The Dragon King Returns

Snakes eat frogs, and frogs eat snakes. As the sacred lands for summoning beasts, Mount Myoboku and Ryūchi Cave have been locked in a constant struggle for a thousand years.

The White Snake Sage had originally assumed that Orochimaru, whom she had found in the vast Ninja World after he discovered a shed white snake skin—a symbol of luck and rebirth—during his childhood, was the fated contractor for Ryūchi Cave.

Later, when Orochimaru failed to master the Sage Mode of Ryūchi Cave, while Jiraiya, the envoy of Mount Myoboku, succeeded, the White Snake Sage felt as though she had been overshadowed by Mount Myoboku.

Until now, the White Snake Sage finally understood that the true person of destiny for Ryūchi Cave was Orochimaru's disciple—Chiba Genichi.

"Chiba Genichi, hehe, not bad." Having calmed her heart, the White Snake Sage made no effort to hide her appreciation for Genichi: "All sorts of things happening in the Ninja World reach my ears. In over a thousand years, at your age, I fear only that pair of brothers from the Sage of Six Paths' era could surpass you."

"The legendary Sage of Six Paths truly existed?" Hearing this, Orochimaru was incomparably shocked. Although he knew the White Snake Sage had lived for over a millennium, this was the first time he had heard such a thing.

"Of course, but let us not speak of the past. You have come this time to learn Sage Arts, have you not? Merely absorbing natural energy is not enough; Ryūchi Cave possesses many other ways to utilize it." The White Snake Sage continued to show her goodwill, saying with a chuckle:

"Chiba Genichi, these three are Tagorihime, Ichikishimahime, and Tagitsuhime. From here on, they shall teach you all the Sage Arts of Ryūchi Cave. If you encounter any trouble in the Ninja World—oh, wait, with your strength, I fear it is only you who would go looking for trouble for others—hehe, just summon them whenever you need, and they will assist you well."

"Then, my thanks to the White Snake Sage. But why are you suddenly being so kind to me?" Chiba Genichi asked curiously, as Orochimaru had never received such treatment despite all these years.

"Little one, look around. All who live here are snakes, so why is it called Ryūchi Cave (Dragon Earth Cave)?"

"You wish to transform into a dragon? Do dragons truly exist in the Ninja World?" Genichi felt curious; the original story had never mentioned this aspect.

"Dragons are legendary creatures. Whether they exist or not, I do not know. I simply wish to keep growing stronger and keep evolving." The White Snake Sage spoke frankly: "Besides, this world is vast, and there truly exist some powerful creatures that exceed people's imaginations."

"Do not overthink it; just consider this an investment. If you become powerful in the future and can turn back to help Ryūchi Cave, then my efforts will not have been in vain."

"Rest assured, White Snake Sage. In all of Konoha, who doesn't know that I, Chiba Genichi, am the most loyal and grateful person?" Genichi patted his chest in assurance.

"Hehe, it has been a long time since I have spoken so much. I am truly getting old. From here on, let these three host you."

"Lord Genichi, please this way. Allow us to arrange your accommodations first." Ichikishimahime stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said respectfully.

The gates of Konoha stood towering and majestic, with solid wooden walls extending to both sides. Time had left mottled traces upon them, telling the tale of the countless storms Konoha had weathered.

Outsiders wishing to enter Konoha were required to explain their purpose and identity to the guards at the gate and undergo strict inspections. During this period, those responsible for the defense of Konoha's main gate were ostensibly just two ordinary Chunin.

They were not the pair known as the "Konoha Gate Gods," Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane, who were rumored to make even Pain take a detour.

On this day, a man with a posture as upright as green bamboo arrived at the gate. He wore a moon-white robe with flowing cloud patterns embroidered in silver thread at the cuffs and hem, and a nameless sword hung at his waist.

At a glance, the most striking feature was his pair of eyes—bright yet profoundly dark, like a night sky mixed with starlight, deep as an ancient pool, with occasional flashes of light.

It was Chiba Genichi, who had been diligently cultivating Sage Mode in Ryūchi Cave for two years. Under the subtle influence of natural energy, Genichi's style had gradually drifted away from the grim image of a ninja, embarking on a path of immortality from which there was no return.

Genichi stood before the gate, releasing his perception to take in the entirety of Konoha. He was impatient to enter and catch up with the friends he had not seen in two years.

"Halt! Who are you, and why have you come to Konoha?" A Chunin at the gate hurriedly stopped Genichi.

"I am also a ninja of Konoha; I am simply returning home." Genichi explained, knowing he did not look like a ninja at all.

Ryūchi Cave possessed a type of stealth Sage Art that could isolate chakra perception. Genichi had modified it slightly, retaining only the effect of blocking perception. A flow of Sage chakra constantly circulated on the surface of his body, so even if a Hyuga ninja were standing right in front of him, they would only perceive Genichi as an ordinary person who had not refined any chakra.

"White hilt and scabbard with a black blade, a sword without a tsuba. Could you be Lord Chiba Genichi?" The other Chunin recognized Genichi's identity: "Lord Chiba, you have returned from your travels."

"Hehe, it is I. May I enter now?" Only then did Genichi take his Konoha forehead protector and ninja license from his summoning scroll.

He headed straight back to the courtyard located within the Senju Clan's compound. Genichi had asked Orochimaru to send word ahead, notifying everyone that he would be returning to the village today. Sure enough, the three young girls were already waiting in the courtyard.

Two years had passed, and it was not only Genichi who had grown; the three young women had also shed their past immaturity, each fully displaying her own charm.

Mikoto Uchiha still possessed a pure face paired with enchanting Sharingan, a unique charm that could make one fall deep into it if they were not careful. Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall to her waist, and she wore a brown headband and a blue dress. Seeing Genichi return, she could no longer restrain herself; her skirt swayed gently as she walked, and her ninja boots added a touch of heroic spirit.

Kushina Uzumaki had an exquisite, oval-shaped face with a slightly rounded chin and soft lines. Her cheeks were flushed, like a ripe apple that one could not help but want to take a bite of. Seeing Genichi, a smile bloomed on her face, her eyebrows curving like crescent moons. Her figure was slim and well-proportioned, with an enviable slender waist and long legs. Combined with the fiery red hair unique to the Uzumaki Clan, her every movement was full of vitality, displaying a unique charm.

Hana Hyuga's long hair was soft and smooth, with deep brown reflections in the sunlight. She had a gentle oval face with rounded jawlines, white pupils, and slender eyes with slightly drooping corners, exuding a gentle and graceful temperament. As she grew, her posture had gradually unfolded, and her loose daily attire could not hide her soft and rich curves. Her back was straight, carrying the elegance and restraint unique to the Hyuga Clan. She did not look particularly excited, merely watching Genichi all the while with a gentle smile.

"I'm home." Genichi stepped forward, embracing the three women one by one, expressing his longing for them.