The ground was slick with mucus, causing Jiraiya to slip and fall, while Orochimaru and Hatake Sakumo managed to stay on their feet.
Standing before the colossal Slug Sage, Orochimaru remained composed, but Sakumo's eyes widened in awe. He had seen many summoning beasts before, but none of this magnitude.
"Hello, Slug Sage," Shinki said, raising a hand in greeting.
"Hello, little Shinki," the Slug Sage replied, lowering its massive head. The shift in its position darkened the area, as if the sky itself was blocked.
"It's huge—way bigger than the toads at Mount Myoboku," Jiraiya said, gesturing with wide eyes. The toads of Mount Myoboku were indeed large, but they paled in comparison to the Slug Sage.
Orochimaru silently agreed. Even the serpents of Ryuchi Cave would seem minuscule beside this giant.
After the initial greetings, Shinki explained, "Slug Sage, I brought my friends to see if they have the talent for senjutsu. Could you test them? And, please, take your time with the process."
"???"
A strange request, indeed. The straightforward Slug Sage assumed it was something Orochimaru and the others had asked for.
"A longer test?" The Slug Sage echoed in confusion.
Before Jiraiya and Sakumo could react, Orochimaru's expression shifted—he sensed trouble brewing.
In one swift motion, the Slug Sage lowered its head and swallowed all three in a single gulp.
Shinki, having experienced this once before, burst into laughter as he watched. The Slug Sage, ever obliging, followed the peculiar request and held them for longer than usual.
"Hahaha…" Shinki doubled over, tears streaming from his eyes as he gasped for breath.
Soon after, the Slug Sage opened its mouth and spat the three of them out. They slid along the mucus-covered ground until they collided with a tree.
"Cough, cough!" The three scrambled to their feet, bending over as they sputtered and choked. The sticky mucus, thick and odorous, made them gag.
"Ugh! Shinki, you're horrible! I'm never doing this again," Jiraiya wheezed, his face pale as he tried to expel the bitter taste. Sakumo was in a similar state, struggling to wipe off the filmy residue. Orochimaru, with his usual poise, managed to recover after a few moments.
"Hahaha, wasn't that fun?" Shinki teased.
"Get lost! I'm never trusting you again," Jiraiya retorted, coughing until tears welled in his eyes. Compared to the trials at Mount Myoboku, this was excessive.
The Slug Sage's voice boomed as it addressed Sakumo, "I'm sorry, but you do not possess the talent for senjutsu. As for you…" it continued, turning to Jiraiya, "your talent is average. Learning senjutsu will be a long and arduous journey."
Sakumo looked resigned, wiping off the remaining mucus, but Jiraiya's disappointment was apparent. Learning senjutsu was going to be as difficult as he had feared.
The Slug Sage's massive eyes focused on Orochimaru. "I recall sensing your presence on Tsunade before. You also carry the scent of Ryuchi Cave."
Orochimaru nodded. "I have a summoning contract with Manda of Ryuchi Cave."
"Understood," the Slug Sage said. "You have notable talent, and the senjutsu of Ryuchi Cave would be a good fit for you."
"My talent is sufficient?" Orochimaru's eyes glinted with surprise. "Can I learn the senjutsu of the Shikkatsu Forest?"
"I'm sorry," the Slug Sage said, shaking its head. "The three great summoning grounds have an agreement: those who have signed contracts cannot cross-train in other holy places' senjutsu. If you wish to learn senjutsu, you must do so with the Great White Snake."
It then turned to Jiraiya. "You, on the other hand, would do well to continue with the toads of Mount Myoboku. Their senjutsu suits you best."
Jiraiya nodded, unfazed. He was fond of Mount Myoboku, despite their occasional quirks. The toads had always treated him well, apart from their unusual love of insect dishes.
Sakumo, meanwhile, felt a pang of discomfort. The knowledge that three out of four had the talent for senjutsu while he did not stung.
"Can't exceptions be made?" Orochimaru pressed, discontent showing in his usually composed demeanor. While Manda had been useful, Orochimaru knew that the serpents' methods were far from nurturing. The safer, structured training of the Wet Bone Forest was far more appealing.
"It's not impossible, but it wouldn't be wise," the Slug Sage said bluntly. "You are better suited for Ryuchi Cave, and I don't care for your aura."
Orochimaru's eyes darkened. He could tolerate rejection, but the Slug Sage's frankness was grating.
"Ahem!" Shinki interjected. "The Slug Sage tends to speak its mind. It doesn't mean any harm, just being honest."
"Understood," Orochimaru replied, though his expression was still shadowed. Sometimes, the truth was sharper than any lie.
Jiraiya grinned slyly, unable to resist teasing. "Orochimaru, looks like Ryuchi Cave is calling you. They'll love your snake obsession."
"Slug Sage, could you please send us back?" Shinki requested, noticing Orochimaru's growing irritation.
Usually, Orochimaru would brush off Jiraiya's taunts, but this time, after being turned down twice and insulted, his patience was razor-thin.
White smoke enveloped them as the Slug Sage granted the request, and the four reappeared in the camp's rest room.
Back in familiar surroundings, Shinki wasted no time tossing the three mucus-covered men outside.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 220 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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