"Orochimaru... can actually sense natural energy?"
"This kid has a talent for Sage Mode!"
"Impossible! How could he master it from such vague records?!"
"Even Lord Hashirama learned it with the help of the Shikkotsu Forest..."
The gathered Senju clan members found it hard to believe.
As word spread, Uzumaki Mito arrived and immediately classified the matter as top secret. Discussions about it were strictly prohibited.
Sage Mode was incredibly powerful.
As Senju Hashirama's wife, Uzumaki Mito fully understood the significance of this ability. Any ninja who could master natural energy and enter Sage Mode gained the power to suppress a Tailed Beast.
This meant Konoha had acquired another strategic weapon.
While Sage Mode didn't have the widespread destructive capabilities of a Jinchūriki, it was still immensely valuable, capable of neutralizing enemy Jinchūriki in battle.
"Tsunade, how is Orochimaru?"
After issuing a gag order and dismissing the onlookers, Uzumaki Mito turned her attention to Orochimaru's condition.
"He'll be fine. The wounds look severe, but they aren't life-threatening. He just needs a month of rest," Tsunade replied with relief after assessing Orochimaru.
Orochimaru had already lost consciousness due to excessive blood loss.
"That's a relief." Uzumaki Mito sighed, gazing at the unconscious Orochimaru. "These two... They always recklessly chase after dangerous powers just because they have talent. So reckless..."
"Two?" Tsunade caught onto Mito's wording.
"Of course! That brat, Xu Ming, must have had a hand in this!" Uzumaki Mito huffed.
Wherever Orochimaru made a breakthrough, Xu Ming's influence was always there.
It wasn't hard to guess—Orochimaru's pursuit of natural energy must have been fueled by Xu Ming's encouragement. That boy thrived on pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
Meanwhile…
Xu Ming suddenly sneezed, rubbing his nose in confusion.
His physical condition was fine, and he was dressed warmly. Why did he sneeze so suddenly?
"Could it be Orochimaru…?" Xu Ming chuckled to himself, making a random guess.
He didn't dwell on it. But just then, his system feedback activated, showing him an image of Orochimaru.
"I should visit him in a few days and see what he's figured out."
As he pondered this, he suddenly sensed something. Turning toward the window, he saw a masked figure appear in his courtyard—an Anbu operative in standard light armor.
"Anbu?" Xu Ming walked to the window with curiosity. "What's going on?"
"Lord Third Hokage has requested your presence at the hospital," the Anbu stated.
"Right now?"
"Yes."
"Alright, understood."
With that, the Anbu disappeared with the Body Flicker Technique.
"Why would I need to go to the hospital so suddenly?" Xu Ming muttered, putting on a thick coat before heading out. "Could it be a problem with my medical ninjutsu training?"
For now, that was the only explanation that made sense.
Upon arriving at the hospital, a nurse guided Xu Ming to the intensive care unit on the fourth floor. His confusion only grew.
Reaching the fourth floor, he glanced up—and froze.
Tsunade, Uzumaki Mito, and the Third Hokage were all waiting for him, their expressions serious. It felt like he was standing trial for a crime.
"W-What's wrong?" Xu Ming stammered, taken aback by the tense atmosphere.
"Xu Ming, well done," the Third Hokage said in a reproachful tone, pointing at him.
"You're the one who encouraged Orochimaru to study natural energy, aren't you?" Uzumaki Mito added sternly.
"Orochimaru is in there. He's not going to die, but he'll be bedridden for a month." Tsunade gestured toward the ward.
Xu Ming finally pieced it together.
Orochimaru had injured himself while practicing natural energy, ended up in the hospital, and now, the Third Hokage and Uzumaki Mito were holding him accountable.
"This... is my fault."
Xu Ming sighed and lowered his head.
He did bear some responsibility. Cultivating natural energy was risky, and Orochimaru had embarked on this path because of his guidance.
If Orochimaru got hurt, it was on him.
"Go in and see him," the Third Hokage said, his tone softening slightly.
"Right."
Xu Ming nodded and stepped into the ward quietly.
The room was brightly lit.
Orochimaru lay on the bed, wrapped in bandages like a mummy, with only his eyes exposed. His breathing was steady, his expression peaceful—he was asleep.
Xu Ming approached, examining him briefly before channeling a bit of Yang Release chakra to assess his condition.
Nothing serious—just extreme exhaustion from blood loss.
Xu Ming let out a relieved sigh and quietly exited the room.
Outside, the Third Hokage met him with a serious expression. "I won't stop you or Orochimaru from researching whatever you wish. In fact, I encourage exploration into unknown fields. But you must prioritize safety."
"From now on, you will personally oversee Orochimaru's study of natural energy," Uzumaki Mito added.
Xu Ming was stunned. This wasn't the response he had expected.
He had anticipated severe criticism or even punishment, but instead, they were entrusting him with greater responsibility.
"Don't overthink it. Researching new things carries risks—my teacher, the Second Hokage, suffered countless injuries from his experiments," the Third Hokage said, placing a hand on Xu Ming's shoulder. "But Orochimaru is still young. He may not be able to handle these risks alone. That's why he needs your guidance."
"Wait… Sensei, you trust me this much?" Xu Ming couldn't help but ask.
"Of course. Given your past achievements, I doubt there's anyone in Konoha more knowledgeable about natural energy and Sage Mode than you," Uzumaki Mito said with a knowing look.
"Not to mention, Orochimaru himself admitted your medical ninjutsu is among the best in Konoha," Tsunade added.
Xu Ming was at a loss for words.
"What we mean is simple: No matter what you study, safety must come first. Orochimaru's injury this time was just an accident," the Third Hokage continued.
"But from now on, since you understand this subject better than he does, you must take responsibility for ensuring his safety," Uzumaki Mito said with a sigh.
Xu Ming finally grasped their intentions.
They weren't blaming him. They were trusting him.
Taking a deep breath, he nodded firmly. "Understood. I'll make sure of it."