"All external connections are severed," Nova said. "High natural energy is interfering with signals"
Hiroshi is on his visit to Ryuchi cave.
"Noted. Let's make this quick."
As he ventured deeper into the cave, his sharp eyes caught sight of a strange commotion.
Two ravens—one as white as snow with piercing red eyes, the other jet black with golden eyes—were under attack by a swarm of snakes. The snakes hissed and lunged, their fangs glinting in the dim light, while the ravens flapped and dodged.
"Help us, you idiot!" yelled the white raven.
"Yeah, come on!" added the black raven, its voice deep and sarcastic. "What's a handsome guy like you doing just standing there? Enjoying the show?"
Hiroshi stopped in his tracks, unimpressed. "Talking ravens? That's new," he muttered, as he continued to move on his way.
"You'll regret ignoring us!" the white raven huffed. "Do you know who we are?"
The black raven cawed, its golden eyes gleaming. "Yeah, yeah. Heroic types like you usually can't resist a damsel—or a raven—in distress."
Hiroshi sighed, about to turn away when Nova spoke up. "Wait. These two aren't ordinary. Their chakra signatures are unusual—strong natural energy mixed with something else. They could be valuable."
"Fine," Hiroshi muttered, summoning a small burst of lightning chakra to his palm. With a flick of his wrist, he released the energy, frying the attacking snakes in one swoop. The ravens fluttered free, landing on a nearby rock.
The white raven preened its feathers and said, "Finally! Took you long enough. I thought we were done for."
The black raven tilted its head. "Eh, I could've taken them. But thanks, I guess."
Hiroshi rolled his eyes. "You're welcome. Now, get out of my way. I've got a job to do."
Hiroshi moved to the main chamber of Ryūchi Cave, his steps echoing ominously in the vast, dimly lit space. He raised his hands, forming intricate seals with precision. A translucent barrier shimmered to life, sealing the cave's entrance and walls completely.
"Barrier active," Nova confirmed. "Nothing's getting in or out."
Hiroshi smirked. "Perfect. Let's clean house."
He opened a small vial containing a spatial compound he had engineered earlier. As he released the substance, a faint, glowing mist spread across the cave. The compound interacted with the venom of the snakes in the cave, amplifying its toxicity to lethal levels.
Hiroshi stepped back as the first wave of snakes began to slither into view. Their hissing grew louder, and soon the massive form of the White Snake Sage emerged at the entrance. The sage's cold, golden eyes narrowed as it surveyed the barrier, its body writhing with frustration.
"What is the meaning of this intrusion?" the sage demanded, its voice echoing through the cave. "Release us at once, mortal, and I may grant you a quick death."
Hiroshi leaned casually against the barrier, inspecting his nails. "Not happening. You've got enough venom to kill an army. I'm just... helping you recycle it."
The snakes began to attack the barrier, their fangs and jutsu striking it relentlessly. But the barrier held firm, glowing brighter with each impact. The ravens perched outside, watching the chaos unfold.
The white raven cawed with laughter. "Look at them! Pathetic! They can't even break a barrier."
The black raven chimed in. "Is this what passes for a sage? Looks more like a giant worm to me."
Inside, the snakes began to writhe in agony as the toxicity of their venom overwhelmed them.
One by one, they collapsed, their bodies convulsing before falling still. The White Snake Sage snarled, its massive body coiling tighter as it glared at Hiroshi.
"You think this is over?" the sage hissed. "You will pay for this insolence," he said before collapsing to the ground.
As the last snake fell silent, Hiroshi turned to Nova. "Is it safe to open the barrier now?"
Nova hesitated. "Negative. The White Snake Sage is still alive, and its chakra levels are spiking. It's waiting for you to drop the barrier."
Hiroshi smirked. "Good. I was hoping for a challenge."
Ignoring Nova's warning, Hiroshi deactivated the barrier with a single-hand seal. The shimmering wall dissolved, and the White Snake Sage lunged forward immediately, its massive jaws snapping shut where Hiroshi had been standing moments before.
Hiroshi reappeared a few feet away, his hands crackling with dark energy. "Tsk, tsk. Impatient."
The sage loomed over him, its golden eyes burning with rage. "You've made a grave mistake, mortal," hissed the White Snake Sage, its voice echoing ominously. "I will feast on your bones."
Hiroshi smirked.
With a flash, Hiroshi summoned his dagger, its blade radiating a soft glow of dark and light chakra intertwined. In an instant, he dashed forward, faster than the eye could follow, aiming a precise slash at the sage's neck.
The blade struck true, leaving a glowing scar of light and darkness, but the sage barely flinched. It countered with a sweeping strike of its massive tail, sending Hiroshi flying into the cave wall.
"Ugh…" Hiroshi groaned, pushing himself out of the rubble. "Okay, that stung a little."
The sage laughed, a low, guttural sound. "You're nothing but an insect before me."
Hiroshi's eyes narrowed. "Alright, let's turn things up."
With a quick series of hand seals, Hiroshi unleashed gravity jutsu.
Gravity release: 50G
The massive body of sage smashed on the ground. But in a few seconds, he covered his body in natural energy and broke free! Its massive jaws snapped toward Hiroshi, who dodged just in time, rolling to the side. He retaliated with a concentrated burst of light chakra, slashing at its face with his dagger. This time, the attack hit a sensitive spot, causing the sage to recoil in pain.
"You're starting to get on my nerves!" the sage bellowed, slamming its tail down toward Hiroshi.
Hiroshi leaped into the air, avoiding the attack, but the shockwave knocked him off balance. Before he could recover, the sage struck again, sending him sprawling across the ground.
Breathing heavily, Hiroshi got to his feet, his mind racing. "Nova, any bright ideas?" he muttered.
Nova's voice echoed in his head. "The sage's chakra levels are spiking. It's burning its life force for something big."
The cave shook violently as the White Snake Sage let out an ear-splitting roar. Its body began to glow, and its scales started to shift and expand.
Hiroshi watched in awe and horror as the sage transformed, its serpentine form giving way to the massive body of a dragon. White scales shimmered like polished marble and massive wings filled the cavern.
...