Anyone who obstructs Konoha's progress is an enemy.
Unlike mastering Sage Mode from Mount Myōboku, Naruto didn't recklessly activate Kurama Chakra Mode.
One reason was that Ryūchi Cave's unstable terrain could trigger cave-ins, and the other was his caution in front of the White Snake Sage. Though both sought to stop the Ten-Tails, he remained vigilant.
After conversing with Kurama, Naruto stood and asked Tian Xin Shen Ji, "Are there any Senjutsu or secret techniques here that match my abilities?"
Tian Xin Shen Ji nodded. "Of course, but I lack the authority to teach them. I must seek permission from the White Snake Sage, and these techniques may be useless to Lord Menma."
"Learning more techniques could be useful later."
Tian Xin Shen Ji responded cryptically, "Menma said the same, but if you master Senjutsu in a month, learning other techniques will be effortless."
"A month has passed?" Naruto frowned.
Tian Xin Shen Ji replied, "Time flows differently in Ryūchi Cave, and with no sun, it's natural to lose track."
Understanding this, Naruto left the altar for Ryūchi Cave's temple.
Inside, the White Snake Sage sat cross-legged, puffing smoke from its massive pipe.
Upon seeing Naruto, it nodded approvingly. "As expected of the Toad Sage's chosen one, mastering Senjutsu so swiftly. You'll likely perfect it in six months."
"Thank you for providing the training ground and methods."
After expressing gratitude, Naruto smiled. "White Snake Sage, I hear Ryūchi Cave holds unique secret techniques. May I learn them?"
The White Snake Sage observed him. "Menma, you are quite greedy. These techniques mean little to me, but I have a condition."
"What condition? Do you want another immortal in Ryūchi Cave?"
The White Snake Sage smirked. "Since mastering our Senjutsu, you are already part of Ryūchi Cave. I want you to form a summoning contract with Rui Jinji so she may observe the ninja world."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Your body is fused with the land. Do you need subordinates to scout for you? Surely, you already know the ninja world well."
The White Snake Sage exhaled a cloud of smoke and said:
"Perception differs from seeing with one's own eyes. The world changes rapidly."
"Decades ago, shinobi battles were clan conflicts with mere dozens of casualties. Look at the scale of war now."
"And isn't the work of you and the Rinnegan shaping the world anew?"
Naruto wondered if this sage, like the Great Toad Sage, had prophetic abilities. Given the three great summoning realms' ancient lineage, it wasn't far-fetched.
If the God Tree hadn't threatened them, perhaps the Great Toad Sage wouldn't have interfered.
Agreeing to the White Snake Sage's terms, Naruto acquired Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu techniques—alongside Rui Jinji as his summon.
According to her, she became his partner after losing a bet. But Naruto suspected this was just a convenient excuse, orchestrated by the White Snake Sage.
Returning to the altar, Naruto unfurled Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu scroll.
It contained numerous techniques harnessing natural energy, most of which enhanced ninjutsu—aligning with Ryūchi Cave's reputation for ninjutsu mastery.
One technique caught his eye: Sage Art: Inorganic Reincarnation.
This ability animated inorganic matter, making it attack opponents—a vastly upgraded Earth Release technique.
Yet, for Kage-level shinobi, its offensive power was limited.
What intrigued Naruto was its plasticity—if he could manipulate inorganic structures freely, it could surpass Wood Release in infrastructure, becoming an ultimate construction tool.
…
Meanwhile, Jiraiya was on a mission at the Fire Country's border.
Disillusioned with the Third Hokage, he distanced himself from the village—not to flee, but to gather allies for change.
Despite his status as a Sannin, Jiraiya lacked political influence; his loyal followers held no key positions and couldn't oppose Hiruzen and Danzō's faction.
For this, he sought Tsunade Senju—the granddaughter of the First Hokage and the architect of Konoha's medical system. With her, he could challenge the Third Hokage's rule.
Sighing, Jiraiya effortlessly neutralized an enemy spy team and turned toward town.
Tsunade never concealed her whereabouts, making her easy to find. But how would he face her?
More than that—how could he admit he needed her help?
He was Jiraiya, the gallant hero of Konoha. Seeking Tsunade's aid felt humiliating.
Especially since he wanted her support against their former master…
Gripping the enemy leader's collar, Jiraiya extracted intel through genjutsu, then buried the spies.
The report was nothing new—Iwagakure sought to stir conflicts between Konoha and smaller villages to weaken its defenses.
Jiraiya had seen this tactic countless times.
Shaking off distractions, he headed for town.
So what if it was embarrassing? He had faced Tsunade's rejection for years. One more time wouldn't hurt.
But if she agreed, they could depose the Third Hokage and reform Konoha.
Even if branded a traitor, he would eliminate anyone hindering Konoha's future—enemy or Hokage alike.
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