"Incredible, my body has taken the form of a dragon."
Uchiha Shin, now transformed into a draconic posture, easily utilized a Water Release technique to construct a mirror, observing his current appearance.
Although he strongly resembled a golden dragon, there were still noticeable differences in the finer details.
This transformation was likely the result of the overwhelming emotions surging within him.
Through the combined influence of the Shikkotsu Forest's chakra and Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode—along with his unique venom-resistant constitution—he had perfectly assimilated the venom of the White Snake Sage, forging his new form.
If he had ended up like Kabuto Yakushi's grotesque half-snake, half-human transformation, or something as monstrous as Orochimaru or the White Snake from the past, Uchiha Shin would have been vehemently against it.
Instead, he found his current majestic dragon form quite appealing.
While in this "Dragon Posture," his physical resilience alone could withstand Kage-level ninjutsu.
Abilities such as flight, dragon breath, and summoning storms came to him naturally.
The only downside? He wasn't fully accustomed to this dragon body yet, making precise movement somewhat difficult.
Even the White Snake Sage's true form, a massive white serpent, suddenly appeared rather pleasing to his new perspective. It was evident that his aesthetics had begun shifting due to his transformation.
With time, he knew he would adapt.
With a single thought, Uchiha Shin rapidly shrank his massive dragon body, seamlessly returning to his human form. However, while still in the superimposed state of Shikkotsu Forest and Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode, his pupils remained golden dragon eyes.
Beyond that, he bore neither horns nor scales.
"Scales…"
"Sage Dragon Scale Technique."
Without even forming a hand seal, a thin layer of golden dragon scales materialized on his body.
These dragon scales retained two-thirds of the defensive power from his full dragon form, more than sufficient to withstand ordinary Kage-level techniques.
Against attacks below Kage-level? He was completely immune to both ninjutsu and taijutsu.
As long as he remained in Sage Mode, the duration of this technique was limitless.
If he reverted to his normal state, the chakra cost would increase. He hadn't yet tested his limits in that scenario, but for battle purposes, he was confident the duration would be more than sufficient.
"Incredible, boy! I am looking forward to your future."
The White Snake Sage's eyes gleamed with an intense light as she observed the sheer power and transformation of Uchiha Shin.
In him, she saw an unparalleled potential—an overwhelming strength worthy of her favor.
Thus, her attitude improved dramatically, shifting hundreds of times for the better.
Uchiha Shin understood her attempt to curry favor and didn't reject it.
After all, he owed her for allowing him to train in Ryūchi Cave and gain access to its Sage Mode. Gratitude was only natural.
Despite her eerie and cryptic demeanor, the White Snake Sage was an excellent mentor when it came to teaching.
Through her guidance, Uchiha Shin quickly realized the origins of Orochimaru's snake-based ninjutsu.
While Orochimaru had certainly innovated on his own, the root of his abilities undoubtedly stemmed from Ryūchi Cave.
[Eight-Headed Serpent Technique], [Serpent Cloak], [Sage Art: White Vibration], [Sage Art: Inorganic Animation]…
The White Snake Sage imparted all of these techniques and more.
Among them, the two that intrigued Uchiha Shin the most were the [Eight-Headed Serpent Technique] and [Sage Art: Inorganic Animation].
The [Eight-Headed Serpent Technique] was one of Ryūchi Cave's forbidden arts. To wield it, the user's body had to undergo a transformation capable of withstanding the venom and natural energy injected by the White Snake Sage's fangs.
This technique allowed the caster to transform into an enormous, eight-headed and eight-tailed serpent with immense power and near-immortal regenerative abilities. Unless reduced to minuscule, irreparable pieces or sealed away, the user was almost impossible to kill.
Naturally, as a forbidden jutsu, it had severe drawbacks.
Not only was it difficult to activate, but if the user failed to control the Eight-Headed Serpent's power, they would lose their sanity and devolve into a mindless beast.
As for [Sage Art: Inorganic Animation], it was a technique that infused life into inanimate objects, granting the caster complete control over them.
"My dragon form isn't suited for the Eight-Headed Serpent Technique… but it can be modified."
"The latter—Sage Art: Inorganic Animation—expands the applications of Yang Release, which could further enhance my mastery over Wood Release."
By using Yang Release to breathe life into inorganic matter, the technique bore similarities to the legendary Wood Release wielded by Senju Hashirama.
After learning [Sage Art: Inorganic Animation], Uchiha Shin immediately noticed a substantial boost in his Wood Release capabilities.
This was primarily due to his increasing proficiency in Yang Release.
As for Yin Release? Ryūchi Cave possessed extensive knowledge in that as well.
Previously, he had seen the three great snake sages—Tenka Hime, Ichikishima , and Tsujinji—conjure massive palaces and caverns from nothingness, a feat entirely based on Yin Release.
However, their failure to grasp Yang Release meant that once their Sage Mode was lifted, their creations would vanish.
"Creating form from formlessness… and then bestowing life upon it so that it truly exists."
Uchiha Shin focused his chakra, first utilizing Yin Release to manifest a small sapling before employing Yang Release to breathe life into it.
In the next moment, a sapling with vibrant, thriving energy stood before him.
Even as he dispelled the chakra sustaining it, the sapling remained, its green leaves swaying gently, brushing against his palm.
The sapling recognized Uchiha Shin as its creator.
"Young ones these days… Formidable indeed. It's only been two months, and yet you can already perform a basic Yin-Yang Release technique."
The White Snake Sage gazed at Uchiha Shin's creation with complex emotions but ultimately smiled in satisfaction.
Though his talent far exceeded her expectations, his strength only served to benefit her in the long run.
"You truly deserve to be called Master Shin. It's frustrating… We've studied for hundreds of years and still haven't mastered the fundamentals of Yang Release."
Tenka Hime, Ichikishima , and Tsujinji stood beside him, their eyes filled with envy as they watched him create the sapling.
Previously, they took solace in the fact that their Yin Release prowess surpassed Uchiha Shin's, believing it to be their sole advantage.
Yet, in just two months, he had utterly surpassed them.
Their initial jealousy had now transformed into sheer admiration for his overwhelming strength.
More importantly…
The dragon form he had revealed aligned perfectly with their aesthetic preferences.
For the three snake princesses—who had remained single for centuries in Ryūchi Cave—seeing Uchiha Shin in his dragon state was akin to a succubus stumbling into a den of men.
Their eyes sparkled with a dangerous mix of reverence and hunger, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they were practically drooling.
Yet, Uchiha Shin maintained his composure.
After all, the three snake princesses were the White Snake Sage's subordinates. Who knew what schemes she might be plotting?
The White Snake Sage herself—an old woman with an eerie, somber disposition—was difficult to predict.
The last thing Uchiha Shin wanted was to fall into some ridiculous trap for the sake of fleeting pleasures.