Uchiha Ryun first activated Sage Mode, as the harm of sage techniques to the human body was immense. Then, following the insights from White Snake Sage, he began circulating sage chakra.
"Sage Art: White Rage Technique!" He slightly opened his mouth and spat out a small golden dragon. When the dragon reached the designated position, it trembled, and the dragon pearl fell to the ground without any reaction.
Ryun frowned. This shouldn't be happening. He walked over to the dragon pearl and lightly grasped it. Instantly, a dazzling white light erupted, followed by an explosion.
The golden scales on Ryun's Golden Scale Armor shone brightly, suppressing the white light of the dragon pearl. The explosive force didn't even reach Ryun before being repelled by the armor.
"Phew, that was close. Thanks, Golden Scale Armor." As Ryun spoke, the armor emitted a faint golden glow, as if responding to him.
Ryun smiled, stroking the armor and then touching the reverse scale. The Golden Scale Armor didn't resist but seemed delighted.
However, if it were anyone else, the armor would likely rage and send them flying. After all, who didn't know the saying, "A dragon has its reverse scale"?
Ryun pondered. When White Snake Sage used this technique, she didn't need physical activation. He recalled her White Rage Technique, analyzing it frame by frame. Finally, he realized something.
White Snake Sage's three dragons moved extremely fast, colliding with each other and the air, generating immense power. His version had only one golden dragon, so the dragon pearl had to physically strike the enemy to explode, vibrate, and emit light.
In short, he still lacked proficiency. So, Ryun continued training diligently, ensuring the correct ratio of sage chakra while increasing its circulation within his meridians.
By evening, he had achieved one-third success.
"Sage Art: White Rage Technique!" Ryun roared, opening his mouth to release a golden dragon similar in size to White Snake Sage's. It flew toward the forest, reaching the designated position. Ryun then threw a shuriken.
The shuriken collided with the dragon pearl, resulting in a loud explosion that startled White Snake Sage and the other snakes from their rest. All of them rushed to the scene.
White Snake Sage arrived first. "Uchiha Ryun, are you alright? Cultivating sage techniques requires gradual progress. Don't push yourself too hard."
Then, she saw the destruction caused by Ryun's technique and fell silent. "Uchiha Ryun, you... you've mastered the one-dragon version of White Rage Technique, haven't you?"
Mastering one-third of the technique in just one day sent a chill down her spine. Manda and the other five snakes also stared at Ryun.
Ryun grinned. "Seems like it."
The seven snakes (including White Snake Sage) fell into silence.
White Snake Sage looked at Ryun with mixed emotions. She was happy about his talent, proud of his diligence, and could find no fault in his excellence.
Finally, she left with a single remark. "Rest properly. Balance work and relaxation." Then, she departed, preparing to sleep. Despite having weathered countless storms, she couldn't help but marvel at this little monster.
The other six snakes exchanged glances before dispersing, though excitement stirred in their hearts. Mount Myōboku had Jiraiya, whose half-baked Sage Mode brought fame to their land.
If Ryun were to emerge, wouldn't Ryūchi Cave's reputation skyrocket?
Ryun nodded, taking White Snake Sage's advice to heart and deciding to rest. He turned to Manda. "Manda, do I have a room here?"
Manda nodded. "Of course. I prepared a small house for you this afternoon. I hope you don't mind."
Ryun smiled. "I should be thanking you." He followed Manda to the wooden hut. To his surprise, though simple, it was fully furnished.
After thanking Manda, Ryun collapsed onto the bed and immediately fell asleep, too exhausted to care about the lack of blankets or the hard mattress.
Manda shook his head. Earlier that afternoon, he had contacted Orochimaru through summoning, informing him that Ryun was training in sage techniques at Ryūchi Cave. He asked if Orochimaru could provide blankets.
Orochimaru used the Reverse Summoning Technique to send over various items—clothes, blankets, a washbasin, and more.
Manda took out the blanket and carefully draped it over Ryun with his tail before standing guard outside.
White Snake Sage observed everything with a faint smile. She passed the foundational teachings of sage techniques to Manda, who froze before kowtowing three times toward Ryūchi Cave.
Inside, White Snake Sage chuckled and then relaxed, drifting off to sleep.
The Next Day
Ryun woke up, stretching with a yawn. He was utterly exhausted. Though sage chakra was drawn from nature, the physical and mental toll couldn't be ignored.
As he prepared to get up, he noticed the blanket on him and paused. 'Manda?'
A smile tugged at his lips. 'Huh, Manda's actually pretty nice.' He neatly folded the blanket and placed it by the bed.
The moment he stepped outside, Manda's voice greeted him. "Uchiha Ryun, good morning. What would you like to eat today? I hunted quite a bit yesterday—venison, beef, mutton, pork..."
Ryun's eyes sparkled at the sight of the spread before him. "There's so much meat. Can we finish it all?"
Manda replied gently, "You eat first. Whatever's left, I'll handle. Nothing will go to waste."
Ryun hugged Manda. "You're the best, Manda! It's just a shame there's no seasoning. But in Ryūchi Cave, I'm already satisfied with this."
Manda, as if anticipating this, coiled his tail and presented salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and wasabi.
Ryun stared at Manda again. 'This guy... is surprisingly thoughtful. Maybe I should make him my exclusive summon.'
He had momentarily forgotten that Orochimaru also had a contract with Manda. But honestly, who wouldn't want such a considerate summon?
"These were sent over by Orochimaru using Reverse Summoning. I figured, given Konoha's prosperity, you might not be used to the food here, so..." Manda smiled.
Ryun raised a hand. "No need to explain, Manda. Let's just swear brotherhood!"
Manda froze. Though tempted, it hesitated for some reason before shaking its head.
"Why not?" Ryun pressed.
Manda sighed. "If people found out you'd sworn brotherhood with a summon, wouldn't they mock you? I have to consider your reputation."
Ryun slammed the stone table, reducing it to dust. His expression turned serious. "Whoever dares laugh at me, I'll kill them!" His Mangekyō Sharingan flared, its oppressive aura making Manda flinch.
Noticing this, Ryun softened his tone with a smile. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you, brother Manda. Don't overthink it. In Konoha, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, is brothers with Enma. Who would dare gossip?"
"Besides, our brotherhood is our business. What does it have to do with others? Manda, just tell me—do you want to be my brother or not?" Ryun declared boldly.
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