Now that the truth was out, Kazuyama relaxed and chuckled.
"White Snake Sage, I'm someone who craves security—the more trump cards I have, the better."
"As of now, only a few people in Ryūchi Cave know about my status as a Jinchūriki, so I'll need you all to keep this a secret. I have no interest in becoming a public enemy."
He understood just how troublesome his identity as a Jinchūriki could be.
To further conceal himself, he had even returned to Takigakure and reinforced Chōmei's clone, extending what was originally a six-month duration into a long-term one. This allowed him to move freely and stay under the radar.
"Hehehe… you sure are dishonest," the White Snake Sage said, amusement in her voice.
"You stole Kumo's Jinchūriki and took Turtle Island, yet you tell me you don't feel secure?"
"I know all about that old turtle—it's lived for centuries. Never thought it would end up in your hands."
"You don't need to hide things from me. You know very well that nothing escapes my ears."
She took a deep drag from her pipe and exhaled, and something incredible happened.
The smoke coalesced into an image—Turtle Island.
Kazuyama's pupils contracted sharply. A single phrase flashed through his mind—Memory Projection.
A unique ability of the White Snake Sage, it allowed her to record and replay events, making past experiences visible once more.
"You really don't miss a thing, do you?"
"Fine, I'll be honest. The Two-Tails' Jinchūriki is now my disciple."
"I intend to train her and turn her into my sword."
The White Snake Sage smiled and nodded, a flicker of appreciation in her eyes.
To her, Kazuyama's approach aligned perfectly with Ryūchi Cave's philosophy.
Power should always be in one's own hands. Strength comes from seizing every possible advantage.
"Kid, while the power of a Tailed Beast is immense, the Senjutsu of Ryūchi Cave is no less dominant in the shinobi world."
"The two don't conflict at all. In fact, your Transparent Escape Technique is a Kekkei Genkai that perfectly complements Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu."
"I look forward to your rise. I may lack that old toad's ability to foresee the future, but based on what I see now, I can tell you have a grand plan of your own."
"That toad only invested in the Sage of Six Paths, which is why Mount Myōboku has always suppressed Ryūchi Cave. I hope that one day, you will change that."
"Starting today, I'll have the Snake Princesses oversee your Senjutsu training. In three years, I expect you to master the basics."
"If you meet my expectations within that time, I will grant you a special ability. But first, you must truly grasp Senjutsu."
...
Mount Myōboku, Ryūchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest—these three places were revered as sacred lands.
But beneath the surface, their relationship was anything but harmonious. The three realms kept each other in check, and their hidden rivalry never ceased.
Especially Mount Myōboku and Ryūchi Cave. While they didn't directly interfere with one another, they were always competing in secret.
Jiraiya and Orochimaru had both been chosen by the forces at play.
And now, it seemed Ryūchi Cave had selected its next heir—Kazuyama.
The White Snake Sage was confident in her choice.
After all, in this boy, she saw boundless potential.
"Tagitsuhime..."
"I'm here."
"Starting today, you'll stay by this boy's side to supervise and teach him Senjutsu."
"Yes, White Snake Sage."
Tagitsuhime almost burst into laughter at the arrangement.
Meanwhile, Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime, who stood nearby, widened their eyes in surprise. They wanted this mission too!
Not only would they get to leave Ryūchi Cave and explore the outside world, but they'd also get to enjoy delicious snakeberries!
"Don't get too excited. If I find out that this boy is falling behind, you'll be sent right back, and Tagorihime or Ichikishimahime will take over."
"Hmph, if it weren't for the link you share with him through the Coiling Serpent Technique, I would have sent Tagorihime instead. She's far more composed than you."
The White Snake Sage knew her three disciples well—Tagorihime was steady, Tagitsuhime was reckless, and Ichikishimahime was gentle. Three snakes, three personalities.
"I won't slack off! I'll make sure he trains properly!"
"Kazuyama, tell her, you'll train diligently in Senjutsu, right?"
Tagitsuhime, unwilling to let such a good opportunity slip away, quickly turned to Kazuyama for support.
He smiled slightly. Since she had helped him multiple times before, he wouldn't throw her under the bus now.
"Don't worry, White Snake Sage, I'll take my training seriously. After all, I do long for the power of Senjutsu."
"The more trump cards, the better."
His words made everyone present laugh.
...
By the time Kazuyama returned to the Daimyō's manor, it was already late at night.
"Hey, Tagitsuhime, snakeberries aren't exactly hard to find—why did you insist on making me carry back a whole basket...?"
Kazuyama looked helplessly at the basket of snakeberries in front of him, with a red snake lounging on top.
That same snake was currently stuffing itself, devouring the berries one by one.
"You don't get it! If I didn't bring these back, Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime would have split them up. No way am I letting that happen!"
"This basket is mine, all mine!"
What a glutton...
By now, the three kids were already fast asleep. Kazuyama glanced up at the bright moon in the sky.
"Alright, big sis, stop eating. It's already past midnight, and I'm not sleeping either."
"Let's go check out Turtle Island."
Without giving Tagitsuhime a chance to protest, he grabbed her—completely disregarding her foodie instincts—and vanished using the Flying Thunder God Technique.
All that remained was a half-empty basket of snakeberries.
...
Turtle Island continued to drift across the southern seas.
But tonight, the island wasn't exactly peaceful.
"Ha! Ha!"
"Why is this tree so damn hard?! I refuse to believe it!"
"I'll kick it! I'll punch it!"
Yugito was currently throwing a relentless barrage of attacks at a massive tree, completely absorbed in her training.
She had no idea that behind her, a man and a snake were watching with wide eyes.
"Do kids not sleep these days?"
"If I'm not mistaken, it's around three in the morning..."
"Also, I swear this place was fine when I left—how did it turn into a garbage dump...?"
Kazuyama stared at the mess of food scraps and trash littering the ground, looking utterly exasperated.
Tagitsuhime was just as bewildered, though her thoughts were a bit different.
This girl is insane.
Figures. Anyone Kazuyama picks up is bound to be a lunatic.
Hearing Kazuyama's voice, Yugito spun around abruptly.
In her sight, a man and a snake stood frozen, staring at her like statues.
"Eh? Kazuyama-sensei, you're back?"
"Huh? A giant red snake? She's beautiful!"
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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