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With three trials, two of which involved illusions, the Uchiha clan was indeed most suited to tackle them.
If the opponent didn't intend to engage directly, Yōichi wouldn't go out of his way to cause trouble. However, Ichikishimahime was not satisfied with this but eventually stood down upon hearing it was the White Snake Sage's command.
Still, she kept glaring at Yōichi, even as he left to meet the White Snake Sage, her gaze never wavering.
The White Snake Sage usually presented itself as a kindly old woman, often seen holding a smoking pipe.
Upon meeting Yōichi, its first words were, "You can absorb natural energy? You have the same physique as that clan outside Ryūchi Cave, making you highly suitable for Sage Mode training."
"I'm here to find Shin, White Snake Sage," Yōichi quickly steered the conversation, asking, "But what's this physique you mentioned? Am I going to end up like those outside, absorbing too much natural energy and going mad?"
"Six hundred years ago, one of their ancestors accidentally entered Ryūchi Cave. After passing through three trials, he was given the chance to train in Sage Mode. He was almost naturally suited for it, absorbing and controlling natural energy with ease. Those outside are his descendants.
However, they haven't inherited his physique perfectly. While they can absorb natural energy, they can't control it perfectly. But thanks to their physique, the natural energy won't take their lives," the White Snake Sage explained in an old woman's voice, which sounded quite strange to Yōichi.
"Does that mean the more perfect the physique, the higher the chance of successfully training in Sage Mode?"
"Of course. If you were like the person from six hundred years ago, you could master Sage Mode in a day."
Yōichi nodded, then said to the White Snake Sage, "Understood. Now, could you tell me where Shin is?"
The White Snake Sage paused, then asked doubtfully, "Uchiha, don't you want to train in Sage Mode?"
"I'm intrigued, but let's talk about it in a few days. I'll increase my chances a bit more before trying."
Since a more perfect physique increased the success rate, there was no rush. With three more uses of his Pickpocket ability, he might steal another useful trait, making Sage Mode training even easier.
"Shin is in the southernmost cave, but it's hard for outsiders to find in Ryūchi Cave. Let Tagitsuhime guide you."
After the White Snake Sage finished speaking, Ichikishimahime was the first to volunteer, "Let me take him."
"Whatever," the Sage said dismissively, and Ichikishimahime slowly floated in front of Yōichi, saying, "Follow me."
Yōichi wasn't worried about Ichikishimahime causing trouble and followed her out.
After walking in Ryūchi Cave for a while, Ichikishimahime suddenly spoke, "Shin is the most temperamental snake in Ryūchi Cave. If you're thinking of making it your summoned beast, I'd advise against it."
"No problem. I have a bad temper too. We'll see if I can't handle it."
Yōichi said, not intimidated by the prospect of betrayal by the Third Kazekage or by Shin's fierce temper. After all, wasn't it all about power in the end?
After navigating through the cave's twists and turns.
Clang!
Yōichi unsheathed Raijin, the blade faintly wrapped in lightning.
"There's no need for these petty tricks to test my patience. I really don't have much."
"Hmph, very well, follow me."
Seeing Yōichi's resolve, Ichikishimahime huffed but, having vented some of her frustration by leading him in circles, decided to stop wandering aimlessly around Ryūchi Cave.
They arrived at a large cave entrance, where Ichikishimahime crossed her arms and said, "This is where Shin resides. A final word of advice: if you want to communicate with it properly, find its reverse scale."
With that, Ichikishimahime floated away and quickly disappeared.
Inside, the cave opened up into a huge pit with the sky visible above.
A strikingly red snake lay within, presumably Shin.
"I don't have the patience for diplomacy with Shin. It seems I'll have to subdue it first, then take its reverse scale before taming it."
Yōichi gathered chakra, then, biting his finger, summoned forth his technique.
Boom!
A loud sound accompanied by a large cloud of smoke woke the sleeping Shin.
"Who dares disturb Shin's sleep!"
As the smoke cleared, Shin saw a bear and a human in its cave, infuriatingly shouting, "Humans dare to bring a stinking bear to Shin's territory, seeking death!"
"Roar~!"
Gates roared, but it was more of a question to Yōichi behind it, wondering why it was suddenly summoned.
"Subdue it first, Gates. Once I tame it as a summoned beast, you can return."
"Roar~!"
Gates roared again, quickly growing to nearly twenty meters tall, its golden fur more pronounced, and with a bear's roar, nearly causing the cave to collapse.
Gravity Technique!
A dull yellow light spread from Gates, enveloping Shin in its influence.
Under ten times the gravity, Shin was forced to the ground.
"Damn it, cursed bear, I'll eat you!"
Shin gathered strength to rise, but Gates leaped and heavily crashed down on Shin, the impact causing Shin's body to convulse.
While Yōichi moved to Shin's head to locate the reverse scale, tearing it off.
Losing its reverse scale left Shin as limp as if its weak point had been struck, its struggles ceasing.
(End of Chapter)