Kitazawa had just accepted the system mission when a dense, faint rustling sound reached his ears.
It was the unmistakable sound of snakes slithering.
By the time he and Sasuke reacted, they were already surrounded by a vast, pitch-dark mass of serpents.
Kitazawa immediately activated his Byakugan. Very quickly, he discovered three figures peering at them from the shadows.
They were the Three Great Snake Priestesses.
The Three Great Snake Priestesses were high-ranking members of Ryūchi Cave, holding a status equivalent to the Great Toad Sage couple—Fukasaku and Shima—of Mount Myōboku.
Their responsibility was to test ninjas who attempted to enter Ryūchi Cave.
Only by passing their trials could one meet the White Snake Sage and obtain the qualification to learn Sage Mode.
Those who failed would be eaten. Eaten in the most literal sense—turned into food and swallowed whole into their stomachs.
Clearly, Kitazawa and Sasuke were being treated as ninjas who had intruded by mistake and sought to join Ryūchi Cave.
Although the three great Sage Regions were far removed from the Ninja World, they were not completely disconnected from it.
In the original timeline, Jiraiya had similarly stumbled into Mount Myōboku by accident.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!" Sasuke formed hand seals without hesitation.
A massive surge of Fire Release chakra condensed into a colossal fireball.
Like a meteor crashing into the sea, it slammed into the swarm of snakes, sending waves of flame rippling outward.
Many venomous snakes were instantly burned into charcoal, yet even more poured forward relentlessly.
Seeing this, Sasuke immediately drew the Sword of the Thunder God.
Dazzling lightning spread outward, forming a crackling barrier that halted most of the advancing snakes.
At that moment, the ground split apart. A gigantic python burst forth from beneath the earth.
Its massive jaws opened wide as it lunged toward Sasuke and Kitazawa, its enormous fangs glistening with a nauseating, foul stench.
"Chidori Katana!" Sasuke flicked his wrist.
Brilliant lightning wrapped around the blade of the Sword of the Thunder God.
He thrust straight into the python's mouth—the blade extending rapidly and piercing clean through its skull.
Boom! The giant python collapsed to the ground, completely motionless.
"You brat actually have some decent strength." A soft, amused laugh echoed through the cavern.
Three women clad in white garments resembling shrine-maiden robes appeared before them.
From appearances alone, they looked like one young girl and two young women. In truth, however, each of them had lived for hundreds—if not thousands—of years.
"I am Tagitsuhime." The red-haired woman gazed at Sasuke and spoke calmly. "Brat, you've passed the preliminary test."
"Are you talking about me?" Sasuke frowned slightly, clearly displeased with her tone.
"Of course. You're the youngest one here." Tagitsuhime paused briefly before continuing.
"Next, as long as you pass the trials of the three of us, you may join Ryūchi Cave."
"Don't fail now."
Ichikishimahime, who appeared as a young girl, stuck out a long, snake-like tongue and licked the corner of her mouth.
"With skin this tender and flesh this fresh, you'd surely taste quite good."
Sasuke instinctively tightened his grip on the Sword of the Thunder God. His first impression of Ryūchi Cave was far worse than Mount Myōboku or Shikkotsu Forest.
This place felt less like a Sage land—and more like something outright sinister.
"Sasuke, take this." Kitazawa casually drew a map in midair.
His precise, fluid strokes came from the Super Beast Imitating Drawing technique provided by the system.
"They're your targets." He pointed to five marked dots on the map.
These five represented the strongest snakes of Ryūchi Cave—two of which had appeared in the original timeline: Garaga and Manda.
Using his Byakugan earlier, Kitazawa had already confirmed that aside from the White Snake Sage and the Three Great Snake Priestesses, these five were the most powerful beings here.
"After you defeat them, come find me at the temple deep within Ryūchi Cave." Kitazawa gave his instructions calmly.
"Understood, Teacher Kitazawa." Sasuke nodded.
He folded the map, tucked it away, and headed toward one of the deep tunnels branching through Ryūchi Cave.
"It seems you don't actually intend to join Ryūchi Cave."
Hearing the exchange, the expressions of the Three Great Snake Priestesses darkened instantly.
"Kill them!" Ichikishimahime lunged toward Sasuke without hesitation.
At the same time, Tagitsuhime and Tagorihime rushed straight at Kitazawa.
"Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!" Kitazawa brought his palms together.
The earth trembled violently.
In the blink of an eye, towering trees burst forth, forming a vast forest that swallowed the area whole.
Ichikishimahime froze mid-motion. From every direction, countless vines and branches coiled toward her like living serpents.
Her heart jolted, and she hurriedly shot upward into the air.
"Sage Art: Transmutation!"
Tagorihime descended from above, pressing her palms downward.
A massive castle rose from the ground, blocking Kitazawa's path.
"Sage Art: Binding!"
Tagitsuhime accelerated, her body twisting with serpentine flexibility. As she closed in, she opened her mouth and bit toward Kitazawa.
Her Sage Art: Binding could immobilize the target and trap them within a powerful genjutsu.
But Kitazawa was faster.
"Chakra Enhanced Strength!" His fist smashed into Tagitsuhime's body.
A terrifying force erupted outward.
Her entire body shuddered violently as she was sent flying, blood spraying from her mouth as she tumbled through the air.
If not for her special physique and centuries of immersion in natural energy, that single blow would have shattered her completely.
"Tagitsuhime!" Tagorihime's expression changed drastically.
In both speed and power, Kitazawa's strike was beyond anything she had ever witnessed. No ninja in her memory could compare to him.
She instantly realized—this man was far from ordinary.
"Go inform the White Snake Sage!" Tagorihime shouted without hesitation.
At her command, the surrounding snake swarm scattered in all directions.
Ichikishimahime abandoned her pursuit of Sasuke and retreated to Tagorihime's side.
"Sage Art: Invisibility!"
The two exchanged a glance. In the next instant, they vanished completely.
Kitazawa frowned as his Byakugan failed to detect any trace of them.
Without hesitation, he entered Sage Mode. A moment later, Ichikishimahime and Tagorihime reappeared clearly within his perception.
"Shikkotsu Forest's Sage Mode?" Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime's pupils contracted simultaneously.
What followed immediately was fury.
In their eyes, this was an unmistakable provocation—an open declaration of hostility from Shikkotsu Forest.
Without hesitation, the two opened their mouths and lunged toward Kitazawa from opposite sides.
Kitazawa remained perfectly still. The instant they closed in, he raised both hands.
Sage Art: Lightning Release — Double Chidori!
Blinding lightning erupted from his palms, forming twin blades of crackling chakra that pierced straight into the bodies of Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime.
Their Sage Art: Invisibility was shattered instantly.
The two froze midair, staring at Kitazawa in disbelief.
"H–how… how did you find us?" As Tagorihime spoke, blood seeped from the corner of her mouth.
Kitazawa was just about to answer when his gaze sharpened abruptly. A stream of pitch-black liquid surged toward him.
Without hesitation, he exerted force through both arms, hurling Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime away.
Just as they were about to collide with the black liquid, an elderly woman appeared out of nowhere, catching them both and landing steadily on the ground.
"White Snake Sage." Kitazawa looked at the old woman and spoke calmly.
"You are a contractor of Shikkotsu Forest," the White Snake Sage said coldly as she set Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime down. "Why are you causing such a disturbance in our Ryūchi Cave?"
"This matter has nothing to do with Shikkotsu Forest." Kitazawa shook his head lightly. "I represent Konoha Village."
"Konoha Village…" The White Snake Sage narrowed her eyes, deep in thought. "It seems Orochimaru brought you here."
"Konoha Village hopes to cooperate with Ryūchi Cave," Kitazawa stated plainly, "to establish a summoning beast unit."
"As a contractor of Shikkotsu Forest, you should understand the principles upheld by the Three Great Sage Regions."
The White Snake Sage's voice dropped. "This is absolutely impossible."
As one of the Three Great Sacred Lands, Ryūchi Cave had always stood above the various hidden villages.
Although they were summoning beasts, more often than not, it was they who commanded ninjas—not the other way around.
Moreover, judging from Kitazawa's intentions, Ryūchi Cave would gain a large number of ninja contractors in a single stroke.
In the White Snake Sage's eyes, this was a complete reversal of roles. Ryūchi Cave would lose its dignity and authority.
"I heard that the White Snake Sage once met the Six Paths Sage." Kitazawa suddenly changed the topic.
"I have indeed met him." The White Snake Sage admitted this without hesitation.
In the original era, it was the Great Toad Sage who guided the Six Paths Sage and led him to oppose Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
But in truth, the White Snake Sage and the Slug Sage had also been involved.
After all, when Ōtsutsuki Kaguya descended as an external calamity, the entire Ninja World—including the Three Great Sage Lands—had been threatened.
"I've always looked forward to the era of the Six Paths Sage." Kitazawa raised his hand calmly.
"Please enlighten me."
"You're courting death!" The Three Great Snake Priestesses immediately shouted in unison.
In all their centuries of existence, this was the first time they had ever seen a ninja dare to challenge the White Snake Sage directly.
"So if negotiations fail, you intend to use force?" The White Snake Sage instantly understood Kitazawa's intention.
"It's just a spar," Kitazawa replied casually.
"Then I shall grant your wish!" The White Snake Sage already had a fierce temperament—and now, she was thoroughly enraged.
Boom! A colossal white serpent emerged.
The White Snake Sage opened her mouth, and an invisible wave of thought surged outward.
Ice Release: Ice Rock Dome of Magnificent Nothingness! Kitazawa rapidly formed hand seals.
Crack—!
Countless fractures spread across the massive ice wall.
Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall! Kitazawa reacted instantly.
The moment the ice shattered, a towering wooden wall rose in its place. Though the wall trembled violently, it successfully blocked the Thought Wave.
Kitazawa now had a clear estimate of the White Snake Sage's strength.
Without question, she was Kage-level—and a standout even among Kage-level experts.
That was only natural.
After all, she had lived for over a thousand years, accumulating an immense reservoir of senjutsu chakra, and naturally possessed Sage Mode.
A foul stench filled the air.
The White Snake Sage spat out another stream of pitch-black liquid. The moment it landed on the wooden wall, it began corroding it instantly.
Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique!
As the liquid surged toward him, Kitazawa formed hand seals again.
A massive Wood Dragon burst forth, blocking his path.
The black liquid splashed onto its body, corroding it, but the Wood Dragon's powerful regenerative ability halted the spread.
The White Snake Sage's gaze shifted.
This was becoming troublesome. Before she could think further, the Wood Dragon had already crashed toward her.
She met it head-on.
Boom!
Dragon and serpent collided violently.
A terrifying shockwave erupted, cracking the ground and sending dust flying in all directions.
In the next instant, the Wood Dragon's tail lashed out, wrapping tightly around the White Snake Sage.
"He's overestimating himself!" The Three Great Snake Priestesses sneered instinctively.
Constriction was an innate killing technique etched into a snake's very instincts.
In their eyes, attempting such a method against the White Snake Sage was like flaunting craftsmanship before an expert.
But then, the White Snake Sage suddenly let out a cry of pain.
"How is that possible?!" The Three Great Snake Priestesses went pale in shock.
Sage Art: Inorganic Rebirth! The White Snake Sage roared.
The earth itself came alive, pressing down on the Wood Dragon from every direction.
Cracks formed in its constricting coils. Seizing the moment, the White Snake Sage shrank her body and slipped free through the gaps.
She spun around instantly and sank her fangs into the Wood Dragon.
Venom poured forth, rapidly corroding its body.
Although the Wood Dragon possessed formidable regenerative power, under the White Snake Sage's full-force assault—and with the terrain itself moving as a living entity—it was temporarily immobilized.
"As expected of the White Snake Sage." Kitazawa clapped his hands lightly, offering genuine praise.
The White Snake Sage—and the Three Great Snake Priestesses—felt a deep sense of unease rise in their hearts.
If a single Wood Dragon was already this troublesome, what would happen if another appeared?
Or worse—what if Kitazawa possessed Ninjutsu even more terrifying than Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique?
Sage Art: Myōjinmon (Gate of the Great God)!
Kitazawa did not hesitate in the slightest, forming hand seals at once.
A massive red torii gate descended from the sky.
Grinding her teeth, the White Snake Sage had no choice but to release the Wood Dragon and attempt to dodge.
But in the very next instant, more torii gates materialized out of thin air, sealing off every direction around her.
Unable to evade in time, her massive tail was slammed to the ground by one of the torii gates.
She struggled instinctively, but it was completely futile.
Sage Art: White Rage Technique! The White Snake Sage opened her mouth and spat out a blinding red light.
Wood Release: Hōbi Technique! Kitazawa reacted instantly.
A wooden shield shaped like a demonic, fanged face enveloped his entire body.
Light and sound vanished completely—his vision and hearing were entirely unaffected.
Even the violent air vibrations produced by the technique were blocked by the Wood Release: Hōbi Technique.
At the same time, Kitazawa's Byakugan locked onto the White Snake Sage as he commanded the Wood Dragon to leap forward and pin her down.
The moment her body was restrained, the torii gates crashed down together, sealing her completely against the ground.
Kitazawa casually dispelled the Wood Release: Hōbi Technique.
The White Snake Sage's miserable state came into view.
Her enormous body was suppressed beneath layers of crimson torii gates, unable to move even slightly.
The Three Great Snake Priestesses were about to rush forward—but the instant Kitazawa glanced at them, their bodies stiffened.
They froze in place, trembling.
They were not humans, but snakes that had taken human form—and they understood the law of the jungle better than anyone.
Now that Kitazawa's strength vastly surpassed theirs, arrogance no longer had a place.
"White Snake Sage." Kitazawa walked up to her calmly and asked, "Can we discuss cooperation now?"
"I truly never expected another powerhouse like you to appear in the Ninja World." After a brief silence, the White Snake Sage spoke.
"How do you intend to cooperate?"
Refusal meant death. Having lived for over a thousand years, she had no intention of dying here.
Besides, even if she refused, Kitazawa would still force the matter through with strength alone.
The other snakes of Ryūchi Cave were no different; none of them possessed the resolve to die.
"It's very simple," Kitazawa said casually. "Ryūchi Cave and Konoha Village will form a ninja unit composed of Ryūchi Cave contractors."
"I agree." The White Snake Sage nodded slowly.
"Pleasure doing business with you." As he spoke, Kitazawa released Sage Art: Myōjinmon and Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique.
The White Snake Sage reverted to her elderly human form.
She immediately produced a contract scroll and handed it to Kitazawa.
"Have them sign their names here," she explained. "When the time comes, we will answer their summons and fight on their behalf."
"Thank you." Kitazawa accepted the scroll and put it away.
As for who would become contractors, he would discuss that with Tsunade after returning.
After all, these were Ryūchi Cave's summoning beasts—he couldn't assign them casually.
Additionally, he could also allow them all to attempt learning Sage Mode. Even if the probability of success was low, what if someone succeeded?
There was nothing to lose by trying.
"Take me to your temple," Kitazawa instructed.
The White Snake Sage immediately led the way. The Three Great Snake Priestesses followed behind.
Despite their severe injuries, they were ancient monsters who had lived for centuries—they wouldn't die so easily.
Soon, Kitazawa arrived at the temple where the White Snake Sage usually resided. There was nothing particularly special about it.
He glanced once, then ignored it entirely.
Kitazawa remained standing in place, waiting for Sasuke to return.
A moment later, three lines of text appeared before his eyes.
[Current Mission: Conquer Ryūchi Cave.]
[Mission Reward: Ryūchi Cave Sage Arts.]
[Host has completed the mission. Reward issued.]
An immense surge of information flooded into Kitazawa's mind.
After fully digesting and absorbing it, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
In addition to the Sage Arts used by Yakushi Kabuto, he had also obtained the techniques used by the White Snake Sage and the Three Great Snake Priestesses.
Sage Art: Inorganic Rebirth and Sage Art: White Rage Technique went without saying.
But among all the Sage Arts from Ryūchi Cave, the one Kitazawa valued the most was Sage Art: Invisibility.
Its effect was exactly as its name suggested—rendering the user completely undetectable.
Earlier, Kitazawa had only been able to see through it by combining Sage Mode with his Byakugan.
In the entire Ninja World, the only one who might be capable of perceiving Sage Art: Invisibility was likely Nagato with the Rinnegan.
At most, one could also count the Uzumaki Clan's Mind Eye of Kagura, or Kurama's ability to sense good and evil intent.
A deep rumbling echoed through the cave. Kitazawa raised his head and saw a massive red snake slithering toward the temple.
Standing proudly atop its head was Sasuke.
"This brat actually defeated Garaga?" The Three Great Snake Priestesses stared at one another in shock.
Were children in the Ninja World all this terrifying nowadays?
"Kitazawa-sensei." Sasuke leapt down from Garaga's head and said calmly, "I beat them all."
Kitazawa nodded, showing no particular surprise.
If Sasuke could not defeat Garaga or Manda even after awakening the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, then he would truly be a disgrace to the Uchiha Clan.
In the words of his previous life, he might as well have killed himself.
"White Snake Sage, forgive the intrusion. We will be returning to Konoha Village now."
Kitazawa looked at the White Snake Sage and said calmly, "Once the Summoning Beast unit is formally established, I will come back to inform you."
After finishing his words, he left Ryūchi Cave together with Sasuke.
"Space–Time Ninjutsu…?" The White Snake Sage narrowed her eyes as she watched the two figures vanish into thin air.
During the battle just now, Kitazawa had not used this Space–Time Ninjutsu at all.
In other words, he had still been holding back.
---
Konoha Village — Ninja Academy.
Kitazawa and Sasuke appeared directly on the training grounds.
"Sasuke, rest well today. Tomorrow, you're coming with me to Takigakure." Kitazawa spoke in a calm tone.
"Takigakure?" Sasuke was momentarily stunned.
He only vaguely remembered it as a small ninja village.
"Takigakure has sent a request for assistance, asking us to protect the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki."
Kitazawa explained, "There's a high probability we'll encounter the Akatsuki Organization there."
Sasuke's eyes immediately lit up. The opportunity he had been waiting for had finally arrived.
Last time, it was Uzumaki Naruto's turn. This time, it was finally his.
"Understood, Kitazawa-sensei!" Sasuke replied with a surging fighting spirit.
He was determined to perform even better than Uzumaki Naruto—and obtain a title even more imposing than his.
Kitazawa smiled faintly and said nothing further.
He activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and appeared directly outside the Hokage Office.
After receiving permission, he walked inside.
"Members of the Akatsuki Organization have already gone to Takigakure?" Tsunade looked at him and asked, guessing.
"Not yet." Kitazawa shook his head.
"I came today to discuss something else."
"What is it?" Tsunade put down the documents in her hand and asked with interest.
"Since Konoha Village is producing so many outstanding talents, I want to establish a New Konoha's Three Sannin." Kitazawa walked over and spoke seriously.
"Is there really a need for a New Konoha's Three Sannin?" Tsunade couldn't help but smile. "Can Konoha Village even find two other geniuses on your level?"
"I'm not talking about my generation." Kitazawa realized she had misunderstood and clarified.
"Students from the Genius Class?"
Tsunade was briefly stunned, then propped her chin on one hand and asked, "Which three students do you plan to choose?"
"Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata," Kitazawa replied without hesitation.
"Not choosing a Medical Ninja?" Tsunade asked in surprise.
"With their strength, they don't need one." Kitazawa paused, then added, "And if they truly do need one, Hinata can learn Medical Ninjutsu."
In the original timeline, Hinata had indeed learned Medical Ninjutsu and even mastered the Mystical Palm Technique.
"You're their teacher. The decision is yours." Tsunade waved her hand indifferently.
"Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata have already become contractors of the three great summoning beast sacred lands." Kitazawa got straight to the point.
"I just returned from Ryūchi Cave with Sasuke."
"Sasuke passed the trial of Ryūchi Cave?" As one of Konoha's Sannin, Tsunade naturally understood how harsh Ryūchi Cave was.
"He passed. And I also reached a cooperation agreement with the White Snake Sage." Kitazawa cleared his throat.
"Konoha Village can now establish a Summoning Beast unit." As he finished speaking, he took out the contract scroll from Ryūchi Cave.
"…?" A look of astonishment appeared on Tsunade's face.
Wasn't the White Snake Sage notoriously difficult to deal with? How could she possibly agree to cooperate with Konoha Village?
"You defeated the White Snake Sage?" Tsunade reacted instantly, understanding what this so-called cooperation really meant.
"As expected of Tsunade-sensei—you saw through it immediately." Kitazawa nodded in praise.
"Your way of doing things is becoming more and more like the Hidden Cloud Village." Tsunade took the contract scroll and teased him lightly.
"As long as it benefits Konoha Village."
Kitazawa paused, then said, "For example, once this Summoning Beast unit is established, it will significantly strengthen Konoha Village."
"I'm not criticizing you." Tsunade smiled.
"Konoha Village has existed for so long—it really can afford a change in style. Starting with you, the future Sixth Hokage."
"Who do you plan to put in charge of the Summoning Beast unit?" Kitazawa looked at her and asked.
"The most suitable candidate would be Orochimaru, but he probably wouldn't be willing." Tsunade thought for a moment before continuing. "Then Yakushi Kabuto."
Kitazawa couldn't help but feel a trace of surprise. But after thinking it through, it was indeed a very reasonable choice.
Kabuto was one of the few ninjas capable of learning Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode, and both his strength and age were perfectly suited for the role.