"The world is a strange place, White Snake Sage."
Orochimaru extended his tongue and licked his dry lips.
"My disciple did it for the Shinobi World, too, and his actions have only enhanced your renown.
The Great Toad Sage next door can only foresee fragments of the future through dreams, while you can see so far ahead. Doesn't that make you seem far more powerful?"
"You certainly know what to say."
The White Snake Sage withdrew her oppressive aura, and even the light in the cavern brightened.
"Bring your two children here."
"Don't you need to test them?"
The White Snake Sage glanced at Orochimaru.
"If not for that disciple of yours, I certainly would.
But he took it upon himself to spread my Sage Mode already, so there's no need for so many rules anymore."
"You're not angry?"
"What good would being angry do? I can't run off to the Shinobi World to catch him.
Still, he has a good eye for people. Those he's taught are all fairly well suited to learning Sage Mode."
So it was fine as long as he didn't ruin her reputation...
The White Snake Sage settled into the main seat, and Kabuto Yakushi and Kimimaro stepped forward.
She reached out and examined their innate aptitude.
"Both have excellent potential!"
Two white snakes suddenly emerged from behind the White Snake Sage and bit straight into their necks!
The two had been subjected to one fright after another almost since arriving here.
But they had grown used to it. As natural energy flowed into them, their hearts gradually calmed.
"Orochimaru, won't you learn it as well?"
"There's no need. I've already found my own path."
"Is that so? What a pity..."
The first and second exams both concluded smoothly.
Almost all of Konoha's new