Ryūchi Cave.
With the Reverse Summoning Technique, Orochimaru returned for the first time in ages to what was, in every sense, a snake pit.
"Orochimaru."
A female voice came from behind Orochimaru.
"Tagitsuhime?"
Orochimaru did not turn around. He had already recognized Tagitsuhime by her voice.
"Yes."
Tagitsuhime's tone could not be called cold. She did not harbor much hatred toward Orochimaru.
"What are you doing here?"
She questioned Orochimaru.
After all, it had been almost a year since Orochimaru last visited Ryūchi Cave.
Usually, Orochimaru simply took a few snakes from Ryūchi Cave back with him to use as tools.
"Senjutsu."
Orochimaru was very direct.
"You want to learn Sage Mode? You don't have the aptitude."
Tagitsuhime gave Orochimaru a surprised look, then spoke bluntly.
"I know."
Orochimaru was not angered by Tagitsuhime's words.
He smiled at Tagitsuhime, then said,
"I'm not the one who'll be training in Sage Mode."
Hearing Orochimaru's words, Tagitsuhime's snake pupils contracted, and her voice grew stern.
"Orochimaru, you should know that only those who have signed a contract with Ryūchi Cave can learn Sage Mode."
"I know."
Orochimaru nodded, then continued,
"That's why I came to get Ryūchi Cave's Contract Scroll."
Only then did Tagitsuhime breathe a sigh of relief. She then asked coolly,
"So, you've taken on students?"
Orochimaru shook his head.
"To be precise, I've taken on a few ancestors."
???
Tagitsuhime's expression froze, as though a huge question mark had appeared beside her head.
"Huh?"
Orochimaru shrugged, looking helpless.
"Well, I'm going to pay the White Snake Sage a visit."
Orochimaru spoke to Tagitsuhime, then walked toward where the White Snake Sage resided.
Tagitsuhime remained where she was, still trying to work out what Orochimaru had meant.
Ancestors? You could take those on?
*Wait, didn't Ryūchi Cave have a rule