The Sage Art of Ryūchi Cave manifests differently for each individual depending on their personal understanding.
But regardless of the level of comprehension, there's always one inevitable change—anyone who learns Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode undergoes a certain degree of "dragonification."
The extent of that transformation varies from person to person, but horns growing from the forehead are inevitable.
At this moment, the same thing was happening to Shinju. Tiny lumps of flesh began to sprout on both sides of his forehead.
The lumps grew upward, curved, and hardened—
Finally, they formed into a pair of ten-centimeter-long antler-like horns!
As this transformation took place, Shinju's skin rapidly turned pale.
Just as cracks began to appear and his skin started taking on a scaled, mesh-like texture, Shinju—eyes closed—murmured as if sensing something:
"Alright, alright, that's enough! If my whole body turns into snake scales, that'll be way too creepy!"
Almost as if it understood him, the transformation immediately stopped!
The White Snake Sage and the Three Goddesses, who had been watching from the side, froze. (꒪⌓꒪)
This guy can talk to his own body parts like it's nothing?!
Then their expressions stiffened even more!
"Whoosh—!!"
A torrent of immense Sage Chakra erupted from Shinju's body!
That chakra became tangible, coating his entire body, stirring the air violently around him!
Shinju opened his eyes, glanced at the purple chakra flaring around him, then touched the "dragon horns" on his head.
So… I've turned into a little dragon guy now?! (Ő∀Ő)
Not far away, the White Snake Sage spoke up, impressed.
"As the rumors say—Shinju's talent and perception are truly frightening."
"To think he could master Ryūchi Cave's Snake Sage Art this quickly."
Shinju nodded, clenching his fists as he felt the changes in his body.
Every sense of his had been enhanced. Just standing there, he could hear the faintest sounds echoing from the depths of Ryūchi Cave—the slithering of snakes, their heartbeats, their tongues flicking, even the whisper of wind.
"Well then, since you've finished your training, you can head back now. You've already learned Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode, so I suppose I don't need to teach you how to use this one." The White Snake Sage flicked its tail, clearly ready to send him off.
"Oh, and don't forget the pigs, cows, and sheep you promised me. ❛‿˂̵✧"
Shinju nodded respectfully, pressed his palms together, and vanished.
In the vast temple, the White Snake Sage and the Three Goddesses looked at each other in silence.
A moment later, Manda's enormous body slithered into the temple, its vertical pupils filled with curiosity.
"That red-haired guy—what happened to him? Did he fail? Did you eat him already?"
"I told him before—no one can master two different Sage Arts at once. He didn't listen. Guess he's paying the price now. ( ˝ᗢ̈˝ )"
After laughing, Manda's face softened into an oddly regretful expression.
"What a shame. That guy's strength was among the very best in the current shinobi world…"
The White Snake Sage took a long drag from its pipe.
"He succeeded. And his 'dragonification' was the most flawless I've ever seen. But it's a pity…"
Manda froze. Σ( ° △ °|||)︴
"He succeeded???"
"This fast?!"
Tagitsuhime nodded.
"In fact, from the moment the Snake Sage Chakra entered his body to the moment he succeeded—it took less than three minutes."
The lively Ichikishimahime added, "And get this—you'll never guess what he did next. He actually punched the Sage!!"
Manda: ∑(✘Д✘๑)
"He punched the Sage—and still walked out of Ryūchi Cave alive?! What were you all doing?!"
Feeling a bit embarrassed, the White Snake Sage replied,
"It was just a misunderstanding. No need to dwell on it. Alright, that's enough—everyone, scatter."
Once Manda and the goddesses left, the temple fell silent again.
The White Snake Sage gazed at the wide-open temple gate, its golden pupils gleaming faintly.
"The sky is about to change again."
...
Meanwhile.
Shinju used Flying Thunder God to instantly teleport himself back home in Konohagakure.
"Naruto?"
"Naruto?"
He called twice, but no one answered. Shinju figured that boy probably ran off to eat ramen again.
So he stepped outside and leisurely walked toward Ichiraku Ramen, planning to grab a bite himself.
The streets of Konoha were bustling with people, children laughing and running past him as they played.
At a nearby flower shop, Ino was watering flowers at the entrance.
When she saw Shinju walking by, she quickly ran up and greeted him.
"Shinju-kun…"
But after calling out, she didn't know what else to say. So she awkwardly added, "You're back."
Shinju smiled and nodded.
"I've been back for a few days. Don't let me keep you—go on with your work. I'm just grabbing something to eat. ∩_∩"
With that, he walked off.
Ino watched his back with a complicated expression, her lips parting as if to speak—but in the end, she said nothing.
She and Shinju had already drifted far apart.
Along the way, Shinju ran into several familiar faces—Konohamaru, Neji, Kakashi, Iruka, and others.
Eventually, his steps stopped in front of Ichiraku Ramen.
Lifting the curtain, Shinju glanced around the shop—but Naruto wasn't there.
"Old man, have you seen Naruto?" Shinju asked.
Teuchi turned around.
"Oh, Shinju! No, Naruto hasn't come by today."
"Want some ramen? I can whip you up a bowl."
Shinju shook his head, politely declining the offer, and stepped back out of the shop, puzzled.
"Weird… where did that boy run off to?"
Just then, Shizune appeared and waved him over.
"Yo, little junior—Tsunade-sama wants to see you. (◔◡◔)"
"Alright, I'll head there now." Shinju nodded.
...
Hokage's Office.
After days of heavy workload, Tsunade was massaging her tired temples.
"Mukade… I feel like I've heard that name before."
"And Rōran—why does that ancient desert city keep causing problems?"
Suddenly, Shinju's voice sounded right beside her.
"Sensei, you were looking for me?"
Tsunade nearly jumped out of her seat. "Could you not sneak up on people like that?! (ꐦ ಠ皿ಠ)"
Shinju smirked.
"You were too deep in thought to notice me coming. ＜(￣3￣)＞"
"So, what did you call me for this time? Did the Akatsuki make another move?"
Tsunade shook her head.
"No, it's not that. Remember that batch of goods you sold to Iwagakure? They sent a messenger asking why their constructs are consuming so much chakra to operate."
Shinju scratched his head. "How would I know? ╮(﹀_﹀")╭"
"The only thing I modified was the control console. As for the rest…"
"Oh, right—I added a special sealing formula so they could operate them without hand seals. But it shouldn't be draining that much chakra…"
Tsunade sighed. "You'd better go take a look yourself."
Shinju nodded. "Got it. By the way, Sensei—have you seen Naruto anywhere? (￢‸￢)?"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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