章節 111: Chapter 111 : Senjutsu
"You are the true heir of our lineage. You must understand that the three young girls outside are just snakes with a faint trace of the White Scale serpent's power within them," the White Snake Sage remarked, gazing at the unassuming Orochimaru. "And I am but a guardian of this realm, existing to ensure the continuation of our bloodline."
"What do you mean? Who possesses this kind of power?" Orochimaru asked, surprised. If this so-called "sage" existed solely to ensure the bloodline's continuation, then what would the ancestor of the bloodline represent?
Could there be a connection between the other three legendary places beyond this world and the three enigmatic sages?
"Hey, long time no see. Your little snake has grown quite large," Orochimaru was contemplating when a surge of energy suddenly coursed through him. A phantom of white scaled serpent materialized behind him, a massive white snake. It playfully regarded the White Snake Sage, as if they were acquainted from two years ago.
"Indeed, your awakening allowed this presence to manifest. I felt it too," the White Snake Sage responded, a mix of surprise and expectation in their tone as they gazed upon the appearance of White Scales. However, Orochimaru noticed that the two snakes were hushed, seemingly communicating something he was not meant to hear.
After a moment, White Scale Serpent stated, "Boy, you are not yet worthy of knowing about the existence of our ancestors, and perhaps you may not need to know in the future. Your task is to continue growing stronger and cultivating your own abilities."
The phantom faded away, and the white scales transformed into a force that merged back into Orochimaru's body, as if it had never manifested. In truth, its appearance had caused minimal disruption to Orochimaru.
"Yes, young one, my true mission is to teach Senjutsu," the White Snake Sage narrowed their golden snake-like pupils. "Of course, I will impart to you a more potent form of Senjutsu, one vastly different from the ordinary techniques practiced by humans here. However, it is also riskier. As the bloodline inheritor, if you fail, I shall consume you myself!"
Orochimaru felt himself locked under the gaze of those colossal snake eyes. "Indeed, this is not impossible. Most who come seeking immortality and power never leave. I have consumed bloodline inheritors before, and their unique essence is unforgettable! Jie Jie Jie Jie!"
The White Snake Sage's laughter sent shivers down Orochimaru's spine, a bloodthirsty intent in their gaze that caused him to instinctively take a step back.
This was the true nature of the White Snake Sage—an unrelenting and bloodthirsty venomous snake. Perhaps for a thousand years, none but extraordinary beings could acquire the power of Snake Senjutsu.
Aside from the composed and focused demeanour, Orochimaru also inherited some of Orochimaru's cell-based abilities. Still, the Senjutsu taught by the White Snake Sage undoubtedly encompassed much more. The levitation ability Orochimaru had observed from the Three Snake Girls was a testament to that. It was a calm yet mysterious and potent form of Senjutsu, far beyond comprehension.
So what truly defined the White Snake Sage's magical power? What was the pinnacle of the Senjutsu?
Recalling his previous trials, Orochimaru remembered the unyielding stone wall he had tried to shatter in the second stage. That impervious cavern was undeniably real.
Thoughts of the Senjutsus from the original series surfaced, and Orochimaru realized it could very well be a form of Creation of All Things Technique. Appearing from thin air and vanishing just as quietly—its execution left no trace. It was a method of mystifying and unfathomable display.
"Firstly, to distinguish yourself from ordinary bloodline inheritors and become an awakened individual, you must harbour your own secrets, correct? Perhaps you possess unique abilities or have garnered substantial knowledge from White Scales?" the White Snake Sage suddenly interjected, making Orochimaru increasingly wary.
He knew he must conceal his traveller status from others. Being privy to the core storyline of this world effectively made him an outsider. If the White Snake Sage could extract information by consuming him, Orochimaru's situation would turn dire.
Although the White Snake Sage projected an air of overseeing the world and external expertise, Orochimaru remained cautious of this thousand-year-old entity. His fusion with the original Orochimaru's soul and acquisition of his body and talents had granted him awakened powers, along with augmented risks.
"You have come here to master Senjutsu, after all. White Scale has surely explained the division of your soul. Let us delve into the subject of Senjutsu," the White Snake Sage set aside their metaphorical smoking gun, adopting a more earnest demeanour while addressing Orochimaru, akin to a respected mentor.
"What are your thoughts on the concept of Senjutsu?"
"Our shinobi's chakra is the blend of physical and spiritual energy, and senjutsu involves absorbing natural energy, correct?" Orochimaru pondered the question, providing an account that incorporated the First Hokage's Sage Mode. Orochimaru's original knowledge base was of help here.
Sage Mode was a state where natural energy could be harnessed. In this form, physical capabilities were drastically enhanced, boosting offensive and defensive prowess. Moreover, this energy expanded the scope of physical attacks and perception.
Sage Mode brought about a "Sage Chakra," augmenting one's ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu. However, this Sage Mode stemmed from another source, not the Ryūchi Cave.
"You are indeed well-informed. Nevertheless, the so-called 'senjutsu' and 'Sage Mode' you mentioned are not authentic forms of Senjutsus. They are, at best, chakra augmented by senjutsu energy—an inferior imitation!" The White Snake Sage responded, neither surprised by Orochimaru's knowledge nor hiding their contempt for the subject matter.
"Perhaps you are unaware that chakra, the fusion of mental (spiritual) and physical energy, is not inherent to humans. It too is a gift from a particular bloodline and doesn't originate here."
Orochimaru was privy to the foreign influence of the Otsutsuki clan and the Divine Tree's fruit. However, White Snake Sage opted not to delve into the specifics, and Orochimaru chose not to inquire further.
"However, this innate bloodline power has been waning. Comparatively, modern ninjas are weaker than their predecessors, who once attained astounding heights now forgotten. A lamentable decline!" The White Snake Sage candidly criticized the current state of the chakra system.
And rightfully so—the White Snake Sage had lived through the era of the Sage of the Six Paths and had witnessed the use of Yang Release and Yin Release by ordinary shinobi.
When contrasted with the formidable figures of that era, the present-day shinobi were undeniably inadequate. Many remained oblivious to the existence of Yin Yang Release, let alone the advanced stages of the plot that unfolded decades later.
Despite this, Orochimaru couldn't help but be taken aback by the White Snake Sage's evaluation. Why did this sound familiar, almost strange?
"Aren't they cultivating similarly to Senjutsu?" Orochimaru posed a question, following the Sage's discourse.
"It is an entirely different process. While Senjutsu also hinges on talent and bloodline, it is not predetermined. The heights one attains depend on personal effort and fortune," the White Snake Sage declared, with an air of pride.
"The chakra cultivation of ninja is akin to mining for treasure. Even if a family possesses a mine, constant extraction over generations will deplete it eventually. At that point, ninja may pale in comparison to samurai!"
Orochimaru nodded in agreement, prompting the Sage to expound further. "Cultivating Senjutsu is dissimilar. One directly assimilates natural energy from the heavens and earth to nurture their true power. While this method may be slower than bloodline limit or chakra cultivation, it imposes fewer constraints."
"As practitioners grow in strength, their abilities will primarily tap into their own magical power. They can also harness ambient natural energy to enhance their mystical arts, determined by their spiritual will and aptitude."
"In death, their power reverts to natural energy, integrating with the world anew. This paves the way for future generations of practitioners, rendering them a form of eternal existence," the Sage elaborated, their words carrying an almost religious reverence.
Orochimaru could detect a sense of devotion emanating from the White Snake Sage. It was as though they were speaking of a higher purpose—a connection to the natural world itself.
"Ninjas who cultivate chakra may possess formidable might during their lifetimes, yet upon their demise, the chakra they accumulated through training dissipates into the air, contributing naught to the world."
Orochimaru's heart grew heavy. This concept mirrored reality, with the exception of the tailed beasts—the source of chakra—whose existence persisted. Solely chakra consciousness, as potent as those of Indra and Asura, lingered after death.
The Six Paths of the Sage were powerful, though not quite equivalent to the origin of chakra. Their chakra remnants diverged from the natural world, gradually waning over time. The subsequent generations could never hope to replicate their might.
"Practitioners of genuine Senjutsu follow a different path. They begin by directly ingesting natural energy from the heavens and earth, cultivating authentic power. Though the process may be gradual, it lacks the limitations of bloodline limits."
The White Snake Sage's voice grew more contemplative, shedding the earlier arrogance. "When wielded, their power is primarily drawn from their own technique, augmented by the ambient natural energy. This reliance extends to their spiritual will and innate talent."
"Upon death, their power returns to the natural energy cycle, reintegrated into the fabric of the world. Future generations may then tap into this wellspring, forging an enduring legacy."
Orochimaru's expression shifted as he heard these words. Something about this method felt strange, almost... familiar.
"It is superior to the mere infusion of natural energy temporarily to form the so-called Sage Mode—a fleeting combination. An imitation at best!" the White Snake Sage concluded, their satisfaction evident.
However, Orochimaru's reaction was quite different. With a furrowed brow, he muttered to himself, "Aren't these the principles you taught to humans?"
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