Naruto Uzumaki, wearing black gloves, clasped his hands together and rested his chin on them as he asked,
"So, to master True Sage Mode, I need to first learn the Three Great Sage Techniques, correct?"
Orochimaru nodded, his tone as sly and smooth as ever:
"Precisely, Naruto-kun. You've already mastered the Sage Techniques of Mount Myōboku, which provides a solid foundation for mastering True Sage Mode. Learning the other two Sage Techniques shouldn't be too difficult for you. So, where shall we start? Ryūchi Cave or Shikkotsu Forest? Personally, I'd recommend Ryūchi Cave."
Naruto adjusted his seated posture and asked,
"Why Ryūchi Cave? Is it because you're acquainted with the White Snake Sage?"
Orochimaru ran his hand through his hair with a charming yet eerie gesture, replying,
"Whether I know the White Snake Sage or not is irrelevant. Ryūchi Cave has always treated all seekers equally—whether you're a righteous hero or a heinous villain. As long as you pass the trials, the White Snake Sage will grant you its sage power."
He continued, his tone filled with intrigue:
"However, whether you survive after receiving the sage power, and to what extent you can control it, depends entirely on your own abilities. Even what you choose to do with the power afterward is of no concern to the White Snake Sage, as long as you don't become an enemy of Ryūchi Cave. Isn't that wonderfully fair and liberating?"
Orochimaru's voice turned slightly mocking:
"On the other hand, the Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku and the Slug Sage of Shikkotsu Forest have much stricter standards for their disciples. Especially the Slug Sage, who outright refuses to grant sage power to those it doesn't favor."
Naruto nodded thoughtfully.
"You make a fair point."
After a moment of contemplation, Naruto asked,
"If Sasuke were to learn Sage Techniques, Ryūchi Cave would likely be his first choice, wouldn't it? If we both ended up there at the same time, it could cause unnecessary trouble for both of us."
With that consideration in mind, Naruto came to a decision.
"I'll start with Shikkotsu Forest!"
Meanwhile, in a hidden lair within the Land of Grass, Kabuto Yakushi observed Sasuke Uchiha sitting in silence, staring at a flickering candle.
Sasuke had recently challenged Kabuto, doubting his abilities, only to suffer a humiliating defeat. This outcome left him frustrated and dejected.
Kabuto entered the room with a tray of food and water, placing it on the table.
"Sasuke-kun, don't sulk. Eat something."
Sasuke didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the candle flame.
Kabuto sighed inwardly, adjusting his glasses before speaking in a sincere tone:
"Sasuke-kun, let me be honest with you. Deep down, I see you as a younger brother."
Sasuke glanced at Kabuto from the corner of his eye, his voice cold and skeptical:
"A younger brother? You're not planning to take over my body like Orochimaru, are you?"
Kabuto chuckled lightly.
"If I wanted to do that, I've had countless opportunities. But that would just be retracing Lord Orochimaru's path, wouldn't it? I've surpassed him, and I have higher aspirations."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed.
"Higher aspirations? What kind of aspirations?"
Kabuto sat down in a nearby chair, his expression serious.
"Lord Orochimaru followed Naruto. So, I want to personally mold you into someone who surpasses Naruto. By doing so, I'll prove that I've surpassed Orochimaru."
Hearing this, Sasuke couldn't help but sneer.
"That's your reason? Orochimaru? That guy's nothing special. Surpassing him should be easy."
Kabuto's tone grew solemn, his admiration for Orochimaru evident:
"Lord Orochimaru is the person I respect most. While many may surpass him in strength, I believe no one can match his charisma.
"What you dismiss as trivial is of utmost importance to me—more important than life itself. Whether you believe me or not, this is the truth."
Sasuke fell silent, Kabuto's words stirring something within him. Slowly, he picked up the food tray and began eating, albeit absentmindedly.
After finishing his meal, Sasuke made a decision.
"Kabuto, teach me your Sage Technique."
Kabuto's eyes gleamed with excitement, though his tone remained composed:
"That technique comes from Ryūchi Cave. You'll need to pass its trials and receive the White Snake Sage's blessing."
Sasuke's gaze was firm.
"Then take me to Ryūchi Cave. I want to meet this White Snake Sage."
Back in Amegakure, within Orochimaru's laboratory, the conversation continued.
Orochimaru tilted his head curiously.
"Shikkotsu Forest, huh? That's fine. But why choose the more challenging path first?"
Naruto explained with a faint smile:
"If I tackle the hardest challenge first, the rest will feel like a breeze. That's just how I like to do things."
Orochimaru chuckled.
"Fair enough. However, the Slug Sage values honesty and integrity. Your actions won't escape its notice, and it likely won't grant you sage power easily. Of course, if Lady Tsunade vouches for you, that's a different story."
Naruto furrowed his brows.
"Granny Tsunade, huh? While we're on good terms personally, I've officially severed ties with Konoha. I wouldn't want to trouble her, especially since she's still Hokage."
Orochimaru smiled knowingly.
"In that case, we'll need to consider other options. Lady Mito Uzumaki would be the perfect choice."
Naruto was taken aback.
"Mito?"
Orochimaru explained with a scholarly air:
"Didn't you know? Lady Mito was the first ninja to summon the Slug Sage. Her bond with it is both the longest and the deepest. If she vouches for you, the Slug Sage will undoubtedly agree."
Naruto hesitated.
"But Mito's already…"
Orochimaru's smile turned sly.
"Have you forgotten, Naruto-kun? I extracted two samples of Lady Mito's life essence. One was used to awaken your Uzumaki bloodline. The other is still intact and can be used for Edo Tensei."
Naruto's eyes widened in realization.
"So you planned this all along!"
Orochimaru nodded seriously.
"Indeed. However, Lady Mito passed away from old age. Reviving her in her aged form would be… disrespectful.
"I have a solution. To restore her youthful appearance, I'll need to retrieve the chakra fragment sealed in Itachi's Totsuka Blade. Naruto-kun, what do you think?"
Naruto closed his eyes, his voice resolute.
"Leave it to me."
Far away, Itachi Uchiha, walking under the night sky, suddenly stopped.
"Hm? Naruto is reaching out to me. Kisame, let's use that technique."
Kisame grinned.
"Oh, so the boss knows that jutsu too? This brings back memories."
Setting aside his Samehada, Kisame sat cross-legged with Itachi, transmitting their thoughts.
In Amegakure, Naruto formed hand signs.
Projection Jutsu!
Moments later, the projected forms of Itachi and Kisame appeared before Naruto and Orochimaru.
After explaining the situation, Naruto said,
"Itachi, please empty your Totsuka Blade's gourd."
Itachi nodded.
"Understood."
Through the projection, Itachi's Susanoo flared to life, opening the gourd of the Totsuka Blade.
With a rush of energy, the chakra fragment sealed within was released, returning to Orochimaru and restoring his full strength.
Alongside it, Deidara, who had also been sealed, was freed.
Deidara exclaimed:
"Art is—"
Zing!
Naruto's Kotoamatsukami activated immediately.
Deidara's expression shifted as he declared:
"Art is whatever serves Lord Naruto!"
Just like that, Deidara pledged his allegiance to Naruto.
Minutes later, Naruto captured a White Zetsu to serve as the sacrificial vessel.
With all preparations complete, Orochimaru's hair swayed as he formed hand signs.
Summoning Jutsu: Edo Tensei!
Amidst anguished screams, dust swirled and coalesced into the form of a regal woman with white robes and vibrant red hair.
She opened her eyes, her gaze calm yet commanding as she assessed those before her. Her voice carried an undeniable authority:
"So, you are the caster of this reincarnation technique? You seem familiar… No matter. To summon me back in my prime proves you are no ordinary ninja. State your name."
Orochimaru bowed respectfully.
"Junior Orochimaru humbly welcomes the strongest kunoichi of the Warring States Era, Lady Mito Uzumaki!"
Mito nodded, her expression indifferent.
"Orochimaru, is it? I remember you now—Hiruzen's disciple. Speak. Why have you summoned me?"
Orochimaru gestured toward Naruto.
"This is Naruto Uzumaki, and he wishes to learn the Sage Techniques of Shikkotsu Forest."
Mito's gaze shifted to Naruto, her expression unreadable.
Orochimaru added at just the right moment:
"He is the son of Kushina Uzumaki."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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