"Who is he?"
"One of the last surviving members of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Sasuke," Naruto introduced.
In the anime, although the reason behind Sasuke's decision to not learn senjutsu was unknown to him, now that Naruto is present, it is a matter of convenience to him.
Not to mention, Sasuke's current Chakra has doubled, bringing him to the threshold of learning Sage Arts. Even if nature's chakra proved difficult to suppress, Naruto could just provide him with assistance.
"He's actually from the Uchiha clan...Alright, since you're here, I'll make your wish come true!" White Snake Sage was not polite. She lunged at Sasuke's neck.
Sasuke looked at the rushing giant snake and panicked. However, because he had seen it happen to Naruto as well, he resisted the urge to retreat.
Suddenly, he felt a pain in his neck, and a cold energy was injected.
"Sasuke, if you can't stand it, reflect on what Itachi has done to you, contemplate the purpose of your existence, and persevere," Naruto instructed seriously.
Sasuke looked at Naruto strangely. Why was he so serious? Weren't you relaxed when it was your turn?
Just as Sasuke least expected it, the cold energy began to take effect. Like an uncontrollable high-speed car, it surged wildly through Sasuke's body, causing not only intense pain but also destabilizing his Chakra.
"Ahh…!!" Sasuke sat on the ground, growling in pain.
"Sasuke, remain focused and suppress this Chakra! Allow the natural energies to harmonize and restore balance!"
"Controlling your body now is controlling your future!" Naruto said to Sasuke, brainwashing.
"Wha…!!"
Sasuke endured the pain, pulled himself together, and stared at Naruto with red eyes.
"Hey..."
"What?"
"Why were you... not in such pain?!" Sasuke growled.
This is incredibly unfair! How could this person be fine? But when it was his turn now, he seemed to be on the verge of death.
"You think you are me? Just concentrate and think about Itachi!" Naruto looked at Sasuke speechlessly.
If I was not even able to endure such pain, then it would have been better to not pursue this path in the first place!
"Agh…!"
As Sasuke listened to Naruto's words, he couldn't help but reminisce about Itachi. Memories of the happy times they had spent together flooded his mind—the moments when Itachi taught him ninjutsu. He used to follow closely behind Itachi, shouting, "Big brother! big brother!"
But, one day, the moon in the sky turned blood-red.
That day, his parents died under Itachi's knife.
That day, Itachi looked at him with those cold Sharingan and said, "My foolish little brother, if you want to kill me, then despise me, hate me, and live a loathsome life. Run away and away to cling to life. And then someday, when you have the same eyes as I do, come before me."
"Uchiha... Itachi! I'm going to kill you!" Sasuke's eyes turned into vertical pupils, and the color of his hair started to turn white.
"It looks like he can't do it," White Snake Sage said disappointedly.
Snake signs began to appear on Sasuke's body, and scales began to appear on his hands, which meant that if Sasuke could not master the rampant natural energy in his body, he would fail and turn into a snake.
"Sasuke!" Naruto was about to step forward to help him suppress the natural energy.
Suddenly Sasuke raised his head, his eyes had turned into scarlet Sharingan, and the two tomoe were spinning in them.
Sasuke growled loudly. His tomoe stopped for a moment and turned again, transforming into Three Tomoe Sharingan.
"It actually evolved?" Naruto looked into Sasuke's eyes in surprise.
Boom!
Suddenly, Sasuke's momentum changed, and the Senjutsu Chakra appeared in his body.
Relying on his hatred for Itachi, Sasuke entered Sage Mode.
The distinction between Sasuke and Naruto in this state lies in Sasuke's vertical pupils, white hair, and distinct black markings on either side of his nose. His countenance is more complex than Naruto's, and the scales that had emerged on his hands have now vanished.
"Huh…. Did it work?" Sasuke asked, out of breath.
"It worked," Naruto nodded.
White Snake Sage also looked at Sasuke's Sharingan in surprise.
"By harnessing the power of the Sharingan, Sasuke successfully subdued the unruly natural energy, showcasing his prowess as a prodigious member of the Uchiha clan."
"He is still not as charming as Naruto," Tagorihime remarked.
Nevertheless, the absence of conspicuous snake scales is a positive outcome.
"Why is my Sage Mode different from yours?" Sasuke asked strangely.
Where's that handsome flaming Chakra? Where are the ribbons? Why can't I fly?
"I've said it before, you are different from me. Anyways, now that you have entered Sage Mode, all of your ninjutsu will be more powerful. What's more, your Sharingan already has Three Tomoe."
"Three Tomoe?" Sasuke touched his eyes and couldn't help being happy.
Hmph! Just wait. Itachi, sooner or later, I will stand in front of you and kill you!
Although his form is different from Naruto's, Sasuke was still pleased about the improvement of his strength.
"Alright, now that you've all achieved your goals, you may leave. I want to rest," White Snake Sage issued an order to chase away guests.
"White Snake Sage, I want to find Garaga and sign a Summoning contract with it," Naruto said.
"Oh~ You wish to establish a contract with Garaga? That will indeed be a challenge. It has a profound dislike for humans. When it becomes angered, even I cannot intervene to pacify it," the White Snake Sage replied.
Due to specific experiences, Garaga's temperament has become increasingly sensitive, rendering it prone to anger and destructive tendencies. This has caused the snakes inhabiting the entire Ryūchi Cave to develop a strong hatred towards it. Even White Snake Sage finds herself challenged in managing its behavior, often resulting in a headache-inducing situation.
"It's all right, I'm confident it will agree."
"Alright. Tagorihime, you take them there."
"Okay, White Snake Sage!"Tagorihime nodded.
"Goodbye," said Naruto to White Snake Sage.
"Thank you." Sasuke also added.
"You have come to like Garaga. Nice choice!" Tagorihime said while leading the way.
"Just like I chose you, right?" Naruto, who had not lifted the Sage Mode yet, floating beside Tagorihime, chuckled lightly.
Sasuke, who was walking below, was also experiencing the feeling brought by Sage Mode.
He felt that his strength had become stronger, and the amount of Chakra in his body had also increased. Especially his perception, which had been expanded countless times! He could perceive all of the giant snakes in the dark cave.
This improvement in strength made Sasuke very happy.
"You!" When Tagorihime heard Naruto's words, she could not help but be proud.
Damn it, I wanted White Snake Sage to eat him! Not only did I fail, but he also learned the Senjutsu of Ryuchi Cave. What a big loss!
"Hmph! Be happy while you can when you are rejected by Tagorihime, you will be the one to suffer!" fuming with anger, Tagorihime accelerated, displaying her frustration.
Even with a partner as formidable as her, he is underestimating his own capabilities and looks for Garaga.
Naruto thought that although Tagorihime's level is higher than Garaga, Garaga was huge, which caused it to have a deterrent effect much greater than hers.
After a while, the three of them came to a large remote cave.
"Garaga is inside. It doesn't like noise, and because of its most violent personality, the rest of the big snakes hate it, so there are no other snakes around here," Tagorihime pointed to the hole and said.
"I see, thank you," Naruto nodded.
"I'm leaving first! Hmph!" Tagorihime left angrily.
"Sasuke, wait for me here," Naruto didn't care about Tagorihime's attitude, and after giving instructions, he floated in.
"Alright," Sasuke nodded in agreement and settled into a cross-legged position, preparing to immerse himself in Sage Mode, aiming to enhance his proficiency.
The expansive cave exuded darkness, accompanied by a chilling ambiance. However, Naruto, currently in Sage Mode, experienced an exceptional sense of comfort despite the surroundings. Moreover, a powerful surge of natural energy permeated the cave, further enhancing his state.
Suddenly, in the darkness, one eye opened, looking indifferently at Naruto who came in.
Garaga had already sensed his arrival. After all, when Tagorihime, Naruto, and Sasuke came, they didn't deliberately hide it.
It had guessed that this person probably wanted to sign a contract with it.
"Garaga," Naruto called out. Despite the cave's darkness, it didn't hinder his vision in the slightest. With the Sage's heightened perception and enhanced auditory abilities, Naruto activated his 3D mode, allowing him to 'see' everything clearly.
"If you came to sign a contract with me, then you can leave. For Tagorihime's sake, I won't make it difficult for you," Garaga said domineeringly. It has this strength.
In Ryūchi Cave, alongside the White Snake Sage, the three strongest entities are Tagitsuhime, Tagorihime, and Ichikishimahime.
Though appearing gentle, Aoba also possesses considerable power, although slightly lesser than Tagorihime.
However, Garaga stands as the most dominant and powerful being within the cave and also carries an air of arrogance.
"I know you have been betrayed by your master, but if you follow me, you won't have such troubles," Naruto crossed his arms and said confidently.
"Roar!"
Naruto's words immediately made Garaga furious. It raised its huge head and came in front of Naruto.
"Human! Why should I trust you!"
"I have Strength," Naruto said without any fear.
"I am stronger than you, so I don't require your assistance in protecting me from harm. There's no need for you to rush into the fray, so you needn't worry about me betraying you," Naruto declared arrogantly.
"Haha! Interesting. Since you are so strong, why do you need me?" Garaga was now really annoyed.
"Of course, I will use your presence to create an impactful spectacle. Don't you think your formidable appearance instills fear in others? It adds to the grandeur," Naruto explained.
"Huh? Did you sign a contract with me just to use me as a prop?" Garaga questioned, taken aback.
Garaga has lived for so long and met so many human beings, all to enhance his strength and support the scene. This is the first time he has heard of it.
"Yes." Naruto responded calmly.
"Are you underestimating me? If you claim to be so strong, then come and prove it!" Garaga retorted, snapping its jaws and attempting to bite down on Naruto, who was within close range.
Swish!
"Don't get too worked up. If you want to fight, I will accompany you~" Naruto stood on Garaga's head and smiled softly.
"Roar!"
Garaga rolled over and drove Naruto away.
Naruto landed on the ground. As soon as he appeared, a huge tail hit him.
"Your perception is very strong~" Naruto moved away again.
Boom!
A thunderous noise reverberated throughout the entire cave, catching the attention of the larger snakes within. They turned their heads curiously, wondering why Garaga was once again causing a ruckus.
"That troublesome creature is truly relentless," muttered Manda, who was still in the process of recovering from his injuries. He expressed his discontent, but had no intention of approaching Garaga, especially while still wounded.
"Garaga…. Whether you can gain its approval or not depends on you, Uzumaki Naruto," the White Snake Sage remarked, exhaling a plume of smoke as it spoke slowly.
"That guy..." Tagorihime whispered.
Hearing the movement, she hesitated for a while, then walked back.
"Do you only know how to hide?" Garaga sneered, smashing the air repeatedly.
"Then I will stop hiding," Naruto confronted Garaga directly, appearing in front of it. "I'm going to fight back now."
"If you have the guts, come and face me... Ugh!"
Boom!
Garaga spoke with contempt but was swiftly kicked by Naruto, causing it to roll and crash forcefully into the wall.
Fortunately, this cave is very large, so there is no need to worry about too much movement, and causing the cave to collapse.
"You....."
Garaga was stunned for a moment. Is this human being so powerful?
"Let's continue!" Naruto came to the top of Garaga and continued to punch down hard, smashing its head to the ground and making a big hole.
"Sage Art: Massive Rasengan!" Naruto exclaimed as he formed a massive spinning ball in his hands, directing his gaze towards Garaga, who raised its head.
Garaga couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, thinking that this human had great strength.
Swish!
In an instant, Naruto vanished from sight, reappearing behind Garaga while clutching the Rasengan in his hands.
"Roar!"
Garaga's muscles tensed as it swiftly bounced and began running around the cave, attempting to evade Naruto's attack.
The giant snake's primary advantage lies in its immense strength, high defense, and formidable attacks. However, its notable drawback becomes apparent: its agility is lacking, especially when confronted by Naruto, who possesses exceptional agility.
Fortunately for Naruto, his attacks prove capable of piercing through Garaga's defenses, causing the snake considerable discomfort.
"Sage Art: Ice release: Glacier Descending!"
Drawing inspiration from Senju Hashirama's Advent of a World of Flowering Trees, Naruto manipulated tree-like structures made of ice, bursting forth from the ground and skillfully entangling Garaga.
Although Garaga exerted its immense strength to break numerous icicles, it was not without consequences, as it sustained cuts from the sharp ice in the process.
Ordinary ice release may not have such an effect, but this is the ice release used by Naruto in Sage Mode, and its power is naturally extremely powerful.
The effect of this ice release is comparable to Senju Hashirama's Wood Release.
"Well? Will you finally listen?" Naruto inquired, addressing the now halted Garaga.
"Grr..."
Garaga stared at Naruto, at a loss for words. With Naruto's formidable strength, he truly didn't need to serve as a mere shield for him. Garaga realized that even annihilating him would likely be easier. After all, who knew what other techniques Naruto had up his sleeve, like the one he used to hurt Manda?
Manda: Thank you for thinking about me.
"How about it?"
"I agree," Garaga succumbed. Its opponent was too strong, if it did not succumb, it would die.
Although it is not afraid, its curiosity towards Naruto made it want to sign a contract with Naruto.
"That's good," Naruto took out the Summoning scroll, dripped Garaga's blood, and the contract was successful.
"Now then...Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!"
"What are you doing?" Garaga asked curiously.
"Help you heal. Sage Art: Healing Jutsu!"
Without delay, the hands of the Shadow Clones positioned near Garaga radiated a bright blue light. It illuminated the cave, resembling the glow of a fluorescent lamp.
Moreover, the freshly cut wound on Garaga's body is also recovering quickly.
Garaga looked at Naruto inexplicably.
"Okay. It's done. And by the way, I will keep my promise—I won't betray you," Naruto assured Garaga.
Once the healing process was complete, Naruto fulfilled his promise and departed from the cave alongside Sasuke. Throughout the entire ordeal, Garaga remained silent, not uttering another word.
"Huh? Garaga, where did those two go?" Tagorihime arrived at the scene, somewhat late.
"Gone," Garaga closed its eyes and said lazily.
"Damn, bastard!"
Speaking of which, Garaga just saw that Tagorihime's name was present beside Naruto's.
"Interesting, Uzumaki Naruto!"
*****