Trial, Three-Person Squad

Land of Rivers.

This former tourist nation had now been in turmoil for several months.

Under Shiraishi Mori's leadership, hundreds of Ghouls had fought with increasing ferocity and were now closing in on Yugakure.

Beyond Yugakure lay Kawajo, the capital of the Land of Rivers and the nation's political and economic center.

Outside a frontline stronghold of Yugakure, three figures silently appeared.

"Honestly, how boring. The master actually sent us on such a dull mission."

The speaker was a woman with a crisp voice. She stood lightly atop a branch as though she weighed nothing at all, her dark green hair strikingly unusual.

"Hey, you. Since you belong to Orochimaru, don't call Lord Simu your master!"

With anger in her voice, Uzumaki Rii, Simu's test subject, glared coldly at the green-haired woman.

Faced with Uzumaki Rii's challenge, Xianai merely smiled. Casually scratching her waterfall-like hair, she said with a grin,

"I don't deny that I was once obsessed with Orochimaru's power. But after witnessing an ocean like the master, I could never again take an interest in a mere stream like Orochimaru."

As she spoke, a trace of madness surfaced in Xianai's dark green eyes. Gripping her own neck, she said rapturously, "I am now a dog utterly loyal to my master!"

"You're disgusting, woman."

Uzumaki Rii was clearly displeased with this former enemy.

After all, when she had been Orochimaru's test subject, this woman had been in charge of the base.

She had finally escaped Orochimaru's clutches, and now this woman wanted to compete with her for Lord Simu. It was simply outrageous!

Xianai's expression returned to normal, and she sneered. "Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. Let me warn you: only true powerhouses are qualified to follow the master. A woman like you should just forget