บท 108: Chapter 108 : First Trial of Ryuchi Cave
"The atmosphere here feels quite unique."
In a dim forest veiled by dense fog, within a meadow carpeted with withered leaves, Orochimaru, seated in a cross-legged position, rose soundlessly.
A plethora of intricate seals surrounded his feet, carefully drawn symbols that ignited the piles of leaves beneath, gradually reducing them to fine ash.
Staring at the wafting smoke, Orochimaru appeared drawn to a gravitational pull, extending his hand to perceive it.
"In the past's terminology, this space seems to possess an unusually high density. It suggests an internal space, complemented by an intricate illusion that eludes my comprehension. Hence, the actual expanse within is likely far larger than its outward appearance."
Orochimaru's dark, golden snake-like pupils transitioned to a vivid crimson, as if infused with blood. The world before him now held an inviting substance. While he couldn't quite sense it fully, he could "see" its existence—an abundant reservoir of natural energy.
"With the capabilities of the Sage of the Six Paths, absorbing natural energy might prove much easier."
Gently lowering a snake beneath him, Orochimaru cautiously advanced toward the area where the fog was denser.
"This young one... bears a striking resemblance to us, exuding an aura uncannily akin to ours."
Perched atop a lofty treetop, a woman garbed in green observed Orochimaru's every move from afar.
"Purple eye markings, golden serpent-like eyes, with curved jade as both earrings and necklace! Yet, his physique resembles more of a human."
A blue-clad Lolita studied Orochimaru's attire meticulously, her astonishment evident. "He indeed possesses the untainted blood of a white-scaled serpent!"
"As such, grasping natural energy should come effortlessly to him."
A red-robed royal figure reclined against a tree trunk, remarking, "It's a pity. Should he fail the trial, devouring him would surely enhance my strength!"
"Such comments aren't warranted!"
A dangerous smirk etched across the blue-clad Lolita's lips. While gazing at Orochimaru, a trace of greed surfaced in her eyes, swiftly accompanied by a furious roar. "Have you noticed? His original appearance—it lacks the telltale snake scales and fissures! It's just a disguise!"
"Nani?!"
The other two women appeared taken aback.
"Indeed! His skin remains unblemished beneath the makeup?!"
All three women now found themselves inexplicably incensed, their composure wavering. Even the formerly genteel woman in green now sported a face that exuded a fierce and demonic aura.
Long, narrow eyes and vivid red eyeshadow, with a few white serpent scales adorning the side of her face.
Her complexion, akin to a pale leaf dragon, emanated an ethereal whiteness.
The most distinctive trait, however, was her colossal, vivid red mouthpart. When parted, the corners of her mouth extended almost to the base of her ears, revealing four pointed serpent fangs and a brilliant tongue. She was a serpent-human hybrid.
Orochimaru's tongue might indeed be lengthy, but it wasn't split like that of a serpent. All three women were potentially serpentine entities in human guise.
"However, his appearance... Suggests an extraordinarily powerful and pure lineage. A human harbouring such complete heritage is hardly believable. Besides him, only perhaps my grandmother could attain this perfect human semblance!"
The three women resumed their original forms—sharing the same vivid red eyeshadow, the same snakelike mouth, and forked tongue—now regarding Orochimaru with newfound intimacy.
"Allow me to gauge his sincerity with the first trial!"
The woman donning green attire reverted to her gentle, elegant persona, vanishing into the distance.
"Quite the straightforward matter. Given his lineage, his presence here was inevitable."
Orochimaru continued his advance, gradually ascending the steep mountain range. A haze cloaked the mountain path above and below, stifling his mental perception to its lowest ebb.
"Earlier, was someone surveilling me from afar? Could they hail from the Ryūchi Cave?"
Orochimaru ambled, suddenly stumbling upon a trail of footprints underfoot.
"I left these traces."
Orochimaru shook his head, forging ahead.
"As per White Scale's guidance, I can proceed to the Ryūchi Cave. I require the power held within!"
With resolve unshaken, Orochimaru advanced, his vision abruptly alighting upon a radiant glow, penetrating the dense fog.
"This is... the Ryūchi Cave? But why is it here?!"
Orochimaru's gaze remained fixed. Before him stood an imposing palace, grand and majestic, bedecked with coiling serpent motifs on its beams and columns. An immense golden lantern swung overhead, bearing a colossal plaque inscribed with the words "Ryūchi Cave"—a truly splendid sight!
Yet, to find such an edifice situated amidst this ambience was likely inconceivable, akin to encountering a haunted mansion.
"It defies reason!"
Orochimaru activated his Sharingan and proceeded cautiously, though, unfortunately, he discerned nothing amiss.
Just then, the entrance creaked open, revealing a composed woman dressed in green, her smile gentle and welcoming.
"Welcome to the Ryūchi Cave. I am Tagorihime. Esteemed guest, have you journeyed here in pursuit of eternal power?"
"Yes, I seek an audience with the White Snake Sage."
"White Snake Sage is in repose within the inner courtyard. Honoured guest, do take a respite."
Guided by Tagorihime, Orochimaru stepped into the palace—a resplendent expanse adorned with gilded and jade embellishments. Tables were laden with an array of delectable foods.
"After your arduous journey, surely you must be hungry. These dishes are tailored to our guests' palates." Tagorihime extended her warm hospitality, personally serving Orochimaru.
"...I have no appetite."
Orochimaru sighed, wandering leisurely through the palace.
"Judging from my observations, these offerings are certainly laced with poison. However, this depiction of the Ryūchi Cave diverges markedly from my memory. It is an illusion, likely conjured by a fairy, but discerning the truth eludes me."
Murmuring softly, Orochimaru remained oblivious to Tagorihime's transformation—a display of her snakelike visage—accompanied by complaints murmured under her breath. "I should have known such a facile tactic would falter. Not everyone succumbs to indulgence.Someone with a lineage as pristine as White Scale's cannot harbour such pedestrian desires!"
Orochimaru regarded the sumptuous offerings with a shake of his head. While he turned away, his attention shifted to the assortment of gold, silver, and jade antiques spread around him.
Lifting a sizable diamond, a dazzling fifty-carat gem, Orochimaru's head shook dismissively, and the jewel was cast aside.
"Alas, this realm belongs to the Naruto universe. Why entertain such mundane trinkets?"
Might there exist scrolls of forbidden knowledge, Orochimaru might have welcomed them. Yet, with his meticulous scrutiny, any such contrivances would be exposed.
"Ah, how I yearn for power, impervious to the illusions before me."
Orochimaru's gaze swept dispassionately, his countenance serene and determined.
"It seems I have been outplayed. I seem to have lost."
Tagorihime's voice emerged, expressing her exasperation. She was preparing to dispel the illusion.
However, at that juncture, Orochimaru cried out, "Hold on!"
"Uh? Has he discovered something?"
Tagorihime blinked in surprise, observing Orochimaru hastening toward a nearby table. His gaze fixated on a particular object, his eyes aglow with an emerald hue.
"Could this be—?!"
Drawing a deep breath, Orochimaru formed a hand seal.
"Bang!" Three shadow clones manifested simultaneously.
"Shadow clones are equipped to relay sensations to the original. Although I comprehend that these things are most likely illusions, I am compelled to savour its essence."
Amidst Tagorihime's astonishment, one clone seized a packet of greasy treats.
"Have you tasted these delights? Have you sampled their spicy taste?"
"Let us compose ourselves."
The shadow clone consumed the spicy delicacies with a teary expression.
"Pure bliss!"
The second clone ingested a flask of soda, promptly vanishing with a shriek.
"An enchanting reprieve, though short-lived."
The final clone retrieved a Marlboro cigarette, crushing the bead and inhaling its fragrance.
"Indeed, soda and cigarettes wield boundless potential. Although I abstained from smoking before, honouring the past appeals to me."
The shadow clone ignited the Marlboro, inhaling deeply, exhaling a perfect ring of smoke before dissipating into thin air.
"Whatever is this?!"
Tagorihime stared, dumbfounded. Orochimaru's actions had left her utterly perplexed, the foundation of the illusion eluding her grasp.
"Crash-"
The palace dissolved, the surroundings fading into dust and bones. Evidently, all was illusory.
"Be it shark fin, abalone, or swallow's nest, my yearning remains unabated. Regrettably, these visions prove fanciful."
Feedback from the shadow clones suffused Orochimaru with elation. Caressing a human skull nearby, he stood, bowed slightly to Tagorihime, and strode away.
"Gratitude, and farewell!"
"Hey, hey, hey! What on earth did you partake in?"
Tagorihime's sharp teeth emerged as she shouted, baffled by Orochimaru's dispassionate attitude and surreal actions.
Could those offerings truly be so enchanting?
"Halt! I'm going to make a meal of you!"
Orochimaru's indifference triggered a surge of fury within Tagorihime. Teeth bared, she lunged toward Orochimaru with clenched fists.
"Enough, your defeat is apparent."
A voice from the thick fog halted her advance.
"Our duty is to assess the aspirants. Consuming the failed is your sole prerogative."
"Understood."
Tagorihime stamped her foot in frustration before vanishing into the mist.
"May your leisure endure."
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