After some contemplation, the White Snake Sage asked, "Was it that old toad, Gamamaru, who told you?"
She could only think of this possibility. Naruto didn't yet have the means to meet Hagoromo, and among those who knew the past, only the masters of the three great sage clans remained.
The Slugs were reserved and would never mention such things proactively, leaving only Gamamaru.
However, Naruto replied, "It wasn't the Great Toad Sage. I have my own sources of information. For now, I can only say that I am an ally of the three great sage clans, not an enemy. In the future, we will fight side by side against the extraterrestrial enemies, the Ōtsutsuki clan."
Hearing the name "Ōtsutsuki" from Naruto's mouth, the White Snake Sage couldn't help but be surprised. "You know that much already. Do you know that Gamamaru's ancestor created a sage treasure called 'Pear' that can traverse time?"
Naruto nodded, "I am aware."
The White Snake Sage continued, "The ancestor of the toads foresaw that the Ōtsutsuki would reign supreme, with no one able to oppose their rule. So, he created that treasure to leave a sliver of uncertainty in the world. However, that sage treasure fell into the hands of that clan and has been missing ever since."
The Pear had already fulfilled its mission by sending Naruto back to the past and had disappeared completely.
Naruto didn't tell the White Snake Sage about this.
There was no need to share such detailed information with someone he had just met and had no close ties with.
Knowing that the Pear was no longer around, the future he was creating would be the world's final and only solution.
Naruto, with a broad vision, said, "Rather than relying on an uncertain variable, it's better to seize the present!"
The White Snake Sage sighed, "That sounds like something Asura would say. Decades ago, your predecessor, Hashirama Senju, also came here. He was very strong. In the future, you might become even stronger than him. But ultimately, you are human, and as humans, you cannot escape the cycle of life and death. Your limit is a hundred years, and even with the most desperate means, you can only extend it to three hundred years."
Naruto was puzzled, "Three hundred years? What do you mean?"
The White Snake Sage explained, "Oh? You know so many secrets but not about the age rings? Trees have growth rings, and humans have age rings. Even if your body doesn't age, the time your soul can remain in the world is limited. Three hundred years is the limit for humans."
This revelation left Naruto deep in thought.
The White Snake Sage turned to Orochimaru, "Orochimaru, you developed the method of reincarnation, hoping to extend your life and grasp all truths of the world. But this is fundamentally unfeasible! Each reincarnation lasts three years. Even if each one goes smoothly, after a hundred reincarnations, that's the end!"
Orochimaru clenched his fist.
He had just learned about the existence of age rings, and as someone who pursued truth, he found it hard to accept this reality!
But his rational mind quickly came to terms with it.
"Age rings are also a part of truth. At least, with this method of reincarnation, I theoretically have three hundred years to explore more truths. By then, perhaps I'll find a new way to extend life, until I achieve true immortality!"
The White Snake Sage remarked, "You're quite naive. I've lived for a thousand years, and according to the age rings, I can live for a few thousand more, yet I don't dare boast such claims. But throughout history, it's precisely people like you who achieve something."
She shifted the topic, "However, speaking of immortality, currently, there's only one recognized method: the chakra fruit nurtured by the God Tree. Consuming it can break the limit of age rings. But the chakra fruit isn't something humans can consume. It's a divine creation by the Ōtsutsuki clan, and only members of that clan can consume it. Anyone else, no matter how strong, will die instantly upon consumption!"
"Enough, there's no point in longing for what we cannot have. Forget what I just said, Naruto. You and Orochimaru should head to the back mountain and integrate the sage arts. With your aptitude, you should be able to grasp the so-called Free Sage Art. Hashirama Senju combined the strengths of the three sage arts to create his own style. Though it seems ordinary to us, it's undeniably the strongest sage art accessible to humans."
With that, Naruto and Orochimaru went to the back mountain of Ryūchi Cave.
They sat cross-legged, facing each other.
The White Snake Sage's words lingered in their minds.
Orochimaru expressed his concern, "Indeed, if the issue of lifespan isn't resolved, no matter how powerful we become, we can't match that clan."
Naruto replied solemnly, "Immortality was something I once disdained. The Will of Fire in Konoha is about nurturing successors, which is the right path and the ideal way for humanity to continue. But reality doesn't allow us to do that. We have to find an alternative. If we can't find a solution, we'll have to find a way to obtain the chakra fruit."
Orochimaru mused, "But the rule that only the Ōtsutsuki can consume it seems ironclad."
"Perhaps I have a way," Naruto said, slowly closing his eyes. "But it's a step-by-step process. For now, I need to master the Free Sage Art."
Orochimaru's eyes, full of intrigue, gazed at Naruto, his thoughts swirling: "Naruto-kun, up to now, you haven't mentioned anything about your past experiences to me. Is it because you don't trust me enough, or do you trust me too much, thinking I can find the answers myself? Either way, you truly understand my nature. Rather than being told directly, exploring it myself satisfies my curiosity more!"
"Wonderful."
Orochimaru licked his long tongue, his vertical pupils shining brightly.
"Indeed, only you can give me the joy I seek. No one else can. Ah, ah, I can't stand just watching anymore. I want to truly immerse myself in this whirlwind of yours. Even if it leads to destruction, I'll be unwavering until death!"
"So, Naruto-kun, I'll pursue you until the moment the world is reborn or destroyed. Heh heh heh, being alive is truly wonderful!"
At the Gates of Konoha
The eyes that had watched the darkness now saw the dawn.
Looking at the unchanged scenery, Kabuto Yakushi couldn't help but sigh, "It seems this time, Konoha truly cannot escape its fate. But strategy is still important. How do you plan to attack, Sasuke-kun?"
Sasuke Uchiha, cold and ruthless, replied, "Strategy? Simple. Destroy everything that enters my sight—buildings, plants, people, and animals. This is the supreme purification of the Uchiha clan!"
"Is that so?"
Clap! Kabuto clasped his hands together.
Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation!
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
Coffins rose from the ground, led by the Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hōzuki, as the reincarnated were awakened!
Kabuto earnestly said, "I don't have many strong pieces left, so I'll deploy them here. Consider it helping you fulfill your wish. After this battle, you should rest, Sasuke-kun."
"Hmph!" Sasuke, mounted and brandishing his sword, declared, "Very well, as you wish. Follow me, and let's conquer Konoha!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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