I Have Shed My Serpent Body and Ascended into a Dragon

Back during the Second Ninja World War, when Genichi heard his teacher Orochimaru say that his true graduation gift would be a trip to Ryūchi Cave, he knew clearly that this was to cultivate Sage Mode.

The requirements for cultivating Sage Mode are extremely harsh.

First, one must possess the talent to perceive natural energy; if one lacks it, auxiliary methods can be used.

Second, one must maintain a calm heart, devoid of joy or sorrow, in order to guide the fusion of natural energy and chakra.

Finally, one must possess a vast amount of chakra. If the chakra is insufficient to balance the natural energy within the body, it will lead to various severe side effects, such as frog-fication, snake-fication, or petrification.

Orochimaru was a man of brilliant talent throughout his life, mastering countless ninjutsu and forbidden arts with ease, yet he alone could never learn the Sage Mode of Ryūchi Cave.

Perhaps it was the various human experiments and forbidden research that made his constitution incompatible, preventing perfection; or perhaps it was the great terror between life and death—his fear of dying—that made it impossible for his heart to ever truly calm down during the process of absorbing natural energy.

Failing to master the Sage Mode that even Jiraiya could learn had always been a regret in Orochimaru's heart.

Years ago, while searching the Ninja World for Ryūchi Cave, Orochimaru discovered the Jugo clan, who were born with the ability to absorb natural energy.

After years of research, he completed the current Earth Curse Mark, which could help those branded with it perceive natural energy and enter a low-end version of Sage Mode.

Orochimaru had prepared the best for his beloved disciple: first using the curse mark to help him slowly adapt to natural energy, and finally seeking the White Snake Sage to further master Sage Mode.

Even if the worst happened and Sage Mode could not be learned, the Curse Mark Mode—which increased strength, provided powerful physical recovery, and amplified the power of ninjutsu—was not bad either. As for side effects like physical deformity or ugliness, Orochimaru simply did not care.

After the Second Ninja World War ended, Genichi had prepared to cultivate Sage Mode, but because the Nine-Tails transfer was imminent, it was delayed until today.

Although Ryūchi Cave is touted as a secret realm at the edge of the world, it is actually still on the continent of the Ninja World. With Orochimaru leading the way, the master and disciple took three days to arrive at this mysterious "Summoning Beast Holy Land."

Orochimaru walked in front, his tone unhurried: "For those who come to practice, the White Snake Sage will send her subordinates, Tagorihime, Ichikishimahime, and Tagitsuhime, to be responsible for the screening. For those who pass the three trials, the White Snake Sage will use her fangs to inject natural energy into them and teach them the Ryūchi Cave Sage Mode."

"However, there is no rush. Before that, we still have some preparations to make." Orochimaru turned his footsteps, leading Genichi toward a secluded corner to prepare for the implantation of the Earth Curse Mark.

The natural energy in Ryūchi Cave was far denser than in the outside world. The deeper they went, the more Genichi could feel the changes in the environment. Finally, Genichi spoke slowly: "Teacher Orochimaru, I seem to be able to perceive a special energy in the surroundings."

"You can perceive natural energy directly?" Orochimaru turned his head in surprise, not expecting Genichi to have such an affinity for natural energy.

Genichi sat cross-legged with his eyes slightly closed, his movement turning into stillness, as if a monk in meditation.

Natural energy fills the space between heaven and earth, omnipresent. On the surface, it appears calm, like the surface of a sea without wind or waves. Yet, upon careful perception, one can detect the surging currents beneath, containing power as terrifying as a raging storm.

Genichi shrouded his body in Magnet Release chakra, forming an upright oval that rotated slowly, attracting the surrounding natural energy.

At this moment, a violent wind suddenly whipped up in Ryūchi Cave, and a massive amount of natural energy poured in.

Seeing this, Orochimaru was terrified and hurriedly said: "Be careful! Natural energy cannot be touched directly, or even if you succeed in absorbing it into your body, you will be eroded by the endless natural energy! I have already prepared methods for you, you only need to..."

"That is unnecessary." Genichi's expression was indifferent; his magnetic force formed a hand, grabbing the energy and refining it instantly.

Hearing this, Orochimaru was filled with astonishment: "You!"

The situation looked like it was spiraling out of control, but in reality, it was not that bad. Large amounts of natural energy followed the rotation of the magnetic field, forming a storm with Genichi at the center, while the eye of the storm remained perfectly calm.

Knowing the danger of natural energy, Genichi did not rush for success, only slowly refining a small amount. As soon as the natural energy entered his body, it was controlled by Genichi to fuse with his chakra, forming a higher-level energy—Sage Chakra.

As time passed, almost all of the chakra in Genichi's body was converted into Sage Chakra. There were no major changes, save for the formation of red eyeshadow, signaling that he had successfully entered Sage Mode.

With a shift of his mind, his perception spread along with the natural energy of the world, making everything within a ten-mile radius perfectly clear. He was not seeing it; rather, the image appeared directly in his mind, as if he were observing from a higher dimension.

Heaven and earth are born with me, and all things are one with me.

"Did you succeed?" Orochimaru asked nervously.

"Succeed? I am not sure. Right now, I only feel an incomparable sense of freedom." Genichi replied without opening his eyes. His magnetic force shifted slightly, and his entire body hung upside down in mid-air.

He pointed one finger to the sky and one to the ground, speaking slowly: "In heaven and on earth, I alone am the honored one."

At this moment, the White Snake Sage, having sensed the anomaly in the natural energy, arrived on the scene with the three snake princesses.

Sensing Genichi's state, the White Snake Sage spoke in surprise: "You completed the cultivation of Sage Mode alone without guidance. No, that is not right—this is not the Sage Mode of Ryūchi Cave. Did you create your own Sage Art?"

Not knowing the specific details of the Ryūchi Cave Sage Mode, Genichi could not respond. He simply shook his head, continuing to feel the powerful strength and sensory abilities of Sage Mode while thinking about the future.

With Sage Mode, a series of ninjutsu such as Sage Art: Wind Style: Rasenshuriken and Sage Art: Lightning Style: Kirin could now begin development.

The path to becoming stronger was wide open, and at this moment, Genichi held the future in his hands.

"How does Sage Mode feel?" Teacher Orochimaru licked his dry lips and asked.

Hearing this, Genichi glanced at Orochimaru, the White Snake Sage, and the three snake princesses present, then slowly descended and turned his back to them.

"How does it feel?" He stood with his hands behind his back, lifting his head slightly as if savoring the sensation of Sage Mode. After a long while, he spoke slowly, his tone low and indifferent to glory or shame.

"I have shed my snake skin and ascended into a dragon."