Having passed the Trial, Kabuto arrived in the Temple's main hall. Seeing Itachi seated in the guest's place, looking radiant and healthy, he knew Itachi had taken the Sage Medicine and felt genuinely happy for him.
The two smiled at each other, and Kabuto approached the White Snake Sage's throne and knelt on one knee.
Rustle! Without wasting words, the White Snake Sage uncoiled her serpentine body from the Throne and sank her fangs straight into the back of Kabuto's neck, pouring pure, potent Sage Power into him!
The Three Great Sage Lands each had their own methods. Mount Myōboku's Senjutsu used toad Oil to absorb natural energy, and after an initial period of adjustment, extensive training was needed to master it.
Ryūchi Cave and Shikkotsu Forest passed down Sage Power by having their ruling sages inject already-refined Sage Power directly into the recipient, followed by training to help them adapt.
Each of the three traditions had its own focus and strengths. None could easily be called superior or inferior, and their power also depended on the user.
After the Sage Power entered his body, his blind right eye remained a blank white, while his left developed a White Snake's slit pupil. Two asymmetrical Horns also sprouted from his hairline, and White Scales appeared all over the right half of his body!
Whoosh! The White Snake Sage coiled herself back onto her seat.
Kabuto rose shakily, his face twitching as though he were struggling to suppress something.
The White Snake Sage asked, "Boy, are you holding up?"
With his trembling little finger, Kabuto tried to push up his glasses, only to press against the lens instead.
"Ah... I-I'm doing all right, I suppose. Hah... hah..."
The White Snake Sage said, "Don't try to fool this old woman. You're feeling wild