The pitch-black cave stretched downward.
Following the stone steps, Yuugao Uzuki finally reached the passage at the very bottom.
The passage was spacious, with hanging lamps overhead.
Thanks to the lighting, she could clearly see that the passage extended straight ahead, with several separate doors visible along the way.
The passage was somewhat chilly, and waves of beastly roars echoed from within.
"There really is something strange here!"
Yuugao Uzuki did not dare let down her guard in the slightest. Keeping close to the wall, she continued forward.
Faintly—
It seemed that voices were drifting from one of the rooms deeper inside.
"The condition of Test Subject Number Seven is extremely unstable. Increase the dosage of sedatives."
"Orochimaru's research materials are still being restored. Hopefully, they will provide something useful for reference."
"Move faster. We must make a breakthrough before the Chunin Ninja Exams... We cannot delay my lord's plans."
"..."
Although Yuugao Uzuki had not heard everything clearly, she had distinctly heard the name "Orochimaru."
Just as she had expected.
Unspeakable experiments were being conducted here.
And they were connected to Orochimaru.
That made it all the more necessary to investigate thoroughly.
As a member of ANBU, Yuugao Uzuki could not retreat at a time like this.
Even knowing that going deeper carried the risk of being discovered, she had no choice but to proceed.
One step, two steps, three steps...
She drew closer and closer to the door from which the voices had come.
Yuugao Uzuki held her breath, afraid that the slightest carelessness would alert them.
Whoosh!
At that moment, a sudden whistle tore through the air and shot toward her vital points.
Yuugao Uzuki flashed aside.
Clang!
A kunai struck the wall, sending sparks flying.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Before Yuugao Uzuki could make out what was