Dragon Cave
Chi Yu announced to the Konoha Defense Force that Hatake Kakashi would be serving as his deputy captain.
Uchiha Shisui lowered his gaze slightly, saying nothing.
In truth, Shisui wished Chi Yu would leave quickly—and the longer he stayed away, the better. With Chi Yu gone, the Uchiha clan could breathe easier, without fearing that patrols would suddenly arrest them under his watch.
Chi Yu smiled and said, "Deputy Captain, during my absence, I'll leave my disciple in your care."
Shisui gave a short nod. "I understand."
Chi Yu patted Kakashi's shoulder. "Do well, Kakashi. I'm leaving things to you."
"Yes, Teacher Chi Yu," Kakashi replied firmly.
With that, Chi Yu left the Defense Force headquarters, exited the village, and used the Summoning Technique. A large white snake appeared in a swirl of smoke.
The snake's face twisted into a pitiful expression. "Lord Chi Yu, it has been so long since you last summoned me."
"Tsk," Chi Yu clicked his tongue. "Don't look at me like that—it's disgusting. The war is over; naturally, I don't need you as often. Tell me, White Snake… do you know the Reverse Summoning Technique?"
The White Snake tilted its head. "Reverse Summoning? Lord Chi Yu… are you planning to go to Ryūchi Cave?"
"That's right," Chi Yu said flatly. "I'm going there to cultivate Sage Mode."
The White Snake's eyes bulged. "Lord Chi Yu, that's suicide! No one has ever survived training in Ryūchi Cave. All those who tried to learn senjutsu there were devoured by the White Snake Sage—or her attendants—before they could fully transform."
Chi Yu's face darkened. "Enough. You talk too much. If you know the technique, then do it."
The snake coiled anxiously around him, hissing, "Only reckless fools seek power there! If you fail, you'll be eaten alive before your body even petrifies! And even then… it won't be me who gets to eat you!"
Chi Yu twitched at that last remark. So, that's what you're worried about?
He yanked the snake off his shoulders and tossed it to the ground. His Sharingan eyes narrowed. "Are you going to do it or not? There are plenty of other snakes who would."
The White Snake deflated. "Since Lord Chi Yu insists… very well. I will return to Ryūchi Cave and summon you through the contract scroll."
With a poof, it vanished into smoke. Moments later, Chi Yu's body was pulled through space—the Reverse Summoning Technique dragging him directly into Ryūchi Cave.
The air turned damp and heavy. A vast, shadowy forest spread before him, cloaked in mist. The atmosphere was sinister, as if countless unseen eyes were watching.
The White Snake slithered beside him, voice low. "Those who sincerely seek the White Snake Sage may meet her. For others… her three attendants—Tianxin Senji, Tagitsuhime, and Ichikishimahime—will appear first. They test every aspirant. Only those who survive their trials are permitted to meet the White Snake Sage, who will then inject her fangs with natural energy into their bodies to initiate Sage Mode training. The rest…" The snake's tongue flicked nervously. "…are eaten alive before petrification finishes them."
It slithered away quickly. "Lord Chi Yu, the Sage already knows you are here. I… will take my leave. Don't die."
"I don't die easily," Chi Yu replied coldly.
He began walking, but he wasn't alone. Three figures floated in the canopy above him—Senji, Ichikishima, and Tagitsu—already observing the newcomer.
"It's someone brought here by Reverse Summoning."
"He seeks power."
"Since he holds a Ryūchi Cave contract, could it be… him?"
"No matter. Whoever he is, he must pass the trial to stand before the Sage."
…
Chi Yu, already wary, had activated his Three-Tomoe Sharingan upon arrival. He could sense them clearly. Their chakra signatures weren't human—they were snakes wearing human forms. So, these must be the ones sent to test me.
Ahead, he spotted a faint light and approached.
A grand palace stood in the mist. On its plaque were the characters: Ryūchi Cave.
The gates creaked open on their own. From within emerged a green-haired woman wearing a golden headdress topped with an orb. She bowed gracefully.
"I have been waiting for you. Welcome to Ryūchi Cave. I am Tianxin Senji. You must be tired—please, come inside. A feast has been prepared."
Chi Yu stepped in, eyes scanning the luxurious hall filled with fragrant dishes. But his gaze never left her.
"I came here for one reason," he said coldly. "To meet the White Snake Sage and train in senjutsu. Spare me your illusions. You're here to test me, aren't you? Don't waste my time."
Senji smiled serenely. "The Sage is watching from the temple deeper within. Since you already know about the trial, please indulge me—rest and eat before we begin."
Lightning flared around Chi Yu.
"First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"
He blurred forward, blade crackling with lightning, cutting toward her.
Senji floated upward in shock, barely dodging. "Why attack me without warning?"
Sharingan spinning, Chi Yu glared up at her. "You emphasized food twice. That alone made me suspicious. I don't know what trap you set in that meal, but it doesn't matter. If I kill you, then no matter what trial you had in mind—dead snakes can't test me. Wouldn't that count as passing?"
Senji froze, baffled. Killing me to 'pass the trial'? What kind of logic is this?!
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