Chapter 332: Return to Ryuchi Cave
Inside the damp limestone caverns, countless poisonous snakes were engaged in their cultivation. This survival-of-the-fittest environment was the hallmark of Ryuchi Cave, distinguishing it from the other sage regions.
However, the tranquility of the cave was destined to be broken today.
"Whoa! I've never seen so many snakes gathered in one place before!" Anko stared at the pairs of cold eyes gleaming in the darkness. Far from the fear a normal girl might feel, she looked visibly excited. If Kyosuke hadn't held her back, she probably would have rushed forward to grab a few to play with.
"Sigh." Shaking his head, Kyosuke rapped his knuckles firmly on her head. Ignoring her disgruntled glare, he whispered, "Didn't I tell you? You need to maintain a basic level of respect here. If they refuse to teach you, there's nothing I can do."
"Oh, I got it..." Anko pouted secretly, clearly not taking his words to heart. However, being the smart girl she was, she obediently fell into step behind him, putting on a facade of a well-behaved student.
After all, her teacher had brought her to Ryuchi Cave to help her train. Anko, who was desperate to increase her strength, knew exactly how she needed to act.
Sage Mode... if I can master it, then what happened before will never happen again... Anko swore silently in her heart.
Leading his finally quiet disciple, Kyosuke headed toward the path he remembered.
Years had passed, but Ryuchi Cave remained unchanged. As Kyosuke recalled the events of his past training here, a subconscious smile touched his lips.
"I wonder how Tagitsuhime is doing... does she still remember me...?"
Hearing her teacher muttering to himself, Anko's curiosity was piqued. "Tagitsuhime... that sounds like a girl's name. Could it be..."
As Anko's imagination ran wild, her expression grew increasingly strange. Just as she was about to ask Kyosuke about it, a cold voice echoed in their ears.
"Hmph. I'm surprised you still remember my sister. I thought you had long forgotten this place, you heartless wretch."
A figure suddenly appeared before them. It was Ichikishimahime, one of the White Snake Sage's daughters.
"...Long time no see. And what's this about being a heartless wretch?" Kyosuke greeted her, the corner of his mouth twitching. Her attitude was far from friendly.
"Heartless wretch?!" Before Ichikishimahime could respond, Anko let out a gasp. She looked at her teacher with righteous indignation. "Sensei! I didn't know you were that kind of person! I'm going to tell Saori-nee-san!"
"...Go stand over there. Don't add to the chaos," Kyosuke rolled his eyes, ignoring his disciple's dramatic flair.
"Hm? Saori-nee-san?" Hearing Anko's shout, Ichikishimahime's eyes narrowed dangerously.
In this rather awkward atmosphere, the group soon arrived at the White Snake Sage's throne room.
"White Snake Sage, it has been a long time," Kyosuke said, bowing respectfully to the massive serpent. Anko hurriedly bowed alongside him.
"Oh, it is Kyosuke. It hasn't been that long, merely a few years," the White Snake Sage said, her gaze shifting from Kyosuke to the restless Anko.
"I understand why you have come. This little girl may stay and train. Since she possesses a glimpse of the power of the Six Paths, she should master Sage Mode quickly."
"Thank you, White Snake Sage." Seeing that things were going smoother than expected, Kyosuke, who had been worried his disciple might fail the entrance trial, quickly expressed his gratitude.
With his primary goal achieved, Kyosuke looked around and realized Tagitsuhime was nowhere to be seen. Confused, he asked softly, "Excuse me, White Snake Sage, but where is Tagitsuhime? It's been a long time, and I miss her."
"Hmph."
As soon as Kyosuke spoke, a cold snort came from beside him. He didn't need to look to know it was Ichikishimahime again. Not knowing when he had offended her, Kyosuke chose to ignore it.
"Tagitsuhime is cultivating in her own cave. If you wish to see her, you may go there yourself," the White Snake Sage said, closing her eyes again.
Kyosuke gave his disciple a meaningful look, then excused himself and left.
Seeing her teacher leave, Anko looked around blankly, her mind racing with schemes.
Just then, Ichikishimahime walked over. She looked Anko up and down and said, "From now on, you will train with me. But before we start... tell me about this 'Saori' person."
"...Oh." Anko shrank back guiltily, then followed Ichikishimahime toward her cave.
Walking along the familiar path, Kyosuke soon arrived at Tagitsuhime's cave.
Unfortunately, she wasn't inside. Kyosuke assumed she was likely out hunting. Recalling scenes from the past, a gentle smile appeared on his face.
Patter, patter.
Just as Kyosuke was lost in his memories, a small figure darted past him and squeezed into a crevice in the rock wall of the cave.
"Hm?" Kyosuke turned around curiously, examining the crevice. His sensory abilities told him that a life form containing powerful energy was hiding inside.
Perhaps because Kyosuke remained quiet, the figure hiding in the rocks cautiously poked half a head out, peeking at him with bright, clear eyes.
When she met Kyosuke's curious gaze, she seemed startled and immediately pulled her head back in.
"Where did this child come from...?" Kyosuke couldn't contain his curiosity. He took a few light steps forward, trying to coax the mysterious little girl out. "Be a good girl and come out. Uncle isn't a bad guy."
"You're trying to trick me to come out," the little girl muttered in a soft, sticky voice, as if she could sense Kyosuke's true intent.
"Uh..." Seeing his plan fail, Kyosuke became even more intrigued by this clever child.
After a moment of thought, Kyosuke pulled a scroll from his chest pocket. With a poof, a pile of delicious food appeared.
These were provisions Kyosuke had specially prepared to avoid going hungry during missions.
Dango, Ichiraku Ramen, various kinds of BBQ meat, and fresh milk. As soon as the food appeared, the aroma filled the cave, instantly attracting the little girl's attention.
"Mmm... it smells so good..."
Revealing half of her body, the little girl fixed one eye intently on the feast. Her footsteps were slow but firm as she inched her way out, step by step.