The White Snake Sage's question went unanswered by Kaguya Otsutsuki.
Though he was indeed a powerful being, in her eyes, he was no more than an ant.
She had no interest in speaking with insects like him.
The Three Serpent Goddesses exchanged glances, their eyes widened in shock.
Because they had just detected a trace of fear hidden beneath the White Snake Sage's words.
It made them wonder if they had fallen under some Genjutsu.
How could the White Snake Sage possibly feel such an emotion?
Yet that familiar aura about him couldn't be faked.
"White Snake Sage."
Natsume broke the silence by speaking first.
"Who exactly are you?"
The White Snake Sage looked at him and froze instantly.
Kaguya had masked her power, so he couldn't see through her.
But Natsume hadn't reached that level yet.
He instantly sensed the immense chakra radiating from him.
It reminded him of one person—Hagoromo Otsutsuki.
A tremble shot through the White Snake Sage's heart.
No ordinary human should ever possess power equal to the Sage of Six Paths.
That ability was determined entirely by bloodline.
In other words, Natsume carried the bloodline of the Otsutsuki Clan.
Only Kaguya should have such power.
For the first time, the White Snake Sage hesitated.
Just how strong was Kaguya now?
And how should he respond to her presence?
"Natsume, we're here for cooperation."
Natsume's composed response snapped the White Snake Sage back to reality.
But seeing Kaguya Otsutsuki standing beside him, unshaken, only deepened his confusion.
This scene simply didn't make sense.
It seemed as though Natsume was the one leading things.
Not Kaguya.
Based on her nature, such a thing should never occur.
Even the Emperor of the Ancestral Country had shown Kaguya great respect before.
Yet Natsume remained unfazed, treating them as equals.
As he pondered, the White Snake Sage suddenly wore an expression of realization.
"The Sixth Hokage of Konoha, Natsume?"
"That's me."
Natsume smiled. "You seem well-informed about the ninja world, White Snake Sage."
"Orochimaru, the current contractee of Ryuchi Cave, is a ninja from Konoha."
The White Snake Sage paused, then asked, "Since you're the Hokage, why didn't you bring him here with you?"
"There was no need."
Natsume shook his head and asked, "White Snake Sage, why don't you hear us out first before deciding?"
"What is it?"
The White Snake Sage responded patiently.
Mainly because he feared Kaguya too much.
Even though this situation unsettled him, avoiding conflict would be best if possible.
"Ryuchi Cave has many summoned beasts, yet only formed a contract with Orochimaru. That seems rather wasteful."
Natsume said with a smile, "I hope you'll aid Konoha's ninja in battle and teach them Sage Mode."
"No way!"
The White Snake Sage didn't speak—the one who interrupted was Ichikishimahime no Mikoto.
"What do you take Ryuchi Cave for?!"
If followed, your suggestion would reduce Ryuchi Cave to little more than a vassal of Konoha.
Originally, they were revered as supreme sanctuaries, free to devour humans at will.
In other words, they occupied absolute positions of authority.
Yet Natsume cast them all down, reducing them to mere summoned beasts.
Such a reaction was only natural.
"Your cooperation... seems quite insincere," the White Snake Sage said, his expression darkening. "Cooperation should be based on fairness. Then what do we stand to gain from this partnership?"
Had Kaguya Otsutsuki not been present, he would have devoured Natsume long ago.
A human so bold and reckless—he had never seen one like this before.
"You get the chance to survive."
Natsume shrugged. "Isn't that worth offering everything, Ryuchi Cave?"
"What did you say?!"
"Kill him! White Snake Sage, kill him now!"
The Three Serpent Goddesses instantly flew into a rage.
Their earlier fear of Kaguya Otsutsuki had vanished under these humiliating circumstances.
They immediately shifted into combat stances.
Floating in midair, they extended their long, forked tongues—each one a terrifying sight.
Even the White Snake Sage couldn't hold back his anger, revealing a chilling killing intent.
That last statement by Natsume was simply too outrageous.
It was as if he hadn't placed even the slightest value on Ryuchi Cave.
The Three Great Holy Places had been reduced to little more than insects, ready to be crushed beneath someone's thumb.
Something like this had never happened before.
At the critical moment, the killing intent emerged, and Kaguya Otsutsuki's expression darkened. She raised her hand.
[Eighty Gods Vacuum Attack!]
Chakra gathered rapidly, transforming in her palm into countless fists.
In an instant, space trembled.
The White Snake Sage and the Three Serpent Goddesses' faces changed drastically. A sense of mortal danger surged through their hearts.
Suddenly, a white-scaled serpent appeared.
This was the true form of the White Snake Sage.
Massive quantities of Sage Chakra coalesced, making its body tougher than any armor—absolutely unbreakable.
It shielded the Three Serpent Goddesses behind it.
Because it understood that facing such an attack, they had no choice but death.
But even so, it still underestimated Kaguya Otsutsuki at her peak.
Fists crashed into its body.
Blood erupted in gouts.
In an instant, deep cracks split the massive white serpent's body.
And even that was a restrained strike.
The Three Serpent Goddesses were drenched in blood.
All of them froze in place.
Oh…!
Then, unable to suppress their inner fear, they began trembling—like three frightened girls.
No longer possessing the dignity they'd shown moments ago.
"We… are willing… to cooperate."
The White Snake Sage returned to his humanoid form, his face pale, his entire body soaked in blood that wouldn't stop flowing.
His eyes were wide with terror, his voice trembling with every word.
It's her!
Kaguya Otsutsuki!
That woman has returned to the ninja world.
And her power hasn't weakened at all.
"Then let's call this a successful partnership."
Witnessing this, Natsume couldn't help but sigh thoughtfully—so Kaguya really was useful after all.
As for what came next, Myoboku Mountain—he wanted to handle that himself.
After all, having come this far, he couldn't just stand by and watch.
And in theory, doing it himself would yield a bit more contribution points.
"What does Ryuchi Cave need to do next?"
The White Snake Sage asked, fully aware of the situation.
At this point, there was no other way.
Either die or submit.
"First, I'll select a group of capable ninja to enter Ryuchi Cave and find their respective summoned beasts."
Natsume held up one finger. "I understand how snakes behave, so please keep them in line, White Snake Sage. I don't want any unpleasant incidents."
To true powerhouses, summoned beasts weren't of much use unless they rivaled tailed beasts—which were rare indeed.
However, the summoned beasts from the Three Great Holy Places were something most could only dream of—ordinary ninja especially, who would gain an enormous advantage from them.
Just like the Legendary Sannin, summoned beasts did provide significant help.
Of course, giving every ninja a summoned beast wasn't feasible—it came down to numbers.
Natsume intended to assign them to jonin and promising mid- to lower-ranked genin.
The White Snake Sage nodded.
Under current circumstances, it had no room to refuse.
"Second, training in Sage Mode is lengthy and depends heavily on talent."
Natsume held up another finger. "I don't know who among them will be able to master it, so the Three Serpent Goddesses will stay in Konoha Village from now on."
"N-no... Please don't..."
The Three Serpent Goddesses instinctively shook their heads.
Their eyes looked pitiful and helpless.
They certainly didn't want to go to Konoha, where they'd be stuck living alongside Kaguya otsutsuki every single day.
How terrifying.
The White Snake Sage glanced at them, feeling sympathy.
"There are other snakes in Ryuchi Cave..."
"No," Natsume cut it off. "It has to be these three."
The Three Serpent Goddesses had names—names that could contribute destiny value.
Other snakes couldn't do that.
"..."
The Three Serpent Goddesses' expressions instantly turned desperate.
They had every reason to suspect Natsume was settling personal scores.
After all, they had just attacked him, albeit unsuccessfully.
"Then let the three of them go to Konoha, but this old body hopes you'll spare them in light of their loyal service," the White Snake Sage sighed softly.
"Of course not," Natsume smiled. "I've always been fair and just."
"..."
The White Snake Sage opened its mouth slightly, unsure what to say.
You brought Kaguya otsutsuki right to our doorstep—where exactly is the fairness and justice in that?
"Third, lead me to Mount Myoboku."
Natsume lowered his fingers, speaking coldly.
Mount Myoboku?
A tremor coursed through the White Snake Sage's body.
It wasn't particularly surprised.
Now that Kaguya otsutsuki had returned, none of the Three Great Holy Places would remain untouched.
Ryuchi Cave had already suffered greatly; why should Mount Myoboku expect to get off scot-free?
Especially since the Great Toad Sage had played such a major role before.
Ryuchi Cave was barely even an accomplice.
The White Snake Sage agreed without hesitation.
Its relationship with Mount Myoboku had never been good anyway.
As for the ever-mysterious Great Toad Sage, it held no affection.
Watching that old fool suffer some embarrassment wouldn't be bad at all.
It would be even happier if things were worse than Ryuchi Cave.
The White Snake Sage was already in a state of despair.
"Kaguya, heal it for me."
Natsume looked at its blood-soaked form and said.
Though Kaguya Otsutsuki didn't possess Medical Ninjutsu, her chakra was omnipotent.
Soon enough, the White Snake Sage was restored to full health.
Yet shock and disbelief showed clearly on its aged face.
Even more intense than just moments ago.
Was it going mad?
What strange scene was this?
A human actually commanding Kaguya Otsutsuki?
For a moment, it even suspected being trapped in a Genjutsu.
Come over here, you three.
Natsume gestured for the Three Serpent Goddesses to approach.
"..."
They exchanged uncertain glances before cautiously approaching him.
I'll bring you back to Konoha Village first.
Natsume left behind a Flying Thunder God Kunai, then disappeared toward the research facility.
Kabuto Yakushi raised an eyebrow.
He looked at the Three Serpent Goddesses.
Strangers—yet their aura felt oddly familiar.
Sage Chakra.
Having followed Orochimaru, he naturally recognized cursed seals as well.
"They're high-ranking officials from Ryuchi Cave, the Three Serpent Goddesses."
Natsume explained. "They'll teach you Sage Mode."
"I see."
Kabuto nodded slightly and said, "Then I'm counting on you."
"N-no problem."
Tachibana no Tsumi Himiko gave an awkward smile.
This stunned Kabuto completely.
He'd seen Orochimaru summon Manda before—the man always played the tough guy role.
This chapter isn't over yet—more exciting moments ahead!
These Three Serpent Goddesses held even higher ranks, yet their demeanor was surprisingly… gentle.
He clearly sensed the reverence they held for Natsume.
Who knew what had really happened?
But none of that mattered much to him anyway.
After all, he had already obtained what he desired.
Natsume returned once again to Ryuchi Cave.
As before, he dispatched the White Snake Sage with a Flying Thunder God Kunai to Mount Myoboku, while he himself and Kaguya Otsutsuki waited in Amenominaka.
Roughly an hour later, they arrived at the borders of Mount Myoboku.
"What are your plans for dealing with Mount Myoboku?"
The White Snake Sage hadn't departed like Katsuyu Sage did, instead choosing to tag along.
After all, it wasn't the type to feel shame or embarrassment.
"Kill everyone."
Natsume said calmly.
"Kill them?!"
The White Snake Sage felt a chill run through its body at those words.
That outcome was nothing like what it had imagined.
It had assumed Mount Myoboku would share Ryuchi Cave's fate.
After all, the power of the frogs there was formidable, providing great assistance to most ninja.
Just like the snakes in Ryuchi Cave.
Are you familiar with the Great Toad Sage's prophecy?
Natsume asked casually.
"You mean the Child of the Prophecy?"
The White Snake Sage answered instinctively, then quickly realized something was off. "Wait—you mean that prophecy about destroying Mount Myoboku?"
You seem to know quite a bit about Mount Myoboku, White Snake Sage.
Natsume paused slightly and asked, "Or perhaps you and the Great Toad Sage are close?"
"Not at all."
"Mount Myoboku must be watched," the White Snake Sage quickly explained. "It's for safety reasons."
What it meant was that Mount Myoboku and Ryuchi Cave were always at odds.
"The Great Toad Sage's prophecies have always been accurate," Natsume said, unfazed by the White Snake Sage's reaction. "That's why I need to give it a hand and make the prophecy come true."
"..."
The White Snake Sage didn't know what to say.
What unsettled it most about the Great Toad Sage was precisely its prophetic abilities.
Now it would possibly die because of those very prophecies—an irony only fate could orchestrate.
At that moment,
Deep within Mount Myoboku, inside a temple,
The Great Toad Sage suddenly woke from a nightmare.
Its dreams were omens—closely tied to its prophecies.
This time, however, the dream was filled with unrelenting slaughter and bloodshed.
"Great Lord, you're awake?" Fukasaku immediately asked.
"You and Shima must leave Mount Myoboku immediately—take Gamabunta, Gamaken, and Gamahiro with you," the Great Toad Sage spoke rapidly and urgently.
"Great Lord?!" Fukasaku was stunned. "What happened?"
"Don't ask questions—just go now," the Great Toad Sage replied firmly. "Hide in the ninja world and assume new identities."
"So... is it really happening? Is the one who will destroy Mount Myoboku finally here?"
Realization dawned on Fukasaku as he blurted out, "Who is it?"
"It doesn't matter who it is—the destruction is already at our doorstep," the Great Toad Sage sighed. "I just had a dream. It's a warning."
"I'm staying," Fukasaku declared without hesitation. "Staying means we have a better chance."
"Fukasaku…" The Great Toad Sage's tone hardened. "This is an order—leave now."
Just then, a messenger toad arrived from afar.
It spat out a scroll and said, "The White Snake Sage is coming here with two humans."
"The White Snake Sage? What is it doing coming to Mount Myoboku?" Fukasaku blinked in surprise as he picked up the scroll and opened it.
Clearly depicted on it were portraits of Natsume and Kaguya Otsutsuki.
The Great Toad Sage took one look, felt a chill run through his body, and shouted urgently, "Fukasaku! Leave now! Hurry!"
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