Intimate Comrades-in-Arms

The mystery of the Serpent Transformation Technique truly surprised Kato Osamu. This technique was quite different from the existing Five Elements Release in the Shinobi World, and it contained some traces of Yin–Yang Release. It was a technique that completely transformed a person into a snake, both in form and internal structure.

Although it only touches upon Yin–Yang Release in its initial stages, this application method is unprecedented.

The mysteries of Yin–Yang Release are hidden in the step-by-step Chakra manipulation, much like the Nara Clan's Shadow Manipulation Technique and the Akimichi Clan's Multi-Size Technique. It's hard to say how advanced these two clans are in Yin–Yang Release, but like the Serpent Transformation Technique, even ordinary ninjas can use this technique.

"As expected of the Power of All Creation all things in the universe, the person who created such a secret technique can truly be called a master of Yin–Yang Release..."

After returning to Ryūchi Cave from the Land of Scorched Earth, Ichikishimahime did nothing else, but meticulously explained to Kato Osamu the method of practicing the Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu.

"Then, my work is considered complete..."

Ichikishimahime walked towards the cave entrance. As she reached the entrance, she turned her head slightly, a hint of a smile flashing in her eyes, and looked at Kato Osamu with a slightly strange expression.

Finally, I have some news for you...

"The last person to Serpent Transformation Technique was your dearest Orochimaru- sensei..."

"Kato, you'd better put your heart into it..."

A hint of doubt flashed in Kato Osamu's eyes as he watched Ichikishimahime's figure gradually disappear, his gaze remaining fixed on her.

As far as he knew, Orochimaru didn't know Senjutsu, but according to Ichikishimahime, he must have considered using Senjutsu Mode.

If Orochimaru had gone to the final step, using Natural Energy to reconstruct his body, Kato Osamu would have been able to sense no aura at all. Therefore, unless the Serpent Transformation Technique had failed, it's highly likely that even Orochimaru didn't want to take such a risk...

"The Ryūchi Cave snakes, who rely on Natural Energy for their long lifespans, and even the other two sacred sites, remain indifferent as Natural Energy gradually diminishes...?"

If someone threatens his life, Kato Osamu believes he cannot remain indifferent. He absolutely does not believe the Three Great Sage Lands would be willing to continue in this way, and that even a single member of their race capable of cultivating Natural Energy would not be born after thousands of years.

"You agree, right..., Shiro..."

A complex emotion flashed in Shiro's eyes, and the snake head that was coiled around Kato Osamu turned to face his eyes. The question seemed to surprise it a little, but looking into Kato Osamu's deep eyes, it also showed a hint of hesitation in a human-like way.

A slightly childish voice suddenly echoed through the cave of Ryūchi Cave.

"Xu-jun, you are truly intelligent, from the day I started following you until now..."

"The secrets hidden in the dust of history of this Shinobi World are being revealed by you, bit by bit..."

Kato Osamu stared intently at Shiro, seemingly unsurprised by Shiro's sudden outburst.

"I thought you would remain silent until you truly took form, perhaps even disguising yourself as an innocent girl, to maintain the trust between us..."

"Perhaps that's possible... before today..."

Shiro seemed to reveal a slight smile, but this smile, appearing on the snake's head, involuntarily gave people a sense of dread.

"Snakes don't even live as long as humans. Even among the snakes of Ryūchi Cave, those that haven't transformed into human form rarely live past the 50-year mark..."

"Garaga and Manda are powerful beings, but they still cannot last long. Before long, they will turn into a pile of withered bones in Ryūchi Cave..."

"Perhaps Xu-kun, who has been researching the Immortality Technique, should be able to understand what kind of temptation cultivating Natural Energy is for the snakes living in Ryūchi Cave..."

"However... it's been over a hundred years since Ryūchi Cave has seen the birth of another being capable of cultivation..."

"As Natural Energy continuously diminishes, this possibility becomes increasingly smaller..."

"In Tagitsuhime's era, she could naturally transform into human form, even relying solely on the Natural Energy of heaven and earth..."

"But in the era of Tagorihime, they had no choice but to rely on human power..."

"Even in the era of Ichikishimahime, it was difficult for even the most brilliant human geniuses to help their contracted serpent transform while simultaneously ensuring their own successful cultivation..."

"It's likely that Osamu has already guessed that Ichikishimahime was the one who devoured her contractor, a genius about to complete her cultivation of Natural Energy, before truly taking human form..."

Shiro paused, a kind of indescribable fervor appearing in his eyes, an expression that Kato Osamu seemed to have only ever seen in Orochimaru's eyes.

"And I am the most likely being in this era of Ryūchi Cave to successfully cultivate the physical manifestation of Natural Energy..."

The flickering Hokage cast dappled shadows in Kato Osamu's eyes. His gaze remained fixed on Shiro, but a faint smile slowly crept onto his lips.

"So, you probably understand that if I become wary of you, it's almost impossible for you to replicate Ichikishimahime's behavior. The only possible way is for you to learn from Tagorihime and, after my potential success, do your utmost to help me transform into human form..."

Upon hearing this, Shiro seemed to understand that Kato Osamu hadn't reacted negatively. As if relieved, she leaned closer to Kato Osamu's cheek and asked, "So, Osamu-kun, will you help me?"

The hissing of a snake's tongue echoed in his ears, and Kato Osamu could sense a hint of hope and longing in it. He turned his head, a strange smile on his face.

"Certainly..."

"After all, we are such close comrades-in-arms..."

A deep blue light suddenly burst forth from the depths of Ryūchi Cave, but then receded within the cave, causing all movement within the cave to seem to freeze at that moment.

Shiro and Kato Osamu looked at each other, their snake tongues flicking out slightly. A ghostly blue fluorescence emanated from their pupils, gradually condensing into an almost tangible pillar of light in the air.

A nimble snake spirit, like a swimming fish, suddenly emerged from the pillar of light, almost illusory yet truly real. In an instant, it appeared in Shiro's Snake Eyes, followed the pillar of light, and darted into Kato Osamu's eyes.

"So this is how snakes perceive things?"

The white snake that had been coiled around Kato Osamu's neck twisted its body, seemingly somewhat unfamiliar with the place. It fell to the ground, yet still looked around the world with great interest.

"Xu-jun's mastery of Soul Secret Technique has become even more profound..."

Kato Osamu slowly stood up, her stiff body stiff as if stuck like a robot, but her eyes shone brightly. Before transforming into human form, the snake's almost non-existent vision allowed Shiro to see the world clearly for the first time.

"There have been some results..."

"Also, please don't use my body to do anything strange..."

"For example, wriggling around on the ground..."

Kato Osamu raised the snake's head. Although he was using Shiro's body, his senses remained. Seeing Shiro's movements, the snake's head twisted slightly...

"Well, even my soul has been stained with a trace of Osamu-kun..."

"As expected, the snake was extremely cautious..."

Shiro seems to have a strong ability to adapt. Initially, her mindset led her to try crawling as usual, but she quickly struggled to her feet and began attempting to walk on two legs like a human. Although clumsy, she was already able to take slow steps...

"That's not all. Besides your thoughts and will remaining yours, your soul power will gradually merge with mine..."

"Although you still exist, from a certain perspective, your unique Chakra attributes have completely disappeared..."

"At least from the perspective of a sensory ninja, both bodies belong to the same person's Chakra aura..."

"However, it's not too late for you to regret it now..."

"Should I thank Xu-jun for his kindness in giving me a choice...?"

"However, there's no need for that. It was just Xu-jun's summoned beast to begin with. This way, Xu-jun will probably feel more at ease..."

"Only in this way can I become Xu-jun's closest comrade-in-arms..."

Shiro's voice seemed to carry a hint of resentment, perhaps due to a natural gender difference or a special talent. Although she was using Kato Osamu's body, she still revealed a touch of coquettishness.

"Perhaps you still need to practice how to control a human body to express the correct facial expressions... especially when using my body..."