Sora: "..."
It was indeed because of the Azure Dragon's pressure he actively unleashed during the previous battle against Manda to intimidate the other party, which attracted the attention of Ryuchi Cave.
Sora's face remained calm, and he still did not speak. He calmly watched Tagitsuhime, waiting for her to continue.
At times like these, silence often provides more initiative than words.
Seeing that Sora remained unmoved, Tagitsuhime was not angered. Instead, she gave a charming laugh, twisted her genuine "snake waist," and took two steps closer. Her voice became even sweeter and more cloying:
"Why is little brother so wary? We of Ryuchi Cave mean you no harm."
"You possess such pure and noble dragon pressure. Remaining in a ninja village crowded with ordinary people is truly a waste. Why not return to Ryuchi Cave with me? That is your true home."
Her eyes sparkled with seductive light, her tone full of enticement:
"With your talent, you will surely gain the favor of the White Snake Sage and receive the true senjutsu inheritance of Ryuchi Cave. Then, power, status, longevity... they will be within easy reach."
"Isn't that much more enjoyable than struggling in the ninja world and being suspected by those foolish humans?"
If it were someone with a weak mind or a strong desire for power, hearing temptations like "senjutsu inheritance" and "longevity," they would likely be swayed.
But Sora inwardly sneered repeatedly.
Go to Ryuchi Cave?
Joking. Is that a place to go casually?
In the original story, nine out of ten people who wanted to train at Ryuchi Cave ended up as snacks for the snakes.
Even if one passed the so-called "trial," there was no guarantee they wouldn't become a higher-grade "snack" or research material for that White Snake Sage who has lived for who knows how many years and whose mind is as deep as the sea.
He himself harbored too many secrets. The origin and potential of the Azure Dragon Fruit far exceeded the understanding of this world.
Before possessing absolute self-preservation power, running to the lair of an old monster who similarly seemed to pursue the "path of becoming a dragon" was simply walking into a trap.
Moreover, looking at the alluring and seductive Tagitsuhime before him, who kept posturing and trying to tempt him.
Sora had no desire to become some "gallant hero among the grass".
He knew very well that beneath this beautiful exterior hid a cold, slimy, poisonous snake who has lived for who knows how many years!
He did not possess that unique aesthetic and courage that crosses species boundaries, nor did he want to experience the "surprise" of being "swallowed" by a snake or waking up in the middle of the night next to a giant serpent.
Thinking of this, Sora could not help but shudder. The slight ripple in his heart caused by the other party's beauty instantly vanished without a trace.
Replaced by even sharper vigilance!
He must uphold excellent conduct and absolutely not follow in the footsteps of his predecessors!
"No need."
Sora finally spoke, his voice cool and firm. "I have no interest in Ryuchi Cave. I have no interest in your so-called senjutsu inheritance either. I prefer to stay in the place I have chosen."
Although he said this, Sora added a sentence in his heart: 'At least not for now!'
The smile on Tagitsuhime's face stiffened slightly, seemingly not expecting Sora to refuse so directly and decisively.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of imperceptible coldness flashing through, but it was soon covered by an even thicker smile.
"Hehe, little brother really is quite wary."
With a flip of her wrist, she produced an ancient black scroll from somewhere. The scroll's surface was entwined with serpentine patterns, emitting a chilling chakra fluctuation.
"Since you are unwilling to go to Ryuchi Cave for now, that's fine too. This is the summoning contract of Ryuchi Cave. As long as you sign your name, you will be able to summon and summon the snake clan of Ryuchi Cave for assistance."
Tagitsuhime held the scroll in her palm, her tone carrying a trace of pride:
"Possessing it means having Ryuchi Cave as your backing. In this ninja world, no matter who wants to move against you, they will have to consider the consequences of offending Ryuchi Cave."
Sora's gaze swept over the scroll. He did not immediately take it. Instead, he asked a question in return:
"Ryuchi Cave as my backing? Sounds good. Then, if... I oppose Orochimaru, or even want to kill him, which side will Ryuchi Cave stand on?"
This question struck at the core!
Orochimaru is currently the most important known contractor of Ryuchi Cave in the ninja world, even able to summon Manda.
Upon hearing this, Tagitsuhime showed no hesitation. A sweet, almost cruel smile appeared on her face:
"Orochimaru? A fool without a Kekkei Genkai, only playing with forbidden techniques and souls. How can he be compared to you who possesses the pressure of a true dragon?"
"The White Snake Sage has ordered that anyone who possesses dragon pressure is the most honored guest of Ryuchi Cave, with priority far above all contractors!"
"If you are enemies with Orochimaru, Ryuchi Cave will naturally stand on your side."
Her answer was resolute and decisive, full of disdain for Orochimaru and emphasis on Sora.
Sora understood inwardly.
Indeed, on the path of pursuing the "true dragon," Ryuchi Cave, or rather the White Snake Sage, could abandon "pawns" like Orochimaru without hesitation.
However, words alone are not proof.
After a moment of contemplation, Sora stated his own condition:
"Cooperation is possible. Signing a contract is not out of the question. But, I need to see your sincerity."
"Before I agree to sign the contract, Ryuchi Cave must unilaterally and completely terminate all summoning contracts with Orochimaru. I need to see the result."
He stared into Tagitsuhime's eyes, his voice flat but carrying an undeniable meaning:
"After doing this, we can talk about cooperation."
This was a test, also a threshold.
He wanted to see to what extent Ryuchi Cave's so-called "emphasis" truly went.
The smile on Tagitsuhime's face faded somewhat. She looked deeply at Sora, as if trying to see more from his eyes beneath the mask.
After a moment of silence, she nodded:
"Fine. Terminating the contract with Orochimaru, while somewhat troublesome, is not impossible. I will report your request to the White Snake Sage."
As she spoke, she put away that black summoning contract scroll. Instead, she took out another small white scroll and tossed it to Sora.
"This is a contact scroll. When you feel the time is right, or need us to fulfill our promise, you can contact Ryuchi Cave through it."
Sora caught the scroll. It felt icy cold to the touch.
He sensed it, confirmed no tricks were done on it, and then put it away.
"Since that's the case, I will quietly await the good news."
After saying this, Sora said no more. His figure transformed into a stream of light, swiftly heading away in the direction of Konoha.
On the sea, only Tagitsuhime remained.
She watched Sora's figure rapidly disappear over the sea. The seductive smile on her face gradually turned into a slight arc of helplessness, and she shook her head gently.
"Such a wary and troublesome little fellow... However, the more so, the more it shows the secrets he holds are extraordinary."
"It seems I must return quickly to report to the Sage..."
Her figure also slowly merged into the thin mist over the sea and disappeared.
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