Chapter 103 : Ryūchi Cave

For the first time, he defeated a quasi-kage-level powerhouse and absorbed the power of the Instructor Yaksha. Orochimaru's entire body was faintly glowing with red light. The surging energy amplified his strength and spirit, giving Orochimaru a deep sense of satisfaction.

"What a formidable Wind Release technique. I feel like I've become faster and more agile!"

Strengthening control over each attribute subtly enhances the body. If a person possesses all five attributes, even without practicing taijutsu, their physical strength would be remarkably high.

Mastering Yin and Yang Release would naturally make the body stronger, with mental fortitude, chakra, and resilience beyond that of ordinary individuals.

Of course, this requires mastery of these powers. Orochimaru, clearly, had found a shortcut. Though slow, his strength was growing nearly without limit.

"Damn it, how could they... how could they use us as cannon fodder! Once I get back, I won't spare the person who gave that order!"

Upon hearing Orochimaru's explanation, Nightingale angrily tore off her mask, her chest heaving with rage. Through gritted teeth, she cursed softly.

Orochimaru didn't mention that he had killed Instructor Yaksha. Everyone assumed she and Tazun had perished together.

Falcon remained silent, his eyes turning colder as he tightened his grip on his blade.

"Thank you, Captain."

In the end, Falcon merely spoke these words. As a civilian ninja without influential backers, many things could only be suppressed within him.

Tiger sighed. Faced with the reality of the mission, his determination to become an Anbu and honour his ancestors wavered. Yet, the mission was also for Konoha. Wasn't he a hero?

"Thank you for saving me."

Among ninjas, words need not be excessive. At this stage, circumstances were precarious, but Tiger's character dictated that he would remember this debt.

"Shall we head back then?"

Hyuga Kazuki, usually naive, seemed slightly impatient. He had much to say to his family.

The atmosphere was heavy, everyone's mood downcast. They had joined Anbu before Orochimaru did, forming a bond akin to that of comrades in arms. They knew each other, trained together, and while not a family, most considered themselves part of one.

Who could have anticipated that a so-called trial mission would claim them all? The robes they had worn just hours ago now lay in ashes, the harsh reality of the ninja life once again stinging their youthful, sensitive hearts.

Gazing at the lifeless body of Instructor Yaksha, the once-mighty quasi-kage-level powerhouse, and the broken remains of their supposed "target" Tazun in the nearby pit, a sense of sorrow welled up within them.

Although Instructor Yaksha might not have assigned the mission, she was their teacher to some extent. This act, leading them to their deaths, was simply unbearable.

Even if they had been informed of the reasons behind their sacrificial deaths beforehand, perhaps they could have faced it with more equanimity.

In the face of this dark mission, a certain realization dawned upon them.

Even a quasi-kage-level powerhouse, without influence, could eventually become expendable. It wouldn't be long before they became mere pawns, their lives reduced to meaningless sacrifices, even if their lives had been honourable.

If they wished to avoid becoming unfeeling tools, toiling in the shadows, subject to an arranged fate, and dying in obscurity, then the only path was to strive for strength. In doing so, they could live with purpose and die leaving a meaningful legacy.

"Let's seal their bodies and carry them. We need to leave this place. Kirigakure and Iwagakure might not be far, so we must depart immediately."

Orochimaru sensed a faint vibration through the ground, indicating powerful ninjutsu was being employed by both sides.

Nonetheless, Orochimaru had no intention of capitalizing on the aftermath. Those he hadn't killed wouldn't influence his absorption. He had no desire to jeopardize his progress.

The group hastened away, ultimately finding a concealed location three hours later. Exhausted from their desperate battle, they settled in, taking care to set up early warning and defensive measures before resting.

Orochimaru himself was weary. Leaning against a massive rock, he closed his eyes, contemplating the next steps.

Suddenly, a presence intruded upon his mind. Startled, Orochimaru recognized the voice of White-Scaled Serpent, deep within his consciousness.

"Boy, you've come quite far, haven't you?"

White-Scaled Serpent's haughty voice retained its antiquated quality, making Orochimaru a bit uneasy. He recalled that there was an entity within him, monitoring his actions, and even though it was merely an energy projection, it made him nervous.

"Have you been observing me?"

Orochimaru inquired softly.

"I've kept an eye on you now and then. Heh, I don't have all the time in the world."

White-Scaled Serpent's tone sounded somewhat indolent. "I can only sense when you activate your devouring ability. I occasionally observe you. When you're doing well, why would I bother?"

The casual tone of White-Scaled Serpent adopted seemed genuine. Reflecting on the fact that Ashura and Indra's chakras were almost undetectable, and White-Scaled Serpent had never meddled, Orochimaru felt reassured.

"Your endurance is truly remarkable. Many awakened individuals who possess this power become bloodthirsty, growing in strength until they self-destruct."

"Then that person ended up taking their own life, didn't they?"

Orochimaru commented matter-of-factly.

"Yes."

Orochimaru was familiar with the archetype: someone who felt invincible after gaining power and soon succumbed to hubris.

In the world of Naruto, wasn't Pain such a figure? Acquiring the Rinnegan, he deemed himself a chosen one, even a God. His intent was to inflict pain on the world, achieving a misguided notion of peace. Yet, he failed to realize that he was merely a pawn, with others far more powerful than him.

Orochimaru's devouring bloodline limit didn't guarantee swift advancement. Even the blood-red radiance he absorbed from slain adversaries required thorough cultivation. Presently, his true strength was only on the level of a formidable Jōnin.

Moreover, should this bloodline limit become known, he'd draw unwelcome attention. Orochimaru lacked the formidable power Nagato possessed from the outset, capable of defending himself.

Laying a sturdy foundation for ninja growth was paramount. Nesting within Anbu training, even if it meant a slower rise and fewer kills, Orochimaru was preparing for future conflicts.

"So, why have you contacted me this time?"

Orochimaru queried. White-Scaled Serpent only communicated when he was unconscious or assimilating bloodline power. However, this time, the power he had absorbed was unremarkable, making White-Scaled Serpent's intrusion unexpected.

"Your current strength suffices. Your initial soul split should go smoothly. Seek out the Snake Sages' Cave to find that serpent."

White-Scaled Serpent's words were followed by an influx of information conveyed to Orochimaru's mind.

In the heart of a deep, vast cavern, countless eerie palaces stood amidst meandering snakes, creating a sinister semblance of hell.

A colossal snake appeared before Orochimaru. Its orange fur and golden eyes, a green opal on its chest, a purple ribbon on its forehead, a horn-shaped ornament on its forehead, an army green pipe held between its jaws, an elongated body with two golden rings at its tail's end.

This was the legendary White Snake Sage, emanating an immense and fearsome natural energy. Merely gazing at it sent shivers down Orochimaru's spine.

The image of the White Snake Sage seemed contemplative, its golden snake eyes bearing a faint smile.

"What?!"

Orochimaru was taken aback, the vision vanishing.

"Ryuchi Cave's location... it was a glimpse of it."

Orochimaru opened his eyes and silently rose.

The whereabouts of Ryūchi Cave remained shrouded in mystery. As experts in Senjutsu, the White Snake Clan sought not just abundant natural energy, but the "harvest of the world's spiritual energy and the essence of the sun and moon."

According to White-Scaled Serpent's information, moonlight was vital for the White Snakes' growth. While Earth's moon was ever-present, a section remained hidden, blocking countless meteorites. This was known as the moon's "back."

Orochimaru found an approximate coordinate for the back of the moon and coordinate corresponding to a country on Earth that received ample moonlight: the Land of the Moon where Ryuchi cave is located.

Arriving at the Land of the Moon, Orochimaru's strength was adequate, prompting White-Scaled Serpent's manifestation.

"Is soul splitting a result of the curse mark? But such marks shouldn't manifest yet."

Orochimaru mused aloud, "Regardless, the White Snake Sage should provide answers and teach powerful ninjutsu."

Orochimaru quickly gathered local materials, summoning and nurturing a ninja snake.

This cyan serpent disappeared into the underbrush, soon morphing into a colossal creature. It would lie concealed, ready to respond when Orochimaru called.

"Now I must return to Konoha. Solving this issue will be my priority. I'll use my Reverse Summoning jutsu to travel to the Land of the Moon and locate Ryūchi Cave."

After three hours of recuperation, Orochimaru felt 70% to 80% of his strength returning. Lingering wasn't wise; to prevent Danzo or Lord Gen from intervening, Orochimaru let out a resounding roar.

"Regroup and return immediately. Head straight for the main entrance!"

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