Carrying two baskets of snakeberries, Gekko Chizan walked at the front with a smile, listening to the system's notification.
[Ding! Detected that the host forcibly fed snakeberries to his disciple, Uchiha Obito, and made him do hard labor. This behavior is extremely vile. Special reward: Genjutsu +5.]
This attribute increase made Gekko Chizan quite satisfied. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced back at Obito, who was dragging seven baskets of snakeberries behind him. Honestly, this kid really needed training—only seven baskets, and he was already panting heavily. His physique was far too weak.
When the chance came, Chizan would have to give him extra training.
When they returned to their residence, Gekko Chizan placed the nine baskets of snakeberries in the middle of the room, then bit his finger and smeared blood on his arm.
"Kakashi, Rinkaku, Obito, I'm heading to Ryūchi Cave.
"Stay here and rest. Don't go out unless necessary. If anyone comes looking for me, tell them I'm sleeping and won't wake up for at least a day or two."
Since they'd returned to the daimyo's mansion, the daimyo's side would definitely resume their moves.
It wouldn't be surprising if someone came tonight to discuss recruiting him under the daimyo's banner. But right now, he had other matters to attend to—he couldn't delay them for a daimyo.
Hearing his words, the three little ones all nodded.
But of course, they were curious—curious about what this "Ryūchi Cave" Chizan spoke of was really like.
"What? Curious?"
"When there's a chance in the future, I'll take you there. I guarantee it'll open your eyes."
"Alright, rest well. I'm off!"
Poof!
With a burst of white smoke, Gekko Chizan and the snakeberries vanished from sight.
...
Ryūchi Cave.
The moment Gekko Chizan landed, he was surrounded by several large snakes.
Jinlin, Kurohebi, Yamoryū, and one he had never seen before.
Its entire body was a bluish green, decorated with intricate patterns. It was slightly smaller than Kurohebi.
"Chizan, you're here—wow, so many snakeberries.
"I've been waiting for this for so long!"
Jinlin was the most familiar snake to Gekko Chizan, and her eyes lit up at the sight of the snakeberries.
Kurohebi and Yamoryū were also visibly excited, but the last snake remained very calm.
"Jinlin, Kurohebi, Yamoryū—these are the snakeberries I promised you, but you're only getting six baskets. The other three are for the Snake Princesses."
"And aren't you going to introduce me to this one?"
Gekko Chizan turned his gaze toward the last snake, his eyes glimmering with a strange light. Before Jinlin or the others could answer, he began speaking to himself.
"Smaller body size, ventral scales on both sides clearly flaring toward the back, forming an angular ridge. The rear edges of the lateral keels have notches, and the subcaudal scales also have ridges and notches.
"I didn't expect Ryūchi Cave to have flying snakes…
"Python, bamboo viper, rattlesnake, golden-ringed snake…
"The four sisters each have their own domain? Fascinating."
His words left all four snakes momentarily stunned.
Because he was correct—the last snake was indeed a golden-ringed snake, also known as the "flying snake."
Clap clap clap clap…
"Chizan, your knowledge of snakes pleases me. As expected of Ryūchi Cave's inheritor."
Three figures flew from the depths of the cave—it was the three Snake Princesses, with Tagorihime speaking.
At their arrival, the four great snakes lowered their heads in salute. Though they were accomplished in their cultivation, before the Snake Princesses, they were still far from comparable.
After all, the three Snake Princesses were the official disciples of the White Snake Sage.
"Chizan, I didn't expect it—you're a Jinchūriki."
The statement left Gekko Chizan dumbfounded. He turned sharply toward Tagitsuhime, his eyes full of How could you tell them?!
Tagitsuhime shook her head helplessly.
"It wasn't me. You released the tailed beast's aura yourself, and the White Snake Sage sensed it."
"Now you have to come with us to meet the White Snake Sage."
"She wants to see you."
Chizan suddenly felt a headache coming on. He'd been so careful, and yet he'd still been found out.
Good grief, the White Snake Sage's sensory ability was a little too strong.
"Alright, I'll go meet her."
"But, you still haven't told me—was I wrong earlier? And what's this snake's name?"
The flying snake slithered over to him, her eyes glimmering with satisfaction.
"My name is Urokohane. You were right—I am indeed a golden-ringed snake, a flying snake. My ability is short-distance flight.
"Gekko Chizan, for my three younger sisters to speak so highly of you, you must indeed have some skill. I hope I get to see your strength for myself someday.
"A Jinchūriki, hm? Hehehe… I have high hopes for you."
Chizan smiled and nodded. A flying snake? In the world of shinobi, flight was a rare and precious ability.
And for such a massive body to take to the skies? Terrifying.
"Jinlin, those three baskets are ours. If you dare eat them, I'll beat you!"
"Let's go, Chizan."
Tagitsuhime cast a threatening glance at Jinlin, who was already eating, making the snake shiver and nod hurriedly in assurance that she wouldn't touch them.
...
Once more, they arrived at the depths of Ryūchi Cave. The same shrine. The same colossal white snake.
"Hehehe… you're here."
"Yeah, if the White Snake Sage calls for me, of course I'll come. After all, I'm a pupil of Ryūchi Cave."
Hearing this, the White Snake Sage chuckled.
"I, the White Snake Sage, pride myself on knowing all there is in the shinobi world. Even that old toad can't compare to me in this regard."
"But I didn't expect that I couldn't see through you at first.
"The Seven-Tails' Jinchūriki, is it? Not bad."
Chizan smiled proudly.
"Well, I've specialized in the path of concealment. To hide from the White Snake Sage's senses—that's something only I can do.
"And yes, I am the Seven-Tails' Jinchūriki."
At this point, there was no need to keep pretending. Cards on the table.
"Not bad. Ryūchi Cave always draws those who desire strength. When I first met you, I had my doubts, but now I see you fit the saying. With a tailed beast inside you, you're a living symbol of strength."
"And from the look of things, your relationship with the Seven-Tails is quite good. If it were hostile, the Coiling Snake Technique would never have worked."
"I've misjudged you this once… a perfect Jinchūriki. Hehehe… Gekko Chizan, you really do have some skill."