Injecting Natural Energy
Ichikishima-hime explained Tagitsu-hime's trial to Chi Yu.
However, Tagitsu-hime was lying on the ground, having been struck by Chi Yu's Lightning Release: Lightning Blast.
Chi Yu pointed at her and asked, "Looking at her, it seems she can't give me a trial, right? So, does that mean I passed?"
"This…"
Even Ichikishima-hime had never encountered such a situation before and was momentarily at a loss.
"The trial can continue."
Tagitsu-hime rose once more.
Chi Yu narrowed his eyes. Though her body still appeared charred, the injuries had completely vanished. Her regenerative power was astounding.
When Chi Yu had unleashed his Lightning Blast, he hadn't held back in the slightest—yet Tagitsu-hime, struck head-on, had only sustained superficial burns. Now, in the span of a few moments, she was fully healed.
So this is the vitality granted by Sage Art chakra…
Chi Yu extended his arm. "Then let's continue. It doesn't have to be the neck, right? Bite my arm instead."
Without hesitation, Tagitsu-hime opened her mouth. Her fangs sank into Chi Yu's arm, and Sage Art chakra surged into his body.
A burning sensation spread through him. In the blink of an eye, Tagitsu-hime and Ichikishima-hime vanished, replaced by illusions of figures both familiar and accusing—Chi Yu's parents.
His father glared with disgust. "It's all because of you! Because of you, Eri and I became rogues and were forced to flee!"
His mother's eyes burned with bitterness. "If only you hadn't existed, none of this would have happened!"
More voices echoed.
Kakashi appeared, resentment in his gaze. "Why? You could have saved my father back then, couldn't you? Why did you let him die?"
Uzumaki Kushina looked at him with cold indifference. "If only I had never met you."
Finally, Orochimaru stood above him, sneering. "That wind of yours never truly blew, did it? How disappointing, Chi Yu."
Accusations and curses rained down, yet Chi Yu's expression never wavered.
Then, suddenly, he laughed. "So this is the final trial? Too weak! I've heard far worse. If you think illusions like these can shake me, you're underestimating me."
He drew his ninja sword in a single motion and cut through the phantoms. The visions shattered.
Tagitsu-hime stared at him, astonished. "So easily…? That shouldn't be possible."
Chi Yu sheathed his sword and met her gaze with disdain. "What shouldn't be? My family, comrades, disciples, and teachers—those I trust also trust me. Illusions that prey on doubt are useless."
Her shoulders sank. Even Orochimaru—once considered the most likely to succeed—had struggled during this same trial. At the time, burdened by Nawaki's death and obsessed with forbidden jutsu, his heart had been clouded with confusion. He barely passed.
But Chi Yu had cut through with ease.
The mist dissolved, revealing the grand temple of Ryūchi Cave.
Tianxin Shenji appeared. "This is Lady White Snake's temple. You have passed all the trials. You may now meet the White Snake Sage."
Chi Yu strode forward, past the three hime, and pushed open the massive doors.
Inside, a long staircase stretched upward. Without hesitation, he used the Body Flicker Technique to reach the summit.
There stood a massive dragon statue, and beneath it reclined an elderly figure—frail in appearance, yet radiating an ancient aura.
"White Snake Sage?" Chi Yu asked.
The elder's voice rasped but carried weight. "Yes. You have finally arrived, Chi Yu."
Chi Yu's eyes narrowed. "You were waiting for me? What did they mean earlier when they said I was 'special'?"
The White Snake Sage chuckled darkly. "Don't you know best? You've already changed more than most. The person of chaos has arrived. That old toad at Mount Myōboku must be fretting—I can almost see his face now."
Chi Yu's hand instinctively drifted to his sword hilt. Killing intent seeped from him.
The Sage ignored it. "Save your hostility. With your current strength, you cannot kill me. Long ago, that toad foresaw a moment that would decide the fate of the shinobi world. He entrusted his power to Jiraiya, hoping destiny would be fulfilled. I, however, wish to see fate overturned. That is why I will entrust dragon power to you. But first—you must endure natural energy and master Sage Mode."
Chi Yu's killing intent subsided. "I don't care about your prophecy. I came here for one purpose—Sage Mode. Nothing else."
The Sage opened his eyes fully, golden and piercing. "Humans are creatures of desire. All who come here abandon something for power."
"I haven't abandoned anything," Chi Yu cut in sharply. "I came prepared. Spare me the speeches. Let's begin."
"…Very well."
The White Snake Sage revealed her true form.
Her serpentine body coiled around the throne, adorned with golden rings on her tail. Orange hair framed her face, her yellow eyes gleamed like venom, and a red jewel glowed upon her head. Smoke curled from the pipe clenched in her teeth.
"You dislike the neck? Then extend your arm."
Chi Yu did so, and her fangs sank deep.
Natural energy flooded him at once. His skin prickled, and scales began creeping along his arm. His body trembled violently under the foreign power.
After several minutes, the Sage released him.
Her eyes gleamed. "Then it begins. As Orochimaru surely told you—fail, and you will turn fully into a snake, your body petrified into stone."
Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters