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"64% probably means we're slightly better than just friends. At 50%, it's like strangers—neither liked nor disliked."
Yōichi read the explanation in the strategy guide and thought, "Jiraiya and Orochimaru are probably at around 80%. Jiraiya might have a higher score since Orochimaru became more gloomy."
"Should I pursue Tsunade?"
It's not like the Demonic Passport that twists people's minds; this guide seems more like an advice. Even if the advice comes from someone unusually skilled, it doesn't violate basic principles.
Yōichi discreetly confirmed Tsunade's entry and saw several suggestions appear.
The first step was to find her. Her reaction would determine the next steps.
"It feels like a real-time strategy game, and I'm the one being controlled."
Yōichi considered his situation. Leaving the village wasn't convenient right now. The Chūnin Exams would likely lead to war or a Hokage election. He'd need to wait for a better time.
"Let's check others."
This guide allowed Yōichi to test people's affection and distinguish allies from enemies. But there was a catch: he could only input names of the opposite sex unless he changed his own gender.
"Yugito Nii: Affection at 53, not bad, not hostile."
"Uzumaki Kushina: Affection at 62, decent, but slightly lower than Tsunade."
"Ōtsutsuki Kaguya: No value at all. Do I need to actually know her?"
Yōichi spent a while testing the names of all the women he knew. Mina and Mikoto had the highest scores, both at 100%. That was unsurprising.
Next up were Rumi and Kurenai, scoring 79 and 82, respectively. Yōichi had been a good teacher to his students.
After playing around enough, Yōichi stowed the [Strategy Guide]. As long as one target remained unconquered, he could continue gauging affection.
He realized the guide's true value, albeit limited to women.
The second round of exams had already begun, but the candidates had five days before results were announced. The third round would happen twenty days later.
The venue was ready, and the nobles and dignitaries from different nations could attend at any time.
The Chūnin Exams were a headache for the Security Division but had benefits. They made Konoha flourish.
With nobles and merchants flocking in, they would notice Uchiha business and possibly collaborate.
"Since I've fused Wood Release, I should find a place to train."
Yōichi immediately pulled out a chakra paper and tested himself.
Sure enough, in addition to lightning and fire, he now had earth and water attributes.
As for Wood Release techniques, Yōichi had far more than Orochimaru. He had copied all the forbidden techniques from the Scroll of Seals, including Wood Release jutsu.
"Perhaps Ryūchi Cave is a good place to train—and practice Sage Art."
Yōichi decided to leave a small snake from Ryūchi Cave with Mina so that she could inform him if anything happened in Konoha.
---
"Ah, you're finally at Ryūchi Cave. What's with your constitution? It's like you're already in Sage Mode."
Ichikishima-hime noticed the change in Yōichi as soon as she reverse-summoned him to Ryūchi Cave.
Last time he visited, he couldn't absorb natural energy. Now, he was constantly doing so without any change to his body, just like their kind.
After long practice, her body had adapted to natural energy, and entering Sage Mode was easy.
She hadn't expected Yōichi to be in this state. Her interest in this human grew.
Yōichi checked Ichikishima-hime's affection score. Though a snake, she was still female, and thus a potential conquest.
It had jumped from 52 to 65.
Was she planning to eat him?
Ichikishima-hime was licking her lips, her human form looking enticing. But Yōichi had seen her snake form.
"I'm here to find the White Snake Sage and learn Sage Art. Then I plan to train in ninjutsu."
Before he finished, Ichikishima-hime interrupted, "There's no need to seek the White Snake Sage for that. For centuries, we have trained challengers in Sage Art. Of course, we also claim their bodies if they fail."
Clicking her tongue, she continued, "Your constitution is different, so you only need some practice to master Sage Mode. As for Sage Art, it depends on your talent."
Yōichi glanced at her. "Then I'll rely on you. If you like eating humans, I could find some death-row prisoners for you."
"I'm not interested in such people. Only those who fail Sage Art, with natural energy rampaging in them, have good flavor."
Ichikishima-hime floated behind him, her pink tongue flicking near his ear.
"You even have preferences. Teach me Sage Art already."
If she weren't teaching him, he would've given her a good lesson.
Once he mastered Sage Art, he'd train in Wood Release. The Scroll of Seals even contained the secret technique True Several Thousand Hands, though reaching the First Hokage's colossal size would be difficult.
While Yōichi trained at Ryūchi Cave, things remained peaceful in Konoha.
He often trained at home, and the Security Division didn't need him as much after perfecting the discipline guidelines.
The second round of exams in the Forest of Death was already causing injuries and casualties—even Konoha's genin weren't spared.
Participants included recommended genin and those who graduated years ago hoping to become chūnin.
However, they overlooked the dangers, and many couldn't compete against genin from higher-ranked teams.
With the daimyo, nobles, and merchants yet to arrive, the Security Division was less pressured, mainly keeping an eye on the foreign ninja.
After moving back in with Itachi, Mikoto felt fulfilled. She often watched him train after managing clan business in the morning.
However, one thing was still missing—her second child, Sasuke.
She was a little disappointed; despite not using any protection, she hadn't conceived Yōichi-kun's child.
With Sasuke, Mikoto felt her life would be complete.
She considered asking a medical-nin, but the best one in the village was Mina, and she'd never give her a straight answer.
Meanwhile, with nothing to do, Jiraiya finally decided to act on something he'd been thinking about for a long time.
"Orochimaru isn't home? Why come to the Forest of Death? Is he here for his three students in the Chūnin Exams?"
Jiraiya tracked Orochimaru to the Forest of Death, but suddenly lost sight of him.
After searching, he found a snake hole beneath a giant tree.
"Orochimaru's probably inside..."
Just as he was about to enter, Orochimaru emerged, asking directly, "Jiraiya, are you following me?"
"Yeah. You were walking too fast for me to catch up, and I need to ask you something."
Jiraiya stood his ground, then leaned closer, smiling slyly, "Orochimaru, what were you doing in there? Something shady?"
"This is my ninjutsu research base. There's nothing interesting inside, but since it's you, come in."
Orochimaru turned and walked back inside. Since Jiraiya had followed him this far, refusing him would only make Jiraiya more determined.
There was nothing truly shady within; even the experimental subjects were death-row prisoners.
Following Orochimaru, Jiraiya looked around. In a spacious room, his eyes narrowed.
Several corpses were lying around. One was strapped to a table, while a young boy cleaned up.
It was a human experiment!
Jiraiya immediately recognized it. He never imagined Orochimaru would secretly do this.
Many lives were probably lost here. Jiraiya clenched his fists, shouting at Orochimaru, "Orochimaru, what are you—"
He was interrupted when Orochimaru handed him a booklet.
"Orochimaru, what's this?"
"Have you forgotten how to read?"
Seeing the scornful look on Orochimaru's face, Jiraiya snatched the booklet and opened it.
"A list? Prison records… Kyoto Prison death row inmates: Iwaya Kohei, Shimomura Kōta, Muroi Saburō."
Jiraiya was confused and glanced at the corpses in the room. Two of the faces matched the names.
He understood.
"Orochimaru, are they all death-row prisoners?"
"Yes, death-row prisoners from across the Land of Fire. They're going to die anyway, so they might as well contribute to my research. They're not cheap, and there have been fewer death-row inmates lately."
Orochimaru's casual tone stifled Jiraiya's righteous anger.
He believed human experimentation shouldn't exist, but Orochimaru was only using purchased death-row inmates. This left Jiraiya struggling to find a reason to condemn him.
"...This isn't something Konoha ninja should be doing."
Seeing Jiraiya choke out that statement, Orochimaru laughed, "Jiraiya, do you know how many lives the Second Hokage's forbidden techniques cost? The Scroll of Seals contains mostly his techniques."
"The village finances didn't support buying death-row inmates back then, so I suspect he used prisoners from enemy villages. Testing jutsu on ninja is much better than using civilians."
Orochimaru admired the Second Hokage, so he knew a lot about him.
Jiraiya couldn't refute a word. Criticizing Orochimaru would mean criticizing the Second Hokage.
But what right did he have to do that?
In accomplishments, contributions, and status, he couldn't compare. If he dared criticize the Second Hokage, the first to reprimand him would be Hiruzen.
"Alright, Jiraiya. Let's get to the point. Why were you looking for me?"
Orochimaru asked, "I have work to do. If you have something to say, spit it out."
"Okay."
Jiraiya thought of the prophecy from Mount Myōboku and decided to let it go for now. He'd inform the Hokage later.
"Orochimaru, how many contractors does Ryūchi Cave have?"
Orochimaru looked puzzled. "Why do you ask? Technically, just two—me and Yōichi."
"Does Ryūchi Cave have a grudge against Mount Myōboku?"
"No idea. It's been around for over a thousand years. How would I know if they have a grudge? The snakes have bad tempers, so I don't ask."
Orochimaru glanced at Jiraiya, "The toads are more agreeable. Why don't you ask them?"
"They… won't tell me."
Seeing Jiraiya's expression, Orochimaru knew he was lying. "Snakes eat toads. If they have any grudges, think of it like the *Sansukumi*."
Snakes, toads, and slugs form the legendary triangle where each restrains the other, similar to an animal chess game.
Jiraiya thought of *Sansukumi* and felt the Great Toad Sage's prophecy was accurate. However, he doubted the shadow was Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru, what do you think of Yōichi's relationship with Ryūchi Cave?"
"Jiraiya, you're full of questions today, all about Ryūchi Cave."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes and asked cautiously, "Do you suspect something? I don't care about other contractors. If you know something, tell me."
"Ahaha, just curious. Nothing going on."
Jiraiya scratched his head with a smile and was about to leave.
He waved to Orochimaru, "I'll head off now. I'll buy you a drink sometime."
(End of Chapter)
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"Human experimentation? Orochimaru has been doing that lately?"
Hiruzen's expression grew tense when he heard Jiraiya's report. He had suspected Orochimaru of becoming reclusive. Originally meant to stay and support the village, he hadn't expected Orochimaru to conduct human experiments to study ninjutsu.
"Yes, but old man, all of Orochimaru's experimental subjects were death-row inmates from various prisons in the Land of Fire. He bought them. I've verified this."
Seeing Sarutobi put down his pipe with a grim face, Jiraiya quickly explained.
He didn't want any misunderstandings due to a lack of clarification.
"Death-row inmates? Tell me the details."
Sarutobi spoke to Jiraiya with irritation, almost ready to summon the Anbu.
Jiraiya recounted his tracking of Orochimaru, from starting in the village to leaving the research base. He left out only the questions about Mount Myōboku and Ryūchi Cave.
"So that's how it is."
Sarutobi relit his pipe and packed fresh tobacco. After a moment of silence, he said, "If they're death-row inmates, then let it go. But Anbu hadn't received any reports of Orochimaru bringing people in. Perhaps the Security Division arranged it for him."
Jiraiya was astonished, "Old man, you're not going to say anything about human experimentation?"
"What would I say? If I criticize Orochimaru, then who will speak for the Second Hokage? The First Hokage?"
Sarutobi answered angrily, "If you'd seen my teacher researching forbidden techniques, you'd never think of such things. Orochimaru isn't wrong; he's only using death-row inmates."
Back when the Second Hokage researched forbidden techniques, enemy ninja in Konoha's prison rarely survived a month. Each new batch was used up quickly, otherwise where would all those forbidden techniques have come from?
While strong forbidden techniques could affect a ninja's psyche, studying them was just as risky. If Orochimaru invoked the Second Hokage's name, Hiruzen couldn't say much as a teacher.
"Death-row inmates are going to die anyway. Jiraiya, you've been a ninja for years. Don't be so startled by this."
Sarutobi scolded Jiraiya. Of his three students, he liked Jiraiya's temperament the most, but sometimes he was too naïve.
During the Second Shinobi World War, for instance, Jiraiya stayed in enemy villages to care for orphans, infuriating Sarutobi. Many orphans in Konoha needed help, yet Jiraiya remained with the enemy.
Over time, all three disciples developed similar bad habits.
"Fine, if you don't have a problem with it. At least I told you. By the way, Orochimaru said to keep an eye on our genin in the Chūnin Exams. They might surprise you."
Jiraiya finished and left through the window, planning to get Orochimaru drunk and extract more information.
"Use the door… that idiot."
Seeing Jiraiya leap out the window, Sarutobi tapped his pipe, annoyed, and then sat down again.
But recalling Jiraiya's advice, he couldn't resist checking on the Chūnin Exams.
He took out his crystal ball and used the Telescope Technique, revealing the Forest of Death.
"Hmm? Asuma? They're fighting… Team 8 for a scroll and lost?"
Sarutobi's face darkened. He had seen Asuma train hard and master two fire jutsu before the exams. Even Shinnosuke had high hopes for their team.
Yet, they were on the brink of elimination.
With two days left in the second round, finding the remaining two scrolls wouldn't be easy. If they couldn't get them from others, they'd be disqualified.
"That one… isn't that the genin recommended by the Root? Wood Release?!"
Sarutobi changed the view on the crystal ball and was shocked to see a Root genin using Wood Release jutsu to crush three Kusagakure ninja.
No wonder Orochimaru had told him to watch the exams. A Root member with Wood Release… Could Orochimaru have developed this?
Sarutobi knew Danzo couldn't have. Not even the Second Hokage could successfully cultivate Wood Release, so Danzo's Foundation was far less capable.
But Orochimaru was obsessed with researching ninjutsu and resembled the Second Hokage in his experimentation.
"Seems like I'll need to talk to Orochimaru."
---
In Ryūchi Cave
"Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique!"
Enormous chakra flowed from Yōichi's Wood Release clone, causing the ground to tremble. A massive wooden dragon erupted from below and swiftly coiled around a rocky hill.
The dragon squeezed tighter until the hill shattered into pieces.
Garaga watching, revealed his fear. This wooden dragon was stronger than him, and this was just one of his master's clones.
Not far away in a clearing, four more Wood Release clones practiced ninjutsu.
After three days of practicing with clones, Yōichi had mastered most Wood Release jutsu.
He had learned nearly all Wood Release techniques from the Scroll of Seals, except for True Several Thousand Hands and Top Transformed Buddha. He even mastered Myojinmon.
Next time he encountered a Jinchūriki on the battlefield, Myojinmon alone could defeat them.
While perfect Jinchūriki could escape Sharingan genjutsu, they couldn't handle Wood Release. If they fully transformed into tailed beasts, Yōichi could handle them with Wood Dragon and Wood Golem techniques.
Wood Release's chakra-absorbing properties were a strong counter.
If not fully transformed, even a half-transformed Jinchūriki posed little threat to Yōichi, given his taijutsu expertise and Mangekyō Sharingan insight.
On the first day, his main body had nearly mastered Sage Mode without Ichikishima-hime's help.
His chakra was already close to Sage chakra.
This left Ichikishima-hime disappointed. Yōichi was the best meal she'd seen in centuries but wasn't meant for eating.
For three days, he practiced Sage Art: White Rage Technique and Inorganic Reincarnation—both powerful Sage techniques.
They were difficult to learn, and Ichikishima-hime wasn't a great teacher, having not taught anyone in centuries. In the end, Yōichi used the Sharingan to watch her and then mimic the techniques.
After observing her use them dozens of times, he finally got the hang of it.
"Sage Art: White Rage Technique!"
Yōichi spewed a red chakra dragon holding a black orb. The dragon vanished into the orb and released a blinding light and intense sound.
The sonic waves were unbearable without Sage Mode protection, and even with Sage Mode, Yōichi had to avert his eyes from the intense light.
"I told you to accept Ryūchi Cave's modifications. Human Sage Mode isn't enough. Without snake-eye corneas, White Rage will blind even you."
Ichikishima-hime floated beside Yōichi. The perfect Sage Mode of the other two sacred grounds only created facial patterns. In Ryūchi Cave, Sage Mode meant developing snake-like traits.
"Without snake-eye corneas, White Rage is useless. Your choice."
"I'll think about it."
Yōichi glanced at her, then asked, "What kind of snake are you?"
"I don't have a 'true' form. This is my real form."
Ichikishima-hime placed her hands on her hips and briefly displayed snake features before returning to her loli appearance.
"Aside from the White Snake Sage, we three have shed our snake bodies. In a few hundred years, even these features will disappear."
"What technique lets a snake turn into a human body?"
"Don't be naïve, kid. Ryūchi Cave existed before ninjutsu!"
Ichikishima-hime put on a smug adult demeanor despite her loli face, which gave Yōichi mixed feelings.
"The three sacred grounds each inherited a unique ability. Ours is transformation, but we three lack the White Snake Sage's resolve. Turning into a human is enough; becoming a dragon would take centuries."
She shook her head. This reminded Yōichi that there was extraordinary power before Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. Even the Sage of Six Paths learned Sage Art from Mount Myōboku.
He suddenly became interested in pre-Kaguya powers, though he doubted he could uncover them. Only the sages of the three sacred grounds would know, and they'd never reveal it.
Ichikishima-hime was only six hundred years old, not alive a thousand years ago.
"So, have you made a decision? Without changing Sage Mode, White Rage isn't for you."
Yōichi checked the strategy guide; her affection score hadn't changed, still in the 60s.
No malice—worth trying.
"Let's give it a shot."
As he finished speaking, Ichikishima-hime leaped into his lap. He instinctively flinched, but quickly restrained himself.
He was sitting, so even after she jumped into his lap, she had to bend down, emphasizing her youthful, delicate curves.
She bared her snake fangs and bit into his neck.
Yōichi felt her chakra merging with his.
She said, "Enter Sage Mode."
He drew in Sage chakra and sensed changes.
His skin lightened, a horn emerged on his head, and he gained greater control over Sage chakra. He could even shape it into various snake forms.
"See? If you'd hesitated, you'd have lost White Rage and all these benefits."
"This is Ryūchi Cave's transformation ability?"
Yōichi shaped his Sage chakra, formed a seal, and used Inorganic Reincarnation.
The hard ground softened like a swamp, and dozens of earthen snakes erupted like leaping carp before returning to the mud.
When he finished, the snakes turned into stone statues with lifelike scales.
Using Inorganic Reincarnation had never been this easy, and now he could restrain a tailed beast.
Ichikishima-hime asked proudly, "Well?"
"Very nice. I'll bring you some—"
"I'm not interested in such people, but if you've got Sage Mode—"
"Forget it. You won't starve."
Yōichi interrupted her. He was just being polite and never planned to deliver on his promise.
"You—"
Ichikishima-hime leaped angrily at Yōichi, trying to bite him.
But with Sage Mode, his sensory and Sage abilities were far stronger. He sensed her movement immediately.
Using Inorganic Reincarnation, he manipulated the ground and bound her with stone chains.
"You taught me Sage Art, so I'll teach you this: don't trust humans."
Sensing her struggle, Yōichi spanked her delicate backside several times as a lesson, leaving a visible ripple.
He then ordered, "Garaga, release the Reverse Summoning Technique."
Garaga obliged, sending Yōichi back to Konoha.
Once free, Ichikishima-hime saw Yōichi back in Konoha and yelled at Shinya, "You fool! How could you send him back?"
"I follow my master's orders. Don't complain, or I'll eat you!"
Garaga ignored her and slithered back to his snake den.
(End of Chapter)
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