What You Master Is Not Sage Mode, But the Talent of the Immortal Clan

 "Yes, this was no simple feat. It took Xu Ming and me half a year to finally discover a method." Orochimaru sighed, exhausted.

However, the Third Hokage found this claim almost ridiculous.

How could they have succeeded?

Back then, the First Hokage took more than a year to slowly begin absorbing natural energy and attempting to enter Sage Mode. And that was with the guidance of the Holy Land.

Among all recorded Sage Mode practitioners, the First Hokage was considered one of the most talented.

But what the Third Hokage never expected was that Xu Ming and Orochimaru—two children merely eleven years old—had accomplished the feat in just seven months (one month to sense, six months to absorb).

That was half the time it took the First Hokage!

This was the same First Hokage who shaped the ninja world, ended the Sengoku era, and was hailed as the "God of Shinobi."

"Is this true? You're not lying to me?"

The Third Hokage was in disbelief, glancing between Orochimaru and Xu Ming.

"It's true, Sensei." Orochimaru nodded, then explained everything—how they had studied the Senju clan's historical records, developed snake-like hibernation techniques, and experimented with taming wild creatures to absorb natural energy through devouring their flesh.

The more the Third Hokage listened, the more astonished he became.

Though he lacked expertise in natural energy and Sage Mode, Orochimaru's reasoning was so methodical and logical that he couldn't find any flaws.

"You two have given me an enormous surprise."

The Third Hokage took a deep breath, a complicated smile forming on his lips.

Sometimes, having disciples who are too talented can be a burden.

As a teacher, he couldn't even keep up with their progress, yet he was supposed to guide them.

"You must keep this a secret. No one other than me and Lady Mito should know. Not even your uncle. If anyone asks, deny it outright." The Third Hokage's expression was stern.

"Understood." Orochimaru nodded seriously.

"Got it." Xu Ming agreed as well.

The idea of an eleven-year-old mastering natural energy was terrifying.

This wasn't mere genius—it was monstrous, inhuman.

Most so-called prodigies at this age were merely graduating early and beginning their work in Anbu, striving to learn advanced jutsu.

Yet Xu Ming and Orochimaru had already surpassed all of them, delving into the mysteries of natural energy.

And worse—they had succeeded.

If this information got out, it would drive the other hidden villages insane.

Especially considering Orochimaru's method had the potential to make the process more accessible, threatening the status quo. This alone would make others covet their discovery.

"Regardless, be cautious."

The Third Hokage hesitated, as if wanting to say more, but in the end, he just sighed and patted both their shoulders.

Xu Ming and Orochimaru nodded in understanding.

That night, they dined together and stayed at the Third Hokage's house before departing the next morning.

After a short day of rest and discussion, Xu Ming and Orochimaru returned to the forest behind the village.

"I've been holding back for a long time, Xu Ming," Orochimaru finally blurted out. "What exactly did you do to help me exit Sage Mode that day? Also, how can you control natural energy so effortlessly when it's usually as wild as lava?"

Xu Ming expected this question sooner or later.

Finding a flat stone, he sat down and spoke calmly. "Let me start from the beginning."

Orochimaru, equally eager, sat on a fallen tree and listened intently.

"First, what you have isn't Sage Mode—it's something more traditional, known as Immortal Talent. This means directly absorbing natural energy."

"Sage Mode, on the other hand, is a more refined process where natural energy is mixed with spiritual and physical energy in a 1:1 ratio, forming Sage Chakra."

"Your method of devouring flesh is an early form of what later became Onmyōdō—the practice of making contracts with powerful beings to channel their strength, evolving oneself to be more like them."

"When you devour flesh, you're essentially evolving towards that creature, as seen in your reversed knee joints."

Orochimaru furrowed his brows in deep thought.

"Secondly, what I have mastered is the Way of Yin and Yang."

Xu Ming paused before continuing:

"In ancient times, there were powerful non-human entities—embodiments of natural energy. Some of these beings could invade or influence the human body, so people developed countermeasures, like purification talismans, to dispel such foreign energies."

"That's what I used on you."

"Lastly, Onmyōdō still exists. There are practitioners in Kyoto, but they are weak."

"As for why I can manipulate natural energy so easily—it's because my level is far beyond what you've seen. If the natural energy were calmer, you'd witness even more astonishing things."

Orochimaru fell silent, absorbing the revelations.

This was beyond what he had expected.

Yet, it only fueled his curiosity and desire for deeper knowledge.

"I see… so, does that mean my method of devouring still works?" Orochimaru's eyes gleamed.

Xu Ming raised an eyebrow.

The first thing on his mind was the path forward?

As expected of Orochimaru.

'If it were me, I'd be bombarding him with questions, trying to learn all his secrets,' Xu Ming thought to himself.

Letting out a breath, he answered, "It can still work, but instead of absorbing raw natural energy directly, you must combine it with spiritual and physical energy to refine Sage Chakra."

"So I was slightly off track, but not entirely wrong," Orochimaru mused, chuckling. "And what about the Holy Lands? Do they use the same method?"

"The differences aren't too significant, but their approach is more refined."

Xu Ming explained:

"The Holy Lands have unique environments where natural energy is more concentrated. This allows them to mass-produce Sage Chakra deposits."

"These deposits, combined with their special surroundings, make training easier."

"Your biological domestication plan is actually quite promising. When paired with the snake hibernation technique you developed, it essentially replicates the advantages of the Holy Lands."

Orochimaru's grin widened in excitement.

There was still much work to be done, but now, the path forward was clearer than ever.