Ryuchi Cave was nearly impossible to find. It had never appeared on any map of the shinobi world, and its location shifted constantly. Only those who had been there once knew how to return.
But to train in Sage Mode there was another condition—passing the White Snake Sage's trials.
Trials that were inhuman, twisted, and merciless. Every step was a matter of life and death. Kabuto had endured them, but only through experiences so cruel and battles so far beyond the limits of his body that no ordinary shinobi could imagine surviving them.
And yet, Sasuke had walked the same path. He had passed through the layers of trials, and earned the White Snake Sage's recognition.
That was why the strange mark on his body wasn't a curse seal at all—it was the bite of the White Snake Sage itself, a mark that allowed the sage to continually supply him with natural energy, maintaining Sage Mode far longer than any other.
This was what set Ryuchi Cave apart from the other holy lands.
At Mount Myoboku, Sage Mode required constant concentration, communion with nature, and the delicate balance of stillness. Lose focus, allow emotions to stir, and the mode collapsed instantly. The longer one trained, the longer it could be maintained.
Naruto, without even beginning his Sage training, faced even more obstacles. He would not train alone, but alongside Kurama. Only through absolute trust and perfect cooperation could he reach a Sage Mode of endurance—Kurama continually gathering natural energy for him.
But that required a peace of mind that the Nine-Tails had never known. Betrayal, hatred, and centuries of resentment made such trust painfully difficult.
And so, here in this exam, Sasuke had already achieved what even the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails had not.
The truth was staggering.
That "curse mark" on Sasuke was no curse at all. It was the White Snake Sage's fang-marks. Proof that he had been acknowledged. Proof that he had survived trials that should have killed him.
What had Sasuke endured to stand here now?
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, greed flashing within them.
This body… these eyes… this was the vessel he desired. If he could take Sasuke's form for himself, if he could wield that power… then immortality would be his.
He did not speak his thoughts. But Tsunade knew. She saw the light in his eyes and recognized it instantly. Sasuke had been marked by Orochimaru's obsession.
And as the battle pressed on, Sasuke seemed to transform into someone else entirely. His speed became like lightning. His ninjutsu burned with terrifying force.
He soared through the air, striking again and again, raining down power against Naruto without hesitation.
The tide of battle had shifted.
(End of Chapter)
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