Explaining what is, and what isn't Sage transformation

BlinkST

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Sage transformation is:
  • "Sage mode"

Sage transformation is not:
  • A "watered down version" of "Sage mode"

To understand this, we have to examine the similarities and differences between the two. The Sage mode people refer to the most, would be the one used by Naruto, so we'll start there. As far as I understand, the purpose of Naruto's Sage training, was to give his own human body the power to sense natural energy, and in turn use it.


One of the more bizarre reasonings I've seen lately is that Jugo only "passively" absorbs natural energy. Not sure how that is different from what any other Sage mode user does, as they cannot sense natural energy without absorbing it into their body first.

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Ideally, for the frogs "version" of Sage mode, a human should not take on the characteristics of the animals. This is because Fukusaku illustrated that for a human to take on more characteristics, the less likely that they can use Sage jutsu, because they then cannot mix the energies properly.

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In other words, Naruto is using a "perfect" Sage mode. He is able to use Sage chakra, without transforming into a frog, which is evidence of his good control over natural energy.

Seems simple and clear-cut, right?



Well, it's not that simple.



You see, unlike Naruto, the frogs themselves can actually use Sage jutsu in their current state. In other words, it's reversed:

can't balance energy = turn into a frog = can't use Sage jutsu
You are a frog = can balance energy = can use Sage jutsu

The difference here is that animals do not have a "Sage mode". They do not use the "Sage" prefix for their jutsu, but despite being frogs, they can use Sage jutsu just fine.
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Note that also, while Jiraiya experienced some frog transformation while using Sage mode, he was able to control the level of transformation, and still use what a human calls "Sage" jutsu.
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This is what brings us to "Sage transformation". It's not a "watered down version" of Sage mode, as the above outlines. One reason why people assume that, is because Kabuto suggested that members of Jugo's clan, went wild when they absorbed natural energy:

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The problem with this, is that this is not entirely true [Like most things]. Jugo's killing impulse, is sometimes shown to induce his transformations.

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Other times, he can transform, without having killing impulses.

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That led me to conclude that the purpose of Sage transformation, is really to let a shinobi turn into something closer to an animal, in order to absorb natural energy and use it.

[...]


Getting back to the beginning, one reason people speak of Naruto having a "perfect" Sage mode, is due having little change to his human characteristics.

Therefore, we can say "Sage transformation" is the total opposite of what constitutes Sage mode, right?

Once again, that's not entirely true. This is really just an argument dealing in cosmetics, not clear facts, and glosses over the positive sides of Sage transformation. What was true for Jiraiya, wasn't entirely true for Kabuto.

For example, Naruto's use of Sage mode, was rife with what Fukusaku described: your jutsu getting a power boost.
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Kabuto's use of Sage mode, was instead a display of more advanced Sage powers. What Kabuto was able to achieve, was a step above what Naruto was doing: merely adding Sage chakra to existing jutsu.

We'll look at three examples.

The first is..:

Sage Jutsu: White Extreme Attack
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While part of the reason why Kabuto can use this jutsu is because of his mastery of the Hozuki clan's technique, he actually attributes this being part of his Sage powers. The other important reason why this is possible, is because Kabuto can use internal eyelids to block his vision, so the light does not affect him.

Now, does this seem like something Naruto can do? Well, no, because Naruto is a human, not a snake.

The next example..:

Sage Jutsu: Inorganic Animation
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This is a little more advanced than what Naruto has ever done.


The last, would be the genjutsu used by the toads. Can Naruto use such a jutsu? No, because he's not a toad. He can't produce those vocals. That's the difference. In addition to that, Sage transformation users have the potential to not just absorb natural energy, but people, too. We know this mainly from the fact that Jugo can graft flesh from his own body or other people, and repair his own body and other people accordingly.

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But originally, we saw this when Sasuke absorbed Orochimaru [Soul?], gaining his powers.
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Sage transformation's characteristics can very beneficial, and can actually allow shinobi to create fairly unique Sage jutsu. The fact that a human's body would be unsuitable for using these jutsu, basically means they aren't exactly "perfect" Sages, if animals can still do things they can only dream of doing.

 

Bimbonium

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Nice theory, hmmmm what's the conclusion.
 

Zuru

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This a great theory right here. You make very good points. =D
 

Jin

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took a hour to read Zzz
nice theory i would say but i didn't get the part whats different about kabutos and narutos sage mode though :(
 

Gerkak

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Nice theory.
 

rollin

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took a hour to read Zzz
nice theory i would say but i didn't get the part whats different about kabutos and narutos sage mode though :(
naruto's sage mode is just making his attacks he already has stronger,hes not using sage jutsu, kabuto and the frogs are using sage jutsu
 

Joshutsu

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Good job, well laid out.
 

Multiply

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Great theory! It was a good read.
 

BlinkST

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took a hour to read Zzz
nice theory i would say but i didn't get the part whats different about kabutos and narutos sage mode though :(
Kabuto's Sage mode is closer to "Sage transformation". He's physically different and is using more advanced Sage powers that can benefit from his physical transformation. Naruto's Sage mode, even as we see in the latest chapter, is a little more "basic", since all he does is add Sage power to his existing jutsu.
 
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Xāvî1

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I agree...........nice thread
 

BlackBison

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nice theory

It would be interesting if kishi came out and stated your theory.
 
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