Orochimaru couldn't help but nod.
Although he believed Natsuki could pass the trial of the three Snake Princesses, doing it this quickly still exceeded his expectations.
"Follow me."
Tagorihime suppressed the surprise in her heart and spoke.
She turned and walked toward the depths.
"Passing our trial is just the beginning."
Tagitsuhime swept a glance at Natsuki and said. "If you fail to learn Sage Mode, you will also be eaten by us."
After speaking, she and Ichikishimahime followed Tagorihime.
"The three Snake Princesses are like this. They don't care about us contractors at all."
Orochimaru said in a low voice. "But as long as we contractors act according to the rules of the Ryuchi Cave, they wouldn't dare eat us."
Natsuki nodded.
The two followed the three Snake Princesses toward the depths of the Ryuchi Cave.
After walking for an unknown amount of time, they finally reached the end of the tunnel.
Upon exiting the tunnel, their field of vision instantly expanded significantly.
They arrived in an incomparably massive underground hall.
Natsuki looked around and found that it was a temple.
In the center of the temple was a stone stool.
At this moment, a long white snake with hair was coiled on it, holding a pipe in its mouth.
Upon seeing them, the long white snake slithered down and transformed into an old woman.
The old woman wore a green cat's-eye stone and had a red luminous pearl inlaid on her head, looking kind and benevolent.
"White Snake Sage."
Tagorihime took a step forward, bowed slightly, and said. "The new contractor, Natsuki, has passed our trial."
Tagitsuhime and Ichikishimahime also became very respectful, losing their previous frivolity.
"Not bad."
The White Snake Sage's gaze fell on Natsuki as she said. "In the thousand years of the Ryuchi Cave, you are the ninja who passed the trial the fastest."
Natsuki was slightly taken aback, somewhat surprised.
But thinking about it carefully, it was normal.
Those who could become contractors of the Three Great Sage Regions of Summoning Beasts were all geniuses among geniuses.
But there were also differences among geniuses.
Moreover, very few geniuses would be like Natsuki, coming to take the trial of the three Snake Princesses only after their strength reached the Kage level.
Natsuki wasn't a genius, but he had cheats. His abilities perfectly countered genjutsu and snake venom.
Ultimately, the trials of the three Snake Princesses combined couldn't stop him for even a minute.
"Perhaps you have the talent to learn Sage Mode."
The White Snake Sage continued. "You can choose a Snake Princess. She will teach you Sage Mode training next."
Natsuki looked at the three Snake Princesses.
Tagitsuhime immediately gave him a charming smile.
Ichikishimahime winked at him, appearing very lively.
Only Tagorihime appeared very calm.
"Ichikishimahime."
Natsuki picked one randomly.
Hearing this, Ichikishimahime immediately waved at him with a face full of smiles.
Tagitsuhime, on the other hand, had a face full of regret.
"I hope you can successfully train."
The White Snake Sage took a puff from her pipe and said. "It's been a long time since the Ryuchi Cave has had a contractor master Sage Mode."
"Natsuki."
Ichikishimahime asked. "When do you plan to learn Sage Mode?"
"I'll learn it right now."
Natsuki thought for a moment and said.
He wanted to know if unlocking the Jiraiya template's Sage Mode also inherited his talent for learning Sage Mode.
If it didn't, then he would have to forcibly modify Mount Myoboku's Sage Mode.
If it did, then he wouldn't need to go through so much trouble. He could just learn the Ryuchi Cave's Sage Mode along with it.
Anyway, the original work didn't say one couldn't learn two types of Sage Mode.
"We'll go to my residence to learn."
After greeting the White Snake Sage, Ichikishimahime turned and walked outward.
Natsuki and Orochimaru followed behind her and quickly arrived at her residence.
Perhaps because the three Snake Princesses transformed into humans, their residences were also human dwellings.
The other snakes were different. They all lived in caves, no different from ordinary snakes.
"Orochimaru, aren't you leaving yet?"
Ichikishimahime stopped, smiled, and asked. "Are you afraid I'll eat your student?"
"I want to confirm if he has the talent to learn Sage Mode."
Orochimaru said without changing his expression.
"Then we will begin now."
Ichikishimahime snorted lightly and said.
Just as Orochimaru said earlier, as long as the contractor followed the rules, the three Snake Princesses couldn't do anything to them.
"Training in Sage Mode can be divided into three steps."
Ichikishimahime said slowly. "The first step is the simplest, but also the most crucial: sensing the existence of natural energy."
After speaking, she floated up, face-to-face with Natsuki.
"You were poisoned by Tagitsuhime's snake venom earlier. How did it feel?"
Ichikishimahime looked at him and asked.
"My body felt hot and numb."
Natsuki said truthfully.
"The Three Great Sage Regions of Summoning Beasts all have ways to help contractors sense natural energy. The Ryuchi Cave's method is snake venom."
Ichikishimahime opened her mouth, revealing a row of teeth, with the two on the left and right being exceptionally sharp.
She leaned in and bit Natsuki on the neck.
But unlike Tagitsuhime, she subconsciously sucked a mouthful of blood.
"Your blood is truly sweet and fragrant."
Ichikishimahime licked her lips and said.
Natsuki raised an eyebrow.
This was simply walking right into hell when there was no door.
His blood wasn't ordinary blood.
Natsuki glanced at the wound. It had already healed.
He had the Kibutsuji Muzan template's High-Speed Regeneration. This kind of wound couldn't last even a second on his body.
But do all three of you Snake Princesses love biting people so much?
Thinking about it carefully, it wasn't just the three Snake Princesses.
In the original work, Orochimaru also loved biting people.
For example, he bit Uchiha Sasuke, planting the Heaven Cursed Seal on him.
"Before the snake venom wears off, we will begin the first step of training."
Ichikishimahime landed back on the ground and said. "Sit cross-legged on the ground and sense natural energy according to the method I tell you."
Hearing this, Natsuki sat on the ground and closed his eyes.
"Generally speaking, if you have the talent to learn Sage Mode, you can sense the existence of natural energy within three days."
Ichikishimahime looked at him and said.
Natural energy is different from chakra. It is energy that exists in nature.
Natsuki felt it was similar to spiritual energy in Xianxia novels.
Because it exists naturally, its amount varies.
The Three Great Sage Regions of Summoning Beasts were undoubtedly the places with the most natural energy.
If one couldn't even sense natural energy here, it would be even more impossible elsewhere.
Natsuki began sensing according to Ichikishimahime's method.
Not long after, his mind stirred, and he felt that unusual energy in the air.
Natsuki thought to himself, just as expected.
Unlocking the Jiraiya template's Sage Mode also inherited the corresponding talent for learning Sage Mode.
"I sensed natural energy."
Natsuki opened his eyes and said.
"What? This fast?"
Ichikishimahime was momentarily stunned, revealing an expression of surprise.
Orochimaru was also surprised.
He had failed at this very first step back then. He trained for three days and couldn't sense natural energy, ultimately having to give up.
But Natsuki had sensed it in less than a minute of meditation?
Just how strong was his student's talent?
"Describe it."
Ichikishimahime couldn't believe it, so she asked again.
"Violent."
Natsuki replied.
Natural energy sounds peaceful, but in reality, it's the exact opposite.
It is an extremely violent energy. Without mixing it with chakra, not even the Sage of Six Paths could learn Sage Mode.
"Truly..."
Ichikishimahime didn't know what to say for a moment.
Orochimaru, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief.
Without having sensed natural energy, it was impossible to know that it had a violent nature.
He also only knew this through Jiraiya.
But he had never told Natsuki.
"The second step of training in Sage Mode is absorbing natural energy."
Ichikishimahime steadied her mind and said.
Natsuki thought of Uzumaki Naruto's steps for training in Sage Mode in the original work. It was also three steps.
The second step was also absorbing natural energy.
Mount Myoboku used toad oil to help Uzumaki Naruto sense and absorb natural energy.
Once the trick to absorbing was mastered, toad oil was no longer needed.
The so-called trick was entering a state called stillness.
Natsuki felt this state sounded similar to his Sasaki Kojiro template's Clear and Tranquil.
But the Ryuchi Cave wasn't as gentle as Mount Myoboku.
"I will inject natural energy into your body, and you must absorb it."
Ichikishimahime paused, a glint of predatory light flashing in her eyes. "I must warn you, if you absorb too much, you will undergo snake transformation."
The fate of snake transformation went without saying. Naturally, he would be eaten by her.
Natsuki couldn't help but sigh that among the Three Great Sage Regions of Summoning Beasts, the Ryuchi Cave was indeed the most dangerous.
"We will continue training tomorrow."
Orochimaru suddenly said.
Natsuki was slightly taken aback, but agreed.
"I will use the Reverse Summoning Jutsu to summon you tomorrow."
Ichikishimahime nodded, looked at Natsuki, and said.
Then she sent Orochimaru and Natsuki out of the Ryuchi Cave.
The scenery changed, and they returned to their original spot, which was Orochimaru's laboratory.
"Although I didn't learn Sage Mode, I know a lot about it through Jiraiya."
Orochimaru explained the reason he stopped Natsuki from continuing the training just now. "I will tell you the situation now so you can try your best to avoid snake transformation."
"Thank you, Teacher."
Natsuki said immediately.
Although he didn't need it, Orochimaru was indeed very good to him.
A new day.
Eight o'clock in the morning.
Natsuki felt a summoning, and then arrived at Ichikishimahime's residence.
"Natsuki, are you ready?"
Ichikishimahime said with a smile. "I'm looking forward to your performance today."
Sensing natural energy was the most crucial, but absorbing natural energy was the most dangerous.
Under normal circumstances, it was the second most dangerous.
The most dangerous was the third step: combining natural energy, spiritual energy, and physical energy in a one-to-one-to-one ratio to form Senjutsu chakra.
But according to the Ryuchi Cave's method of training in Sage Mode, the second step of absorbing natural energy became incredibly dangerous.
Because not only did the contractor have to absorb natural energy, but the three Snake Princesses would also inject natural energy.
If the three Snake Princesses had malicious intentions, they could completely inject more natural energy, causing the contractor to be unable to absorb it all, thereby undergoing snake transformation.
"I want to make a deal with you."
Natsuki spoke up.
"Oh? What deal?"
Ichikishimahime asked with interest.
"Yesterday, I saw that you liked my blood very much."
Natsuki bowed slightly and said. "I am willing to offer one-fifth of my blood, hoping you will show mercy in this step."
Ichikishimahime was momentarily stunned, then began to laugh.
She already understood Natsuki's idea.
He was worried she would cause trouble in this step, causing him to undergo snake transformation.
She had to admit, his worry was indeed justified.
"You are very smart."
Ichikishimahime extended her pink, slender tongue, licked her lips, and said. "I accept your deal."
Natsuki's blood was indeed very good.
She tasted it yesterday. It wasn't just a matter of taste. There was also an energy contained within his blood.
Ichikishimahime suspected he was from the Senju clan or the Uzumaki clan, ninja clans with special physical traits.
Coupled with the fact that he was Orochimaru's student, this possibility greatly increased.
"Please."
Natsuki tilted his head, extended his neck, and said.
Ichikishimahime impatiently leaned in.
Without another word, she opened her mouth and bit down.
As the blood poured into her mouth, she couldn't help but narrow her eyes, a look of enjoyment appearing on her small face.
Natsuki used the Blood Curse without changing his expression.
Ichikishimahime suddenly let out a soft exclamation of surprise.
She sensed something was wrong.
Because her blood was boiling.
Ichikishimahime was slightly taken aback and hurriedly backed away.
But it was too late.
The first mouthful of blood she sucked was highly concentrated blood.
"What... what did you do to me?"
A rare look of panic appeared on Ichikishimahime's small face.
Natsuki ignored her and instead opened her panel.
[Name: Ichikishimahime]
[Race: Snake, Demon]
[Ability 1: Half-Demonification — LOCKED]
[Effect: Half-human, half-demon. Increases attack, speed, and regeneration capabilities]
[Unlock Condition: Self-comprehension]
[Ability 2: Full Demonification — LOCKED]
[Effect: Completely transforms into a demon. Attack, speed, and regeneration capabilities are further increased, but consumption is greater]
[Unlock Condition: Self-comprehension]
[Ability 3: Blood Demon Art: Silk Ribbon — LOCKED]
[Effect: Can manipulate the white silk ribbons on the body]
[Unlock Condition: Self-comprehension]
[Note: After unlocking, you will also obtain this Blood Demon Art]
Natsuki shook his head slightly.
This Blood Demon Art: Silk Ribbon could only be considered decent.
In Demon Slayer, it was the Blood Demon Art of Daki, Upper Rank Six of the Twelve Kizuki.
Although she was an Upper Rank, she was rather special. She and her brother Gyutaro were collectively known as Upper Rank Six.
However, as one of the three Snake Princesses, Ichikishimahime's own strength was extremely powerful, absolutely worthy of being called an Elite Jonin.
Coupled with the Ryuchi Cave's senjutsu and the future unlocking of Full Demonification, she could even hold her own against a Kage-level ninja.
"This is impossible!"
Ichikishimahime's expression drastically changed. "Why can't even senjutsu dispel your control?"
In that brief moment, she had already tried various methods, but none of them worked.
"Come here."
Natsuki beckoned to her.
"I won't..."
Before Ichikishimahime could finish her sentence, she uncontrollably walked up to Natsuki.
"Do you still not understand your current situation?"
Natsuki reached out his hand, placed it on her flat chest, and simultaneously activated the Blood Curse.
Ichikishimahime's body trembled, and a look of terror appeared on her face.
She felt the approach of death.
For someone who had lived for nearly a thousand years, this was the first time.
"Ma... Master!"
Ichikishimahime hurriedly changed her tune and said. "I am willing to obey any of your commands!"
Natsuki chuckled, not surprised.
The longer one lives, the more they fear death.
Furthermore, Ichikishimahime was not human, so she didn't possess human morals and integrity.
Natsuki withdrew his hand.
There was nothing to feel on a flat chest.
He still preferred Tsunade's type. It had more substance.
Ichikishimahime patted her chest with lingering fear.
Being alive felt much better.
"You don't need to think about going to the White Snake Sage either."
Natsuki reminded her. "You are under my Blood Curse. The moment you reveal anything about me, you will die."
Ichikishimahime nodded with a complex expression.
She knew Natsuki was telling the truth.
After being transformed into a demon, she had automatically understood the effects of the Blood Curse.
While enhancing her, it also brought her completely under Natsuki's control.
"Master, shall we begin training in Sage Mode now?"
Ichikishimahime quickly returned to normal, the same smile as before appearing on her face.
However, there was a bit more reverence in her smile.
"I have a mission for you."
Natsuki patted her head and said. "Tomorrow, have Tagitsuhime come over to teach me, and then catch her off guard and grab her."
Ichikishimahime was slightly taken aback, then understood.
Natsuki's target wasn't just her, but all three of them, the Snake Princesses.
"No problem, Master."
Ichikishimahime smiled sweetly and said. "Tagitsuhime has been drooling over you for a long time. She will definitely agree."
Her thoughts now were very simple.
She couldn't be the only one acting subservient to Natsuki. She had to drag Tagitsuhime and Tagorihime down with her.
Only then would she feel balanced.
Natsuki smiled.
He could guess Ichikishimahime's thoughts.
However, with the Blood Curse in place, he wasn't worried she would tip off Tagitsuhime.
Natsuki sat cross-legged.
Ichikishimahime stepped forward, bent down, and bit his neck.
She slowly injected natural energy into him.
A moment later, a shocked expression appeared on her small face.
Because Natsuki absorbed the natural energy very easily.
This was the advantage of achieving the result first and then replicating the process.
The next day arrived.
Natsuki was summoned to the Ryuchi Cave again.
This time, the one who appeared before him wasn't just Ichikishimahime, but also Tagitsuhime, who had the appearance of a young woman.
"I heard you were very dissatisfied with Ichikishimahime's teaching."
Tagitsuhime stepped forward, grabbed his wrist, smiled charmingly, and said. "I guarantee I will satisfy you."
Just then, Ichikishimahime floated behind her and directly reached out to wrap her arms around Tagitsuhime.
"Ichikishimahime, what are you doing?"
Tagitsuhime looked at her in confusion.
She didn't even react immediately.
It couldn't be helped. The three Snake Princesses had been together for nearly a thousand years. She fundamentally didn't believe Ichikishimahime would act against her.
Natsuki extended his hand, and a drop of blood flew toward her.
Tagitsuhime realized things were bad and subconsciously tried to struggle, but Ichikishimahime stopped her.
The blood entered her body.
Tagitsuhime's expression changed, but it was too late.
Seeing this, Ichikishimahime let go.
Although Tagitsuhime didn't understand what had happened, the moment she regained her freedom, she hurriedly flew into mid-air.
"Come down."
Natsuki spoke.
Tagitsuhime was dazed, her body uncontrollably falling to the ground.
The next second, a massive amount of information surfaced in her mind.
She finally understood that she had fallen into a trap.
Tagitsuhime subconsciously looked at Ichikishimahime.
"Sorry."
Ichikishimahime said with a smile. "For hundreds of years, we three Snake Princesses have had to face whatever happens together."
Tagitsuhime was so angry she trembled all over, her long white robe fluttering.
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