Led by the three attendants—Tagitsuhime and her sisters—Ryoma followed a winding corridor carved like a labyrinth. At the end of it, a vast temple finally revealed itself.
A colossal stone throne dominated the hall. Upon it, a massive serpent, covered in pristine white scales, lay coiled in regal stillness.
The creature radiated overwhelming senjutsu chakra, intertwined with the very natural energy of Ryūchi Cave, forming a unique and terrifying cycle of power—a presence that felt capable of devouring the world itself.
Her long orange hair draped over golden rings wrapped around her body. A green opal embedded in her chest, a purple silk ribbon tied around her head, and a blood-red night pearl hanging from her neck—all spoke of her ancient majesty.
"Immortal, a guest seeks an audience."
The tone of the serpent maidens was reverent and hushed, careful not to disturb the White Snake Sage who appeared to be resting.
"I know…"
Without lifting her head, the White Snake Sage answered slowly. After a brief silence, she opened her eyes.
Golden pupils. Cold. Ancient. Fearsome.
"Young man… you made quite the commotion just now."
Her gaze narrowed sharply, dangerous light flickering within. Nothing that occurred inside Ryūchi Cave escaped her awareness. Yet, this human—calm even beneath her crushing aura—was unusual.
"Interesting…" she murmured, intrigued. "State your purpose."
Ryūchi Cave was both deathtrap and opportunity. Humans who sought it typically came chasing power—like Orochimaru, who once contracted the serpents here.
"I want to learn the Sage Arts of Ryūchi Cave," Ryoma answered without hesitation.
The White Snake Sage regarded him coolly.
"Do you understand the consequences of attempting Senjutsu?"
Countless had come across the ages. Barely a handful survived.
Ryoma nodded. "I do."
He knew the trials—knew that the Sage's fangs would inject natural energy, and failure to control it meant being devoured alive. There was no need for further warning.
"In that case… let us begin."
The White Snake Sage leaned forward. Her snow-white fangs arched gleaming into the light before she struck—biting down onto Ryoma's shoulder.
He neither flinched nor resisted. Instead, he relaxed his muscles, allowing the fangs to sink in cleanly.
In the next instant, raw natural energy surged into his body like a raging flood.
When she had injected enough, the Sage withdrew and resumed her throne, watching silently with unfathomable eyes.
Tagitsuhime and the other two serpent attendants kept their gazes on Ryoma. Despite their stoic expressions, a hint of worry flickered within their serpent eyes.
Would this human withstand the trial… or be swallowed by nature itself?
Although Ryoma had beaten the three snake attendants harshly earlier, he had also saved them from Manda's strike. The debt of that life-saving moment lingered. To watch him die now… even they felt a flicker of reluctance.
Under countless serpent gazes, Ryoma sat completely still. But soon, his exposed skin began to pale—patches of white scales spread slowly across his flesh, creeping like a curse.
The White Snake Sage observed, shaking her head.
"I thought you were promising… but it seems this is your limit."
Barely four seconds after the injection of natural energy, Ryoma's body was already breaking down.
"Enough. Let's devour him."
Just as the White Snake Sage prepared to give the order, the transformation abruptly reversed. Every scale that had surfaced vanished in an instant.
Ryoma's eyes snapped open.
Vertical pupils—sharp, cold, serpentine.
A layer of rich purple sage markings framed his gaze and extended toward the bridge of his nose.
Perfect Ryūchi Cave Sage Mode.
Tagitsuhime and her sisters froze in shock. Their eyes instinctively shifted toward the throne—where even the White Snake Sage's calm stare had sharpened with astonishment.
When the initial disbelief faded, she hissed softly:
"…Remarkable human."
Her tone held genuine admiration.
From the moment natural energy entered his body to achieving complete Sage Mode—only eight seconds had passed.
At first, she believed Ryoma might set the record for the fastest failure.
But instead, when the unstable surge of natural energy dissipated… he immediately seized control—and ascended to a Sage State so perfect not even other serpents had achieved it.
If his human scent weren't so clear, the Sage might have assumed he belonged to the Dragon-Serpent Clan itself.
Meanwhile, Ryoma flexed his hands, testing the torrent of power coursing through him. Unlike Myōboku's Sage Arts, which focus on physical enhancement, extended range, and chakra amplification…
The Snake Sage Arts excel in something entirely different:
ferocious vitality and the ability to give life to the lifeless.
Senjutsu — Inorganic Animation.
Ryoma casually raised a hand.
The stone floor rumbled.
A forest of razor-sharp stone spikes surged upward all at once—born from nothing but his will and nature's power.
"…Now this is power," Ryoma murmured, lips curving into a thin smile.
...
TN:
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