Naruto as a sage.
A "Sage" (仙人, Sennin) is someone who is able to utilise senjutsu (仙術, literally meaning: Sage Techniques), and has mastered the art of Sage Mode or someone given said title because of their renown for their great power, wisdom, or holy standing.
Senjutsu
Main articles: Senjutsu and Sage Mode Senjutsu (仙術, English TV: Sage Jutsu, literally meaning: Sage Techniques) are a specialised field of jutsu that involve the use of natural energy. Senjutsu practitioners, known as sages, learn to draw natural energy inside their bodies, blending it with their own chakra to create senjutsu chakra (仙術チャクラ, senjutsu chakura, English TV: Sage Jutsu Chakra). This chakra adds a new dimension of power to the user's techniques, while also allowing for the use of techniques that would not otherwise be possible. Very few people are shown to have mastered senjutsu. This is because both learning and using senjutsu is not safe; death may easily occur while learning to use it. Fukasaku claims that the toad sculptures on Mount Myōboku are those who failed to master the art of senjutsu. Naruto Uzumaki, Kabuto Yakushi, Hashirama Senju, Orochimaru and Jiraiya are currently the only known human users of senjutsu. Other animals such as Fukasaku and Shima are also able to use it with the White Snake Sage and Great Toad Sage amongst others, being at least knowledgeable in it.
Other Uses
A silhouette of the Sage of the Six Paths.
"Sage" can also refer to an individual renowned for their great power, wisdom, or holy standing.
- The Sage of the Six Paths was one of the most famous sages in the series, a legendary figure who discovered chakra, created modern ninjutsu, the one who saved the world from the Ten-Tails and was the first jinchūriki. It is unknown if he too was capable of using natural energy.
- Son Gokū's moniker: The Great Sage Equalling Heaven (斉天大聖, Seiten Taisei) also makes mention of being a Sage.