July 28, Year 40 of Konoha, Ryūchi Cave.
By now, Akaseki had grown a crimson mane, and his body had undergone extensive mutations. He was gradually beginning to feel the mental strain as well.
Now...
The effect of nature energy on Akaseki's mind was already approaching that of "Deep Immersion"!
It's this strong already, even in the early stages?
Sage Mode really is something else!
With two gates open in my brain, the Sharingan's mental reinforcement, and all my experience, even I'm starting to struggle...
But since the White Snake Sage hasn't stopped me yet, I can still push a little further!
Hiss... this feeling is... Stillness? I can barely keep "Stillness" under control... right, I'll use "Sorrow" to resist it!
Third Gate: Gate of Life, open!
Akaseki opened the third gate, and immediately...
At that moment, the numb Red Lion grew melancholy. ...
"Hm?" Orochimaru seemed to notice something as he watched.
"He's using other emotions to counter the crisis in his mind? Hehehe, it's not a bad method, but... it's very dangerous," White Snake Granny said, her voice carrying both appreciation and mockery.
Akaseki did not know it yet, but Orochimaru understood perfectly-Akaseki had already reached the point of no return. He could only keep forging ahead!
It was just that...
He was taking such risks precisely because he did not know.
After opening three gates, Akaseki managed to weather the fierce mental interference, shaken but unharmed.
"Hmm, he's about to reach the final stage," White Snake Granny said with a nod.
"The final stage?" Orochimaru was taken aback.
"Of all the challengers who attempted Sage Mode training before him, only one in ten reached this stage," White Snake Granny explained.
"Then may I ask, Lord White Snake, how many of those passed?" Orochimaru frowned slightly at