The White Snake Sage? That Old Snake!

Aogetsu Hyuga felt it for the first time.

Earlier,

when he faced Tagorihime,

he had forgotten for a moment

what kind of game he was playing.

This time,

things were different.

He looked down

and saw

Ichikishimahime lift her bright, expressive eyes.

Those big eyes

were full of innocence.

That look was so sweet

that

Aogetsu Hyuga felt a twinge of guilt.

He had no idea how long it had been.

Just as Ichikishimahime began to wonder whether the so-called "divine substance" really worked,

her expression suddenly lit up with wonder.

She felt it!

She felt the Natural Energy inside her begin to improve in quality!

Without realizing it,

she even felt a little stronger.

It was

only a little, but for someone who had made no progress in hundreds of years, that tiny improvement was a huge leap!!

She wanted more of this divine substance!

Aogetsu Hyuga's expression shifted. How had this innocent little girl turned into a tigress so suddenly?!

Still, Aogetsu Hyuga was happy to oblige. Her taking the initiative was a good thing~

After who knew how much time or how many rounds, Ichikishimahime could clearly feel that her strength had improved.

Only then did Ichikishimahime come back to her senses.

"I'm so sorry," she said, a little embarrassed. "I kept using the divine substance and forgot myself... I just needed its help so badly!"

As she spoke, Ichikishimahime gently wiped the residue from the corner of her mouth, then swallowed it with great care, afraid to waste even a drop!

Aogetsu Hyuga leaned comfortably against the wall. "So how are you going to make it up to me?"

Ichikishimahime looked troubled at that.

"Make it up to you..."

But her eyes soon brightened.

"I can't give you Senjutsu. You have to pass every trial