From that point on, Gakuya kept the pace steady—not letting Ichikishimahime lose every round, but also making sure he didn't win too many.
When she lost yet again, Ichikishimahime tossed the dice cup on the ground in frustration.
"That's it! I'm done. This round counts—you pass!"
The stone gate opened once more, and Gakuya calmly put his clothes back on.
"You've lost twelve times in total. Once I learn Sage Arts, be sure to teach me twelve techniques in return."
Ichikishimahime waved her hand impatiently.
"Yeah, yeah, fine—if you live long enough to master Sage Mode, we'll talk."
She carefully picked up the dice and cup she had thrown over, already planning to find the other goddesses—Tagorihime and Tagitsuhime—to play with them next.
"Well then, see you around," Gakuya said with a wave as he continued deeper into the mist.
Ichikishimahime watched him go, her expression a little complex.
"That guy's chakra is as vast as the ocean... what a terrifying person. Looks like Ryūchi is about to welcome someone powerful—and interesting."
She shook the dice cup in her hand again.
"Was there some kind of trick to the way he rolled these? I'll definitely ask him next time."
...
Gakuya stepped into the thick fog, heading toward the third trial, when he suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. He quickly turned around—just in time to see a woman lunging at him, mouth open, aiming for his neck.
He didn't resist. After all, this was part of the trial.
The woman bit into his neck and then gracefully retreated.
She looked like a gentle, soft-spoken older sister—long bangs, flowing hair, and a tender voice that fit her appearance.
"My name is Tagitsuhime. This trial tests your state of mind. Enjoy it."
With that, she faded back into the mist.
...
A silhouette appeared in front of Gakuya.
"You couldn't save me... why?" It was Hyuga Sayaka's voice.
Then to his left, Hyuga Hizashi's face emerged.
"You killed me... If it weren't for you, I'd still be alive!"
Neji's voice came from behind.
"You wiped out the Hyuga Clan... I'll make you pay!"
Gakuya ignored the illusions. Instead, he focused on the sensation left behind from that bite—the Sage chakra that had entered his body.
His nerves were being disrupted by the foreign energy, which was why these hallucinations appeared in the first place.
"So this is the legendary Sage chakra... fascinating."
After analyzing it thoroughly, Gakuya dispersed the foreign chakra within him. Immediately, the illusions vanished—and so did the surrounding mist.
What appeared before him was a grand temple. Three bold characters were engraved at the entrance: Ryūchi.
Tagitsuhime reappeared and gave him a graceful bow.
"You've passed all the trials. The White Snake Sage is waiting inside."
"Thanks."
Gakuya walked toward the temple and pushed open the massive doors.
...
"A man crazier than Orochimaru has shown up... maybe he really can master Sage Arts," Tagitsuhime murmured to herself.
Orochimaru had turned into a snake because of his obsession with Sage training—and now, someone else had arrived.
Inside, Gakuya saw an elderly woman reclining lazily, a pipe in her mouth.
"Hyuga Gakuya, at your service," he said respectfully, bowing low. He wasn't foolish enough to show arrogance in front of her—this was a being who had lived since the era of the Sage of Six Paths.
"Mm, I know who you are," the White Snake Sage nodded. "You've come to learn Sage Arts, haven't you?"
"Yes."
She began her explanation.
"Let me tell you how it works. Chakra is the fusion of physical and spiritual energy. Sage Arts adds a third element—natural energy. You have to absorb it and balance all three in a precise 1:1:1 ratio."
That lined up with what Gakuya already knew from his previous life.
"In a moment, I'll inject natural energy into your body through my fangs. All you need to do is focus on maintaining that balance. Understand?"
"I understand."
"You only get one shot. Fail—and you'll turn into a snake. Or you might die."
Gakuya nodded and sat down cross-legged. He was confident. With the chakra control of his Sage Body, plus the suppressive power of both his Tenseigan and Sharingan, even someone like Hashirama wouldn't have an edge here.
...
The White Snake Sage revealed her true form—a massive white serpent adorned with ornate jewelry. She opened her maw and bit into Gakuya's neck.
Immediately, a rush of natural energy flooded into his body. Gakuya quickly focused on merging it with his chakra.
Outside, the three sisters—Tagorihime, Ichikishimahime, and Tagitsuhime—watched him in silence. Snake-like features were already beginning to appear on Gakuya's body. Scales were forming.
Tagitsuhime looked a little worried.
"It'd be a shame if such a fun little cutie died just like that."
Ichikishimahime nodded, shaking her dice cup.
"Yeah! I still haven't gotten him to teach me how he rolls so well."
Tagitsuhime glanced at them.
"If he turns into a snake, he can stay and play with you forever."
The other two looked at each other—and grinned.
"You're right!"
Meanwhile, Gakuya had no idea what kind of twisted thoughts the three were having. He remained focused on balancing the energies inside him.
He examined himself inwardly. The snake transformation was becoming more pronounced. Without hesitation, he activated his Tenseigan, and the moment its power surged—the snake features were suppressed.
The three women watching him were stunned by his eyes. A powerful sense of exposure washed over them, as if they'd been completely seen through.
Tagitsuhime practically swooned. Her tongue traced the corner of her lips.
"Such beautiful eyes... I want him to glare at me and curse me more."
...
Ten minutes passed.
Gakuya gradually figured out how to merge the natural energy with his own. The White Snake Sage released her fangs from his neck.
"Now try sensing natural energy on your own. Draw it in."
Without her direct infusion, Gakuya had to do it himself.
He attuned his senses to the world around him, slowly guiding the energy into his body.
Gradually, he formed the first threads of Sage chakra. Bit by bit, he converted a portion of his own chakra into it.
A blue aura of Sage chakra began to envelop him. Around him, tiny green chakra serpents danced in the air.
Blue eye markings—like a mask—formed around his eyes, and delicate scales appeared at the corners.
"Perfect Sage Mode!" the three sisters cried out in unison. This was the first time they'd seen anyone master Ryūchi's Sage Mode.
Gakuya stood up, feeling the surge of power in every cell of his body. Right now, he felt like he could punch Kaguya to death with one blow.
"Feeling tempted to test your new strength?" the White Snake Sage asked.
"I am," Gakuya replied calmly. He knew what she meant—she wanted to pit him against something strong.
"There's a giant serpent deep within Ryūchi—one that still has its reverse scale intact. Go remove it."
Gakuya cracked his knuckles.
"Sounds good. He'll be the perfect warm-up."
The White Snake Sage gave a nod.
"You three—who's taking him?"
Tagitsuhime's hand shot up.
"Me! Me!"
"Fine. You guide him."
Trying to contain her excitement, Tagitsuhime approached Gakuya and bowed slightly.
"Please, follow me."
Gakuya walked alongside her, heading deeper into the heart of Ryūchi.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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