Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 203: The Journey to Ryūchi Cave

"Ryūchi Cave is located on a remote island at the edge of the Land of Water."

"It exists between illusion and reality."

"Legend has it that the founder of Ryūchi Cave, the White Snake Sage, can hear everything happening in the ninja world."

"Only those who visit with sincerity can meet him."

Haneda stood at the bow of the ship, with Haku and Kimimaro standing on either side.

Surrounded by the endless sea, they could see only a rocky island ahead.

"Haneda-san, are you going to train in Sage Mode? Will it be dangerous?" Haku asked with concern.

"Idiot! How could Haneda-san face life-threatening danger in a place like this?!" Kimimaro retorted, gazing at the distant island.

The boat rocked back and forth as it was carried forward by the waves.

"We're here."

Haneda leaped off the boat, with Kimimaro grabbing Haku's hand as they followed.

Following the map given by Orochimaru, it only took them about ten minutes to reach an area shrouded entirely in mist.

"Let's go. There will be many dangers inside, so stay alert," Haneda cautioned.

From Orochimaru, he had learned about Ryūchi Cave's trials: the first being an illusion, the second a test of will, and the third a test of self-reflection.

In essence, these trials required one thing—an unshakable will.

As Haneda, Haku, and Kimimaro ventured deeper into the mist, three figures watched them from the shadows.

They were senior members of Ryūchi Cave, responsible for testing those seeking Sage Mode training.

Each snake, transformed into a beautiful woman, possessed an enchanting allure.

"So this is the guest the White Snake Sage mentioned? They all look so young," said Tagitsuhime.

"Should we test them?" inquired Ichikishimahime.

"The chakra on that guy is no joke. If you want to go, be my guest," said Munakata-hime.

"You all seem to be enjoying your conversation," another voice interjected.

The three snakes turned to see Haneda standing there.

"Excuse me, but could you tell me the way to Ryūchi Cave?" Haneda asked with a smile.

"Just head straight to the left," Munakata-hime quickly replied, pointing in the direction.

Haneda walked away without hesitation. Tagitsuhime, noticing that he didn't plan to take Haku and Kimimaro along, asked teasingly:

"Are you leaving those two kids for us?"

"If you dare eat them, I wouldn't mind having snake stew tonight," Haneda said, turning back and locking his Mangekyō Sharingan on Tagitsuhime.

The killing intent in his gaze made even cold-blooded creatures like snakes shudder.

"I was just joking! Just joking!" Tagitsuhime quickly responded, silently regretting not calling in sick today and leaving the task to her companions.

"The White Snake Sage is waiting for you at Ryūchi Cave," Ichikishimahime said to defuse the tension.

"They're in your care. Remember, no eating humans," Haneda warned again before leaving.

"Understood, understood," Tagitsuhime replied hurriedly.

Ichikishimahime and Munakata-hime couldn't help but laugh.

Who would've thought the usually fierce Tagitsuhime, known for her threats to eat people, would falter before a human?

Still, they wondered how Haneda had discovered them. Each of them had mastered Sage Techniques to conceal their chakra, making it nearly impossible for ninjas to detect them in the mist.

What they forgot was that Haneda possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan, which rendered the mist ineffective. His sharp vision had revealed their presence.

...

Following Munakata-hime's directions, Haneda soon came upon a temple.

The temple stood atop a rocky outcrop, its golden eaves shining brightly. A white plaque hung at the center, bearing the inscription: **Ryūchi Cave!**

As Haneda approached, the temple gates opened on their own.

Haneda smiled, stepping over the threshold and into the temple.

An elderly woman sat in a chair, smoking a pipe.

Hearing Haneda's footsteps, the White Snake Sage, in her human form, opened her eyes.

"Uchiha Haneda, I already know why you've come."

"To think you chose me among the three," she said, surprising Haneda.

"It seems the legends about you are true," Haneda remarked, pausing before continuing.

"Since you already know my purpose and have allowed me to come here, about Sage Mode training..."

The White Snake Sage chuckled. "Young people are always so impatient. Why not chat with me first?"

"It's been ages since I've had a conversation with a human, not since an interesting one visited here long ago."

Haneda guessed she was referring to Orochimaru but maintained his composure.

"What would you like to talk about? The ninja world? The future? Or the past?"

Taking a puff from her pipe, the White Snake Sage said, "The Great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku recently prophesied that a golden light will flash in the future, guiding the ninja world toward peace.

"That light will end the tears of a nation and bring eternal peace to the ninja world."

"Though I'm uninterested in the ninja world, that golden light intrigues me."

"Are you saying that's me?" Haneda asked, trying to read her expression.

Shaking her head, the White Snake Sage replied, "You're not the golden-eyed boy, but I need you to find him."

"This concerns the fate of the entire Earth. Every living being is tied to it."

"And this is your condition for teaching me Sage Mode?" Haneda inquired.

The White Snake Sage reverted to her snake form, reclining lazily in her chair.

"You took a different path to reach me. Tagitsuhime's trials are linked to Sage Mode training."

"I can't confirm whether your will is strong enough."

Haneda responded, "The fact that I survived and reached here should be proof enough."

"You're as interesting as Orochimaru," the White Snake Sage remarked, opening her mouth wide to reveal sharp fangs dripping with venom.

As her fangs pierced Haneda's body, natural energy surged into him.

After about two and a half seconds, she withdrew her fangs and warned:

"The balance of natural energy and your own chakra must be one-to-one. Any mistake could be fatal."

Haneda sat cross-legged, feeling the strange energy coursing through his veins and spreading throughout his body.

He began to sense the natural energy, letting it flow freely as he focused on controlling it.

Suddenly, his vision shifted, and he found himself in a surreal garden.

A river of orange juice flowed nearby, its scent filling the air.

Flowers with petals resembling juicy pork belly shimmered under the sunlight, their aroma making Haneda's mouth water.

Out of nowhere, it began to rain—drops of cooked Ichiraku ramen falling from the sky.