"Truly excellent. Just as expected of a disciple I taught."
Orochimaru studied him and explained the remaining two checkpoints to Uchiha Yū.
"Tagorihime was only the first checkpoint. The remaining two test different things. Get ready—we need to finish them as soon as possible."
"Don't worry, Teacher Orochimaru. I've adjusted myself to my best possible condition."
Chakra surged through Uchiha Yū's body. He could also sense the increasing Radiation Element around him. Just as he had guessed, natural energy contained some Radiation Element—far more than he could get from basking in the sun. With the replenishment of Radiation Element, Uchiha Yū was confident he could complete the trial.
The Snake Sage Art trial was far more difficult than Mount Myōboku's. As long as someone caught the Great Toad Sage's eye or had a good relationship with Mount Myōboku, they would assist that ninja in learning sage arts. Ryūchi Cave, however, followed the law of natural selection and survival of the fittest. Ryūchi Cave wanted elites, not people who could only pass the trials with assistance.
Failing even one of the three checkpoints meant ending up in their mouths.
Just as the two were preparing to leave, Tagorihime stopped them from behind.
"Wait! I'm coming with you to the next checkpoint."
A malicious smile appeared on Tagorihime's face. She had suffered a loss at Uchiha Yū's hands and was in a terrible mood, but if she could watch Ichikishimahime suffer as well, she would instantly feel much better.
One should not assume that Ryūchi Cave's three divine sisters lived in harmony. After so many years together, they had had no shortage of conflicts. Take Tagitsuhime at the final checkpoint, for example—she received the fewest prey.
As they continued deeper, the mist thinned, and pits filled the surrounding area. Fortunately, Orochimaru was