Orochimaru had always known about Ryūchi Cave and had gathered so information regarding its significance.
However, he had no knowledge of its internal workings.
Three won acting as part of Ryūchi Cave's hierarchy? And Manda obediently following their orders?
What kind of setup was this?
None of this had ever appeared in any of the information Orochimaru had collected.
Still, after living in the ninja world for so long, Orochimaru had grown accustod to relying on what he saw and heard firsthand to judge any situation.
He knew the general details about Ryūchi Cave but had never set foot inside until now.
No matter. Once he observed it himself, everything would beco clear.
From Orochimaru's perspective, the three won he had encountered earlier each embodied distinct archetypes: one was a child-like girl, another carried the deanor of a dignified older sister, and the last seed to have the refined grace of a married woman.
It was the last of the three, exuding a poised, wife-like air, who appeared to be their leader.
Under her orders, Manda stayed behind in the valley, and the other two won left with convenient excuses.
She led the way while Orochimaru followed at a relaxed pace.
"I believe your na is Orochimaru, correct? It's listed on the blood contract," the woman spoke, her tone casual as if trying to pass the ti.
"That's correct," Orochimaru replied evenly.
"Allow to introduce myself. My na is Tagorihi. I'm one of Ryūchi Cave's managers."
"Manager?" Orochimaru's lips curved into a faint smile. "I had thought only the White Snake Sage held authority here."
Tagorihi replied smoothly, "The White Snake Sage is indeed the leader. We, on the other hand, are like elders of Ryūchi Cave."
"Interesting," Orochimaru murmured, his expression thoughtful.
Elders, she said. That ant their status was second only to the White Snake Sage but higher than that of Manda.
Their position seed equivalent to that of Fukasaku and Shima at Mount Myōboku.
Yet despite his ability to summon powerful snakes like Manda, Orochimaru had never been able to summon figures like these three won.
Why?
If Jiraiya could summon two toad sages, why couldn't Orochimaru summon the "elders" of Ryūchi Cave?
"Take a rest here first. It's been a long journey," Tagorihi said with a gentle smile, gesturing toward an elegant castle filled with what appeared to be human food. ȓ𝓪ɴоʙƐS̩
Her deanor was soft and reassuring.
But Orochimaru's sharp instincts raised alarms.
Staring at the magnificent structure, he asked curiously, "How did you create such a convincing castle?"
Tagorihi's expression didn't falter. "I'm not sure what you're talking about."
"Oh, co now," Orochimaru said flatly. "You know exactly what I an."
"I don't understand what you're implying…"
"Enough gas. I don't know what your goal is, but this charade is tireso," Orochimaru interrupted, his tone calm yet piercing.
Tagorihi's polite smile didn't fade, though a flicker of surprise flashed in her eyes.
"What a perceptive man," she remarked, her tone amused. "You're the first to see through the illusion before stepping inside."
"Is that so?" Orochimaru replied dryly. "Are most people really so clueless?"
"Clueless?"
"Obviously," Orochimaru shrugged. "If soone can't spot such an obvious trap, what else could they be but weak?"
Tagorihi's expression shifted slightly, her pride clearly stung. "You call my trap obvious? Why?"
Raising his right hand, Orochimaru extended a single finger.
"First, the snakes of Ryūchi Cave are anything but friendly. The countless human bones outside make that perfectly clear. Even soone who isn't a contractor could piece this together."
He extended a second finger.
"Second, a grand castle like this doesn't belong in Ryūchi Cave. And human food? You're all snakes. You don't eat human food."
Finally, he raised a third finger.
"Third, combining the first two points, your overly friendly behavior becos suspicious. Cold-blooded snakes acting gentle and kind? It's obvious you're trying to lure humans in. I can only assu the human body is more suitable for consumption."
Tagorihi's expression hardened as her calm facade cracked. In the blink of an eye, her beautiful features morphed into a sinister, snake-like visage. Her voice beca cold and venomous.
"So smart. You saw through it all. But you should have kept quiet. All you had to do was step inside and be eaten, but no—you just had to act clever."
"Eaten by you?" Orochimaru repeated, his expression unbothered. "If you told Manda wanted to eat , I might believe it. But you?" He chuckled dismissively. "Don't make laugh."
"You…" Tagorihi hissed, her snake-like eyes narrowing in anger.
But she couldn't retort.
Because Orochimaru was right.
The summoning contract bound them. If she attempted to devour him, the contract's power would strike her with a severe backlash.
The stronger the individual, the harsher the consequences.
For soone at her level, the backlash could cripple her for centuries, far too high a price to pay.
"This man is clever, Sister," one of the other won said, suddenly erging from the shadows.
"Yes," added the second woman. "At the very least, his intelligence is impressive."
As they spoke, the grand castle vanished like smoke, revealing a desolate clearing littered with bones.
Tagorihi's face returned to her previous form, regaining her human-like beauty.
"Not just clever," Orochimaru said calmly. "I'm also stronger than any of you. Now, take to see the White Snake Sage."
His tone was bold and unapologetic.
Normally, anyone wanting to learn senjutsu would first have to pass the sacred land's trials.
But with Orochimaru's strength, he saw no need for such tedious formalities.
What was the point of wasting ti on tests when he was already a contractor of Ryūchi Cave?
"You're awfully arrogant," one of the won said, her tone sharp.
"You're not even human," added another, glaring at him.
"…"
"Sister, I want to eat him."
"I want to eat him too."
Before the situation could escalate, an ancient, authoritative voice echoed from nowhere.
"Enough. Bring him in."
The voice was distant yet commanding, as if carried across a vast expanse.
Orochimaru smiled faintly.
"The White Snake Sage has summoned ," he said.
Tagorihi scowled but didn't argue. Turning sharply on her heel, she motioned for him to follow.
Her displeasure was obvious, but with the White Snake Sage's command, she had no choice but to comply.
Orochimaru didn't care for her mood and followed without hesitation.
Before long, a grand temple ca into view, its entrance marked with the words "Ryūchi Cave."
Inside, a massive white snake lay coiled lazily on an elevated platform. Its golden slit pupils locked onto Orochimaru as he stepped forward.
***
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