Spending over half a year in effort, only to come up empty-handed—such an outcome would be unbearable for most people. But Orochimaru was anything but ordinary.
"Just like my pursuit of this world's truth, failed experiments are nothing new to me. Training in Ryūchi Cave has only helped me better understand my true self."
Even after suffering a setback, it took only a brief moment for Orochimaru to regain his composure.
"It seems that I cannot personally explore the truth of senjutsu. Heh, though it is a pity, I have still deepened my understanding of it. White Snake Sage, thank you for your guidance over the past six months."
As he spoke, Orochimaru gave a deep bow to the White Snake Sage. His gratitude was sincere.
"Kakuzu-sama, the truth of this world is endless, and I must continue moving forward. The path of senjutsu is not for me, but I look forward to seeing how you wield its power."
Kakuzu raised an eyebrow. Orochimaru's thoughts always seemed to wander in unpredictable directions, making his words difficult to understand. But then again, that was the nature of geniuses.
"Return to the shinobi world. There are still many things waiting to be uncovered. Your existence is unique."
"Is that so? Thank you for the compliment, Kakuzu-sama. I won't linger any longer."
Orochimaru bowed once more to Kakuzu and the White Snake Sage before turning to leave, showing not a trace of reluctance.
One failure could never halt scientific progress, nor could it suppress Orochimaru's relentless pursuit of truth. Perhaps, upon his return, his perspective would expand even further.
...
With Orochimaru gone, Kakuzu and the White Snake Sage continued their senjutsu training. Having already laid a foundation with the senjutsu of Shikkotsu Forest and Mount Myōboku, Kakuzu's progress in Ryūchi Cave was remarkably smooth.
Before long, he had grasped the fundamental principles of its senjutsu.
"Kakuzu, your progress is impressive, but your challenge goes beyond just mastering senjutsu. You must integrate the three different senjutsu energies within your body, merging them seamlessly into one harmonious force."
"Only then will your mastery of senjutsu be complete."
The White Snake Sage's words echoed those of Fukasaku from Mount Myōboku. Kakuzu had long been working toward this goal.
"I've already completed the initial fusion of Shikkotsu Forest and Mount Myōboku's senjutsu. But integrating Ryūchi Cave's senjutsu into the mix will require me to break down my existing fusion. That's going to take a long time."
He paused. What he spoke of was indeed a major challenge—but for Kakuzu, time was never an issue.
"White Snake Sage, if I successfully merge all three senjutsu chakra sources into a stable and orderly cycle, what changes will my body undergo?"
The White Snake Sage took a long drag from her pipe, contemplating the question. Finally, she simply turned her back to him and waved a hand dismissively.
"I don't know! Perhaps it would be an unprecedented achievement, something never seen before."
Kakuzu's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched her walk away. Since she refused to answer further, he wouldn't press the matter.
With the dense natural energy of Ryūchi Cave far surpassing that of the outside world, Kakuzu was in no rush. He simply continued his training in peace.
...
Three months passed.
"Kakuzu-sama, I'm here!"
Hearing the voice behind him, Kakuzu turned his head slowly to see Nagato's youthful face.
"The shrine guards outside didn't devour you?"
Nagato chuckled.
"Of course not. They did put me through some trials at first, but I told them I was here to deliver something to the White Snake Sage. When I showed them the cigarettes, they let me right through."
"Hmm, bringing cigarettes for the White Snake Sage—good thinking. That certainly would get you in without issue. But be careful. Breaking their rules too often might make the guards unhappy. Next time, bring a couple of packs for them as well."
"Ah…" Nagato scratched the back of his head and smiled sheepishly. "Alright, I'll keep that in mind."
Taking Kakuzu's advice to heart, Nagato nodded seriously.
"By the way, how many packs did you bring? I forgot to mention—White Snake Sage has quite the addiction. She smokes at least two packs a day."
"Well…" Nagato hesitated for a moment before answering.
"I don't smoke myself, so I wasn't sure how much would be enough. But since I heard she loves them, and I wanted to make sure you could focus on your training without worry, I prepared a large supply. I had Chōmei transport them here from the sky."
"As long as it's enough…" Kakuzu started to nod in approval before suddenly realizing something was off.
"Wait, Chōmei? How did he deliver them?"
"Oh, I figured a few summoning scrolls wouldn't be as efficient as Chōmei carrying them directly. So, I had him stuff his entire body with cigarettes and fly them here. The total quantity is about nine-tenths of your personal stockpile. I thought that should be sufficient for the White Snake Sage."
Nagato spoke casually, but Kakuzu's eyes widened in shock.
"Nine-tenths of my supply?! You gave nearly everything to the White Snake Sage?! What about me?! Damn it, you little brat! I'm going to kill you!"
Kakuzu was truly furious. Was this what Nagato had learned about social etiquette?
Giving gifts was one thing, but completely emptying his own supply? What was Kakuzu supposed to do now? He couldn't just go ask the White Snake Sage to return some—what a loss of face that would be!
With no alternative, he could only vent his rage on Nagato. Seeing the situation turn dire, Nagato instinctively backed away, waving his hands frantically.
"Kakuzu-sama! I didn't just come here to deliver supplies! I have critical information from the shinobi world! Don't hit me! The intel is really important!"
"We'll talk about that later! First, I'm beating some sense into you!"
...
An hour of fighting later, Ryūchi Cave's once-pristine cavern had been reduced to rubble. Fortunately, the White Snake Sage did not interfere—she was too busy enjoying her cigarettes, praising Kakuzu's thoughtfulness.
"Kakuzu-sama, enough already! If you keep this up, I'll have no choice but to use Shinra Tensei!"
"Go ahead! This whole place could use some remodeling anyway!"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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