Sasuke, Itachi, and Kabuto gathered before the White Snake Sage's throne, ready to take their leave.
The White Snake Sage politely urged them to stay. "Won't you stay a few more days?"
Sasuke replied courteously, "Thank you for your kindness, but worldly affairs keep me busy. I can't stay much longer."
Speaking of which... how did she end up looking like this? I remember her human form being an old crone.
"Very well..."
Amid the curling smoke, the White Snake Sage lazily sat up and drew a scroll from the neckline of her strappy dress!
The scroll unfurled from the Throne, spreading down the steps before Sasuke!
“This is Ryūchi Cave's full Summoning Contract. Press your hand Seal onto it, and you may summon any Great Serpent of Ryūchi Cave after the Third Snake King to aid you in battle!”
Sasuke could hardly hide his surprise.
Few people throughout history had ever enjoyed such privileges. Jiraiya and Mount Myōboku were one example.
According to the Sage, such a person is called a "sage-bound guest," signifying a bond of standing together through adversity. On that basis, the Sage could also perform Reverse Summoning on their sage-bound guests!
Sasuke understood the weight of the White Snake Sage's generosity, so he spoke frankly. "There is something I must make clear. I once used Manda as a shield, and he died because of it. If that troubles you..."
The White Snake Sage waved a hand, cutting him off. "I know. That is why I deliberately assigned the Cobra King to young Kabuto during your trial in the cave. As for the Cobra King, I have already made things clear to him: those who devour humans will ultimately be devoured by humans."
With his concerns dispelled, Sasuke pressed his hand Seal onto the full Summoning