Hakushi nodded, without hesitation, a Shadow Blade swept across, cutting a deep and long gash on the back of Hakushi's hand, as he placed his deeply wounded palm into the warm Life Spring Water.
Sure enough, the wound healed rapidly at a visible speed.
This recovery speed is even faster than using Medical Ninjutsu.
"Since Lord Hakushi has already learned Immortal Techniques, the effect of this spring water for you is basically limited to healing purposes."
Katsuyu remarked.
"Can the spring water be drunk?"
"The effect of drinking is about the same as soaking, but it can't be stored for long when taken outside because it's caused by my Immortal Technique, and will quickly lose its effectiveness externally."
Katsuyu saw through Hakushi's thoughts and kindly reminded him.
"Ah, that's a pity indeed."
Thinking carefully makes sense, if the Life Spring Water here could be taken outside, Tsunade would have used it for Konoha Ninja long ago.
In wars, this would greatly reduce the casualty rate as a holy healing artifact.
However, being able to create such a large healing spring, Hakushi now has a relatively clear concept of Katsuyu's Immortal Technique ability, no longer as vague as before.
Looking down from the top of the mountain, below is a ghastly white forest wrapped in dense fog.
Bare white trees emerging from the fog, only the sharply pointed top portion like needles can be seen.
"By the way, Katsuyu, what kind of trees are those below? I have never seen such trees in the Ninja Realm."
Hakushi pointed to the trees below, curiously inquired.
A ghastly hue, the split-body slugs of Katsuyu, crawling and wriggling on them, the corrosive mucus secreted from their mouthparts, yet leaving no sign of decay or melting.
"Those were originally common trees in the Ninja Realm, but over the years, transformed by dense Natural Energy and my corrosive mucus, they have grown into steel-like resilient trees, absorbing Natural Energy to thrive."
Katsuyu explained.
"Can I chop some?"
"Feel free, Lord Hakushi, these trees are of no use to me. I don't like this withered hue, but anywhere else I reside would only become this kind of environment."
Katsuyu did not refuse; to it, these are useless external things.
"You really have a detached disposition, not caring about anything. Katsuyu, to be honest, why would an entity as powerful as you intentionally sign contracts with humans?"
Hakushi puzzled over this point.
The Immortal Technique power within Katsuyu is too formidable, humans likely could not reach this level in a lifetime.
Its body could cause landslides and earthquakes just by moving.
That is just the power from its body itself, not counting its Immortal Technique power.
Such an existence still signs contracts with humans; it's truly strange.
"Why sign contracts with humans? Lord Hakushi is really a peculiar human; humans seek me merely for Immortal Techniques and power, and value my medical ability. Lady Tsunade considering me a friend is quite rare indeed. But you're the first to ask this question, Lord Hakushi."
Katsuyu was indeed surprised by Hakushi's question.
A ninja diving straight into the core of the question, Katsuyu had never seen before.
"Actually, it's nothing much. I sign contracts with humans not to gain anything, but merely out of boredom."
Katsuyu replied in a gentle tone.
"Boredom?"
Hakushi turned his head to look at Katsuyu's split body.
"My lifespan is too long, usually focusing on body maintenance and care, human emotions look too pale in my eyes, and in the end, nothing remains anyway. I'm not enthusiastic about power and combat, but I sometimes feel lonely, hoping to leverage human strength to see the changes in the outside world."
"Just passing time?"
"Yes. Unable to see the end of my own life, only like Ryuchi Cave and Mount Myoboku, drafting Summoning Scrolls, signing contracts with humans, using human summons to while away the long, boring time."
Humans will inevitably age and die.
Even a friend like Tsunade might remember her existence now.
But one day Tsunade will fade in its memory, in the distant future, when it forgets this friendship, only cold, human names remain.
And it will continue to exist in the Ninja Realm, meeting different humans in the future, signing contracts and relying on each other.
Among them, perhaps it will encounter some interesting humans, bringing unique and precious memories.
Katsuyu's tone was very serene.
It is the chosen path after seeing through the changes of myriad things.
Hakushi looked at the nearby Katsuyu split body, sensing not loneliness and solitude, but rather a sage who views the world as an observer after years of trials.
Not high above, but rather like an ordinary hermit.
"Really? Then witness my life, Katsuyu."
Hakushi said with a smile.
"?"
Katsuyu slightly raised its head.
"I plan to inject some alternative ideas into this world, which won't be compatible with the current path of the Ninja Realm. When the time comes, perhaps you'll recall some intriguing past events many years later and smile from the heart."
"Hmm, I will look forward to it, Lord Hakushi."
Katsuyu's tone showed a hint of delight.
Intending to use Hakushi's life to witness what changes might be injected into the Ninja Realm.
These changes might be the most memorable events in recent years.
Recalling today's events thousands of years later, this human ninja named 'Chiba Hakushi' might no longer be just a cold name symbol in its memory.