"I won't!"
"Naruto?"
"I'll achieve what Pervert Hermit failed to accomplish. Since I'm your disciple, I'll definitely bring my friend back."
Naruto looked at Pervert Hermit and smiled brightly.
...
"You little brat is clearly making fun of me!"
"Not at all. Just now, when Pervert Hermit was telling that past story, I know that it's normal to forget. But I'm a man of my word. I'll definitely fulfill my vow. Trust me, Pervert Hermit! When that time comes, not only will I bring Sasuke back, I might even bring back your friend for you. Then, treat us all to Ichiraku Ramen."
"Naruto... Pfft... Haha"
Jiraiya couldn't help bursting into laughter. What an interesting little brat! It seems this upcoming journey won't be boring.
.............
After Sasuke and Orochimaru achieved their common goal, Sasuke's cultivation was scheduled.
"Sasuke, I have something to tell you."
"What?"
"I've thought about our previous conversation. [Sage Art] is indeed a great idea. I once cultivated at the Ryūchi Cave for a while. Although I didn't inherit the mantle of the White Snake Sage, I think you can give it a try."
"The Ryūchi Cave is a legendary place on par with Mount Myoboku and Shikkotsu Forest."
Sasuke recalled that in his past life, Boruto tamed Shinta here. Although he passed the test of the White Snake Sage, he didn't learn [Sage Art].
"Yes. [Cursed Seal] extracted from Jūgo's body fluids has too much negative energy, which will erode the user's body and mind. However, the good thing is that it allows most people to use [Sage Art]."
"You mean for me to go to the Ryūchi Cave to receive the inheritance of the White Snake Sage and learn [Sage Art] to eliminate the negative effects of the [Cursed Seal]."
"Yes. Moreover, the [Sage Art] of the [Cursed Seal] and the [Sage Art] of the Ryūchi Cave are two different types of [Sage Art]. Once you learn them. You'll be the first person in history who can use both types of [Sage Art]."
Sasuke remembered Kabuto's [Sage Mode] in his past life. His whole body was covered in snake - like scales, and he had horn - like protrusions on his head. That was bad enough, but the most unbearable thing was the strange thing protruding from his belly button. It was just disgusting.
If he were to become like that...
Sasuke pictured himself in [Sage Transformation] in his mind.
No, absolutely not!
He wants both substance and style.
There's no way he'll accept looking hideous and unrecognizable.
Orochimaru watched as Sasuke's expression changed several times in just a few moments. He wondered what was going on in that little head of his.
"No, I'm not interested in the [Sage Transformation] mode at the Ryūchi Cave. Find someone else."
Then, Sasuke turned around, leaving only his back to Orochimaru.
"Really?"
What a pity. I originally planned to send Kimimaro with you this time. If he could pass the White Snake Sage's test and master the Sage Art, his health would improve further. I could also conduct research on Kimimaro to develop the next dose of the special medicine. If you don't go, it'll be difficult for the sick Kimimaro to pass the test alone."
Orochimaru shook his head helplessly and shrugged his shoulders, then turned to leave.
"Stop!"
Sasuke frowned with a hint of annoyance. He just sensed a trace of ill - intent from Orochimaru. This guy was just waiting to see him make a fool of himself.
Orochimaru thought to himself:?_? Dude, you're really overthinking it.
"Then it's settled. You'll set off in three days."
"You, aren't you going with us to check it out?"
"Oh dear, are you worried about your own safety like a kid going on a long journey? If you're concerned, it's no problem for me to tag along."
Hearing Orochimaru's sarcastic tone, the veins on Sasuke's forehead popped violently.
Are you kidding me!
He shot Orochimaru a sharp, contemptuous look and walked away without looking back.
"Haha~ What a prideful kid."
...............
"Hey? Sasuke and Kimimaro are going to the Ryūchi Cave to learn the Sage Art? Lord Orochimaru, I want to go too."
"Oh~ Tayuya, you usually hate these group activities the most. Why are you acting so differently now? Oh, I get it. You want to go with our handsome and charming Sasuke - sama."
"No, I don't! Kidōmaru, if you keep spouting nonsense, I'll knock your teeth out!"
"Hehe, if that's not the case, why is your face so red? I've hit the nail on the head, haven't I?"
"Kidōmaru!"
Tayuya instantly transformed into her Cursed Seal Level 2 form and punched Kidōmaru right in the face. She really meant what she said.
"Tayuya!"
"Lord Orochimaru."
"Stop fooling around. Sasuke and Kimimaro are going on a Mission. You should just focus on your training at the base."
"Yes! Lord Orochimaru."
Tayuya answered reluctantly with a hint of grievance in her heart. She looked up at Kimimaro and Sasuke and felt inexplicably angry.
Because no matter how you looked at it, the white - haired and black - haired guys really made a good pair!
╯﹏╰
Lord Orochimaru is so biased...
..............
Neither Sasuke nor Kimimaro was talkative, so they rarely chatted along the way.
"How are you? Can you handle it?"
Sasuke glanced at Kimimaro, who was breathing slightly heavily beside him. They had been on the road for days without much rest.
Kimimaro had just gotten out of bed not long ago. It was really tough on him to keep traveling like this.
"If you're tired, let's take a longer rest."
"Sasuke - sama, I'm fine. Completing the Mission is the top priority. You don't have to worry about me too much."
After saying that, Kimimaro stood up and wanted to continue on their journey. But suddenly, a sudden bout of dizziness hit him. His limbs went weak and his body involuntarily stumbled forward.
"Watch out!"
Sasuke watched as Kimimaro was on the verge of collapsing. He reached out and tightly wrapped his arms around Kimimaro's waist, preventing him from falling.
"Take a rest for a while. There's no need to rush anyway."
"Yeah."
This time, Kimimaro didn't try to act tough. The long - distance traveling had indeed taken a great toll on his body, and it wasn't the time to act tough.
...
During the second half of the journey, the two walked intermittently. It wasn't as arduous as before, and Kimimaro's face was no longer deathly pale.
"Sasuke - sama, the fog around here is so thick that I can't see the road clearly."
The two seemed to be trapped, walking in circles.
"Tsk, such a petty trick!"
................
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