Sora announced to the Konoha Defense Force that Kakashi would be his acting captain.
Uchiha Shisui lowered his head slightly and remained silent.
He secretly wished Sora would leave quickly, and the longer his absence, the better. This way, the Uchiha clan could relax for a while without needing to be constantly cautious whenever they ventured outside, fearing they might encounter a patrol team that would detain them.
"Vice-captain, please take care of my student while I'm away," Sora said with a smile.
Uchiha Shisui nodded. "I understand."
Sora patted Kakashi on the shoulder. "Alright, Kakashi, do your best. I'll be leaving now."
"I won't let you down, Sora-sensei," Kakashi promised.
After leaving the Konoha Defense Force headquarters, Sora headed outside the village and immediately summoned the White Snake.
As soon as the White Snake appeared, it gazed at Sora with a pitiful expression. "Master Sora, you haven't summoned me in such a long time."
Sora clicked his tongue. "Don't look at me with such a disgusting expression. Now that the war is over, you'll naturally be summoned less frequently. White Snake, can you perform the Reverse Summoning Technique?"
"Reverse Summoning Technique?" White Snake asked in confusion. "Master Sora, are you planning to go to Ryūchi Cave?"
Sora nodded. "Yes, I'm going to Ryūchi Cave to learn Sage Mode."
White Snake widened its small eyes in alarm. "Master Sora, why are you seeking death?!"
"You talk too much nonsense," Sora replied with a darkened expression. "If you know how to do it, hurry up!"
The White Snake wrapped itself around Sora's body and anxiously tried to dissuade him. "No, Master Sora, only lunatics obsessed with power go to Ryūchi Cave to learn Sage Mode. Not a single person has successfully mastered Sage Mode there. Everyone who tried was devoured by the White Snake Sage or his closest followers."
The snake continued frantically, "Master Sora, if you go, there's no chance of survival. I'll never be able to hunt humans with you again. Moreover, Master Sora, even if you fail, I won't get to eat you either!"
The corners of Sora's mouth twitched.
It seemed the snake was more concerned about not being able to feast than about Sora's safety.
Sora peeled White Snake off his body and threw it to the ground, staring at it with deadpan eyes. "Will you do it or not? If you won't, I'll find another snake who will!"
"Since you're so persistent, Master Sora, fine. I'll return to Ryūchi Cave and summon you there," White Snake said wistfully.
The White Snake transformed into smoke and returned to Ryūchi Cave.
Once back in Ryūchi Cave, White Snake used the Contract Scroll to perform the Reverse Summoning Technique, directly transporting Yahiko into Ryūchi Cave.
Sora looked around at his new surroundings.
He found himself in a vast forest, dark and misty, with an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere.
White Snake glanced nervously from side to side before whispering, "Master Sora, only those who come with sincere intentions can meet the White Snake Sage. For those who come seeking power, the White Snake Sage sends his trusted followers—Manda, Aoda, and Hakuja."
The snake continued, "These three elders are responsible for testing those who enter Ryūchi Cave. Only those who pass their trials will receive natural energy injected through their fangs and be taught Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode."
"As for those who fail the trials," White Snake added, its voice dropping even lower, "the White Snake Sage orders the three elders to devour them directly before they completely turn to stone if their bodies cannot handle the transformation."
"Master Sora, the White Snake Sage must already know you've arrived. I must leave now. Please don't die, Master Sora."
Sora reassured White Snake. "Don't worry. I'm determined and won't die so easily."
After White Snake wished him "good luck" one final time, it disappeared into the forest.
Not knowing which direction to take, Sora began walking forward.
As Sora departed, three figures floated above the trees where he had originally stood.
These three figures were Tanakashinji, Ichikijimaji, and Tsuzukiji, who had already noticed Sora's arrival.
"It's someone summoned by the Reverse Summoning Technique."
"It seems they came to Ryūchi Cave seeking power."
"I wonder who it could be. Since it was the Reverse Summoning Technique, it must be someone with a Ryūchi Cave contract. Could it be him?"
"Let's confirm it. Regardless of who it is, they must pass the Ryūchi Cave trials to meet the White Snake Sage."
While Tanakashinji, Ichikijimaji, and Tsuzukiji were discussing among themselves, Sora glanced toward their position.
Upon arriving at Ryūchi Cave, he had activated his Observation Haki and sensed the presence of the three beings.
Through his Observation Haki, Sora also perceived that these three were not human.
They were snake spirits disguised in human form.
Both Orochimaru and White Snake had told him that he would need to undergo trials before meeting the White Snake Sage.
So the three disguised snake spirits he sensed must be the ones tasked with testing him.
Sora continued walking forward until he saw a faint light in the distance.
As he approached, Sora discovered an incredibly ornate palace.
The plaque above the palace entrance bore three characters that read "Ryūchi Cave."
Just then, the palace doors opened automatically.
A girl with long green hair wearing a golden crown topped with a golden sphere appeared at the entrance. She bowed to Sora and said, "I have been waiting for you for some time. Welcome to Ryūchi Cave. I am Tanakashinji. You must be exhausted. Please rest well. I have prepared many delicious dishes for you."
Sora followed Tanakashinji into the palace, observing its elaborate decorations.
The table was laden with appetizing food that emitted delicious aromas.
Sora's gaze settled on Tanakashinji as he said indifferently, "I came to learn the sacred arts from the White Snake Sage. You're here to test me, aren't you? Stop with the pretenses and get straight to the point."
Tanakashinji maintained her smile and replied, "The White Snake Sage awaits you in the temple deep within Ryūchi Cave and is observing your actions. Since you're aware of the trials, allow me to prepare. Before we begin, please enjoy a meal."
"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap Flash!"
Sora exploded forward with lightning speed, swinging his blade at Tanakashinji.
Tanakashinji quickly floated into the air, dodging the slash, and looked down at Sora in confusion. "Why did you suddenly attack?"
Sora activated his Three Tomoe Sharingan and looked up at the floating Tanakashinji. "You emphasized food twice, which made me suspicious. Although I'm not certain whether the food you prepared is dangerous, if I kill you, regardless of what trial you had planned for me, your death should mean I've passed, right?"
Tanakashinji stared at Sora in blank astonishment.
Kill her and pass the trial? This logic was... completely insane!
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