The moment Orochimaru and Uchiha Madara stepped into the mystical domain of Ryūchi Cave, the earth seemed to tremble faintly, and the cold, damp air coiled like serpents around their feet. Before either of them could speak, a massive shadow surged through the darkness. A hiss echoed through the stony cavern, and with a loud thud, a giant serpent crashed down in front of them—Manda, the serpentine guardian of Ryūchi Cave, bowed its enormous head low, slithering with unexpected enthusiasm.
"Lord Orochimaru! Long time no see! The great Manda has missed your presence dearly!" Manda cried out with a sickeningly sweet tone, as if trying to bury the fear still trembling inside him.
After being summoned previously and finding himself under the torment of dual Mangekyō Sharingan, Manda had learned a valuable lesson—never cross Orochimaru again. He had spent nights wide-eyed in dread, reliving the terrifying images in his mind. His arrogance had been beaten out of him. And now, the return of Orochimaru—accompanied by none other than Uchiha Madara—sent tremors through Manda's cold-blooded body.
But the moment his eyes caught sight of the tall, intimidating man with his long, raven hair and cold gaze, Manda froze. His pupils shrank like pinpoints.
"U-Uchiha... Madara...?"
Uchiha Madara raised an amused brow. "You know me?"
Manda's tongue flicked nervously before a wave of excitement overtook him. "Of course! Of course, Lord Uchiha Madara! I have cultivated in Ryūchi Cave for hundreds of years! Though I've kept my head down, I've still heard your name shake the heavens of the ninja world! To see you in person... Manda is truly honored!"
Orochimaru's gaze sharpened. He hadn't realized Manda was such a shameless flatterer before. In fact, he felt slightly betrayed—this snake had never shown such enthusiasm toward him.
Uchiha Madara chuckled. "This giant worm of yours is quite interesting."
"Thank you for the praise, Madara-sama! I wonder, what brings such a legendary shinobi to our Ryūchi Cave? Though I may be weak, if there's anything the great Manda can do for you, I will not refuse!"
Madara's face remained expressionless, but his voice was clear. "I'm here to observe the senjutsu of Ryūchi Cave. Some from Konoha may be coming to learn it soon. I want to see what kind of power this place holds."
Manda was visibly taken aback. "Uchiha Madara-sama... wishes to learn senjutsu?"
"Is that a problem?" Madara's voice lowered, becoming dangerously calm.
Manda quickly coiled backward. "No! No, not at all! It's just... it's just that Manda does not have the authority to grant that. The real decision lies with the three great priestesses... and the White Snake Sage."
Orochimaru nodded. "It's true. If one wants to learn the Immortal Techniques of Ryūchi Cave, they must pass the priestesses' test. If they fail... they become nourishment for the goddesses. That is the rule of Ryūchi Cave."
At that moment, the shadows at the entrance rippled, and three women stepped into the dimly lit cavern. Their presence was otherworldly—Ichikijima-hime, Tashikojin-hime, and Tsunjin-hime. Their eyes fell on Madara's frame, and while they were initially startled, they quickly composed themselves with dignified calm.
"The infamous Shura of the Shinobi World graces Ryūchi Cave with his presence... But even legends must abide by our traditions. If you wish to learn our senjutsu, you must pass the trial, Madara Uchiha. Are you prepared?"
Uchiha Madara chuckled slowly. His Rinnegan eyes swirled into existence as his chakra surged with oppressive force.
"Hahahahahaha... Trials? Tests? I'm not interested in playing games. You three long insects should consider yourselves lucky that I am even bothering to ask. Now listen carefully—if I don't get the method to cultivate your so-called immortal technique today, Ryūchi Cave will fall. After all, the world only needs two holy lands, not three."
The silence that followed was thunderous.
"Arrogant!" Ichikijima-hime's voice rang out. "We've honored you by calling you 'Shura,' but you're still just a man!"
"You speak too freely, mortal!" Tashikojin-hime added. "Even if your name echoes across the lands, that won't save you from being devoured!"
"Hahahahahaha..." Madara stepped forward, his voice calm but chilling. "I didn't quite hear that. Would you three mind repeating yourselves?"
In a flash, his Rinnegan flared, the intensity of his gaze cracking the cavern walls. The immense pressure forced even the hardiest stone serpents nearby to tremble. The priestesses felt their hearts drop as reality set in.
That... that was the eye of the Sage of Six Paths.
In unison, the three great goddesses fell to their knees.
"Uchiha Madara-sama!!! Please forgive us!!! Of course, you may enter!!! The senjutsu of Ryūchi Cave is yours to claim! The White Snake Sage has long awaited your arrival!"
"Indeed! It is our honor—Ryūchi Cave's greatest fortune—that you would even glance at our teachings!"
Madara gave a half-smile, mocking in its sharpness. "Oh? But what about your rules? The tests? The fate of failure being devoured alive?"
"Misunderstanding!" Tsunjin-hime cried out. "A terrible misunderstanding! We've always been known for our hospitality!"
"Yes, yes!" Ichikijima-hime added hastily. "Our Ryūchi Cave opens its arms to all who seek knowledge! Especially someone as noble as yourself!"
Madara turned slightly, glancing at Orochimaru beside him. "Interesting. I heard you were almost eaten alive when you came here. Wasn't that the case?"
Orochimaru's expression twitched, but before he could speak, the priestesses interrupted.
"Lies! Naked slander!" Tashikojin-hime shrieked. "Lord Orochimaru has always been welcome! We simply misjudged his interest at the time. That's all!"
"Yes! We assumed he wasn't interested in learning senjutsu! We didn't want to force him!" Ichikijima-hime added, sweat beading down her temples.
Madara's eyes narrowed slightly, but he said no more, walking calmly into the deeper halls of Ryūchi Cave. Orochimaru followed, the corners of his lips twitching upward in quiet amusement. Manda, meanwhile, slithered quietly behind, praying he wouldn't be dragged into anything more dangerous.