Chapter 156: Arrogance Unleashed

Naruto followed the Slug Sage to the Shikkotsu Forest to seek enlightenment.

Almost at the same time, Sasuke tore through the trials of Ryūchi Cave with overwhelming force, like a storm sweeping through dry leaves.

This was no surprise. The trials were the same as always, and with Kabuto Yakushi passing down his experience, combined with Sasuke's own strength, everything proceeded smoothly.

Sasuke, brimming with confidence, smirked. "Hmph, so this is all Ryūchi Cave's trial amounts to?"

However, as they neared the temple of the White Snake Sage, Kabuto warned him, "Sasuke-kun, passing the trial is one thing, but when facing the White Snake Sage, you must mind your attitude. Do not, under any circumstances, offend her!"

Sasuke cast a sidelong glance at Kabuto. "Oh? Kabuto, weren't you the one who never showed respect to anyone but Orochimaru? Why are you acting so servile in front of this White Snake Sage?"

Kabuto responded seriously, "It's true that I hold myself in high regard, but that doesn't mean I disregard everyone. The masters of the Three Great Sage Lands are transcendent beings, ancient elders who have lived for what seems like eternity. Their power is far beyond what ordinary shinobi could ever hope to achieve.

"They are witnesses to and participants in history itself. Even the Sage of Six Paths, the founder of ninjutsu, is merely their peer. Such beings deserve respect. Offend them, and your life could be snuffed out in an instant."

"I get it," Sasuke replied nonchalantly, though inwardly, he dismissed Kabuto's warnings. If they're really that powerful, why are they so obscure? Before meeting Kabuto, I had never even heard of this so-called White Snake Sage.

Buzz!

The grand doors of Ryūchi Cave's temple opened.

As they stepped into the inner sanctum, Sasuke laid eyes on the legendary White Snake Sage.

Looking at the massive figure coiled upon the throne, Sasuke's shock was evident. So it really is a monstrous snake. Compared to her, Orochimaru's snake form is child's play. Does this mean the White Snake Sage is like a stronger version of Orochimaru?

The White Snake Sage, puffing on her pipe, fixed her vertical pupils on the group below. "Well, well, if it isn't Kabuto Yakushi."

Kabuto knelt on one knee, presenting a scroll with both hands in a respectful manner. "Sage, this junior humbly visits you today, bearing a token of goodwill in hopes of pleasing you."

The White Snake Sage asked, "And what might this be?"

Kabuto replied, "Two hundred human hearts. I believe they may be of use to you in refining your elixirs."

The White Snake Sage chuckled. "Heh, you sly little thing. Of late, there's been a noticeable decline in those foolish enough to attempt the trials. I was running low on spare hearts. This will certainly ease my troubles."

A maid stepped forward to accept the scroll.

The White Snake Sage exhaled a puff of smoke. "You're here to further refine your senjutsu, aren't you? Kabuto, it's not that I'm brushing you off, but your body has already reached its limit in terms of strength."

Kabuto responded politely, "I am aware of my limitations. This time, it's not me who seeks to learn senjutsu, but rather this young man beside me—Uchiha Sasuke. He has successfully passed Ryūchi Cave's trial!"

"Oh?" The White Snake Sage turned her gaze to Sasuke. "Those eyes... Uchiha. No wonder passing the trial wasn't difficult for you."

Kabuto urged, "Sasuke, hurry and pay your respects to the White Snake Sage!"

Sasuke, expressionless, clenched his fists and remained motionless.

Beside him, Kabuto grew anxious. "Sasuke!"

Sasuke refused to bow and instead asserted, "White Snake Sage, pass your sage power to me. I've completed the trial!"

The White Snake Sage's vertical pupils narrowed. "Young one, I do not appreciate your attitude."

Sasuke reiterated, "I passed the trial. I deserve the corresponding reward!"

The White Snake Sage exhaled another puff of smoke. "Passing the trial merely proves that you are qualified to receive Ryūchi Cave's sage power. Whether or not I teach you depends on my judgment. Normally, I wouldn't make things difficult—kneel and bow, and we'll call it even. For Kabuto's sake, I'll overlook your earlier insolence. Just kneel and bow, and it's done."

Snap!!

Sasuke clenched his fists tightly. "Don't push your luck! I've never bowed to anyone in my life!!!"

The White Snake Sage replied indifferently, "Then start learning humility now."

"White Snake Sage, don't go too far!!!"

Sizzle! Unable to bear it any longer, Sasuke's Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan activated.

Kabuto's face turned pale. "Sasuke!! Don't do this!!!"

"Enough! I've had it with her condescending attitude! If she won't give me the sage power, I'll take it myself!!"

Sizzle! Sasuke focused his left eye on the White Snake Sage's massive form.

Amaterasu!!

Whoosh!!

Black flames ignited on the White Snake Sage's body.

Sasuke, clutching his trembling eye, smirked. "This is Amaterasu, an eternal flame that will never extinguish. Even if you're a thousand-year-old snake monster, you'll die if this keeps burning. Pass your sage power to me, and I'll extinguish the flames. How about it?"

Kabuto let out a long sigh.

The White Snake Sage squinted her ancient eyes. "I've lived long enough to see all manner of monsters and demons. Today, you've truly broadened my horizons."

Clatter!

The White Snake Sage's body shook, and her snake scales shed, taking the black flames with them.

"What!?" Sasuke's expression changed drastically.

"Now then, young one, have you considered the consequences of your actions?"

Sizzle!

The White Snake Sage's vertical pupils widened, and a white storm surged through the temple!

Sasuke's face twisted in fear. This oppressive force... This killing intent is almost tangible! I can't move under this pressure. The last time I felt this was during the Chūnin Exams, facing Orochimaru. But now, I've surpassed Orochimaru, and yet, in front of her, I feel powerless once again!!!

Move... MOVE!!!

Just as he had done back then, Sasuke shakily grabbed a kunai and stabbed it into his own thigh.

Slash!

As blood spurted out, the intense pain jolted his stiff limbs back into motion.

Whoosh!!

Dark purple Susano'o chakra ignited around him.

Swoosh! A massive arrow formed and shot toward the White Snake Sage.

The White Snake Sage inhaled deeply and exhaled a cloud of smoke, forming a barrier that blocked the arrow.

"The Heavenly Bow of Indra... I see. No wonder it felt familiar. You are the reincarnation of Indra."

The White Snake Sage's cryptic words drifted from behind the smoke.

"Huff... huff..." Sasuke crouched on the ground, struggling to maintain his Susano'o.

The White Snake Sage said, "Young one, for the sake of an old acquaintance, I'll give you one last chance. Apologize for your actions."

Having witnessed the overwhelming power of the White Snake Sage, Sasuke, despite his pride, relented.

He bowed and said, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have offended you."

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