Chapter 8 - Hakuja Sennin: "You are the first to become a Dragon"

Ryu sighed in front of Ryuuchi Cave, a legendary place that is as famous as Mount Myouboku and the Shikkotsu Forest. This is the residence of snakes — including the sacred Hakuja Sennin.

"The natural energy here is strong..." Ryu said as he entered the cave.

Its territory has a surface composed of a mountain range, an intense mist filling it and a sort of palace inhabited by the Hakuja Sennin. There is a huge cavity on the surface that leads to the depths of the place: other natural cavities with dimensions accessible to giant snakes connected to several others, basically a nest of snakes.

Ryu activated the Snake Sage Mode, and walked for a few hours until he finally arrived at an incredibly large place with an extremely large snake — thousands of times the size of a human being — with its clear and massive body, coiled in the form of coils. Along its tail are golden circular bands, similar to rings. She has yellow eyes and wears a purple turban with a dark structure that has two pointed edges and a red sphere on top over her long orange hair. She also wears a kind of golden necklace over which she wears a chain with a green sphere around her neck, and she also has a pipe.

"So you have finally come, mortal..." Hakuja Sennin's voice echoed through the hall, deep and resonant, like the whisper of hundreds of snakes. She slowly inhaled the pipe, releasing a cloud of smoke that took shape in the air, as if drawing ancient symbols. "I felt your presence from the moment you entered the cave. A human who carries the scent of snakes without a contract... interesting."

Ryu maintained his firm but respectful posture. "Hakuja Sennin, I have come to complete my training in the Snake Sage Mode. I need to fully master natural energy for the challenges that lie ahead."

The large snake tilted its head slightly, as if pondering her words. "To complete the training? Many have come with that same ambition, and few have left here alive. Do you understand what it means to give yourself completely to natural energy?"

"I understand the risks," Ryu replied without hesitation. "I have already proven that I can absorb natural energy without turning to stone. My body adapts in a unique way."

The Hakuja Sennin narrowed her eyes, assessing him more closely. "Your body, yes... peculiar. It not only absorbs, but seems to transform natural energy instinctively. But that is not enough. To master this power, you must prove yourself worthy. Here, it is not only strength that matters, but also absolute control."

Ryu nodded. "I am prepared for any test."

The snake sage let out a low, reverberating laugh.

"We'll see. First, you will face the guardians of the cave. If you survive, I will personally teach you the secrets of Sage Mode. But know this: even the smallest mistake will be fatal."

Ryu's eyes widened as he felt the Hakuja Sennin's fangs pierce his flesh, and an intense wave of pain coursed through his body. He tried to resist the urge to react violently, but the natural energy she injected was overwhelming, like an unstoppable torrent trying to consume every cell of his being.

"This... feeling..." Ryu whispered through clenched teeth, his body beginning to tremble as he fought to maintain control. The energy not only flooded his system, but seemed to be trying to rewrite his very essence.

"This is the true test," the Hakuja Sennin's voice echoed in his mind, calm and imposing.

"If you are not worthy, you will be consumed and turned to stone, like so many before you. But if you survive... if you master this energy... you will become a true sage."

Ryu's body began to change. Dark veins appeared on his skin, and shiny scales began to appear on his arms and neck. He felt the natural energy fighting against his chakra, trying to take complete control. His vision blurred as images of snakes and natural chaos filled his mind.

"I... will not lose... to this!" Ryu shouted, activating Snake Sage Mode to its fullest, trying to channel the natural energy harmoniously.

He focused his mind, visualizing the flow of chakra and natural energy coming together like two rivers converging. The pain was unbearable, but he forced himself to remain conscious. His body felt on the verge of collapse, but he knew this was the decisive moment.

To give in meant death. To resist meant failure. He needed to merge completely with the energy.

"You are strong... but you still lack balance," the wise snake's voice rang out again, this time with a hint of approval. "Let go of your ego, mortal. Natural energy cannot be controlled by brute force. It demands harmony. Let it flow."

The scales on his skin disappeared, and the overwhelming pressure eased. When Ryu opened his eyes again, they shone with an intense golden glow, his slit-shaped pupils more defined than ever.

The Hakuja Sennin removed her fangs and stepped back, watching him with an enigmatic smile. "Impressive... few can go through this and remain sane. Not only have you survived, but you have begun to understand what it means to be a sage."

Ryu was breathing heavily, but a determined smile appeared on his face. "I told you... I did not come here to fail."

Suddenly, Ryu fell to the ground unconscious, and his body began to change as he transported natural energy.

"The Dragon transformation has begun."

He spent days in this state, the body of the Akatsuki leader changing every day, and the Hakuja Sennin saw everything, observing each transformation in Chakra and body, it was incredible. For the first time, someone could survive this method and become a dragon!

Ryu's body lay motionless on the cave floor, but his interior was a chaos of transformation and adaptation. The natural energy, intensified by the strength of the Hakuja Sennin's brutal method, circulated nonstop through his veins, challenging the limits of the human body.

His chakra, now fused with the natural energy, began to mold itself into something unique. The scales that had previously disappeared began to return, but this time in a more detailed and permanent form. They appeared as small golden and silver lines along his arms, neck and sides of his face. His bones seemed to adjust, lengthening and strengthening, while short claws began to form on his hands.

The Hakuja Sennin, immense and impassive, observed everything with genuine interest. "This boy... his determination and connection to natural energy are on a level I've never seen before. Not even the ancient sages made it this far without succumbing or turning to stone."

The days became a test for both Ryu's body and mind. He was trapped in a state between consciousness and unconsciousness, reliving memories, feelings, and crucial moments of his life. Every fragment of his existence seemed to be rewritten by natural energy. His spirit was also challenged, facing visions of giant serpents, ancient dragons, and an endless void, as if nature itself were judging him.

Gradually, even more drastic signs began to appear. White, scaly skin began to form all over his body, causing him to spasm involuntarily. Short, glowing horns sprouted from his forehead, curving slightly backward, and his pupils became permanent golden slits, glowing with a mystical light.

"The Dragon Transformation."

The Hakuja Sennin's deep voice resounded throughout the cave, echoing with reverence. "He is becoming something more than a snake sage. This is true rebirth. A dragon... the pinnacle of natural evolution."

As the sixth day came to an end, Ryu's body finally stopped twitching, and the cave fell into a deep silence. The Hakuja Sennin remained motionless, awaiting the awakening of his masterpiece.

On the morning of the seventh day, Ryu opened his eyes. His body was characterized by white skin, with some snake scales, yellow irises, snake pupils and dark sclera, as well as purple pigmentation around his eyes that extended to his back. Most interesting were the horns that protruded from his forehead and curved upwards, resembling demon horns.

"Congratulations, you have become a true Dragon." Ryu looked at his body, awed as he felt his Chakra increase 10 times more than before!

"This is incredible."

Hakuja Sennin smiled and spoke.

"Now, you will learn a few things from me, the Sage Art of the Snake Style, and only then will you be able to become the Sage of the White Snake."

Ryu felt a mix of emotions as he processed what had happened. The transformation into a dragon had exceeded his expectations, but he couldn't help but feel that there was still more to learn. He had surpassed human limits, but the paths of power were far from simple, and the figure of Hakuja Sennin challenged him once again.

"I am a dragon, Hakuja Sennin," Ryu murmured, trying to find meaning in this transformation.

"But what else can I learn here? I am already stronger than anyone."

Hakuja Sennin watched him with an enigmatic expression.

"Being a dragon is not just about brute strength, Ryu. It is about wisdom, control, and harmony with nature. You may have achieved a level of physical power beyond your wildest imagination, but the true secret of the snake's—and the dragon's—power lies in the deep understanding of the natural world and the subtle manipulation of that power."

Ryu was silent, absorbing her words. He sensed that there was something greater at play, that this power could not be just physical. His transformation, contrary to what he had imagined, was only the beginning.

"So, what should I learn?" Ryu asked, already prepared for more challenges.

Hakuja Sennin made a movement with his tail, calling forth a set of ancient symbols that appeared in the air, illuminating the surrounding environment.

"The Sage Art of the Snake Style is a form of pure connection with natural energy. To master this power, you must control the transformation of your own vital energy. Let's start with the basics: learning to control the energy flows within your body, without them overwhelming you."

With an imposing posture, Hakuja Sennin began to demonstrate movements, slowly moving his arms and controlling the energy flows like a serpent slithering silently.

Ryu watched intently. Each movement seemed to be in tune with the elements around him, as if nature itself responded to his action.

"You can now manipulate large amounts of chakra and natural energy, but you must learn to regulate it, like a snake controlling its prey. This requires discipline and focus."

"This is harder than I imagined," he said, panting.

Hakuja Sennin looked at him with a slight expression of approval. "This is how the true journey of the Sage begins. It is not enough to just have strength; you must learn to control it. Your every movement must be an extension of nature, flowing like the waters of a river. If you try to force something, you will lose control and be consumed."

Ryu concentrated, trying to empty his mind. He knew the path ahead was arduous, but this new power, this new form he had, required more than strength — it required wisdom and balance.

Over the next few days, Ryu dedicated himself to training diligently, allowing his mind and body to align with the art of controlling the flow of natural energy. He felt his connection with the earth and air grow stronger with each passing day, and his chakra, previously chaotic and aggressive, began to harmonize with its surroundings, as if it were part of the world itself.

"Now you begin to understand what it means to be a Sage," Hakuja Sennin said as he watched Ryu practice. "The dragon within you already has the power, but you must learn to tame it. When you can control it perfectly, you will be truly unmatched."

Ryu, his eyes shining with determination, looked at his teacher, now feeling the strength of his new self. He knew there was still much more to learn, but he was ready. He was closer to becoming the true Sage of the White Snake, and this journey, although challenging, was empowering him in a unique way.

"I will master this," he said with renewed confidence, "and when I am able, I will prove to everyone that I am not just a dragon—I am something more." After three days, Ryu had completed his first training session, and now the Hakuja Sennin spoke of his second training session. "I will teach you the Technique that only Cobras can use to their full power. It is the Sage Art: Inorganic Reincarnation." Using the power of Senjutsu, the earth changed along with the air and took on a strange shape.

"Amazing, how does it work?"

"By manipulating natural energy, the user animates the earth itself, so as to contort it violently. Any matter attached to this earth becomes passive to the effects of the technique, for lack of escape. Given that the manipulation of the terrain is sudden, even the most skilled targets. But we snakes, we can do it, we can control the air as well and that is what I will teach you."

Ryu watched closely as Hakuja Sennin demonstrated the technique in a manner that seemed almost supernatural. The earth around them, previously tranquil, began to stir, forming abstract shapes that twisted and stretched, as if they were alive. The air also changed, distorting and flowing fluidly, as if the atmosphere itself was being manipulated.

"This technique is much more than just controlling the ground," Hakuja Sennin said, his voice filled with wisdom and authority. "The true power of this ability comes from controlling nature itself. We snakes are able to manipulate both the ground and the air around us. Air is the channel that allows natural energy to move freely. And when you combine that with the power of Senjutsu, the earth ceases to be just earth. It becomes alive."

Ryu felt a wave of energy invade his body as he tried to comprehend the concept. The connection between chakra, earth, and air was not a simple thing. He had to focus deeply, closing his eyes and listening to the sound of the earth moving, feeling the flow of air, trying to find the balance between the two elements. Hakuja Sennin continued.

"The technique you must learn involves more than just manipulating the earth. You must understand that earth and air are not separate elements, but part of the same cycle. To perform Inorganic Reincarnation, you must first feel the earth, then the air, and finally unite the two into a single flow of energy."

Ryu watched the earth around him, which now seemed to move as if it were alive. With intense concentration, he tried to replicate the movement. He reached out, feeling the earth around him, trying to force the natural flows to move. But the initial reaction was disastrous. The earth heaved uncontrollably, creating a wave of cracks that nearly swallowed Ryu.

"Don't force it, Ryu!" Hakuja Sennin exclaimed, interrupting his attempt. "The earth cannot be forced. It must be respected, just like the air. The technique requires patience and harmony. Feel the nature around you, don't control it."

Ryu took a deep breath, trying to calm his mind. He closed his eyes again and let the natural flow of the world around him tune in with his chakra. Slowly, he felt the ground beneath his feet calming down and the air around him becoming denser, as if he had taken control of the environment in a more fluid way.

"That's it, now feel the flow. Feel the earth and the air. They are part of you," Hakuja Sennin said.

With a new understanding, Ryu tried again. This time, the earth around him began to move gently, undulating as if it were alive, and the air seemed to adjust to the movement of the earth, forming an invisible current that helped him manipulate the environment. It was as if nature itself was working with him, not against him. Ryu felt the power of this connection and smiled.

He could see the difference between his previous attempt and this one. He was beginning to understand how the two elements could be manipulated together, and the power it gave him was immense.

Hakuja Sennin watched the progress with a satisfied look. "You are on the right track now. Inorganic Reincarnation is a technique of control and destruction. When you are able to control both the earth and the air around you, you will be able to transform anything you touch into a tool of your command."

Ryu continued his training. He knew he had much to learn, but the power he now felt flowing within him was something he could never have imagined. He was beginning to become not only a dragon, but a master of Senjutsu as well.

The morning was shrouded in thick fog that covered the entrance to the legendary Ryuuchi Cave, a place shrouded in mystery and reverence even among the most skilled ninja. The air carried a sense of unease, as if nature itself whispered silent warnings to those who dared venture there. The surroundings were silent, save for the occasional sound of leaves rustling in the wind and the soft sound of controlled breathing.

Before the cave entrance, a group of masked men stood in formation. Their dark cloaks made them almost indistinguishable from the shadows that seemed to reach out to embrace them. These were Konoha's Anbus, the elite force specialized in secret, high-risk missions. Their white masks ornamented with red details reflected the soft glow of the light filtering through the mist, giving them an almost otherworldly appearance.

One of the Anbus, standing straight and clearly in command, turned to the group with a serious tone.

"Are you sure he's here?" His voice, muffled by his mask, conveyed a mixture of skepticism and caution.

Another, shorter and carrying a scroll attached to his waist, answered confidently.

"Yes, sir. With the information we've gathered, this is the only place he could be. The residual chakra trails and local reports converge on this place. Besides..." He hesitated for a moment, looking at the cave entrance, which seemed to swallow the light in its impenetrable darkness. "The Ryuuchi Cave. They say that only the most exceptional can survive here and obtain the power it holds."

As they observed the cave entrance, a light breeze passed by them, carrying with it an almost imperceptible sound, like a whisper. Despite being on the surface, they all felt a deep chill, as if the cave itself was watching them, waiting for them to make the first mistake.

"Get ready," said the leader, tightly gripping a kunai. "We don't know what awaits us inside, but one thing is certain: it's here."

The sound of a single footstep shattered the tense silence like thunder in a calm sky. Immediately, all the Anbus fell into position, their hands tightly gripping kunai and katana, while their eyes scanned every shadow around them. The air seemed thicker, each breath heavier, as if the surroundings knew something monumental was about to happen.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The footsteps continued, slow and deliberate, echoing off the walls of the cave. Each sound seemed to drag time, making seconds become minutes. The tension in the group was almost palpable, with the Anbus' hearts beating in unison in anticipation.

Finally, a figure emerged from the darkness of the cave, stepping across the threshold into the hazy morning light. It was a young man with an aura that seemed to bend nature itself around him. His hair was short and messy, black with a faint greenish sheen that shone in the diffuse light. But it was his eyes that truly held everyone's attention: a deep golden yellow, with a purple pigmentation around them that accentuated his reptilian irises, as piercing and hypnotic as those of a snake ready to strike.

His attire was a masterpiece of elegance and symbolism. He wore a crisp white kimono adorned with a detailed dragon design around the collar, as if the legendary beast were protecting its wearer. The kimono was held together by a dark sash, keeping it perfectly fitted, while beneath it a full-length black garment fit like a second skin, allowing freedom of movement without compromising his imposing presence. On the back of the kimono, in dark ink, the kanji 竜 (Dragon) was emblazoned, a testament to his new identity.

His movements were deliberate, almost ceremonial, as he walked out of the cave. There was no rush, just the absolute confidence of someone who knew the world around him was within his grasp. Even without making any threatening gestures, his overwhelming presence was enough to make even the most seasoned Anbus question their chances of success.

The figure stopped, his eyes scanning the masked figures in front of him with a cold calm, but with a glint of almost predatory curiosity. Then, a slight smile curved his lips.

It was Ryu, the Sage of the White Snake.

Inside the Cave, Hakuja Sennin smiled with his eyes closed.

"Master, why did Sir Ryu leave without completing his training?" asked one of the guardian snakes.

The Hakuja Sennin laughed. "He completed it, in fact it's been a month since he completed his training."

The guardian snake was confused. "Then why was he here?"

"Hehehe! He was taming the other snakes."

"Taming the other snakes?"

"Yes, and now..."

Outside, Ryu walked away from Ryuuchi Cave while leaving behind all the bodies of the dead Anbus impaled on several wooden stakes.

"He is the Sage who dominates all the Snakes of Ryuuchi Cave, none of them would dare to betray him."

Ryu smiled to himself, his golden and purple eyes sparkling in the soft light of dawn. An enigmatic smile, almost imperceptible, but one that reflected his inner certainty. Without hesitation, he leapt from the top of the cave, propelling himself into the air with the agility of a snake about to strike. His posture was so calm, but his speed was impressive. He would not use the Reverse Summoning Jutsu to speed up his journey; instead, he would choose the most direct path, with his own feet touching the ground. Ryuuchi's cave was behind him, and now, the vast territory of the Land of Rain stretched out before him.

With a burst of chakra, he began to run at high speed, his feet barely touching the ground. Each step seemed faster than the last, and his senses, sharp as blades, captured every detail of the environment around him: the sound of the wind cutting through the trees, the smell of the wet earth and the movement of the creatures hiding in the vegetation. The landscape around him blurred, transforming into a blur of colors and shadows as he advanced north, towards Amegakure.

The crisp morning breeze caressed his skin, but Ryu didn't mind the chill that the altitude brought. His mind was focused on something much bigger. He was reflecting on recent events, on the war that had finally come to an end.

'Three months.' He thought. 'That's how long it took me to master the full power of Snake Senjutsu, and even to master its techniques.'

'September... that means Naruto's birth is a year and a month away, since Obito is probably still 13 years old.' Ryu allowed himself to think about it for a moment. He knew that the pieces were moving on the great chessboard, and that timing wasn't something he could completely control, but there was something he could do: 'Kurama's attack... will be the perfect moment for me to act. During that attack, I will make my own move over Obito's. The chaos will bring the opportunity I'm seeking.'

A determined expression crossed Ryu's face, but also a glint of amusement. He knew that the confrontation with Obito would only be a matter of time, and that his strategy would be different from anything the Uchiha had expected. 'I must also finally hone my control over my Rinnegan. Its true strength lies in the infinite possibilities of this ability... and I am only just beginning to explore them.'