Sora arrived at Orochimaru's hideout and found the Sannin waiting.
"Orochimaru-sensei, I plan to go to Ryūchi Cave to learn Sage Mode," Sora announced.
Orochimaru's eyes widened in surprise. "You want to train in Sage Mode at Ryūchi Cave? Your strength already ranks among the highest in the shinobi world. The risks of mastering Sage Mode are extremely dangerous."
Sora shook his head firmly. "Orochimaru-sensei, my current abilities may be impressive, but they're far from enough. All my future enemies will be extraordinary beings. My strength isn't sufficient, so I must improve my abilities as much as possible."
Orochimaru's snake-like pupils contracted. "All future enemies will be extraordinary beings? Why are you so certain, Yahiko?"
Unable to explain clearly, Sora replied, "Orochimaru-sensei, when I first awakened my Mangekyō Sharingan, I witnessed strange visions... like the end of the world. I can't describe it precisely, but those scenes worry me deeply. I believe they will happen someday, so I must prepare by becoming as strong as possible."
Orochimaru remained silent for a moment before speaking. "Since you have this goal, I won't stop you. However, training in Sage Mode at Ryūchi Cave is extremely dangerous. You must pass the three trials of Ryūchi Cave before officially beginning Sage Mode training. Those three tests shouldn't be difficult for someone of your caliber."
He continued, his voice growing more serious. "The real danger comes during the actual Sage Mode training. If you fail, you'll turn to stone. I also attempted to master Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode in the past but failed and nearly became a stone statue. In the end, I used my Orochi Usage Technique to escape petrification. I don't have any advice on how to successfully master Sage Mode, but as your teacher, I must warn you—if you aren't prepared, don't attempt this training."
The Orochi Usage Technique Orochimaru mentioned was his secret jutsu. It allowed him to transform into a massive snake composed of countless smaller snakes, capable of absorbing opponent's abilities. Essentially, before his body completely turned to stone, Orochimaru escaped petrification by shedding his skin and transforming into countless smaller snakes.
Sora nodded. "I understand the dangers of Sage Mode training. There are methods to avoid petrification even if I fail, which is why I've decided to go to Ryūchi Cave."
Orochimaru nodded. "Since you're prepared, that's for the best. I wish you success."
"Orochimaru-sensei," Sora asked, "Kakashi will replace me as acting captain of the Konoha Defense Force. While I'm away from the village, could you and Kushina please help look after them?"
"I understand," Orochimaru promised. "I'll take care of them during your absence."
Sora smiled and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Orochimaru-sensei. I'll take my leave now."
After leaving Orochimaru's hideout, Sora headed to the Root headquarters. He needed to inform Danzo of his absence; otherwise, the elder might become furious.
Upon arriving at the Root base, Sora met with Danzo and explained his plans to train at Ryūchi Cave, mentioning that Kakashi would serve as acting captain during his absence.
Danzo frowned deeply. "The Konoha Defense Force has just been established properly, and now you, the captain, plan to leave? Appointing Kakashi as your temporary replacement? This is absurd!"
Sora had anticipated Danzo's resistance. However, in Sora's eyes, Danzo was merely a useful tool. How could he allow a mere tool to obstruct his path to greater power?
"Danzo-sama," Sora said cunningly, "perhaps it would benefit us if I leave Konoha temporarily."
Danzo pondered this for a while but couldn't think of any advantages to Sora's departure. From his perspective, the situation seemed entirely negative.
Sora explained further, "Danzo-sama, surely you've noticed? After the Konoha Defense Force arrested so many Uchiha shinobi, they've become subdued and stopped causing trouble. If this continues, how can we target the Uchiha clan? If we forcefully create problems for them, the Third Hokage and Namikaze Minato will certainly intervene."
He continued with calculated precision. "If you wish to continue targeting the Uchiha clan, you must give them room to breathe and let them relax their guard. I am the reason they feel suffocated. If I leave Konoha, the Uchiha can breathe easier. With Kakashi as acting captain, they'll have even more freedom. Once they stop being cautious, I can strike at the Uchiha clan again when I return. Don't you agree?"
Danzo considered Sora's words carefully. It was true that all Uchiha shinobi were currently keeping a low profile.
The shrewd Danzo could see that Uchiha Fugaku deliberately allowed Yahiko's men to arrest certain Uchiha shinobi, only to bail them out immediately. Fugaku's obvious goal was to bring peace to his clan through this method.
Though the Uchiha clan appeared peaceful, their shinobi must have felt extremely frustrated during this period.
Now Sora suggested that his temporary absence, with his student serving as acting captain, could indeed cause the Uchiha shinobi to lower their guard. When Sora returned to resume command of the Konoha Defense Force, he could target the Uchiha clan with renewed vigor.
It seemed beneficial, but...
Something felt wrong to Danzo.
He realized that whenever he and Sora disagreed, Sora always managed to convince him with persuasive reasoning, making him agree willingly.
Danzo studied Sora with suspicious eyes. This pattern troubled him—it suggested that Sora had complete control over him, while he couldn't control Sora.
"What if I refuse?" Danzo asked, his gaze threatening.
Sora met Danzo's stare without fear. "Of course, everything is decided by Danzo-sama. I wish to become stronger to better serve you and more effectively target the Uchiha clan. If Danzo-sama disagrees, then naturally I will abandon these plans."
Danzo narrowed his eyes as he observed Sora.
He had heard such statements from Sora before and believed them.
But now... Danzo suddenly felt unconvinced.
It seemed Sora was becoming somewhat uncontrollable.
Without mincing words, Danzo asked directly: "Sora, does your loyalty still lie with Root?"
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion