Sensing the highly condensed chakra within the Rasengan, Snake Princess's expression turned serious.
The mysterious boy in front of her was definitely not an ordinary ninja—his strength was at least on the level of Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin. Still, testing intruders of Ryūchi Cave was their duty.
Just as the three Snake Princesses hesitated, an old voice echoed from deep within Ryūchi Cave:
"You are no match for the Child of Prophecy. Let him in—I also wish to meet him."
Hearing this, the three Snake Princesses secretly let out a breath and stepped aside.
As sages, they could sense Naruto's vast chakra—like an ocean without end. The pressure alone was enough to make anyone sweat bullets.
After walking deeper into Ryūchi Cave, Naruto Uzumaki finally saw the White Snake Sage sitting cross-legged on a stone platform.
Wearing a hat and lazily smoking a pipe, the old sage looked absurdly relaxed—like a retired boss who could still kill you in one move if you pissed him off.
Activating Kagura's Mind's Eye, Naruto observed carefully.
The White Snake Sage's chakra seemed fused with the entire land—endless and immeasurable.
At the same time, the White Snake Sage was also observing Naruto.
Inside Naruto's body were several different types of chakra, each powerful in its own right… including the unmistakable presence of the Kurama.
Nine-Tails Jinchūriki… the child favored by that old toad. Looks like Ryūchi Cave just got lucky.
After a long silence, the White Snake Sage spoke first:
"Child of Prophecy… Leader of Uzushio Village… or should I call you Nine-Tails Jinchūriki?"
Naruto didn't seem bothered at all that his identity had been exposed.
For ancient beings like this, hiding things was pointless anyway. Honestly, this straightforward attitude was way better than those riddle-loving toads from Mount Myōboku.
After thinking for a moment, Naruto replied:
"You can call me anything—except 'Child of Prophecy.' I don't like labels forced onto me… In the end, prophecy means nothing without strength."
The White Snake Sage chuckled.
"I like your attitude. Unlike that old toad who lives in dreams… If I could steal his chosen pawn, his face would be priceless."
After a pause, the sage narrowed its eyes.
"You came here for Sage Mode, didn't you?"
Naruto nodded.
"Yes. I came for Ryūchi Cave's senjutsu… but I also have a few questions."
"Ask," the White Snake Sage said lazily. "I know quite a few secrets of the ninja world."
Naruto stepped forward and said:
"I want to know the difference between Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode and Mount Myōboku's. And… does Shikkotsu Forest also have its own form of sage inheritance?"
The White Snake Sage stared at him for a few seconds before speaking in a low tone:
"Ambitious, aren't you? Not satisfied with just one—you want all three great sage arts."
"Fine. I'll tell you this much. The training methods are similar, but each focuses on different aspects. Ryūchi Cave's senjutsu strengthens ninjutsu. As for the others… you'll have to ask that old toad and the slug yourself."
"Though whether they'll teach you… that's another story."
Naruto fell into thought.
So Ryūchi Cave enhances ninjutsu… Then Mount Myōboku and Shikkotsu Forest likely emphasize genjutsu and physical abilities.
Interesting.
After a short pause, Naruto asked another question:
"One more thing. Do you know about the Pure Land? Its origin… its purpose… and what those wandering souls really are?"
A sharp glint flashed through the White Snake Sage's eyes—but it quickly disappeared.
"I don't know," it said calmly. "The Pure Land exists outside the ninja world. Even Ryūchi Cave cannot interfere with it."
Then it added:
"But that old toad might know something. He's always been… mysterious. You can try asking him."
Naruto showed a hint of regret.
But internally, he was sure—the White Snake Sage did know something. It just didn't want to say it.
Which meant one thing:
The Pure Land was very likely connected to the Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki… and the God Tree.
After a moment, the White Snake Sage smiled again:
"Free questions are over. If you want more answers, you'll have to agree to some conditions."
Naruto smirked slightly.
"What kind of conditions? Become your spokesperson? Or help you stop the revival of the Ten-Tails?"
For a brief moment, the White Snake Sage was actually stunned.
Then it stared at Naruto for a few seconds, looking almost… helpless.
So the pawn had become a player. No wonder that old toad backed off.
"Tch… looks like Kurama told you about the Ten-Tails."
The White Snake Sage shook its head.
"In that case, I won't force you. Learn our senjutsu… and leave."
As soon as it finished speaking, its body shrank instantly, and it bit Naruto's arm like lightning—leaving a mark.
Naruto reacted, but didn't resist.
This was how Ryūchi Cave taught Sage Mode—brutal and straight to the point.
Feeling natural energy pouring into his body, Naruto wrapped it with his chakra and asked:
"If you know the threat of the Ten-Tails, why not destroy the Rinnegan user directly?"
"I've fought its wielder before. With your help, it might not even stand a chance."
The White Snake Sage didn't answer.
Instead, it flicked its tail toward a nearby cave.
"That place is rich in natural energy—perfect for training. Tian Xin Shenji will guide you."
"Once you learn Sage Mode… leave immediately."
"The time flow here is different from the outside world. Don't waste it."
Seeing that the old snake was starting to act like a riddle master, Naruto wisely shut up.
Push too hard, and even a chill snake might bite back—yeah, and not the friendly kind.
Besides, one thing was clear:
Places like Ryūchi Cave weren't just powerful—they were special.
A separate space filled with dense natural energy… something the normal ninja world simply couldn't match.
No wonder creatures here could grow into massive beasts dozens of meters long.
Yeah… this place wasn't just dangerous—it was downright broken.
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