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"Buzz!"
A ripple spread across the air and two beams of light enveloped Jiang Chen and Jiang Xi, and in an instant, their figures vanished.
'Ninja World.'
Konoha Year 54.
Time and space abruptly froze. In the next moment, two figures materialized out of thin air and as soon as they appeared, golden characters flickered in the air.
"Login completed!"
"Third login sequence initiated."
"Countdown: 3,650 days."
"S-level login permission activated."
"Login duration: 3,650 days."
The golden characters shimmered as a mechanical voice echoed through the air.
Then, the frozen space-time shattered, and everything returned to normal. The chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the scent of earth gradually filled their senses.
The two found themselves in the depths of a vast, primeval forest.
Towering ancient trees surrounded them, their thick canopies filtering the morning sunlight, casting dappled patches of light on the forest floor.
"Hokage..." Jiang Chen murmured under his breath, his gaze shifting to the side.
"Brother!" Jiang Xi called out excitedly.
"Let's go." Jiang Chen turned to her.
"You should be heading to Orochimaru's base right about now, correct?"
"Yes, Brother!"
"Follow me!"
Without hesitation, Jiang Xi led the way.
With her current status and connections, gaining access to Orochimaru's base posed no issue. They navigated through the underground passageways without obstruction, heading straight for the deepest part of the facility.
But as soon as they stepped into the depths of the base—
Rustle, Rustle.
From the surrounding shadows, countless white snakes slithered forth, rapidly encircling them.
A chilling voice echoed from the darkness.
"Xi, bringing a stranger here unannounced... that's not a habit I approve of." Orochimaru's sinister voice sent a shiver through the air as he slowly emerged from the cavern's depths.
His appearance had undergone a drastic transformation. Once a serpent-like man, his features now bore an uncanny resemblance to the legendary Ōtsutsuki clan.
"Orochimaru." Jiang Chen's gaze remained calm as he spoke. "It seems you've gained quite a bit of power. But I'd advise against trying any tricks with me."
He took a single step forward—
And in that instant—
"Boom!"
A terrifying force erupted from his body.
The entire chamber trembled as an invisible shockwave blasted outward.
The writhing white snakes were instantly obliterated. Even the surrounding experimental equipment— flasks, scrolls, and monitors— shattered under the sheer force.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
A series of explosions followed.
Orochimaru's expression darkened. Instinctively, he stepped back, his gaze locked onto Jiang Chen.
"What... an unbelievable physique!"
The overwhelming pressure sent a shudder through his body. His pupils dilated— as fear and excitement mingling in his golden eyes. Slowly, his tongue flicked out to wet his lips.
"Tch.
"Enough with that disgusting expression."
Jiang Chen's voice was cold.
"Unless you want to find yourself in need of a new body... again."
Orochimaru's lips curled into a smirk, but his gaze sharpened.
"Oh? It seems you know quite a bit. Then, might I ask... what brings you here?"
Though his tone remained light, a deep curiosity burned beneath his words.
For all his decades roaming the Ninja World, Orochimaru had never once encountered someone like Jiang Chen.
Before Jiang Chen could answer, Jiang Xi stepped forward with a bright smile.
"Orochimaru Sama, my brother came personally to oversee my Sage Mode training. Please use the Reverse Summoning now!"
Orochimaru raised a brow when he heard this.
"Brother?" His eyes flickered toward Jiang Chen, lingering for a moment.
"Are you also from the Hyūga Clan?"
His suspicion deepened. He carefully examined Jiang Chen's face, but—
He found nothing.
There was no trace of the Byakugan.
Jiang Chen's eyes held none of the defining traits of a Hyūga.
Still, Jiang Xi urged him again.
"Orochimaru Sama, please hurry!"
Orochimaru let out a low chuckle.
"Xi, you're still as impatient as ever."
Then, he tilted his head slightly, speaking in a leisurely tone.
"However, the Reverse Summoning can only transport those who have a contract with Ryūchi Cave. Your brother... I'm afraid I can't do anything about him."
A sly smirk played on his lips as he gave Jiang Chen another assessing glance.
Jiang Chen, however, remained unfazed as he spoke in an unwavering voice. "That's none of your concern."
"Just send Xi to Ryūchi Cave."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.
Then—
A slow, amused smile spread across his face.
"Oh? Of course."
"That is not a problem at all."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow but gave a nod.
Without delay, his hands moved in a blur, forming a sequence of hand seals.
Boar - Dog -
The seals were completed in an instant, and his right hand pressed firmly against the ground.
Dark markings spread outward like ink on water, enveloping both him and Jiang Xi.
"Whoosh!"
Their figures vanished.
Jiang Chen immediately sensed it— Jiang Xi and Orochimaru's auras had appeared at a distant location, far beyond the ordinary reaches of perception.
Without hesitation, he raised his hand, placing his index and middle fingers against his forehead.
"Whoosh!"
In an instant, his figure blurred and disappeared.
…
Ryūchi Cave.
The air was damp and heavy, carrying the scent of ancient decay. The cave's vast, shadowed expanse stretched endlessly into darkness.
Two figures appeared within its depths.
Jiang Xi glanced around, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"So this is Ryūchi Cave?"
She couldn't help but marvel at the eerie surroundings.
Orochimaru smirked.
"Indeed."
He folded his arms, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
"Xi, this place exists outside the Ninja World. It won't be easy for your brother to track us here. Not everyone is as foolish as Jiraiya, after all."
His smug remark had barely left his lips when—
The air around them rippled unnaturally and in the next moment, Jiang Chen's figure materialized before them.
Orochimaru's pupils shrank violently upon seeing this scene.
"Space-Time Ninjutsu?!" His heart pounded in his chest.
"Brother!" Jiang Xi beamed as she called out, delighted by his swift arrival.
Orochimaru quickly composed himself, though an amused chuckle escaped his lips.
"Impressive. You've mastered Space-Time Ninjutsu."
His tone was casual, but deep down, he was anything but calm. Jiang Chen, however, paid him no mind. His gaze shifted into the distance.
From the far end of the cave, three figures emerged. Their presence was strong— each of them radiating formidable power, with combat abilities ranging between 80 and 90 in his perception.
Their eyes locked onto Orochimaru, their expressions darkening.
"Orochimaru, you again?"
Their displeasure was eviden as they spoket. They were no strangers to him.
Orochimaru merely chuckled.
"Three Divine Maidens, this time, it's not about me."
He gestured toward Jiang Xi as he continued to speak.
"My disciple wishes to master Sage Mode."
Tenshi, the leader of the three, regarded Jiang Xi with an unyielding stare.
"Learning Sage Mode requires passing a trial." Her tone was sharp, carrying a veiled warning.
Jiang Xi was about to respond—
But before she could, Jiang Chen stepped forward and his voice rang through the cavern.
(To Be Continued…)