Chinya announced to the Konoha Defense Unit that Kakashi would serve as his acting captain.
Shisui Uchiha remained silent with his head slightly lowered.
Secretly, Shisui wished Chinya would leave immediately and stay away for as long as possible.
That way, his clansmen could finally relax instead of having to walk on eggshells every time they stepped outside, fearing encounters with patrol teams that might arrest them.
With a gentle smile, Chinya said, "Vice Captain, could you keep an eye on my students while I'm away?"
Shisui nodded. "I understand."
Patting Kakashi's shoulder, Chinya said, "Alright, Kakashi, do your best. I'm leaving now."
Kakashi replied, "I will do my best, Chinya-sensei."
Chinya left the Konoha Defense Unit and headed outside the village where he directly summoned the White Snake.
As soon as the White Snake appeared, it gave Chinya a pitiful expression with its snake face: "Lord Chinya, you haven't summoned me in such a long time."
Chinya snorted, "Don't give me that disgusting look. Naturally, I'll summon you less often when there's no war going on. White Snake, do you know the Reverse Summon (Nage Shibai)?"
The White Snake asked confusedly, "Reverse Summon (Nage Shibai)? Lord Chinya, are you going to use the Reverse Summon to Ryuchi Cave?"
Chinya nodded. "Exactly. I'm going to Ryuchi Cave to cultivate Sage Mode."
The White Snake widened its tiny eyes: "Lord Chinya, why would you want to go kill yourself?!"
Chinya darkened his face. "Damn, you talk too much! If you can do it, hurry up and do it already!"
Wrapping tightly around Chinya anxiously, the White Snake pleaded, "Please don't go, Lord Chinya! Those who seek Sage Mode training in Ryuchi Cave are all madmen chasing power—no one's ever survived it! All of them have been devoured by the White Snake Sage or his attendants!"
"You won't get to feast alongside me anymore, and even if you die, I still wouldn't get to taste your flesh!" the White Snake continued frantically.
A nerve twitched at the corner of Chinya's mouth.
Turns out this thing was just worried it wouldn't get to feast on him.
Chinya pulled the White Snake off his body and threw it onto the ground, glaring at it with a dead-eyed stare. "Are you doing it or not? If you won't, plenty of other snakes will!"
Looking gloomy, the White Snake muttered, "Since you insist, Lord Chinya, then fine. I'll return to Ryuchi Cave and summon you there."
With that, the White Snake transformed into smoke and returned to Ryuchi Cave.
Once back in Ryuchi Cave, the White Snake performed the Reverse Summon (Nage Shibai) through the Contract Scroll, instantly transporting Chinya to within Ryuchi Cave.
Chinya glanced around carefully at his surroundings.
Before him stretched an enormous forest, extremely dark and shrouded in mist, appearing ominous and eerie.
Glancing nervously to both sides, the White Snake whispered quietly, "Lord Chinya, only those who sincerely seek an audience may meet the White Snake Sage. For those coming here to train, the White Snake Sage will dispatch his trusted attendants—Shinme Tamayu, Ichikishima-hime, and Tachibana no Musume—to screen applicants wishing to enter Ryuchi Cave for cultivation."
Those who pass the trials will receive natural energy infused into their bodies through the White Snake Sage's fangs. They will also be taught Sage Art by the White Snake Sage. As for those who fail, the White Snake Sage will allow the Three Elders to devour them before their bodies fully petrify.
"Lord Chinya, the White Snake Sage must have already known you've come to Ryuchi Cave. I'll take my leave first. Don't go dying on me now, Lord Chinya."
Chinya assured the White Snake, "Don't worry. I'm not so easy to kill."
After the White Snake murmured a final "Good luck," it slithered away, disappearing into the forest.
Not knowing which way to go, Chinya simply walked straight ahead.
At the very moment Chinya departed, floating above the trees where he had stood were three shadowy figures.
These three figures were none other than Shinme Tamayu, Ichikishima-hime, and Tachibana no Musume — already observing Chinya.
"He was summoned here by the Reverse Summoning Technique."
"It seems he has come seeking power in Ryuchi Cave."
"Who could he be? Since it was Reverse Summoning, he should be someone who has made a contract with Ryuchi Cave. Could it be him?"
"Then let's just confirm it. Anyway, whoever he is, he must undergo Ryuchi Cave's trial before meeting the White Snake Sage."
...
As Shinme Tamayu, Ichikishima-hime, and Tachibana no Musume were discussing, Chinya cast a barely noticeable glance toward their location.
Ever since arriving at Ryuchi Cave, Chinya had activated his Kenbunshoku Haki, already sensing their presence.
In addition, using his Observation Haki, Chinya sensed that these three were not human.
They were snakes disguised as humans.
Both Orochimaru and the White Snake had told him that only after undergoing the trial could one meet the White Snake Sage.
Therefore, those three snake-like beings hiding nearby must be the ones preparing to give him the trial.
Chinya walked forward a short distance, noticing a faint glow.
As he drew closer, Chinya saw a remarkably ornate palace.
On the palace's horizontal tablet was written "Ryuchi Cave" in grand calligraphy.
Just then, the palace doors opened automatically.
A girl appeared at the entrance—her long green hair framed by a golden crown crowned with a golden orb—as she bowed respectfully and said, "We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival, honored guest. Welcome to Ryuchi Cave. I am Shinme Tamayu. You must be quite weary from your journey. Please rest and enjoy the meal we have prepared."
Chinya followed Shinme Tamayu inside the palace, glancing at its decorations. The table bore many delicacies that looked appetizing, their aroma alone enough to whet one's appetite.
His gaze settled on Shinme Tamayu. In a calm tone, he stated, "I came to learn Sage Arts from the White Snake Sage. You must be here to administer my trial. No need for pretense. Let's get straight to it."
Still smiling warmly, Shinme Tamayu replied, "The White Snake Sage awaits you deep within Ryuchi Cave's temple while observing your every move. Since you already know about the trial, allow me a brief preparation. Before the trial begins, please enjoy this meal."
[Thunder Breathing, First Form: Lightning Flash]
Chinya immediately channeled Lightning Release energy and swiftly slashed toward Shinme Tamayu.
Shinme Tamayu swiftly rose into the air, dodging the slash, and gave Chinya a confused look from above. "Why did you suddenly attack?"
Chinya activated his triple tomoe Sharingan and stared at Shinme Tamayu midair. "You said 'food' twice — I got suspicious real quick. Though I'm not sure if the food you prepared is shady, if I kill you, whatever test you had in mind, it's over, right? Since you're dead, I should've passed."
Shinme Tamayu stared blankly at Chinya.
Kill her and pass the trial? That logic... is way out there!
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