Theory by Theo on 24/05/2023
First off. Shout out too NCHammer23 for starting off this magnificent theory/lore speculation. I wanted to add a little bit of my two cents on this subject. The main subject is that Hashirama’s Sage Mode has remained a mystery for several years. No conclusive information or data has been shown to decisively tell the fans of the origins of said Sage Mode. There have been many ideas on what Hashirama’s Sage Mode is ; from “Beaver Sage”, to “Slug Sage”, to “Monkey Sage” to even “Forest Sage”. However the safest thing to assume is that it also maybe a self taught Sage Mode which we’ll get to later.
However as NCHammer noted. All these ludicrous titles mean nothing compared to the one true source of not only all plant life (the root of wood release) but all natural energy as a whole ; the sun. The sun throughout human culture has had strong role in early religious development and spiritual teachings about the intricacies of nature itself. Something Kishimoto uses strongly in his writing. Starting off, the real life inspiration comes from the ancient Chinese Oracle scripts (a precursor to Japanese Kanji) these characters are used as inspiration for Hashirama’s Sage markings. In this case the oracle script that shows the symbol of “Sun”. The life essence of nature. Next we have the oracle symbol of “Wood” on both Hashirama’s early headband and upper armor plates. Powerful symbols to show Hashirama’s strong ties to nature.
This “Sun Sage Mode” was not taught by either toads or snakes. Because there are only two known locations to learn Senjutsu, and it’s either from Mt. Myoboku or Ryuchi Cave according to data books. Leaving Hashirama’s Sage Mode at an unknown or unusual position. However the third and final originator of this Sage Mode may not even be animals but humans guarding the secrets of the sun. The sect of monks that have been around since the Land of Ancestors Era. These monks have played a crucial role in the history of both early human settlements and shinobi era. Guarding ancient knowledge of the distant past which also includes the first Divine Tree planted on earth. It’s possible either these monks had access to the knowledge of Senjutsu power for many years or had contact with the Toads or Snakes of the land about harnessing nature energy. Regardless, as noted by Kakuzu; the Fire monks have knowledge of the hidden powers of the “Sages”. It is highly possible that Hashirama competed his Sage training via monk knowledge /scrolls. Which would coincide with the “self taught” hypothesis. You can gain the knowledge of Sun Sage Mode, but it is up to the user to find this power on their own by connecting with the forest.
Jutsu name: The Gift of the Hermit Group (仙族の才, Senzoku no Sai, English TV: Gift of the Sages)
It would then be safe to assume that this Senjutsu use is also the hardest to aquire or attain. As the user would have to have high chakra reserves naturally speaking. Also note going back to Kishimoto’s religious and historical inspirations. Both the Thousand Armed Kannon and the Buddha take heavy inspiration from the sun as a source of life and vitality. Hashirama’s Sage Mode, being able to heal any wound at a cellular level via plants storing high amounts of natural energy. Lastly this all ends with a peculiar scene of Naruto himself. Before entering the Fire Temple Naruto has visions of visiting a temple in his dreams. And low and behold he sees the exact same temple. This is a potential sign and a foreshadowing of his Ashura Otsutsuki connection. A short vision of Hashirama’s memories passing on to the next life. (Speculation)
Take note as well that the Wooden Golem represents the anger of an ogre. While the Buddha/Kannon represents peace, tranquility and spirituality
Evidence of the Sun Seal circle on the forehead on both the golem and the ogre spirit. Both representing an angered ogre or the wrath of nature. Interestingly forehead symbols resembling Mito Uzumaki’s forehead and Tsunade/Sakura’s Healings Seal.
The Kannon/Buddha representing the highest order of Sage Energy. Each arm representing the light of the sun providing the plants themselves sustainable life.(edited)
Overall a very interesting and note worthy thought. Kishimoto placing the most powerful Sage Mode (behind Six Paths Sage Mode) as the most sacred and unknown of the Senjutsu forms. The wisdom and teachings of the Buddha in practice by “Enlightenment by nature”
Feel free to post your thoughts!
