Uchiha Yakoto narrowly dodged Orochimaru's attack once again.
Seeing Uchiha Yakoto escape the range of the Kusanagi Sword's attack, Orochimaru did not launch another assault.
Instead, he held the sword aloft with one hand, watching Uchiha Yakoto with interest.
"Is this the power of the Sharingan? Just a Double Tomoe is already enough to keep up with my speed."
Uchiha Yakoto shook his head and replied,
"I can only barely see afterimages; I can't even say I see clearly."
"Many Jonin can't even do that. Uchiha Yakoto, in your generation, probably no one is stronger than you."
Orochimaru complimented him, a rare occurrence, then lowered his hand.
"You are solid in all aspects, and your Chakra reserves are among the very best."
"If I had to point out a weakness, it's that as a member of the Uchiha Clan, you barely use genjutsu in combat."
"Compared to your other strengths, genjutsu must be your weak point."
"Follow me."
Uchiha Yakoto's heart stirred. Although he wasn't sure of Orochimaru's intention with this move,
he himself knew his genjutsu was indeed lacking, so he followed him.
Orochimaru led him to a dimly lit room, where various strange instruments were placed around. He pulled out a notebook from a cabinet nearby.
"This is my compilation of Nidaime(2nd)-sama's research on Yin Release, which is Mental Energy, or rather, genjutsu."
Orochimaru handed the notebook to Uchiha Yakoto.
"It records many principles and Cultivation methods of genjutsu, which should be helpful to you."
Orochimaru's golden snake-like eyes narrowed slightly, and a meaningful smile played on his lips.
"However, theoretical knowledge is ultimately limited. The true Profound Truth of genjutsu requires a more direct experience."
Hearing Orochimaru's words, Uchiha Yakoto gripped the notebook in his hand.
He sensed the Chakra fluctuations in the air suddenly becoming viscous.
Uchiha Yakoto subconsciously activated his Double Tomoe Sharingan, only to find the Chakra fluctuations in the room twisting like ripples.
"This is...?"
"Summoning Jutsu: Reverse."
Orochimaru quickly formed hand signs, and complex summoning array patterns suddenly appeared on the ground.
With a burst of white smoke, Uchiha Yakoto felt the world spin.
When his vision returned, he found himself standing in a damp cave, with glowing moss covering the rock walls, and a sweet, fishy-like smell permeating the air.
Most terrifyingly, those "mosses" were slowly wriggling—they were countless tiny white snakes.
"Welcome to Ryūchi Cave."
Orochimaru's voice suddenly became hoarse, and his neck stretched eerily, like a snake, whispering into Uchiha Yakoto's ear.
"Every wisp of air here contains thousands of years of accumulated Sage Chakra, making it an excellent place to Cultivate Yin Release."
"Genjutsu! When did this happen?"
Uchiha Yakoto was startled, then gritted his teeth. The intense pain quickly brought Uchiha Yakoto back to his senses.
"Not bad."
"You reacted quite quickly, little guy."
A voice, accompanied by the sound of scales rubbing, came from within the cave.
A giant snake slithered out of the shadows, transforming into a human form, its unique serpentine vertical pupils staring directly into Uchiha Yakoto's Sharingan.
"Interesting, a little one from the Uchiha family can actually withstand the miasma of Ryūchi Cave."
"Lady Tagorihime." Orochimaru bowed respectfully, "This junior needs to learn true genjutsu."
Tagorihime suddenly leaned close to Uchiha Yakoto, her cold fingertips brushing over his eyelids.
"The Sharingan can indeed see through illusion, but true genjutsu..."
The Snake Hime's voice suddenly split into countless echoes.
"...can even distort reality."
Uchiha Yakoto's vision suddenly shattered. He saw his hands turning into snakes, with countless snakes wriggling under his skin.
Even more terrifying, the intense pain brought by this transformation was chillingly real.
The excruciating pain caused Uchiha Yakoto to begin twitching uncontrollably.
Even with his Sharingan furiously operating, he couldn't find any flaw in the genjutsu.
"Alright, remember this feeling."
Tagorihime's voice came from all directions.
"When you can use genjutsu to make someone unable to even conceive the thought of 'doubt,' then you've just begun."
Looking at Uchiha Yakoto's pained expression, Tagorihime revealed a satisfied smile.
"For the next three months, you will experience all the genjutsu of Ryūchi Cave. If you survive..."
"Then I will allow you to remain in Ryūchi Cave to Cultivate."
With that, the Snake Hime licked her lips.
"If you don't survive, then you will become one of the countless white bones in Ryūchi Cave."
Uchiha Yakoto's Sharingan glowed crimson in the darkness.
He took a deep breath, feeling the unique chilly Chakra of Ryūchi Cave.
"Then, let's begin."
Uchiha Yakoto said in a low voice, with a hint of determination.
Tagorihime revealed a bewitching smile, her snake-like pupils contracting slightly, and the surrounding air suddenly twisted.
Uchiha Yakoto's vision was instantly swallowed by darkness.
Immediately after, countless sharp pains erupted from all over his body—as if tens of thousands of poisoned needles simultaneously pierced his nerves.
His muscles spasmed uncontrollably, and cold sweat soaked his clothes.
"This is... genjutsu?" He gritted his teeth, trying to break it with his Sharingan, but found the pain was still real.
"It's useless."
Tagorihime's voice whispered in his ear.
"True genjutsu, no matter what you do, cannot be undone."
Uchiha Yakoto's breathing became increasingly ragged.
No, it's too painful.
The intense pain made it impossible for him to mobilize his Chakra.
Then the pain slowly subsided. Before Uchiha Yakoto could catch his breath, the intense pain struck again.
And this time, Uchiha Yakoto fainted directly.
"Oh dear, it seems I overdid it a bit."
...Half a year passed in a flash.
Soon, it was time for the Chunin Exams.
Konoha Village was particularly lively at this time, as this Chunin Exams was organized by the Daimyo.
Important figures from various great nations had basically all come to Konoha.
At this time, Lady Tsunade was conducting the final round of inspections for Tsunade's team.
Xiao Huangmao Minato Namikaze and the little firecracker Uzumaki Kushina were also among them.
This was no longer a simple bell-snatching game, but a true face-to-face combat exercise.
"Although it's five against one, Lady Tsunade, please don't call us despicable, after all, you are Lady Tsunade."
As Shizune's words fell, Uchiha Yakoto's face darkened. What kind of demonic statement was that?
Why did it sound so familiar?