"Eighteen days to complete Sage Mode Training... you truly are the most outstanding shinobi of this era."
Under the dim lamplight of the Kazekage's office, a projection of Orochimaru let out a series of low chuckles. He harbored a distinct sense of schadenfreude regarding the White Snake Sage's miscalculation.
Shiraishi, seated behind the grand desk, picked up a cup of tea. "If it weren't for your timely warning, Senior Orochimaru, I might not have navigated the Sage's schemes so successfully."
Orochimaru's smile was wide, his gaze toward Shiraishi filled with a strange mix of admiration and possessiveness—like an aunt doting on a prized nephew. "Even without my hint, you would have found a way to deal with that old snake."
Though he knew Shiraishi was a genius, the speed of this breakthrough was staggering. A Sage Mode that evolved both the body and the will simultaneously was a theoretical masterpiece.
According to Shiraishi's data, this unique Dragon Sigil Sage Mode would be invaluable to Orochimaru's own research, making him "fond" of the young Kazekage all the more.
After a few sips of tea, Shiraishi set the cup down and shifted his focus toward the Land of Rain. "What are the recent movements of Akatsuki?"
Orochimaru shook his head. "The same as before. Gathering intelligence on Jinchuriki and the Tailed Beasts while taking on high-paying mercenary missions from the black market to amass capital."
Currently, Akatsuki had officially transitioned into a two-man squad system. To Shiraishi's surprise, Orochimaru's partner was none other than Sasori of the Red Sand. It was bold of the puppet master to resurface so openly.
This squad model offered significant advantages for the organization. Primarily, it curbed the reckless individualism of S-rank criminals.
Most members were pathologically arrogant—a trait that often led them to underestimate opponents or linger too long in battle. A partner's counsel was the most effective check against such fatal pride.
Furthermore, it increased the mission success rate. In the shinobi world, the power of one is finite; "one plus one is greater than two" is a fundamental law.
The combined knowledge, experience, and auxiliary abilities of two specialists were far more potent. Finally, the system provided mutual surveillance to prevent spies from leaking secrets.
However, since both Sasori and Orochimaru were "mad scientist" types who preferred staying in their labs, they were relatively reclusive compared to the other more active S-rank rebels. Zetsu, the organization's primary monitor, was currently busy scouting for new recruits.
"The goal of Akatsuki... it may truly be as you suspected," Orochimaru said, his tone turning serious. "The resurrection of the Ten-Tails."
As a veteran of the ninja world, Orochimaru's intuition was as sharp as Shiraishi's. He hadn't cared for the organization's end-game before, but with Shiraishi's guidance, he had finally found the breadcrumbs.
"Any leads on the mysterious masked man?" Shiraishi asked.
"Only that he is a 'trainee' member. Everything else is a void."
Had Shiraishi not warned him, Orochimaru would never have believed a "reserve member" could be the space-time ninjutsu master who drove Minato Namikaze to his death.
"I will keep investigating. Given how easily he bypassed Konoha's barriers, he almost certainly originates from the Hidden Leaf."
As Orochimaru prepared to end the projection, Shiraishi sighed. "Stay safe, Senior."
"The Kazekage seems quite concerned about my well-being," Orochimaru teased.
Shiraishi smiled. "Naturally. You are the Sand's most important talent."
"I never agreed to join the Sand."
"You will. Eventually."
Unlocking the Dragon
With the conversation over, Shiraishi turned his attention inward to his Dragon Sigil Sage Mode.
Having mastered Sage power, his perception of chakra was leagues beyond his previous state. He could now catch the faintest traces of malice or intent.
Specifically, the abnormal chakra gathered around the pregnant Uzumaki Tomoe was now crystal clear to his senses.
Simultaneously, the completion of Sage Mode had triggered a massive unlock within his system's Dragon-type Skill category. He had collected several Dragon cards over the years, but most were greyed out—until now.
The basic skills included Dragon Breath, Dragon Claw, Dragon Tail, and Dragon Dance. But the centerpiece was a shimmering Golden Card that had been unusable for a long time.
Shiraishi entered the underground training grounds. As the Dragon Sigils flared in his eyes, he unleashed Dragon Breath. A thick, azure flame erupted, crackling with draconic majesty.
When combined with his own existing Azure Flame, the intensity tripled. Within minutes, his proficiency with the move hit 100%.
The next stage was Dragon Pulse—an upgrade to Dragon Breath that condensed the flames into a high-density energy sphere.
While his proficiency didn't skyrocket as fast, it maintained a steady 50%. According to the system, once Dragon Pulse reached mastery, he could begin training the ultimate move: Draco Meteor.
Finally, he examined the Golden Card. In the system's simulation, a pillar of holy golden light erupted from the user's sigils—a terrifying beam that acted as the ultimate "Judge."
Any opponent hit by this move would have their Kekkei Genkai (Bloodline Limit) temporarily suppressed, forcing them back into the state of an ordinary ninja.
"This is the power of the Dragon... to temporarily strip an opponent of their bloodline?"
Shiraishi gripped the Golden Card, his eyes reflecting a newfound depth of ambition.
🌟 The story is already written… waiting to be unleashed. Claim early access on Patreon: Patreon.com/kazama677
🔓 You hold the keys to bonus chapters:💬 10 reviews ignite 1 bonus chapter🔷 60 Power Stones summon another
🔥 Your power determines how fast the tale unfolds.