slug Sage’s gentle voice echoed.

"Incorporate Charizard and the others into the Shikkotsu Forest? I apologize, Slug Sage, but I cannot make this decision for them. They must agree to it themselves.

Moreover, the environment of the Shikkotsu Forest is not suitable for Charizard and Gardevoir to live in. Although I do not know why you wish to incorporate them into the Shikkotsu Forest..."

Uchiha Xuan spoke softly. While he did not outright refuse the Slug Sage, the underlying meaning in his words was quite clear.

"The bond between you is truly remarkable. Gardevoir and the others said the same as you—they will agree as long as you do. As for the environment...

You need not worry about that. The Shikkotsu Forest is vast, and creating an environment suitable for them is not a problem.

As for why I wish to incorporate them into the Shikkotsu Forest... Little Xuan, these three Summoning Beasts of yours possess extraordinary potential. In the future, they will become new Sages. This is not merely a title or anything of the sort—they will become true Sages."

The Slug Sage’s voice remained gentle, but her words left Tsunade beside her utterly shocked.

Seriously, it was already outrageous enough that Xuan was this exceptional, but now even his Summoning Beasts were this unbelievable?

The Slug Sage wasn’t speaking in possibilities—she outright stated that Gardevoir and the others would become Sages in the future, and not just in name.

As a contractor of the Shikkotsu Forest, Tsunade understood all too well what a Sage was—a being whose power surpassed even that of a Kage.

"Is that so..."

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Xuan glanced at Gardevoir and Gengar, who were waiting for his response, before finally settling his gaze on Charizard, who had already lain down for a nap.

He had always been clear about the potential of Pokémon. After all, even a small Swinub could shatter Ho-Oh, and a Beedrill could pierce through extraterrestrial beings. Every Pokémon held limitless possibilities.

"Since the Slug Sage is being so sincere, of course I won’t refuse. I’ll entrust Charizard and the others to your care."