Chapter 44: Visiting Ryuchi Cave
Kuragami Uchiha returned home, freshened up briefly, and then returned to his bedroom, bit his finger, and formed the hand seals for the summoning jutsu.
As a puff of smoke cleared, a small white snake appeared before him.
"Please inform Ryuchi Cave that Kuragami Uchiha has come to visit." Kuragami playfully stroked the small white snake before speaking.
The little snake disappeared instantly.
Before long, Kuragami sensed the spatial fluctuations of a reverse Summoning Technique beside him. He relaxed his mind, and in the blink of an eye, he was transported to a peculiar place.
The scene before him resembled the ancient towns he had seen in his past life, like a tourist attraction.
Rows of traditional buildings stood closely together, exuding an air of antiquity. A massive gateway bore the name Ryuchi Cave in bold characters.
Standing beneath the gateway was Orochimaru, accompanied by a woman dressed in a shrine maiden's outfit and a magatama necklace hanging around her neck.
"Kuragami-sama."
Orochimaru greeted him respectfully while the woman beside him observed Kuragami with great interest.
Moments later, the woman spoke. "Kuragami Uchiha, welcome to Ryuchi Cave."
"Hello, how should I address you?" Kuragami asked with a smile.
"I am Tagorihime."
The shrine maiden chuckled. "The White Snake Sage is already aware of your visit. However, to meet the White Snake Sage, you must first pass Ryuchi Cave's test."
"I understand."
Kuragami nodded and followed Tagorihime's lead.
As they walked deeper into the ancient city, Orochimaru suddenly formed a seal and canceled his summoning.
"He's not coming along?"
Kuragami asked curiously.
"This path can only be taken once in a lifetime."
Tagorihime explained as they walked. "Although Orochimaru-kun is a partner of Ryuchi Cave, he has already attempted this challenge once and failed. That means he has permanently lost the qualification to enter."
"I see... But are you so certain of my purpose here?"
Kuragami asked, intrigued. "I've heard that Mount Myōboku has a Great Toad Sage who can foresee the future. Does the White Snake Sage have similar abilities?"
"Don't compare us to those filthy toads from Mount Myōboku."
Tagorihime said with a displeased expression.
"My mistake." Kuragami chuckled as he apologized.
"The White Snake Sage does not possess the same foresight as that old toad."
Tagorihime explained after glancing at Kuragami. "However, it is easy to deduce your reason for coming here."
"For thousands of years, people have only come to Ryuchi Cave for two reasons: to seek a Summoning Jutsu or to learn Sage Jutsu."
She continued. "Unlike Orochimaru-kun, who came here before his power was fully developed, your combat style is already well established. Without learning certain techniques, most of the contracted snakes in Ryuchi Cave wouldn't be able to keep up with your level of battle."
"So, your goal can only be the latter."
Kuragami simply nodded in response and continued following Tagorihime.
"What kind of test does Ryuchi Cave have for those who wish to learn Sage Jutsu?"
Kuragami asked. "Is it about character or morality? If so, I doubt I'd pass."
"Kuragami-san, you must be joking. Ryuchi Cave treats all seekers the same."
Tagorihime smiled. "The only thing we test for is whether the individual can adapt to Nature Energy. As for things like character or willpower, we don't care about those."
"I see. No wonder people say that this place is only for those who are obsessed with power."
Kuragami remarked with a laugh.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Tagorihime responded. "Besides, you wouldn't have come here unless you were already prepared, right?"
"Fair point."
Kuragami nodded. "So, when does the test begin?"
Tagorihime led Kuragami into a building resembling a grand dining hall.
She clapped her hands, and soon, several young women arrived, serving a table full of exquisite dishes.
"Kuragami-san, before the trial begins, please enjoy Ryuchi Cave's hospitality."
Tagorihime said with a smile.
"Oh?"
Kuragami took a seat without hesitation and picked up the utensils.
Seeing this, Tagorihime revealed a special smile.
However, Tagorihime suddenly discovered that a sword with a light blue metallic luster was placed on her neck, and Kuragami on the dining table in front of her had disappeared without knowing it.
"What is the meaning of this, Kuragami-san?"
Despite having a sword to her throat, Tagorihime remained calm.
Behind her, Kuragami's Mangekyō Sharingan spun slowly, its lightning-shaped pattern gleaming ominously. "Your Genjutsu was quite convincing, but ever since I awakened these eyes, I see only absolute truth."
"I see."
Tagorihime nodded, and then the surroundings began to shift. The lavishly decorated dining hall, along with the ancient town outside, dissolved into an eerie cavern. The so-called delicacies on the table faded away, revealing piles of bones.
And Tagorihime's appearance changed as well.
She reappeared a short distance away, her once serene and elegant demeanor replaced by a monstrous snake-like visage. Her vertical pupils radiated malice, and when she opened her mouth, sharp fangs and a long forked tongue were revealed, making Kuragami frown slightly.
Chakra began to ripple around her, carrying a unique energy completely different from anyone Kuragami had encountered before.
"This is Sage Jutsu Chakra?"
Kuragami assumed a fighting posture and blue electric light began to gather around him, making a crackling sound.
At that moment, a deep voice echoed from within the cave.
"Tashin, bring him directly to me. Against his Visual Jutsu, the rest of the test is meaningless."
"I understand, White Snake Sage."
Tagorihime bowed toward the depths of the cave.
Then, her face returned to its previous appearance, and she smiled apologetically at Kuragami.
"My apologies, Kuragami-san. This was merely part of the test."
"I understand."
Kuragami nodded, sheathing his blade. "So, that's the White Snake Sage?"
"Yes. Please, follow me." Tagorihime gestured forward.