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"The underground exchange naturally wouldn't tarnish its own reputation. Don't complain about the price. If it weren't for the incident that happened last month in the Land of Rivers, which required reallocating many people, I wouldn't be asking for so much."
The elderly man at the underground exchange counted the money while speaking in a raspy voice, "If the payment is too low, no one will take the job. Even if I post it, do you think I could find someone for you?"
"Wait for the first commission. Come back in a month for the information. As for the second piece of intelligence, I can tell you now."
The elderly man divided the money, pocketing the smaller amount of five hundred thousand ryō for himself, and then began to share the information with Yōichi.
"It's in a village at the northernmost end of the Land of Iron, where a group of people reside. In their calm state, they are more peaceful than anyone else, to the point where even birds willingly land on them. However, when they rage, even the most bloodthirsty maniacs fear them. These people delight in slaughter even more than madmen."
"I was in charge in the Land of Rice Fields and there was a bounty to retaliate against them. Many went. Heh, but not a single one returned. When they rage, their appearance undergoes a massive change. Although they still look human, they are nothing like us."
Hearing this, Yōichi could almost confirm the elderly man was talking about Jūgo's clan.
But why in the Land of Iron?
He was currently in the Land of Wind, and the Land of Iron was on the opposite side of the Land of Fire. Even if he traveled quickly, it would take three days.
However, finding Ryūchi Cave would mean more than just locating Shin. Ryūchi Cave was one of the few places in the shinobi world rich in natural energy, making Shin secondary.
"I'll come back for the information in a month."
"Don't worry, we'll find someone specialized in gathering intelligence."
After getting the specific location of Jūgo's clan's village, Yōichi left.
Next, he planned to visit the Land of Iron. Although the journey would take three days, it was much better than aimlessly scouring the Land of Wind for information, and it was safer.
With the Kazekage missing, Sunagakure would be the most anxious. Now that even Sunagakure couldn't find any news of the Kazekage, what could these twenty-five people do?
As for what to do after finding Ryūchi Cave, the three great Sages' lands shouldn't reject outsiders. He remembered that the only danger of visiting the great Sage lands was failing the Sage Mode training.
Mount Myōboku turns failures into frog statues, Ryūchi Cave swallows them, and Shikkotsu Forest's outcome is unknown but likely no safer.
Besides, Ryūchi Cave shouldn't repel outsiders, at most tempting him to train in Sage Mode.
Deciding this, Yōichi set off for the Land of Iron.
There were a few railways within the Land of Fire, but not many, and the tracks were short, none stretching from the border of the Land of Rivers to the Land of Iron.
Yōichi felt the development of technology in the shinobi world was distorted due to the existence of ninjas.
Where technology could replace what a ninja could do, it wasn't much developed; for example, communication between ninjas. Although television stations existed, building more signal towers could instantly receive messages from the borders.
But due to secret techniques and ninja hawks, communication remained awkward. Urgent messages used summoning techniques, while less urgent ones used ninja hawks.
For ninjas, it was convenient enough as a bit of chakra could send information into the village, but ordinary people still relied on mailing letters.
Transportation also mainly used carriages; ninjas traveling long distances only needed to manage their chakra well, taking soldier pills periodically to replenish it, moving faster than horses.
Therefore, ninjas didn't need those means of transport, leading to their underdevelopment in the shinobi world.
---
The Land of Iron is a neutral small country within the shinobi world, almost devoid of ninjas and dominated by samurais.
Without ninjas, it naturally didn't participate in the shinobi wars, except for repelling an invasion from the Land of Rain during the Second Shinobi World War, having been at peace for a long time.
Upon entering the country, Yōichi naturally didn't reveal his ninja identity, as there was a bit of antipathy here towards ninjas. After all, ninjas tended to look down on samurais as relics of the past.
Being discovered by the samurais of the Land of Iron would be troublesome, so upon entering, Yōichi didn't approach any villages or towns and directly headed to the village where Jūgo's clan was located.
Soon, Yōichi arrived at the village of Jūgo's clan.
Desolate, cold, with few green trees but many rock caves.
It didn't seem like a place for living.
As Yōichi proceeded, he soon encountered some people wearing coarse linen, in the poorest attire he had seen.
Their dwellings were unique, almost every home adorned with snake-like sculptures.
And Yōichi, as an outsider, stood out immediately, with people looking at him and someone quickly going to report his arrival.
"Young man, what brings you to our village?"
A middle-aged man approached Yōichi.
"I want to ask about something. How do I get to Ryūchi Cave?"
Yōichi was straightforward with his purpose; these people might be formidable when transformed by natural energy, but against someone like him, they were insufficient.
As he spoke, Yōichi activated his Sharingan, enhancing his perception. He could sense the chakra in the villagers constantly growing, likely absorbing natural energy continuously until their bodies reached a limit and underwent drastic changes, leading to their destructive outbursts.
The middle-aged man shook his head, "Sorry, we don't know anything about a Ryūchi Cave."
"Ryūchi Cave doesn't reject outsiders. There's no need to hide it on their behalf. You're the village chief, right? I suggest you consider your clan's well-being."
Under the gaze of the Sharingan, the middle-aged man and his villagers felt immense pressure, as if facing a terrifying entity, despite their numbers.
"Every household here has snake decorations, and now you say you don't know Ryūchi Cave, treating others as fools. Think carefully about whether you can afford to provoke me."
Yōichi slowly drew Raijin, his inquiry meant to convey friendliness. If the man refused to talk, using the Sharingan to interrogate him wouldn't be difficult.
"I truly don't know about Ryūchi Cave, but deep beneath our village, there's a sacred site worshipped since ancient times, accessible only to the devout. If you wish, I can guide you there."
Pressured and feeling a looming threat, the middle-aged man honestly shared the information about Ryūchi Cave.
"Very well, lead the way."
Yōichi, having decided, followed the middle-aged man. Their journey led them deeper into the village, towards a hidden entrance that seemed to delve directly into the earth itself.
As they descended, the air grew cooler, and the natural energy within the atmosphere became more palpable. Yōichi could feel the dense concentration of natural energy enveloping him, a sign that they were nearing a place of significant power.
After a lengthy descent, they arrived at an expansive cavern illuminated by luminescent fungi, revealing a sight unlike anything found on the surface. The cavern was vast, with stalactites and stalagmites creating a natural architecture that was both awe-inspiring and eerie.
In the center of the cavern was a large pool of water, so clear and still it seemed like a mirror, reflecting the ceiling's glowing fungi and creating an ethereal atmosphere.
"The sacred site is ahead. Only those who are sincere in their hearts can proceed. I must warn you, though, the path is not without its dangers. Many who sought the power of Ryūchi Cave have never returned."
The middle-aged man's warning hung in the air, a reminder of the risks involved in seeking out places of great power.
Yōichi nodded, understanding the gravity of his undertaking. His Sharingan eyes scanned the cavern, taking in every detail, prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.
He was determined to uncover the secrets of Ryūchi Cave and, if possible, harness its power for his own.
With a deep breath, he stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the sacred site, his steps echoing in the vast, open space. The journey into the heart of Ryūchi Cave had begun.
(End of Chapter)
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Ryūchi Cave lay deep beneath their village, and finding it was not guaranteed.
There were many spacious caverns below the village, the largest of which could accommodate thirty to forty people walking side by side.
Ryūchi Cave had always been revered as a sacred place by them. From ancient times to the present, only a very few could enter, and even fewer could return.
Practically none, less than one percent. If it weren't for the occasional disappearance of people in the underground caves and the rare return of some, they wouldn't even be aware of the existence of such a sacred place below.
"I can't guarantee I can lead you in. Coming out of the sacred place not only cures our clan's madness but also significantly enhances one's strength. Many of our people want to enter, even if it means taking a risk," the middle-aged village chief explained as he guided Yōichi, sharing the history and other information about the sacred land.
"But it seems like the sacred place chooses who can enter. We've explored the underground caverns many times, but those who can enter the sacred place remain pitifully few. In the last decade, only one person has gone in, and he hasn't returned."
As they spoke, the village chief led Yōichi deeper into the underground caverns, descending to an unknown depth, finally stopping at a fork filled with rock caves.
Beyond this point, there were dozens of entrances, some only tall enough for one person, others seven to eight meters high.
The village chief halted, turning to Yōichi, "I can't guide you any further. I don't know the way down from here."
"You're right not to know. There's likely a barrier layer below. Although your physique is somewhat special, you don't understand chakra at all. Finding Ryūchi Cave is purely a matter of luck."
Yōichi activated his Sharingan, faintly seeing traces of chakra lingering in the cavern.
Ryūchi Cave's location does not change. That some can enter while others cannot, besides an alternate dimension, only a barrier could explain this phenomenon.
"That's far enough, village chief. You may return," Yōichi said, patting the village chief's shoulder and discreetly using his Pickpocket ability.
The next moment, a miraculous sensation coursed through him.
Yōichi suddenly felt more attuned to his surroundings, sensing the infinite natural energy in the air.
"Then, I'll head back first," the village chief shivered slightly, not understanding what had happened but left upon Yōichi's instruction.
However, the village chief felt a great weight lifted from him as he walked away.
[Ability Activated Successfully: 'Absorption of Natural Energy Physique' Acquired]
"Absorption of natural energy physique? No wonder. It seems I can absorb natural energy with each breath."
Yōichi surmised that one of the village's ancestors successfully practiced Sage Mode, inadvertently altering their bloodline, passing down their current unique physique through generations.
However, the villagers clearly inherited an incomplete version, only able to absorb until saturation and then expelling the energy through bouts of madness.
It wasn't until Jūgo voluntarily approached Orochimaru that their clan's ability was researched and developed into the Cursed Seal.
"I wonder if I'll go mad like them after acquiring this natural energy absorption physique?"
Uchiha Yōichi was somewhat concerned about this potential side effect. After pondering for a moment, he decided to set aside his worries and proceed to Ryūchi Cave, planning to seek answers there.
With his new ability to absorb natural energy, Yōichi found himself more adapted to the environment, more sensitive to the flow of natural energy. Coupled with the Sharingan's insight into chakra, he quickly found the path to Ryūchi Cave.
After walking for an hour or two, Yōichi encountered a barrier shrouded in mist. Crossing through, he sensed something amiss but continued onward.
Beyond the mist, the scenery suddenly shifted, revealing a magnificent palace.
A green-haired girl in a white robe appeared, her beauty and pale skin as white as snow.
"Welcome. Ryūchi Cave hasn't had visitors from the outside for a long time. You must be tired from your journey. Please, sit and rest, have something to eat before you continue."
Yōichi, facing the girl's courteous reception, remained calm, his Sharingan's three tomoe spinning slightly as he slowly drew out his Raijin.
"I'm here to find Shin. If you're not going to guide me, don't bother using illusions to deceive a member of the Uchiha clan."
"Uchiha? I see. So, my illusion was seen through~"
Noticing the Sharingan in Yōichi's eyes, the girl's cute demeanor vanished, her face gradually taking on a serpentine form, becoming somewhat ferocious as she continued, "No matter what you're here for, since you've come to Ryūchi Cave, you must undergo a trial!"
The next second, the girl, flew backwards, disappearing into the mist, and the palace vanished.
"What a hassle!"
Yōichi continued inward, soon finding himself in a labyrinth-like area.
"Giggle~"
Silver-bell-like laughter echoed crisply through the space.
Yōichi saw a loli girl floating in the air, appearing and disappearing in front of him, attempting to lead him into the trial cave.
Had it not been for the consideration of the three snake princesses' venerable ages and formidable strengths, Yōichi would have already placed Raijin against their necks, forcing them to guide him to Shin.
Boom!
As Yōichi entered a cave, a rock door behind him suddenly fell.
"Hehe~ Let's play a game. If you pass this game, you can move on to the next stage."
Tagitsuhime suddenly appeared, floating in the air with her slender, snow-white legs, continuing, "I'm Tagitsuhime. If you fill the door's holes with stones from the cave, you win, and I'll let you leave~"
"I don't need your permission to leave, nor will I play such a foolish game. This is a stone door, and I have Lightning Release!"
With that, Yōichi's body surged with lightning, his Raijin wrapped in dense electricity as he swiftly slashed at the stone door.
Boom! The intense explosion sound followed, and the stone wall, less than half a meter thick, was shattered by Yōichi's slash.
"You, you're cheating! I'll eat you!"
Tagitsuhime's angry face showed signs of turning into a snake the next second.
Seeing this, Yōichi's blood-red eyes with the three tomoe spinning rapidly, his hands quickly forming several hand signs, "Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique."
"Wait a moment!"
Suddenly, Tagorihime appeared between Tagitsuhime and Yōichi, halting their impending clash, and spoke to Yōichi, "You've passed the test. I'll take you to the White Snake Sage."
"What about your third test?"
Yōichi asked, "Also, I'm looking for Shin."
Tagorihime replied, "Illusions have little effect on the Sharingan, so our tests were essentially futile against you. As for Shin, once you meet the White Snake Sage, you'll be able to search for him."
"Very well, lead the way."
Following Tagorihime, Yōichi was led through the labyrinthine cave system, each step taking him deeper into the heart of Ryūchi Cave. The air grew denser with natural energy, a sign that they were approaching a place of significant power.
Eventually, they arrived at a vast chamber, at the center of which sat an ancient and imposing figure: the White Snake Sage. Its eyes, wise and penetrating, focused on Yōichi as he entered.
"Welcome, Yōichi. I have been expecting you," the Sage's voice echoed throughout the chamber, deep and resonant.
Yōichi bowed slightly, "I've come seeking knowledge and power. I wish to find Shin, and I'm told you can guide me."
The Sage nodded, "Your journey has been long and fraught with challenges. You seek power not for domination but for protection and strength. This is a noble path."
"However, before I can guide you to Shin, you must prove your worth. The path of Sage Mode is not one to be taken lightly. It requires balance, discipline, and a deep connection to nature."
Yōichi's eyes sharpened, "I understand the risks. I'm prepared to face whatever trials you deem necessary."
"Very well," the Sage replied. "The trial will not be easy. It will test your resolve, your strength, and your ability to harmonize with natural energy. Succeed, and you will gain the power you seek. Fail, and the consequences may be dire."
Yōichi nodded, ready to face whatever came next. The quest for power was never without risk, but he was determined to succeed.
As the White Snake Sage began to outline the trial, Yōichi listened intently, his mind focused on the path ahead. The road to mastering Sage Mode and finding Shin was about to begin, and he was ready to take the first step.
(End of Chapter)
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