"Kid, put away your hostility."
"You know nothing about the Senjutsu of Ryūchi Cave."
"Normally, to practice the Senjutsu of Ryūchi Cave, one must transform their body into a snake by withstanding the power of Senjutsu that I impart."
"After all, the Senjutsu of Ryūchi Cave is the Senjutsu of snakes—it is not suited for humans."
"Only by becoming a snake can you endure the natural energy—the Power of the Sage."
The White Snake Sage slowly straightened up, her massive head moving closer to Kazuyama.
Kazuyama remained silent as he listened.
He already knew all of this, which was why he had been resistant to Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu.
He was handsome and dashing—why would he give up his appearance just for the Power of the Sage?
"But seeing you, I suddenly had a brand-new idea."
"Kekkei Genkai is a remarkable gift granted to you humans by the heavens."
"But yours is even more extraordinary. You can make your body completely transparent, erasing your presence entirely. Even my Senjutsu cannot detect you, and for that, I must acknowledge your talent."
"That is why I want you to learn the Senjutsu of Ryūchi Cave—not by accepting my power, but by harnessing your own abilities to forcibly gather natural energy."
"My theory is this: if you absorb natural energy while in a transparent state, it will manifest differently than it would in a snake's body."
"After all, your Transparent Escape Technique is capable of bypassing even my Senjutsu."
Kazuyama's eyes widened slightly in shock.
Absorb natural energy while maintaining the Transparent Escape Technique?
Just because I'm transparent, I can absorb natural energy? How is that even possible?
"Hmph, if you went to Mount Myōboku, this wouldn't work. Their Senjutsu is all about balance."
"But Ryūchi Cave is different. My Senjutsu thrives on extremes."
"Your Transparent Escape Technique doesn't just erase your presence—it alters your very physical makeup."
"It changes the structure of your body; otherwise, I would still be able to sense you, just as I can sense the power of a Tailed Beast."
"So, if you maintain the Transparent Escape Technique while absorbing natural energy, you might be able to harness it in a completely different way—achieving the body of a true Sage."
"What do you say, kid? Care to give it a try?"
The White Snake Sage's eyes gleamed with intrigue.
Kazuyama frowned slightly.
This was completely unexpected.
Senjutsu was a rare power—only a handful of people in the original story had mastered it.
Apart from those born with ridiculous natural advantages, most had to undergo a long and arduous process to integrate with natural energy.
And now, he was being presented with a completely new path?
"I don't get it. Just because I have the Transparent Escape Technique, you're going through all this trouble?"
Kazuyama still couldn't shake his unease.
After all, the White Snake Sage was a snake—and everyone knew snakes were the most cunning creatures.
"Heh heh heh… Kid, take out what's in your backpack."
"I can clearly smell that herb."
Kazuyama froze.
Herb?
Shit… How does she know?
Slowly, he reached into his backpack and pulled out a bundle wrapped in white gauze. As he unwrapped it, a single blade of grass was revealed before the White Snake Sage and the three Snake Princesses.
"My, my… What do we have here?"
"This scent… I feel like my entire body is ascending."
In an instant, the three Snake Princesses shed their human forms, revealing their true snake bodies.
And the cause of their sudden transformation—the single blade of grass before them.
"Heh heh… It really is the Seven-Leaves-One-Branch Flower."
"And not just any kind—one that's been soaked in snake venom."
"Tell me, kid… Where did you get this herb?"
Kazuyama hesitated. He had found it deep in the Forest of Death after a long search.
At the time, venomous snakes surrounded the area—but was he afraid? Of course not. With a single swipe of his Transparent Escape Technique, he had plucked the Seven-Leaves-One-Branch Flower right from under them.
And now… here he was, handing over a stolen treasure to the very creatures it belonged to.
This is awkward.
"No matter how you got it, hand over the herb."
"From now on, whenever you find this plant, you must bring it to Ryūchi Cave in exchange for the opportunity to learn Senjutsu."
"Of course, Ryūchi Cave isn't without generosity. Any snake here can become your contracted summoning beast."
With a slight tremor, the White Snake Sage released a pulse of natural energy. The Seven-Leaves-One-Branch Flower floated gently through the air before settling beside her massive body.
"The Seven-Leaves-One-Branch Flower… a snake's herb, perfectly suited for them. It carries both poison and energy, allowing them to grow rapidly."
"For those who practice Snake Senjutsu, it is an invaluable treasure."
"Kid, I'll grant you a flower and bestow my blessing upon you."
"Not a bad deal, is it?"
Kazuyama felt a bit of the tension ease from his chest.
Now that the White Snake Sage had an interest, there was room for negotiation.
He never believed in free lunches.
And this flower was no ordinary plant. If sold at a pharmacy, it could easily fetch tens of millions of ryō.
A Seven-Leaves-One-Branch Flower growing undisturbed was rare enough in a battlefield environment—let alone one soaked in venom. Its value was immeasurable.
"Alright, when do we start?"
"Heh heh, getting eager now, are we?"
The White Snake Sage chuckled.
"Tagorihime, Ichikishimahime, Tagitsuhime—he's in your care for now. Help him master natural energy and let him form contracts with whatever snakes he chooses."
"Unless it's urgent, do not disturb me."
The moment she finished speaking, a massive surge of energy erupted from her body.
In an instant, Kazuyama and the three Snake Princesses were transported deeper into Ryūchi Cave.
Now outside the Sage's domain, the Snake Princesses led Kazuyama into a vast cavern filled with ancient stone carvings. Stone tables and stone beds were scattered throughout the space.
"Kazuyama, this is where the three of us train in Senjutsu," Tagitsuhime explained.
"Since the White Snake Sage has granted you permission, you'll be training with us."
"We'll teach you how to absorb natural energy."
Her tone had noticeably softened—almost… flattering.
Kazuyama raised an eyebrow.
"Why don't you drop the act? That cold, aloof look suits you better."
The remark sent a shiver down his spine, and his discomfort was obvious.
Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime immediately burst into laughter.
However, Tagitsuhime's expression darkened instantly.
(100 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake