Chapter 56

"Magnetic Release: Sand and Iron Bind Coffin!"

Uchiha Shin raised his hand, and the iron sand in the air surged forward, instantly wrapping around Tsujin, restraining her before she could strike.

Tsujin, who had been preparing a sneak attack, found herself completely immobilized.

With a slight motion of his finger, the iron sand pulled her towards him. She was suspended in front of him, unable to move, her expression caught between frustration and disbelief.

She was identical to the other two snake princesses in attire, but her features were softer, her long brown hair framing a youthful yet regal face. The most distinguishing detail, however, was the trio of green magatama-shaped ornaments on her chest—one more than the other two. A sign of her superior status, no doubt.

"We meet again. What is it this time? Another attempt to take me down?" Shin teased, his lips curling into a smirk.

"..."

Tsujin felt utterly humiliated.

She had concealed her presence using Sage Arts, confident in her ambush, yet here she was, captured before she could even make a move.

Her 'test' had barely begun, and she had already lost.

Trying to maintain whatever dignity she had left, she attempted to change the subject.

"You've progressed quickly. Passing the trials of Tanakajin and Ichikishimajin in such a short time…" She forced a smile, hoping to mask her embarrassment. "I'm Tsujin, 21 years old. Few have stood before me and held their ground. You are truly impressive."

Shin nearly laughed aloud.

No matter how much she feigned composure, it was impossible to look dignified while being bound in his iron sand.

He restrained himself and asked bluntly, "So, was your test just that sneak attack?"

Tsujin averted her gaze, visibly uncomfortable.

Her original plan had been to use her venomous fangs to inject toxins into his bloodstream while simultaneously ensnaring him in a powerful illusion to test his mental resilience.

Instead, she had been taken out instantly. How the hell was she supposed to proceed now?

Just as she was about to formulate some excuse, she felt a distinct fluctuation.

A moment later, she knew.

"You have passed this test, Master Uchiha Shin. The Great White Snake is waiting for you in the temple."

Tsujin lowered her head, having received direct instructions from the White Snake Sage.

There was no point in prolonging this. She knew she wouldn't be able to best him. Besides, he was recommended by Orochimaru and later endorsed by the Slug Sage. This trial was just a formality at best.

As the mist gradually faded, a grand temple came into view.

This was the true Ryuchi Cave—home of the White Snake Sage.

"The White Snake Sage is inside. Proceed."

The three snake princesses stood at the entrance, bowing respectfully as they let Shin pass. Without hesitation, he strode forward and pushed open the doors.

Inside, the temple was vast, but eerily empty. A profound silence hung in the air, making the place feel almost abandoned.

At the far end of the hall, he saw her.

An elderly woman reclined on a grand bed, draped in white robes. Her skin had a faint, scaly texture, but her features were those of a regal matriarch.

This had to be the White Snake Sage.

Shin was aware that the denizens of Ryuchi Cave enjoyed taking on human forms. He found the entire practice strange, but he wasn't about to voice his thoughts.

He stepped forward respectfully.

"White Snake Sage, I am Uchiha Shin. I have come to learn the ways of Sage Mode."

The elder's terrifying orange-yellow serpent eyes flickered open, and a sinister smile spread across her face.

"Hehehe~ I know. But be prepared… If you fail, you'll make a fine meal for me~"

"Yes! I'm ready."

Shin's voice carried absolute determination.

The next instant, the White Snake Sage extended her neck, revealing her true form.

A colossal white serpent with flowing orange mane and piercing yellow eyes loomed over him.

She wore a forehead protector adorned with a dark green horn-shaped ornament. A purple ribbon secured it in place, and a red, luminous jewel sat atop her head. On her chest rested a green, cat-like eye that pulsed faintly with power.

Without warning, her fangs sank into Shin's shoulder.

A rush of venom—rich with natural energy—poured into his bloodstream.

Unlike the method used in Shikkotsu Forest, the training of Ryuchi Cave was brutal. The venom didn't just transfer natural energy; it eroded the body itself, turning failures into mindless serpents.

Yet, even as the potent toxin surged through his veins, Shin barely flinched.

His cells, already brimming with resilience, began absorbing the venom at an astonishing rate. His body wasn't rejecting it—it was devouring it.

The White Snake Sage noticed immediately.

Her venom should have begun altering his form, scaling his flesh, elongating his limbs, warping him into something reptilian. Even those who successfully entered Sage Mode had traces of transformation.

But Shin…

The snake scales that initially appeared on his skin vanished almost instantly, replaced once again by smooth human flesh.

He was absorbing everything.

His body greedily pulled in the venom and the natural energy mixed within, processing it faster than the Sage herself could inject it.

His eyes snapped open, golden and slit-pupiled.

Dark markings trailed down his face, forming the distinct patterns of Sage Mode.

Power surged through his body, and every fiber of his being vibrated with raw energy. His cells weren't just adapting—they were evolving.

Conversely, the White Snake Sage's breath grew weaker. She had never encountered a situation like this.

She wanted to stop. Needed to stop. But it was too late.

Shin was no longer receiving energy. He was actively draining it from her.

One by one, his cells transformed, until his entire body had undergone a complete metamorphosis.

The White Snake Sage finally released him, staggering back onto her bed, exhausted. But her weariness was secondary to her sheer disbelief.

Shin, who had maintained his human form until now, had changed.

His body had elongated several feet, his skin covered in brilliant golden scales.

Two clawed limbs emerged from his abdomen, each ending in four sharp talons. A row of jagged dorsal spikes lined his back, their edges gleaming like tempered steel.

His tail, now covered in blade-like segments, swayed with deadly grace, each movement slicing the air with a faint hiss.

His head had become regal, his dragon-like pupils glowing with an intense golden light. Fiery wisps of energy coiled around his whiskers, drifting like sacred flames.

He had not become a serpent.

He had transcended into something greater.

"...A dragon?"

Shin exhaled, and from his breath alone, new saplings sprouted from the temple floor.

The White Snake Sage, watching this display, felt an unfamiliar sensation coil around her heart.

It was fear.