"Training in Sage Mode really is one of the fastest ways for us to grow stronger right now.
"As a Ninja contracted with Ryūchi Cave, you don't need me to remind you of the risks of training in Sage Mode.
"I can only use Sage Mode with help from Shima and Fukasaku. That's my limit.
"I'd better not share what little I've learned, or I'll only lead you astray. Every Sage in Ryūchi Cave has more experience than I do. They've lived for hundreds, even thousands, of years," Jiraiya said.
Orochimaru smiled. "I know all that. Don't worry. I wouldn't have decided to train in Sage Mode if I hadn't thought it through."
Jiraiya nodded and asked with a smile, "What made you suddenly want to learn Sage Mode? It doesn't seem like you."
"Haha, the Shinobi World is changing too quickly. Young powerhouses keep appearing, and Konoha alone has produced quite a few young talents in recent years.
"If I don't work harder, I'm afraid a lot of young people will surpass me," Orochimaru said.
Jiraiya laughed. "I never thought I'd see the day when even a once-in-decades genius like you felt the pressure."
Orochimaru smiled. "I've never let up. With Fugaku at my side keeping me on my toes, I couldn't relax even if I wanted to."
"You're too kind," Fugaku said modestly.
Orochimaru did not tell Jiraiya about the black substance. Perhaps he did not know how to explain where it had come from.
After all, Orochimaru had obtained it from Danzo, a Konoha rogue Ninja. His dealings with Danzo were hardly a good thing—at least, that was how Fugaku saw it. There might have been other reasons, but Fugaku had no interest in digging into them.
The three talked on Kage Rock for more than two