The environment of Ryūchi Cave closely resembled that of Mount Myōboku in the original story—only, instead of a lush forest, it was a humid and shadowy mountain terrain ideal for snakes, with stalactites scattered throughout.
The moment Yoru stepped in, he immediately understood why this place was hailed as one of the Three Great Sage Lands. It wasn't just because of the presence of the White Snake Sage—but because the concentration of natural energy here was extraordinary.
In the original canon, Naruto could easily enter Sage Mode while training at Mount Myōboku, drawing in natural energy almost effortlessly. Outside, however, it required intense and prolonged effort. That contrast alone proved how vastly different the energy concentrations were.
"In a place like this… even a pig could probably learn to fly."
Yoru casually swept at the air, as if grasping thick waves of natural energy in his palm.
Even so, his own Shadow Island was not inferior. After all, he had placed the Dragon Vein's (Ryūmyaku) chakra within it.
True, in terms of quality, the Dragon Vein's chakra couldn't compare to the pure, millennium-aged natural energy of the Three Sage Lands. But its massive quantity, condensed and compressed by Yoru and funneled into Shadow Island, made its raw power considerable.
"Yes," Orochimaru replied after a short pause, "dense natural energy significantly boosts the growth of all living beings. That's why the creatures from the Three Sage Lands are far stronger than normal summons. But natural energy itself is secondary—what really matters is the existence of a Sage."
"A Sage, huh?" Yoru chuckled lightly. "I've met a few self-proclaimed gods, and even those two old frogs from Mount Myōboku who call themselves Sages. They're far from what I imagine a Sage—or a god—to be."
"Fukasaku and Shima, the Toad Sages…" Orochimaru's mind conjured the image of the pair as soon as Yoru spoke. He shook his head. "They don't truly count. Ryūchi Cave also has attendants who serve the White Snake Sage and are referred to as 'Sages'—but the only real Sages are the White Snake Sage of Ryūchi Cave, the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku, and the Slug Sage of Shikkotsu Forest."
"I don't know exactly how powerful the Sage of Six Paths was, but I believe these three aren't any weaker. They're the real thing."
"Maybe so," Yoru replied, noncommittally.
In the original series, both Gamamaru and the White Snake Sage showed immense influence. The Gamamaru even manipulated the Sage of Six Paths, possessed a resurrection talisman that could reverse death, and could see the future. The White Snake Sage had fewer scenes, but even the small part revealed was enough to show power on par with Gamamaru.
"Even though I just heard you singing the White Snake Sage's praises," a sudden voice cut through their conversation, "bringing outsiders here so casually still breaks the rules, doesn't it, Orochimaru?"
Three graceful figures blocked their path.
One looked like a young girl.
One resembled a loli.
One had the aura of a mature woman.
All three had flawless, pale skin and stunning features, each with a unique charm.
Yoru's eyes swept over them—not out of lust, but because he could sense the immense and refined Sage chakra within them. Chakra that surpassed even that of Fukasaku and Shima.
If a normal human could wield this level of Sage chakra, entering Sage Mode would be as natural as breathing—and their combat strength would be overwhelming.
"Staring at a lady like that is pretty rude, you know~"
The boldness of Yoru's gaze made the trio frown. Tagorihime huffed softly as she activated her Sage chakra. Instantly, the world before Yoru and Orochimaru shifted under the illusion.
But in the next instant, the illusion shattered like glass.
Tagorihime gave a low groan, her spell violently backfiring. She crashed to the ground, her pretty illusion completely dispersed—revealing her true form, scales and all: a monstrous snake-woman.
"This is the first time I've seen you looking so disheveled, Tagorihime," Orochimaru said with a teasing smile.
He had once tried to train in Sage Mode, like Jiraiya. But his soul was weakened from too many forbidden jutsu experiments, and he suffered badly under the illusion trials, ultimately failing. Later, he regained enough strength to try again, but as he was already developing Living Corpse Reincarnation, he gave up on Sage Mode altogether.
After all, mastering Sage Mode meant balancing natural, physical, and spiritual energy inside the body. But the soul-body mismatch caused by his reincarnation jutsu made it impossible to keep that balance—let alone add natural energy to the mix.
So Orochimaru abandoned Sage Mode and gradually distanced himself from the three snake maidens.
"Orochimaru!"
Tsuhime and Ichikishimahime quickly helped Tagorihime to her feet. The Tsuhime shot Orochimaru a glare, then turned her wary eyes toward Yoru, shock flooding her heart.
No wonder the White Snake Sage had called him "a very special one." His chakra didn't feel much stronger than Orochimaru's—yet he had shattered Tagorihime's Sage art illusion in an instant and even triggered its rebound. That kind of feat hadn't happened in over a century!
"Alright, alright," Orochimaru said calmly. "I'm sure the White Snake Sage already knows we're here. As much as I'd love to catch up with you three… Mizukage-sama isn't known for his patience."
"So, shall we get going?"
"Carelessly mocking others isn't a good habit, you know," Yoru added. "I'm known throughout Kirigakure for my gentle, friendly personality. That reaction just now was pure reflex—just my soul's automatic defense. Nothing personal."
"That's your soul's reflex…?"
Still shaky, Tagorihime steadied herself with the help of the other two. Slowly, her chakra restored her strength. She offered a respectful smile to Yoru.
"I was rude earlier, Mizukage-sama. We three handle the trials for outsiders seeking entry to Ryūchi Cave. Since it's your first visit, we reacted instinctively. But your strength is unquestionable. Please follow us—we'll take you to the White Snake Sage directly."
"Perfect," Yoru said, satisfied. "You're already way easier on the eyes than those crusty old frogs from Mount Myōboku. And you speak much more pleasantly too."
The three snake maidens twitched slightly. They weren't sure if that was a compliment—but they kept silent and led the way.
Yoru and Orochimaru followed. Soon, they arrived at a dark, shadowy chamber.
"White Snake Sage, the guests have arrived."
Tagorihime respectfully addressed the giant snake coiled atop a stone throne, smoking an ornate pipe. The snake's tail twitched slightly, and the three maidens took the cue to vanish, leaving only Yoru, Orochimaru, and the colossal White Snake.
"I'm curious," the serpent rumbled at last. "Instead of staying in the shinobi world building your little Invisible Empire (Wandenreich), what brings the Master of Souls to my humble Ryūchi Cave?"
The stare between the three of them held for a long moment. Then, the ancient being—who had existed since the time of Ōtsutsuki Kaguya—took a long drag from his pipe and spoke.
For Orochimaru, the words were like thunder.
He knew the White Snake Sage could see through the secrets of the shinobi world. But this?
"Master of Souls." "Invisible Empire."
So that's what Yoru had built? Screw Soul Society and Shinigami—he had already reached this level?
"I had no choice," Yoru replied. "The Sage Land I built might barely qualify, but the creature there is kind of… a dumbass. Its inherited memories are all messed up. So I had to come to you ancient relics who've been around since the Ōtsutsuki days."
Yoru stepped forward and bowed politely.
"A pleasure to meet you. I am the Fourth Mizukage of Kirigakure, founder of the Gotei 13 of the Soul Society, Captain of the First Division and Captain-Commander, and Emperor of the Invisible Empire—Yuki Yoru."
"What a terrifying string of titles…"
The White Snake Sage murmured, coiling his massive body as smoke curled from his fangs.
"Be it extraterrestrials or soul-masters, you outsiders are always different. You don't fit into the shinobi world."
"At least I don't treat the natives poorly," Yoru answered calmly.
He wasn't surprised the White Snake Sage knew everything. This creature was on par with the Great Toad Sage.
Fate, prophecy, destiny—these beings held the script to the world in their hands.
"I don't know what deal you, or the Toad Sage, or the Slug Sage made with Hagoromo back then—but the Ōtsutsuki threat still exists."
Yoru looked him in the eyes.
"I hate trouble. But I hate people who threaten my life and freedom even more."
"Can you understand what I mean?"
The White Snake Sage burst into hoarse, echoing laughter.
"Humans are born of desire. They inevitably fall into darkness. Anyone who comes here has always abandoned something to chase their ambition."
"So, Master of Souls—do you truly believe you can offer something so valuable that I would abandon my pact with Hagoromo?"
"I can," Yoru said firmly. "My offer is one you can't refuse—and aren't allowed to refuse."
"Oh?" the snake narrowed his eyes. "You've seen Hagoromo's power. Do you think I fear it?"
Yoru didn't respond. He didn't even reach for Hyōrinmaru at his waist.
But in his eyes, two distinct lights flickered—one a deep blue, the other pale and cold.
Even without lifting a finger, Orochimaru felt a deep sense of dread ripple through his spine.
The White Snake Sage raised his head, his tongue flicking silently as he stared.
For a long moment, the air was completely still.
Finally, the ancient being exhaled a long stream of smoke, settled back onto his throne, and sighed.
"Unbelievable… whether your presence is a blessing or a curse for the shinobi world, I can't say."
A husky voice emerged from the smoke.
"Unlike that old toad, I don't enjoy controlling everything. I prefer the unknown—risk, darkness, the thrill of the gamble."
"So tell me, Master of Souls—what do you want from me?"
"I want to see the past. To confirm certain truths… and certain people."
Yoru smiled gently, the glow in his eyes fading.
"Also… I'm interested in your version of Sage Mode. If possible, I'd like to try it."
"Only a soul-master would treat his body like a lab toy. You're such a selfish creature."
The White Snake Sage snorted.
"Very well. One thing at a time… You want to see too?" he asked, glancing at Orochimaru.
The Sannin, stunned silent throughout the conversation, licked his lips and nodded.
"Who wouldn't want to peek into the myths of millennia past?"
"Greedy boy. Fine. You can watch too."
The White Snake Sage exhaled a faint mist of smoke.
Empowered by a deep surge of Sage chakra, the smoke spread across the entire cavern like a rising fog.
Within the mist, both Yoru and Orochimaru saw the world around them twist and fade—as if stepping into a dream.
A few heartbeats later, they found themselves in a barren, lifeless wasteland.
The land was scorched and broken. Then—BOOM—three figures erupted across the sky in a battle of terrifying magnitude.
"Watch closely," came the White Snake Sage's voice. "This… is where it all began. This is how the world came to be the way it is."
"And this…" he added with a strange, bitter laugh,
"…is the ridiculous family drama of those so-called gods from beyond the stars."