The person and the snake continued to walk through the mist. Although neither of them spoke, they both felt a sense of nervousness.
White Snake, being from the Ryūchi Cave lineage, knew exactly what was happening.
Amane had received intelligence from Orochimaru and had seen the trials here in the boruto in her previous life, so she had a good idea of what to expect.
The layer of mist before them was Ryūchi Cave's first screening mechanism, designed to distinguish between those who intentionally came here and travelers who accidentally got lost.
"My stomach is starting to feel hungry. After getting Hashirama cells, I rarely feel this way."
In the original work, Uchiha Obito could survive without eating or drinking after half his body was replaced by Hashirama cells.
Amane wasn't that exaggerated, but as long as there wasn't any high-intensity consumption, going a few days without food was fine.
She glanced at White Snake on her shoulder. The little White Snake was lifeless, looking as if it might collapse at any moment.
It seemed more sleepy than hungry.
"Is there a racial difference?"
Amane continued forward, simultaneously activating her Kagura Minds Eye.
The dark space was now filled with Chakra of strange colors, but unlike the Hiding in Mist Technique, this Chakra had no flow.
There was nothing she could do. Sure enough, the Byakugan's observational power was stronger. She decided to honestly continue walking.
After an unknown period, Amane saw her previous footprints on the ground and understood.
The divergence point had arrived.
Amane continued to step forward.
"Oh... so it's not someone who got lost. Even such a small child comes seeking power? It seems human society has started wars again. How excessive. Even if we and the other two Holy Lands have disputes, we implicitly agree not to harm each other's children."
On a distant tree, three women of varying sizes and postures silently watched Amane and White Snake.
"Isn't that obvious? Only after truly understanding humans will you realize that they are the most cruel and vicious race in nature. That's why I happily eat those who don't pass the trial."
Another woman responded.
"You're getting off-topic. And don't underestimate that human girl. Sense carefully; she has two Sage Body auras within her."
"Really?!" X2
After a moment of silence, the two women who had spoken earlier also showed surprised expressions.
Sage Body and Sage Mode are not the same concept. The latter is a state achieved through training, stabilizing Natural Energy within the body.
However, a Sage Body can permanently change the strength and nature of the physical body.
"One is her own, but it's very, very weak. At most, it makes her vitality extraordinary.
The other aura, however, is very powerful. These two powers seem to coexist within this human girl.
Interesting. It seems this child has quite a story."
The three looked at each other, seeing the smiles full of interest on each other's faces.
Soon after, a massive building appeared before Amane's eyes. An unparalleled beauty, clad in ethereal feathered robes, stood at the entrance, seemingly waiting for her.
But Amane's initial attention wasn't on her.
It was on the building behind her.
How to put it? Amane almost thought she had traveled back in time again, to an ancient setting.
Rows of red lanterns hung in front of carved windows, several classical coiled dragon pillars exuded grandeur, and a gilded plaque inscribed with 'Ryūchi Cave' hung in the center.
Isn't this a perfectly traditional Chinese ancient-style building?
"Welcome to Ryūchi Cave. My name is Tagorihime. Hmm? I see nostalgia in your eyes. Have you been here before?"
After introducing herself, the woman calling herself Tagorihime noticed Amane's nostalgia for the building behind her and asked curiously.
"Ah, it's very nostalgic. I increasingly feel that choosing this place was fate's arrangement."
Not just because of circumstances, Ryūchi Cave was the most accessible place for Amane. Perhaps she also remembered that this place had many similarities to the homeland of her soul.
Even though Amane had no obsession with returning, that feeling of nostalgia was still there.
"It seems you truly came here to seek power. Let's not waste time with pleasantries; please come in."
Tagorihime maintained a beautiful smile and was about to lead Amane into the house.
However, before that, Amane pointed to her shoulder, which had become empty at some point.
"Its path is different from yours. Don't worry, as long as both of you pass, or both of you fail the trial, you will naturally meet again."
If they don't pass, they'll die together, huh?.
Amane understood in her heart but didn't expose it, and followed Tagorihime's steps into the building.
Instantly, Amane felt as if she had entered the imperial palace of an ancient costume drama. The entire room was luxuriously golden, with exquisite and noble furniture, providing an ultimate visual feast.
At the same time, Amane involuntarily twitched her nose.
Fragrance! A fragrance that could entice even a full person to eat again, constantly invaded her nasal cavity.
"So that's it. If this is the case, it truly tests one's willpower."
The first stage of the trial, according to both Orochimaru's intelligence and the boruto content, was consistent.
Delicious food is placed before you, and if you eat it, you will die, and your corpse will become food for the guardian.
After a long period of exertion and the tempting aroma of clearly problematic food, one truly couldn't view these three trials with naive eyes.
"You must be tired after such a long journey to get here. Even if you're seeking the legendary Sage's power, you need to eat and have strength to face the next stages. Come, come, come."
Tagorihime came to a table laden with sumptuous delicacies, repeating
Amane's hunger immediately intensified by more than one level. She wished she could rush over and feast to relieve this primal thirst.
Without any hesitation, Amane drew the short knife she carried and pierced several places on her body that would cause the most pain.
Cutting the Gordian knot swiftly is the most effective way to deal with humanity's three desires; pure willpower alone will eventually fail.
Fortunately, during her time experimenting with Orochimaru, Amane's understanding of the human body was already beyond that of an average Medical Ninja.
She knew exactly where to inflict pain without being fatal.
"You're just a child, and a human female at that. You're truly ruthless to yourself."
The bright lights around her instantly dimmed, and the previously enticing aroma of food was replaced by the stench of decay.
Looking around again, there was no magnificent palace or fine wine; only human corpses scattered everywhere and Tagorihime's grotesque, terrifying snake face.
"I thought I could finally have a rare treat like you, a delicacy not seen in a hundred years."
Watching the white smoke rise from Amane's body due to rapid healing, Tagorihime genuinely felt a sense of pity.
Although slight, this was still a Sage Body; not only was it delicious, but it could also significantly enhance one's strength.
However, rules were rules. Amane had overcome the beauty and tempting fragrance before her, and she had passed this stage.
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