"..."
Deep in the darkness, a man and a snake faced each other, their atmosphere growing more tense, a chilling killing intent spreading throughout.
But the smile in Orochimaru's eyes grew stronger.
Given White Snake Sage's personality, with the situation so clear, not making a move now meant surrender.
"..."
Sensing his mockery, a flash of anger crossed White Snake Sage's eyes, realizing Orochimaru had seen through her bluster.
However, even so, parting ways now, causing Orochimaru some non-fatal injuries at the cost of her life, was simply not worth it.
But…
"Death is terrifying," White Snake Sage stared at Orochimaru, her voice cold. "But if the price of living is complete submission to you, I'd rather fight with all my might right now."
She was no match for Orochimaru even at her peak, let alone during her weakened state after transformation.
Orochimaru couldn't be trusted. If his smooth talk was just to deal with her later, then giving up now would be utterly foolish.
For her to submit, Orochimaru would have to prove he meant no harm… but that was impossible.
"Heh… how boring. After living for so long, you've become a monster that's neither human nor snake."
Orochimaru looked down at White Snake Sage, a smirk on his lips.
"In nature, the strong prey on the weak. If the latter gives the former a chance to live, there's no reason to refuse."
"And among humans, dying for dignity and belief is commendable, but otherwise, living on is the norm."
"You are the weak one in nature, and by human standards, you have no such beliefs, yet you make such a foolish choice…"
Orochimaru's eyes suddenly sharpened, a brilliant light flashing within them. "If you want to fight to the death, then come on! Do you really think I'm afraid?"
For a thousand years, White Snake Sage had shed her skin countless times using Sage Arts, seeking a qualitative improvement of natural energy or Senjutsu from Chakra, but only achieving quantitative accumulation.
A single shed scale could sustain Yakushi Kabuto's training for years, such a terrifying amount that White Snake Sage couldn't fully control it.
More gunpowder in a shell isn't always better, and besides, if White Snake Sage wanted to completely destroy Orochimaru, she'd need him to give her the chance.
While preparing to retreat at any moment, Orochimaru's eyes flickered with a tangible golden light, injecting more of his power into White Snake Sage's body, further suppressing her will.
Her mind grew more clouded, and White Snake Sage became more irritable, roaring, "Stop any further actions, or we'll…"
"Or what? I won't die, at most I'll be injured. Should I be afraid?"
As White Snake Sage's furious roar began, Orochimaru's thought responded almost simultaneously. The voice wasn't rushed; it was simple, swift, and calm, forcefully crushing White Snake Sage's desperate resolve.
Simple exchanges alternated in the mental space, like waves crashing one after another.
Orochimaru remained patient; his chances of winning would only increase with time, but White Snake Sage became increasingly frantic and unable to speak.
Death or to be at Orochimaru's mercy… she didn't want either choice, but if she truly had no other option…
"Let's end this…"
Just as the two parties were arguing and fighting endlessly, a slightly strange tone joined in.
Orochimaru was surprised to find that although the other party was holding back, his power was directly suppressed and could not surge out again from that mass of flesh.
"The Sage of Six Paths has arrived…"
Genie Lamp's voice sounded in Orochimaru's ear, making him tense.
But before Orochimaru could react, the scene before him suddenly changed. He found himself in a dark space, with a man and a snake standing on either side.
The snake was naturally White Snake Sage, and beside her stood a middle-aged man with horns on his head and a gem-like red eye embedded in his forehead – naturally, the Sage of Six Paths.
Although Orochimaru suffered a slight disadvantage unexpectedly, he still spoke neither subserviently nor arrogantly. "Who are you, and why are you here to ruin my plans?"
"Orochimaru, although we haven't communicated directly, we've had quite a bit of indirect contact. Don't you know my identity?"
The Sage of Six Paths' expression was serious, but his eyes held a hint of unfathomable meaning. "I haven't forgotten about you letting that little snake cause trouble in the Pure Land before."
Orochimaru's heart stirred, knowing he was referring to the White Snake's multiple escapes to the Pure Land during their time in Roran.
He had worried at the time that he might have pushed things too far and attracted the Sage of Six Paths' attention. After safely completing his transformation, he had breathed a sigh of relief, only to realize now that it had been wishful thinking.
"Greetings, Sage of Six Paths."
Orochimaru raised his hands and bowed slightly, smiling. "After all, your reputation in the ninja world is widespread, but you've left no other trace. Even if I had my suspicions, I wouldn't dare to assume."
Not to mention the Sage of Six Paths founding the Ninshu Sect and distributing Chakra to the people, which was a great blessing to this land. Even his non-interference in Roran before meant he owed him a debt of gratitude.
"That's not entirely true… but, fine."
The Sage of Six Paths glanced at White Snake beside him, then turned his gaze back to Orochimaru. "You were fighting with someone, and I shouldn't interfere, but you've pushed Su Taken to this point, and that must change."
"Do you know that if she loses her life, she might destroy the entire ninja world?"
Hearing this, Orochimaru finally understood why the other party had suddenly appeared.
It wasn't entirely for Su… White Snake Sage's life, but more to protect the ninja world from destruction.
After all, no one knew the extent of the impact if White Snake Sage fought with all her might. Orochimaru was willing to take the gamble, but the Sage of Six Paths was not.
"You misunderstand, sir."
Orochimaru smiled and turned his gaze to White Snake beside him. "From the beginning, I never intended to take White Snake Sage's life. Everything just now was just bluffing."
"..."
White Snake Sage stared at Orochimaru, a human-like hatred appearing on her snake face.
Because of Orochimaru, she had just been on the brink of life and death, and now he claimed it was all bluffing?
The Sage of Six Paths also raised an eyebrow, astonished by Orochimaru's sophistry. He hadn't expected that Orochimaru, with his current power, would still resort to such wordplay.
But in reality, Orochimaru wasn't lying.
Perhaps the Sage of Six Paths would have stopped at a certain point, not pushing White Snake Sage too hard, but in a struggle for benefits, how could there be any gentleman's agreements?
Among ninjas, among great ninja villages… weren't they all fighting to the death over what these important figures considered 'petty gains'?
Perhaps White Snake Sage was the same back then… but now these two had been too high above for too long.
"Since the Sage of Six Paths has spoken, I will give you face this time, however…"
Orochimaru glanced at White Snake Sage and suddenly chuckled. "White Snake Sage will surely advance further after this battle, and growth requires more natural energy."
The Sage of Six Paths seemed to recall something, his expression growing serious.
"I've already discussed this with White Snake Sage," Orochimaru said unhurriedly. "I will help White Snake Sage consolidate her power in exchange for her excess energy."
"This is a fair and reasonable transaction; it's a great thing for me, for White Snake Sage, and for the ninja world."
Having said that, Orochimaru smiled. "But White Snake Sage refuses this mutually beneficial endeavor even to the point of death. I truly can't understand why."
"Orochimaru, stop playing dumb!"
Hearing Orochimaru continuously twist facts and play with words, White Snake Sage could no longer hold back and blurted out sarcastically, "Can you guarantee you won't have any more wicked thoughts after this?"
"I can guarantee it, but you don't believe me."
Orochimaru shrugged, looking innocently at her.
His movements and expression, combined with his current youthful appearance, made him seem irrefutable for a moment.
"But you used to see me with malicious intent, and now there's no need for that."
Orochimaru turned his head slightly, extending one hand flat and pointing at the Sage of Six Paths, smiling. "With him as a guarantor, do you still need to worry?"
Although the Sage of Six Paths' appearance was unexpected, if it could be utilized well, it was also an opportunity.
The Sage of Six Paths, possessing such power, had been quietly hidden behind the ninja world for thousands of years, living in peace with everyone. This was not something anyone could do.
At least now, this prestige and reputation could serve as a golden signboard to gain White Snake Sage's trust.
Moreover, Orochimaru was quite sure the Sage of Six Paths wouldn't mind him making a move here.
White Snake Sage was speechless, unable to find any grounds for rebuttal. But how to put it, even if this mutually beneficial 'great good' were truly realized as Orochimaru said, she still felt extremely uncomfortable.
The Sage of Six Paths also looked at Orochimaru in surprise.
When he appeared, he had resolved White Snake Sage's predicament, which could be seen as biased favoritism. He had expected Orochimaru to be displeased, even hostile.
But this guy's insight and composure were far beyond ordinary. He had seen through his purpose at a glance.
Whether it was White Snake Sage being forced to self-destruct in the immediate future, or White Snake Sage endlessly absorbing the earth's veins in the future, he would not allow it.
The former was manageable, just a power struggle, but the latter… he didn't have the time to keep an eye on White Snake Sage, nor could he suppress her nature.
If there was a way to resolve this once and for all, he would go along with it.
"Truly a talent forged in the bloody battles of the ninja world…" the Sage of Six Paths marveled. "If I had your cunning and calculating mind at your age back then, perhaps…"
His contemplation and regrets remained unspoken, leaving behind a sigh.
Orochimaru smiled upon hearing this. "If I had a choice, I'd rather be as innocent and pure as White Snake Sage. You only see me standing here, but you don't know how many equally outstanding individuals I've stepped over the corpses of to reach this point."
A world where one must fight and kill to ascend, using lives as a ladder for growth, was clearly not a beautiful one.
The Sage of Six Paths heard a hint of resentment in his words, but merely sighed softly, making no refutation.
Is a peaceful world where everyone is confined like a mother, an absolute ruler, better, or a world of war where all things develop freely? He couldn't distinguish.
But the right to choose which kind of world it would be, the Sage of Six Paths was unwilling to hold in his own hands.
Having power surpassing millions did not mean having the will to bear the desires of millions. The Sage of Six Paths knew he was merely a weak individual, and the only responsibility he could bear was to ensure the ninja world was not destroyed.
"..."
White Snake Sage felt something was amiss. Even after hearing everything, limited by the knowledge of Ryuuchi Cave, she couldn't grasp the emotions of the two men. However, she instinctively sensed one thing.
— The Sage of Six Paths would not completely side with her.
This was very bad. To what extent she could bargain with Orochimaru depended entirely on the Sage of Six Paths' stance.
Orochimaru noticed the expression on White Snake's face, the corner of his mouth curling slightly. "It's not a solution to keep stalling like this. What will White Snake Sage choose?"
If she had the option of mutual destruction before, with the appearance of the Sage of Six Paths, even that possibility was gone.
Because if that happened, the Sage of Six Paths would join Orochimaru in suppressing White Snake Sage.
"..."
Realizing this possibility, White Snake Sage showed a look of extreme frustration.
To have such a rich and vivid expression on a snake's face was quite an accomplishment.
The Sage of Six Paths watched the two in silence. Even with his mediation, Orochimaru and Su Taken continued to fight. Time was running out.
After thinking for a moment, he turned to White Snake. "At this moment, Orochimaru's method is indeed more feasible. If you have a better method, you can propose it. But if not, it's best to proceed with this. You should know this isn't a bad thing for you."
Seeing the Sage of Six Paths deliver his ultimatum, White Snake Sage nodded reluctantly and cast a resentful glance at Orochimaru.
"Don't think I'm obeying you. I'm just giving Hagoromo the Immortal some face."
"Say whatever you want. I only value the results."
Orochimaru chuckled indifferently. White Snake Sage, perhaps because of the Sage of Six Paths, had learned some human ways.
But she hadn't learned the good parts completely, only the bad ones. Arrogance, overconfidence, unnecessary pride… she was no different from the other snake princesses.
"Before I leave, there's one thing you must go and do, Su Taken."
The Sage of Six Paths instructed with a serious expression, "Some of the snakes under Ryuuchi Cave have escaped to the surface, and they must be recalled as soon as possible."
Although for Orochimaru and White Snake Sage, a few more such snakes, even on a much larger scale, would be of little use, for ordinary people, even Genin Chunin, they were extremely dangerous situations.
Even if most of the snakes were herbivores.
"I understand."
White Snake Sage nodded unnaturally.
Years ago, the snakes of Ryuuchi Cave had also caused considerable disaster, eventually alerting the still-living Sage of Six Paths, and an agreement was made regarding the boundaries for the snakes' living.
Although this incident was somewhat excusable, it was ultimately a violation of that agreement.
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