The last days of Konoha Year 61 slipped quietly away, and the shinobi world officially entered Konoha Year 62.
During the mission to rescue Naruto, Itachi's illness had worsened. Obtaining the Sage Medicine from Ryūchi Cave had become urgent, and Kabuto was also eager to master the power of senjutsu as he had in his previous life.
With Orochimaru as their guide, Sasuke, Kabuto Yakushi, and Itachi set out for Ryūchi Cave, making a party of four.
Itachi's poor health prevented him from traveling for long stretches, so the four stopped to rest every half day.
When they made camp that night, Kabuto went to find food while Itachi rested in the tent.
Sasuke fed the campfire. Nearby, Orochimaru lounged seductively on his side, his chin propped on one hand, enjoying a moment of peace.
"Since your battle with the Six Paths of Pain and your absorption of State Three, Sasuke-kun, you've effectively acquired half of Hashirama Senju's power. State Four will be the White Cursed Seal's final form, with power equal to the first three states combined. That means both activating and absorbing it will be several times more difficult."
After adding firewood, Sasuke sat down across from Orochimaru and rubbed the back of his neck.
"Yes... Not long after I absorbed state one and state two, I could feel the next form on the verge of emerging. But ever since I absorbed state three, the White Cursed Seal has felt frozen. There's still no sign of the next form being released. It really is different."
Orochimaru smiled. "So consider the Seventh Battle a bridge to the next stage. If it lets you release state four smoothly during the Eighth Battle, it will have served its purpose. Then use the eighth, ninth, and tenth battles to finish adapting to