To shinobi from other nations, the Chunin Exam in the Land of the Gods was terrifying beyond belief. Many no longer even saw it as an exam. To them, it was a stage where the Uchiha nation flaunted its overwhelming might.
Of course, they couldn't possibly understand Kaede's true intentions.
The crowd of small-country spectators remained ignorant of the danger creeping ever closer.
Among them sat several Cloud shinobi in disguise. When they witnessed Naruto's new technique, they froze in place, legs trembling, fear written across their faces.
They had come prepared with two plans: first, to work with Danzo's faction to assassinate Kaede and destroy the Land of the Gods; second, if failure was certain, to remain hidden and retreat quietly.
Now, retreat was all they wanted. But abandoning the mission wasn't an option. They were shinobi—obedience to orders was their creed.
Their attention snapped back to the arena.
Naruto and Sasuke's battle raged on with terrifying ferocity.
And then, a scene unfolded that shook them to their core.
From Sasuke's sleeve, countless white serpents slithered out, coiling around Naruto's body. The next instant, a massive serpent sprouted from Sasuke's back, its jaws unhinging wide. In one swift, horrifying motion, it swallowed Naruto whole.
It was too fast—so fast that even the disguised Cloud jonin, seasoned veterans of war, couldn't follow it.
Even Orochimaru and Tsunade, standing by the field, froze in shock.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes, her voice sharp with anger as she glared at Sasuke. "That technique… it's yours, isn't it?"
Her gaze shifted to Orochimaru.
For the first time, the Sannin's face showed true shock. "This is… Sage Mode."
"What?" Tsunade's eyes widened. "Sasuke has mastered Sage Mode?"
The idea seemed impossible. After all, Kaede had set strict age limits for this Chunin Exam—no participant older than fifteen.
Even Sasori, whose body had become a puppet, had only been fifteen when he made the transformation.
And yet here was Sasuke, not only wielding the Mangekyo Sharingan but also displaying mastery of Sage Mode—specifically, the power of Ryuchi Cave.
The shinobi world knew of the three great sanctuaries: Mount Myoboku, Shikkotsu Forest, and Ryuchi Cave. Among them, Myoboku was considered the least dangerous, Shikkotsu formidable… but Ryuchi Cave, home to the White Snake Sage, was the most fearsome of all.
Gaining the White Snake Sage's recognition, and being granted its power, was nearly impossible. Only two had ever succeeded: Orochimaru and Kabuto.
Orochimaru himself had failed to complete the training, his frail body rejecting the power. Kabuto, however, had mastered it fully.
Orochimaru had come to the Land of the Gods because Kaede promised him immortality. That was his ultimate desire. He already knew Kabuto had betrayed him, and so he had stayed, watching, reporting Kabuto's movements to Kaede.
He thought he understood everything about Ryuchi Cave, about Kabuto, about the serpent's power.
But now, watching Sasuke display its strength…
His confidence faltered.
The impossible was standing before his eyes.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]