Being a Traitor to Humanity Was Easier Than He'd Imagined

Ryūchi Cave had no intention of getting involved in the ninjas' disputes, but it was keenly interested in a feud between sacred lands.

In nature, snakes preyed on toads. Being influenced by Natural Energy had not changed that relationship. If anything, it had made it crueler and bloodier.

Toji was not surprised by the White Snake Sage's offer.

A normal Kage would never agree to her terms, but Toji was no ordinary Kage.

All he had to do was sacrifice some ninjas in exchange for Ryūchi Cave Sage Mode. He had no objection to that. Of course, he would choose the sacrifices from the other Four Great Ninja Villages. He would not touch anyone from Konoha.

Certain particularly troublesome Konoha residents were exceptions.

Once he conquered the Four Great Ninja Villages, he would be perfectly capable of tearing up his agreement with Ryūchi Cave.

Having weighed the costs and benefits, Toji answered without a trace of guilt. "No problem."

"Oh? Lord Hokage, you should think this through."

"Sacrificing your own kind is not a decision to make lightly."

There was more to the White Snake Sage's words than she let on. As if to gauge Toji's reaction, she waved a hand and conjured an image in the air with chakra.

In the image, a ninja wearing an Iwagakure Forehead Protector was bound in place. Tagorihime stood beside him with a palm against his left chest, steadily drawing out his mental and physical energy.

His body visibly shriveled until nothing remained but a useless husk of skin and bone.

Toji watched without changing expression. He felt nothing. If anything, he wanted to laugh.

So by "eating," she meant absorbing mental and physical energy. That was—

"Easier than I imagined."

Toji's calm bordered on cruelty. "For me, it's an easy decision. I