A Disagreement

Exchanging intelligence and supplies was the best solution when there was neither confidence nor need to fight the enemy to the death.

If this had not been Ryūchi Cave, Mizuki would have liked to find out just how strong the White Snake Sage truly was.

Having contended with Mount Myoboku for so many years, she could not be all talk.

Unfortunately, timing, location, and circumstance were all against Mizuki.

Though this place was only a step away from the Shinobi World, it was undeniably the White Snake Sage's home ground.

A "Snake Nest" that had been maintained for who knew how many years—who knew how many bizarre ancient traps lay within?

If he were inside a barrier formation he had thoroughly prepared, then unless Madara Uchiha returned from the dead or the Ten-Tails' Jinchuriki appeared once more, Mizuki was confident he could trade blows with anyone.

But now was not the time to pick a fight with these big shots.

"Hmm..."

The White Snake Sage's coiled body shifted as she leaned closer and spoke to Mizuki.

"A moment ago, there seemed to be a flash of killing intent, but now I cannot sense it anymore. Should I take that to mean you wanted to test yourself against me?"

Her golden vertical pupils stared emotionlessly at Mizuki. At the same time, the fangs in her grinning mouth were longer than Mizuki was tall, and a chilling aura flowed from that enormous head onto him.

Mizuki narrowed his eyes slightly. The huge butterfly wings behind him trembled faintly as he met the White Snake Sage's gaze without backing down, offering no explanation.

"You seem curious how I know what you are feeling?"

The White Snake Sage's dry smile looked even more terrifying.

"My kind are hunters skilled at concealment and ambush. Speed