In the ancient records of the shinobi world, the Dragon is the sovereign of all scaled creatures.
It possesses the power to be both hidden and visible, to shrink to a speck or expand to a titan, and to shorten or lengthen its form at will. It ascends to the heavens at the spring equinox and dives into the deep abyss at the autumn equinox.
Though dragons have faded into the realm of myth, humanity's pursuit of their power remains unchanged. The sheer number of high-level Ninjutsu named after the "Dragon" is a testament to this obsession.
The White Snake Sage has spent its entire millennium-long life seeking a way to shed its skin and transcend into a dragon.
This explains the allure the creature holds for the Sage. Similarly, in Shiraishi's Skill System, Dragon-type techniques occupy a uniquely prestigious and powerful position.
The Sage's plan was simple: if Shiraishi successfully mastered the Training, he would become the vessel of hope for the Sage's transformation.
The Sage intended to gift him the Dragon Ball, and at the moment his Senjutsu reached completion, initiate a Reincarnation Jutsu to seize his body.
Just as Orochimaru uses the Power of the White Snake to switch hosts, the White Snake Sage can do the same—it simply hasn't encountered a human worthy of the cost in over a thousand years.
Stimulated by the intense pressure from his self-applied acupuncture, Shiraishi's perception of the surrounding natural energy expanded exponentially.
However, the most difficult step remained: how to harness this raw natural force and convert it into his own Senjutsu.
"The Sage Mode of the Six Paths Sage originated primarily from the Mount Myoboku lineage," the White Snake Sage explained, its voice cold yet carrying a trace of a smirk.
"The Ninja Creed he founded was intertwined with those teachings, making traditional shinobi more suited for Toad Senjutsu. But you are different."
The Sage's eyes glinted with icy intent. "The power hidden within you is perfectly suited to be augmented by the Ryuchi Cave's techniques."
Historically, the Sage Mode of Ryuchi Cave is divided into three categories:
Snake Transformation: As seen with Kabuto Yakushi, this requires the physical body to endure the madness of violent natural energy. Most practitioners succumb to the agony.
Memory-Based Transformation: This requires immense mental fortitude and willpower. In the future, Mitsuki would succeed here, but only after Orochimaru modified his memories multiple times to prevent him from going insane.
The Perfect Dragon Transformation("Dragon" Sage Mode): An integration of both flesh and spirit.
In truth, the first two are merely fragmented derivatives of the third. A thousand years ago, Mount Myoboku made its move during the Kaguya incident, leading to a world where most ninja are incompatible with Ryuchi Cave's energy.
Shiraishi, however, was an anomaly. He possessed a powerful "Dragon Force" within him. Sensing this, the White Snake Sage decided to guide him, hoping to harvest the secret of transformation.
The Sage produced a bizarre, glowing red orb: "To perceive natural energy and master Senjutsu better, this Dragon Ball may assist you."
The Sage's "generosity"—even offering its own internal core—was so extreme that Shiraishi grew increasingly suspicious. Such warmth was unnatural.
Nevertheless, Shiraishi did not refuse. The moment he grasped the Dragon Ball, his vision shifted into a surreal, blood-colored world.
In this crimson sea, countless blood-snakes erupted from the waves, lunging toward Shiraishi. Facing the tide, Shiraishi sat in a meditative pose, his body erupting with a brilliant radiance that blocked the intrusion of the spectral snakes.
Seeing Shiraishi enter a deep state of cultivation upon his very first contact with the Dragon Ball, the White Snake Sage's eyes burned with fervent greed.
Indeed, this human is my hope. The day he perfects the True Dragon Sage Mode, the Dragon Ball will unleash the backlash of natural energy, making his body mine.
The Lone Path
Though immersed in natural energy, Shiraishi—master of the Heavenly Curse of the Five Phantom—had not shut off his external senses. He had long since detected the Sage's predatory greed.
In fact, before entering the cave, Orochimaru had dropped several hints regarding the Sage's true motives.
Through the "gift" of the Dragon Ball, Shiraishi confirmed the Sage's sinister intent. The old snake's plan was likely to use the natural energy within the ball to trigger a mental collapse, wiping Shiraishi's consciousness.
Knowing the trap, Shiraishi felt no fear. He was more curious about why Orochimaru chose to help him.
On the road ahead, one is lonely if they walk alone. I am glad my path is not solitary.
In the Land of Rice Fields, Orochimaru—wearing his "Sky" Akatsuki ring—looked toward the horizon. His eyes, though cold, were remarkably clear.
He had never mastered Ryuchi Cave's Sage Mode because he realized the White Snake Sage was withholding the true secrets, offering him only a dangerous, flawed version.
Orochimaru desired the complete inheritance, and Shiraishi's potential was the lever he needed to pry it from the Sage.
A gruff, impatient voice came from behind him: "Orochimaru, what have you been up to now?"
Orochimaru smiled at Sasori. "Sasori, you're the same as ever. No patience at all."
After joining the Akatsuki and failing to steal Pain's Rinnegan, Orochimaru had agreed to stay for the research materials, pairing up with the puppet master.
For now, the organization was keeping a low profile, and the duo was focused on intelligence gathering.
The Transformation Begins
Back in Ryuchi Cave, a massive red vortex swirled around Shiraishi. The White Snake Sage watched with fanatical intensity.
Seeing Shiraishi endure such extreme physical and mental torment without breaking, the Sage couldn't help but grin. Its judgment was correct; this was the perfect vessel.
The possibility of failure never crossed the Sage's mind. No matter how strong, he was just a human. How could he withstand the mental onslaught of a deity?
Deep within the sea of blood, Shiraishi gripped the Dragon Ball. A unique Dragon Sigil gradually appeared in his eyes, strikingly similar to the dragon patterns on his Dragon-type Skill Cards.
His entire being was undergoing a rapid, fundamental metamorphosis.
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