"My father went to the Inuzuka Clan to get it for me," Yamanaka Haiichi explained.
Hearing this, Chiba was a bit surprised. "Haiichi, you like dogs?"
Chiba wasn't sure if his presence in this world had caused many changes, but he found it interesting that Yamanaka Haiichi wanted a dog.
"It's not about liking them," Haiichi clarified. "I just think having a summoning beast would make missions much more convenient. A dog's sense of smell is far superior to a human's, and a ninja dog can be invaluable for tracking enemies."
After a moment of thought, he added, "It's just practical."
"Then do you know what my summoning beast is?" Nawaki asked, looking expectantly at the group.
"It's Katsuyu," Chiba answered immediately.
After all, he already knew that Tsunade had the contract with the Slug Sage of Shikkotsu Forest. Though Tsunade often seemed indifferent to her younger brother, he was certain she would still give him the contract if he asked.
"Chiba, how did you know?" Nawaki looked at him, wide-eyed.
"Haha, just a guess."
"Katsuyu? You mean the Katsuyu from the Three Great Sage Lands?" Nara Shikaku asked curiously.
"Hehe, yes, that's the one."
"I really envy you, Nawaki. But that makes sense. I remember my family saying that the Slug Sage of Shikkotsu Forest usually only makes contracts with the Senju Clan. Hardly anyone else gets the chance," Akimichi Chōza said, a hint of envy in his voice.
The three Great Sage Lands—Mount Myōboku, Ryūchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest—were legendary, and the healing abilities of Katsuyu made it an especially sought-after summoning.
"Who says it's exclusive to the Senju Clan? Chiba also has a contract with Katsuyu. And he signed it before me!" Nawaki grumbled.
He couldn't understand why Tsunade treated Chiba better than her own brother.
"Wait, Chiba, you signed a contract with Shikkotsu Forest too?" Nara Shikaku asked in surprise.
As everyone turned to look at him, Chiba nodded. "Yeah, I did."
"Chiba, tell us how you managed to get a contract with Shikkotsu Forest. Share your experience," Shikaku said, intrigued.
"..."
How was he supposed to explain that? Should he say he took advantage of Tsunade's goodwill?
It wasn't exactly something he could openly admit. While he wasn't against the idea of "eating soft rice" (relying on others), especially since he had never had that opportunity in his past life, it wasn't something he wanted to boast about.
"It's because of my older sister," Nawaki muttered bitterly. "I don't even know if I'm really her brother at this point."
"Wait, do you mean Tsunade-sama?" Yamanaka Haiichi asked cautiously.
"..."
Chiba resisted the urge to sigh. Why did Nawaki have to blurt that out?
Seeing the expectant gazes of his friends, he reluctantly nodded. "Yes, but there was a reason for it."
He needed to salvage his reputation.
"Some special circumstances arose at the time, so Tsunade asked me to sign the contract with Shikkotsu Forest and learn Sage Mode."
"Special circumstances?" Shikaku frowned.
Haiichi and Chōza also looked puzzled.
Chiba guessed that, even though the Ino-Shika-Chō trio were loyal supporters of the Hokage, the details about Jinchūriki and Uzumaki Mito were too sensitive to be publicly shared.
Meanwhile, Nawaki had an epiphany. When Chiba mentioned "special circumstances," he immediately thought of the time when his grandmother, Uzumaki Mito, transferred the Nine Tails.
If that was the case, it made sense.
His resentment toward Chiba softened.
"We can't discuss this further. It's confidential," Chiba said with an air of mystery.
"That makes sense. If it's a village secret, it's best we don't pry," Shikaku agreed.
As a Nara, he knew there were things better left unknown.
Haiichi and Chōza nodded in understanding.
At that moment, the waiter arrived with their sushi, breaking the awkward silence.
"Alright, today we're celebrating our promotion to Chūnin. How about a toast?" Chiba raised his cup.
Of course, their cups only contained juice. Although the restaurant served alcohol, they were still underage.
"Cheers!"
The group clinked their cups together.
A Week Later
As promised, Chiba visited Orochimaru's residence.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Coming! One moment," came Orochimaru's voice from inside.
A few seconds later, the door opened. When Orochimaru saw Chiba, his eyes gleamed with interest.
"Teacher Orochimaru, long time no see," Chiba greeted with a smile.
"Haha, I was wondering when Chiba-kun would return. Alright, come inside," Orochimaru said, stepping aside.
In the living room, Orochimaru poured a cup of tea for Chiba before sitting down, observing him intently.
Chiba took a sip of tea and then slowly spoke. "Teacher Orochimaru, how much do you know about Sage Mode?"
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly.
Though he didn't know why Chiba was asking, he answered honestly.
"Sage Mode… When I first visited Ryūchi Cave, the White Snake Sage told me it was merely a way to enhance one's strength—to boost ninjutsu and physical abilities," Orochimaru said thoughtfully.
"However, I always felt like the White Snake Sage was hiding something. Sage Mode doesn't seem that simple."
Chiba nodded. "You're right. Sage Mode can indeed enhance a person's strength in all aspects… but there's more to it than that."
After a brief pause, Chiba asked, "Teacher Orochimaru, what are your thoughts on immortality?"
Orochimaru's breathing visibly quickened at the word.
Though he hadn't yet experienced the painful loss of Nawaki, even as a child, he had pondered the meaning of human life.
The idea of immortality had always intrigued him.