"Clan Head Fugaku, your talent is astonishing. Ryūchi Cave has nothing more to teach you."
"Thank you all for your guidance these past few days. Before I leave, I'd like to see the White Snake Sage once more," Fugaku said.
"Please follow me. The Great Sage has already sent word. She wants to see you too."
The two walked out of the valley. Ryūchi Cave was beautiful, apart from the mist at its gates that tested the ninja who entered.
In the great hall, the White Snake Sage still sat coiled on her enormous chair. Only when Fugaku stood before her could he feel how small he was.
Fugaku had yet to meet the Slug Sage, but he guessed she was even larger than the White Snake Sage.
After all, she was the only creature in all of Shikkotsu Forest.
"The gap between ninja really is greater than the gap between ninja and animals. Orochimaru has studied here for half a year, and he's only just begun to adapt to Natural Energy.
"That little progress has already gone to his head. The next time he comes to Ryūchi Cave, I'll have to bring him down a peg."
"You're right, Great Sage. Senior Orochimaru is among the most talented people in all of Konoha. He should be capable of more."
"Boy, I know Orochimaru's abilities. He's reached his limit. Your little scheme won't work on me. The Shinobi World truly has fallen into decline," the White Snake Sage said.
"You've lived in Ryūchi Cave for a thousand years, Great Sage. Don't you ever get bored? Perhaps you could spend some time traveling the Shinobi World.
"This is an age when countless talents are rising. Times have changed. Compared with a thousand years ago, the world has its own distinct sights to