Chapter 413: Mana Sage Mode
"How fascinating," muttered Edward as he felt the changes inside his body. He punched in the air with a small amount of force.
His small movement created a sonic boom in the air.
"Lumos," he muttered, and a light ball as bright as the sun appeared in his hand. "Such power with such little mana." The Mana Sage Mode boosted his physical prowess and the effects of his spells, and these seemed only the preliminary effects.
Edward then focused on his senses. With a thought, he could sense every living being on the planet. He could feel every single particle of natural energy on this planet.
"My control of energy seems to have drastically increased," he uttered before focusing on his body. He sensed the remaining void energy that his vast mana was essentially sealing along with that mysterious power.
"I can control void energy," he said in shock. Before now, he could never use his spiritual energy or soul strength to directly control void energy; he always required an object or technology as an aid.
"Although it is a very rudimentary level, it's still my first time controlling it." Edward was elated. Traveling to this world became worth it just because of this. He then used his enhanced senses to analyze that weird power.
'It's some sort of Will remaining from the creatures that attacked me.' Edward frowned as he pondered: an idea came to mind. 'Why don't I use my Willpower to confront this thing? Maybe I can benefit from it."
He vomited a mouthful of blood.
"Are you alright?" asked Tsunade as she held his right arm.
"I'm fine," he replied. His attempt succeeded as he discovered he could temper his Willpower with this method. Edward has hope he can reach the level 8 Willpower requirement by confronting this Will. However, he has to ensure his body is in the correct state before proceeding.
"I don't think vomiting blood is a good indication of good health."
"You saw me in worse shape," replied Edward, who rapidly healed from this minor injury because of his Mana Sage Mode. Tsunade gave him a tissue, and he wiped the blood from his mouth.
'I will need a lot more natural energy: a star system worth. Plus, I must study how it is created to recreate this energy.' He did not mind sharing the Mana Sage Mode with the Empire.
Arcanists will have battle strength above their Tier with it and the Arcane Spark. Some talented arcanists could probably fight two or more tiers above their ranks in the lower Tiers (0-6). They would only need a vessel to store natural energy or store it in their bodies through seals.
Edward looked at Tsunade, who was supporting him, "Do you want to learn Sage Mode?"
"I've already tried. I could not even sense natural energy."
"That's understandable. You probably won't have any issue with combining the three energies. On this planet, your Chakra Control Talent is only second to your disciple, Sakura."
"Sakura is not my disciple."
"Is that so? It seems the future has changed. You should take her under your wings. In less than three years, she surpassed you and became the best medical ninja on this planet. And she mastered Strength of a Hundred Seal and Creation Rebirth."
"In only three years? That's quite the talent." Tsunade remembered Sakura was not from a famous clan, meaning she was only a civilian Ninja. She was indeed talented if she could achieve all these without any bloodline.
"Answer my question: do you want to learn?"
"Can you really teach me?"
"Then, I want to learn."
"Alright. Get a piece of stick for me from that tree over there."
"Why can't you get it yourself?"
"I'm an injured person."
"Here," said Tsunade begrudgingly. Edward took the stick and began drawing a circle. Then, he drew a bunch of complicated symbols and geometric shapes inside. The final product looked like a piece of art.
"I'm going to need some of your Chakra and Spiritual Energy. Don't resist." He pointed the stick at Tsunade and drew two strings from her body, one blue, and one white, and placed them on the circle. Electric lights flashed on the circle as it lighted up.
Then, something that looked like a gaming virtual reality headset appeared in the middle.
"What is this? What did you do?"
"Matter Manipulation. I used the atoms in the air and surrounding to create things. I could have waved my hand to do so, but that would require using my powers."
"So, similar to the rumored Sage of Six Paths' Creation of All Things."
"His technique allows him to turn fantasy into reality, so it can create things out of nowhere. And his is better since he can create life."
"Wow, you're admitting you're not as good as someone else."
"I don't know where you got the idea that I was a prideful person," replied Edward. "I traveled to different planets and worlds to meet different races and civilizations and learn from them. A beggar can be my teacher as long as they have knowledge I don't have."
"I guess I underestimate your pursuit of knowledge. I apologize."
"It's fine. Anyway, let's get started," stated Edward. "This thing is divided into 10 levels, with each level helping you sense natural energy. Once you reach level 1, you won't need assistance and can sense it independently."
"So, the lower the level, the less aid I will receive?"
Tsunade placed the headset on her head and sat down to meditate. A few minutes later, natural energy began to gather inside her body, scaring the quiet Katsuyu, who was watching these two lovers' interaction with delight.
Edward smacked the sticks on Tsunade's back to remove the natural energy and prevent her from petrifying.
"Ow, do you have to hit me so hard?"
"Yes. Focus and quickly remove the natural energy inside your body."
Tsunade focused and continued her training to level 9. Half an hour later, she could sense the natural energy and absorb it. However, she was careful and did not let a certain someone hit her.
"Damn it, why is level 2 so hard," she complained as she removed the headset.
"Five days to reach level 2 is decent," replied Edward, who spent this time optimizing his Mana Sage Mode by combining the three methods and translating it to his mana. In the past few days, he also discovered another ability of this mode: high resistance.
And it was not just resistance to mana, but all energy. Although he did not reach complete immunity to most spells like the gods, it was better than nothing.
"Don't listen to him, Tsuna," said Katsuyu. "You have made such immense progress in just five days." She had never met someone who could sense energy so quickly–especially after being deemed impossible to master Sage Mode.
"Do you have a way to accelerate the process?" asked Tsunade.
"You're similar to my wife, Olivier. You have high control for energy but abysmal Energy Sensing."
"Why are you saying this to me?" asked Tsunade with an attitude.
"Where is the potion I gave you to wake your Bloodline Limit?"
"Why does it have to do with anything?"
"Awakening your bloodline will increase your talent."
Tsunade became somber for a moment, "Is it the right choice for the Senju Clan to revive?" The Senju Clan dispersed and became regular citizens because of their clan's overwhelming power in the village because of the first and second Hokage. And Tsunade knew the political ramifications of awakening the Wood Style.
"The Otsutsuki Clan will have their eyes on this planet in twenty years or more. And you guys will only have Naruto and Sasuke to protect you. So, if you don't want to be useless and powerless, you better increase your strength as soon as possible."
"I won't be forever. Once I heal and get what I want, I'm leaving."
"...That's true," muttered Tsunade, who became dazed for a moment. She activated the interdimensional ring Edward gave her and took out the potion. Without hesitation, she chugged it down.
Tsunade felt a powerful life force coursing through her veins. She did the hand signs for a Jutsu, and wood fists grew from the ground.
"Alright, get back to training."
The next day, Tsunade succeeded in sensing natural energy on her own. Two days later, under Edward's strict guidance, she fused her spiritual, physical, and natural energy and entered Sage Mode.
However, before she could rejoice, Tsunade received an emergency summons from the Third Hokage.