Chereads / Marvel: Trading with Worlds / Chapter 229 - C155(1)

Chapter 229 - C155(1)

Ichikishimahime could sense Kain's aura, and her attraction to him had grown significantly stronger. 

Hundreds of years ago, when she first gained the ability to transform into her adult form, she rarely felt hunger. 

But today, after catching the scent of Kain's aura, long-forgotten instincts stirred within her. It brought back memories of indulgence she hadn't experienced in ages.

If she were capable of overpowering Kain, Ichikishimahime wouldn't have resorted to begging in such a low, pleading voice. 

Instead, she would have captured him outright and savored him slowly. However, recognizing her limitations, she had no choice but to ask for his blood.

As she prayed for Kain's blood, Ichikishimahime vaguely felt herself growing stronger. The ability to absorb natural energy naturally enhanced her perception, but her alien-like sensitivity to such energy was even more heightened.

 It was this heightened perception that made her submission all the more desperate.

After receiving a small cup of Kain's blood, she treated it like a precious treasure, savoring every drop. But it wasn't long before Ichikishimahime returned, gazing at Kain with longing eyes.

This time, however, Kain ignored her entirely. When she tried to pester him again, he used magic to restrain her and set her aside.

Ichikishimahime's behavior was the perfect embodiment of a snake's nature—opportunistic and persistent. 

If you gave her an inch, she would take a mile. That's why Kain remained stern and refused to indulge her. After his warning, she didn't dare approach him again.

With the troublesome snake subdued, Kain turned his attention back to his training. Ryūchi Cave, with its abundant natural energy, was an ideal place to practice. 

Thanks to his phoenix genes, he could absorb natural energy and convert it into his own magical growth.

Kain's magic had already evolved into a vortex, doubling its upper limit. Even after absorbing natural energy for a while, he still didn't feel any signs of saturation in his magic vortex.

After some time, Orochimaru appeared in Ryūchi Cave. Ichikishimahime obediently brought him to Kain and then retreated without protest, leaving them alone.

Orochimaru glanced at Ichikishimahime in surprise. He hadn't expected Kain to tame one of the three great snake princesses of Ryūchi Cave so thoroughly. 

With a hoarse chuckle, Orochimaru said, "Kain-kun, I didn't expect you to disappear for two years. What a pleasant surprise..."

"An accident," Kain replied casually. "You know I've been busy managing my affairs. But honestly, your progress has been far too slow."

Without waiting for Orochimaru's response, Kain continued, "In the ninja world, it seems Nawaki's reputation has surpassed yours. He and Namikaze Minato are now being hailed as Konoha's Twin Stars. If you don't act soon, I'm afraid the Fourth Hokage will be chosen between Nawaki and Minato."

"No way around it," Orochimaru said with his characteristic smile, though his tone was laced with subtle bitterness. "Due to some... incidents, Sarutobi sensei discovered our connection. He's been wary of me ever since. During the war, he kept transferring me between missions. Just two months ago, during the crisis in the Land of Rivers, he sent me there on short notice."

Despite Sarutobi Hiruzen's mistrust and clear targeting, Orochimaru's expression betrayed no resentment. 

His calm smile remained intact, hiding any trace of frustration beneath his composed facade.

"Power is truly a magical thing," Kain said. "It can turn such a powerful ninja into a standard politician. Once someone threatens his power, he won't hesitate to suppress them—whether it's a disciple, a villager, or even a descendant."

Kain waved his hand and continued, "Now is not the time to lament. After you become Hokage, you'll have plenty of time to reflect on the changes power brings. Do you have any plans for Sand Shinobi Village? Do you need my help?"

Orochimaru smiled. "It's just a tailed beast. Even with Chiyo and the Third Kazekage, it's nothing. You probably haven't visited the depths of Ryūchi Cave."

"In the depths of Ryūchi Cave?" Kain suddenly recalled the fire dragons. It had been two years now. Could it be... "How many fire dragons have you raised?"

Orochimaru replied, "There are forty-three dragons in total. Fortunately, there's plenty of prey around Ryūchi Cave, or managing so many fire dragons would be quite the trouble. But excluding the supplies for the cave, three dragons should be useful in the next war. The smallest one is thirty meters long."

"As expected of you," Kain said, surprised by the number. Thirty fire dragons, each about thirty meters long, with rough skin and thick flesh. 

Their eyes were the only weak point, and they could fly. If Sand Shinobi faced these beasts, fear would surely arise in their hearts, just like a common ninja facing a tailed beast.

And with so many fire dragons, Kain didn't believe Orochimaru hadn't prepared a special Summoning beast of his own. 

His fire dragon had already grown to about forty meters in length. It was the perfect counter to One Tail.

Kain smiled reassuringly. "In that case, I'll head to the capital of the Land of Fire next. After the war, Daimyo and Kushina should be on your side."

"And Nawaki won't compete with his teacher for the position of Hokage. Tsunade will stand by her brother. She still has a magic contract with me. If necessary, she'll try to violate that contract."

Kain could also visit the Uchiha clan, but Orochimaru had support from all levels of power. 

Sarutobi Hiruzen and the other high-ranking Konoha officials were caught in the middle, and it seemed there was little Kain could do.

"By the way, Kain, it seems Cloud Shinobi is becoming a bit troublesome for you," Orochimaru remarked. "Sarutobi and the other high-ranking Konoha officials have reported this to the Daimyo. Fortunately, Kushina was sent to the Cloud Shinobi battlefield."

Orochimaru laughed in his usual hoarse voice. It was the first time he had seen the Third Raikage push Konoha so hard. 

It likely had something to do with the fan Kushina had used; when it appeared in her hand, the Third Raikage had no choice but to target Kain.

….

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