Among the three holy places for learning senjutsu, there are three legendary creatures: the White Snake Sage, the Toad Sage, and the Slug Sage.
These beings are ancient creatures that have existed since the time of Kaguya, thousands of years ago, living through the long ages of history.
For example, in the Shikkotsu Forest, the Slug Sage is singular, all other slugs are simply fragments of its body.
In Mount Myōboku and Ryūchi Cave, there are numerous subordinates, each powerful in their own right.
Famous examples include Gamabunta and Manda, two of the most well-known summoned creatures.
However, above them are even more powerful beings, such as the two Toad Sages of Mount Myōboku, Fukasaku and Shima. These two are said to have lived for over 800 years, second only to the Great Toad Sage in terms of age.
Based on this, Orochimaru reasonably speculated that the three humanoid women in Ryūchi Cave had also likely lived for seven to eight centuries.
In other words, they were ancient monsters.
Not that this mattered much to Orochimaru.
He hadn't come here to compare lifespans. He came to learn the Ryūchi Cave Sage Technique, nothing more.
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When discussing senjutsu, Ryūchi Cave stands out as a far more dangerous place than the other two holy lands.
Here, it wasn't just the ordinary snakes that devoured people, even the White Snake Sage herself consumed those who failed her trials.
Many who came to Ryūchi Cave seeking strength never made it out. Some failed to master the senjutsu and were consumed by nature's energy, while others fell prey to the snakes before they even got the chance.
The tests here were as deadly as they were deceptive.
For instance, the illusion of the castle earlier was created using senjutsu chakra to tempt Orochimaru. Had he succumbed to the bait, whether by eating the food or being drawn in by the illusions—he would have been deemed unworthy and devoured.
However, Orochimaru was no ordinary visitor. As a contractor of Ryūchi Cave, he enjoyed unique privileges.
Not only was his entry unimpeded, but the White Snake Sage had sensed his arrival almost immediately.
And given his current strength, Orochimaru had no fear of becoming snake food.
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"Are you Orochimaru?"
The White Snake Sage's voice was raspy and ancient, carrying a tone that was calm and unhurried.
"Yes," Orochimaru replied evenly.
"I've heard of your exploits from Manda. You've come here to learn senjutsu?"
"That's correct."
The White Snake Sage chuckled faintly. "Normally, even those who inherit Ryūchi Cave's contract must pass a test before learning senjutsu. However, since you've been acknowledged by Manda, I'll waive the test."
"Thank you, Sage."
"Tagorihime, take him and teach him the methods of Senjutsu."
"Yes, Sage," Tagorihime said respectfully. She then turned to Orochimaru. "Come with me, Orochimaru."
"Of course."
---
As the supreme leader of Ryūchi Cave, the White Snake Sage's strength was undeniable.
However, her treatment of Orochimaru was notably accommodating.
Ryūchi Cave was, after all, a place where people came to seek power. Many had come before Orochimaru, and many had perished trying.
Those who failed the tests became food for the snakes, while those who succeeded earned the chance to learn senjutsu.
As a recognized contractor of Ryūchi Cave, Orochimaru was an exception.
With the White Snake Sage's approval, he began learning Ryūchi Cave's Sage Technique under the guidance of the three women.
---
The method of learning senjutsu in Ryūchi Cave differed significantly from that of Mount Myōboku.
At Mount Myōboku, practitioners applied a small amount of toad oil to their bodies to help absorb and sense natural energy.
In Ryūchi Cave, the process involved a foul-smelling venom, which was applied to the forehead.
The reason for this was tied to the nature of Ryūchi Cave's senjutsu, which, as Orochimaru had suspected, focused heavily on spiritual power.
Thus, training began by strengthening one's spirit.
"You must think carefully before proceeding. Practicing senjutsu is extremely dangerous," Tagorihime warned after explaining the principles to Orochimaru.
Her tone was serious, and her expression betrayed a hint of concern.
Natural energy was immensely powerful, but it carried significant risks. Absorbing too much or failing to control it properly could lead to irreversible consequences.
At Mount Myōboku, this meant turning into stone or a frog-like creature.
At Ryūchi Cave, failure meant becoming a snake—or worse.
However, Orochimaru merely shrugged. "No problem. Let's begin."
"Very well. I'll give you a taste first," Tagorihime said.
She dipped a bamboo stick into the venom and carefully brought it to Orochimaru's forehead, applying it between his eyebrows.
Orochimaru remained still, offering no resistance.
He wasn't concerned about any ill intent from Tagorihime or the others.
As he had surmised earlier, the contract binding him to Ryūchi Cave prevented them from harming him directly. Even if they wanted to, the repercussions from the contract would outweigh any potential benefit.
Not to mention, they wouldn't dare defy the White Snake Sage's orders.
"Your skin tone and pupils aren't so different from ours." Tagorihime remarked with amusement.
"There's still a fundamental difference," Orochimaru replied with a faint smile.
Before he could finish, however, his expression shifted.
The moment the venom was applied, a torrent of violent natural energy surged into his brain through the point between his eyebrows.
The flow was intense and unrelenting, far stronger than he had anticipated.
Even with Orochimaru's formidable mental strength, his head felt heavy and disoriented under the overwhelming pressure.
Buzz!
His golden slit pupils momentarily shifted to a blood-red hue, and the tomoe in his Sharingan spun rapidly before forming a kaleidoscope pattern.
"Those eyes…" Tagorihime said with a hint of admiration. "Haha, I'm starting to take you seriously now."
"His eyes contain incredible spiritual power," added one of the other women.
"Indeed," the third agreed.
Orochimaru ignored their commentary, focusing entirely on stabilizing the chaotic energy within him. He quickly sat cross-legged on the ground, entering a meditative state.
He realized that if he didn't calm his mind and take control of the natural energy, the sensation of dizziness would quickly escalate into something far worse.
As he guided the flow of natural energy, his condition began to stabilize.