Emerging from the deepest recesses of the Ryūchi Cave, Kazuyama Gekkō had undergone a transformation. The three serpentine markings that once signified his status as the Snake Princess had vanished. By the time he returned to the Snake Princess's dwelling, the long-absent Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime had also returned. They stared at him with solemn expressions.
"Kazuyama, you..."
"Why did you break the Coiling Serpent Technique? Why abandon the Senjutsu of Ryūchi Cave?"
Tagorihime, usually composed, now seemed agitated. She stepped forward the moment she saw Kazuyama Gekkō and pressed him with questions.
Facing his longtime companions and the mentors who had guided him onto the path of Senjutsu, Kazuyama Gekkō gave a low chuckle.
"To pursue greater power."
"I will cultivate immortality arts on my own. Only then can I become stronger."
Hearing Kazuyama Gekkō's resolve to grow stronger, Tagorihime's heart suddenly calmed. Every individual who came to the Ryūchi Cave seeking an heir desired to attain greater power. For this, they had sought out the sacred Ryūchi Cave, determined to learn its Senjutsu. To ordinary people, the Senjutsu of the Three Great Sage Regions represented the pinnacle of power.
Yet, seeing Kazuyama Gekkō now and hearing his words, Tagorihime understood that the Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu was no longer the ultimate goal for him. He had a new pursuit, and that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. At least it aligned perfectly with the Ryūchi Cave's creed—only madmen obsessed with power would come here.
"In that case, don't blame me for what comes next."
"Hm? What do you mean by that?"
Kazuyama Gekkō was utterly baffled by Tagorihime's sudden shift in tone, completely unable to decipher her meaning.
Instead, Ichikishimahime, standing nearby, suddenly spoke up:
"Don't even think about it. If it's about Pakura, forming a contract with me would be far more suitable."
"Nonsense! I'm clearly the better choice!"
Kazuyama Gekkō: ....
What the hell??? He'd only just broken the Coiling Serpent Technique, severing his Ryūchi Cave Senjutsu journey, and these two were already eyeing his wife??? Are they kidding?
"Wait, what's going on with you two?"
"When did Pakura ever say she wanted to learn Senjutsu?"
Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime exchanged a knowing smile before addressing Kazuyama Gekkō in unison:
"He's wanted to for ages! You're always gone on missions for so long. While we've been guarding them, we've already told her all about the Ryūchi Cave."
"Pakura yearns for the power of the Ryūchi Cave too."
"Oh, right. Kazuyama, isn't the Ryūchi Cave contract scroll at your place?"
"I'll go find it shortly and have Pakura sign it. As for Senjutsu, though we still need the approval of the White Snake Sage, I think it should be fine."
"After all, Pakura's talent is exceptional."
Of course it is! A top-tier offensive Kekkei Genkai, coupled with the intensive training Kazuyama Gekkō has given her these past years—whether in chakra control or combat prowess. Across the entire Konohagakure, even ordinary Uchiha or Hyūga wouldn't stand a chance against her.
Seriously, who's ever seen someone unleash over a hundred fireballs at once? While simultaneously clutching a crimson Rasengan in their hand???
A year ago, Pakura had already mastered nature transformation, integrating it into her teleportation techniques and Rasengan. The Scorch Release significantly increased the number of fireballs, while her Rasengan was learned from Kazuyama Gekkō's Fire Release: Rasengan: Flame Cloud. She was solidly at the elite Jōnin level.
"It's not that I can't do it. Though I can't cultivate the Ryūchi Cave Senjutsu, both Pakura and my children can."
"Oh, right. Senko can't—I've already entrusted her to Tsunade. When the time comes, Senko will receive the Shikkotsu Forest's inheritance."
Kazuyama Gekkō had long since mapped out paths for his children. Michihito Gekkō, who favored sword techniques, would train under Hatake Sakumo. Combined with his Scorch Release Kekkei Genkai, he could become a sword master rivaling Konoha's White Fang. Senko Gekkō, empowered by two Kekkei Genkai, joining the Shikkotsu Forest—perfect!
Now Pakura had also caught the Snake Princess's eye. With this, his entire family's combat strength was unmatched!
"Pfft, a snot-nosed kid?"
"Still better than Mount Myōboku, though."
Among the Three Great Sage Regions, Ryūchi Cave and Mount Myōboku had the worst relations. As for Shikkotsu Forest, it wasn't entirely unacceptable. Kazuyama Gekkō chuckled. Shikkotsu Forest's Senjutsu were the most mysterious. While he himself couldn't learn them, he could send his children to study there.
"Alright, Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime, escort me back. Once back, I'll begin preparing to cultivate Senjutsu."
The two Snake Princesses nodded, then used reverse summoning to return Kazuyama Gekkō to Konoha. His first action upon returning was to rush straight to the Academy.
"Hey, Kazuyama, what's up? I'm still teaching."
"I need something. Have Sakumo-old geezer cover the class."
Without a moment's hesitation, Kazuyama Gekkō grabbed Pakura and took off, activating the Flying Thunder God Technique. In an instant, he returned home with his wife.
Under Pakura's bewildered gaze, Kazuyama Gekkō retrieved a scroll from his study.
"Pakura, come here. Sign this."
"What is this?" Pakura stared curiously at the unrolled scroll before him, where the words "Ryūchi Cave" stood out clearly.
"The Ryūchi Cave contract scroll. With this, you can establish a connection with the Ryūchi Cave. And you'll be able to summon its serpentine inhabitants. Most crucially, you'll gain the opportunity to train within the Ryūchi Cave. Both Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime believe you can become the Ryūchi Cave's successor. I agree."
As he spoke, Kazuyama Gekkō swiftly shed his outer garments. His body, previously coiled by three massive serpents, now returned to its original form.
"Kazuyama, what about the patterns on your body?"
"I am no longer the Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu successor. I've undone the Coiling Serpent Technique, severing the connection to the Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu."
Pakura was startled. She couldn't understand why Kazuyama Gekkō would do this. But soon, Kazuyama Gekkō explained the entire situation. Hearing he intended to explore his own path in Senjutsu, Pakura finally relaxed and smiled.
"In that case, I have no objections."
"The Ryūchi Cave contract? I wonder if I can manage it."
Without further hesitation, Pakura bit her index finger and wrote her name on the Ryūchi Cave contract. Seeing Pakura's name inscribed on the scroll, Kazuyama Gekkō smiled with satisfaction. He carefully stored the scroll away. The next moment, he grabbed Pakura's hand again and vanished from his home with a flash of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Efficiency above all.