How Could It Be That Fast?

Yamato understood very well what Orochimaru meant, because he had already recognized the gap between himself and Uchiha Mai.

Danzo and Sarutobi Hiruzen both placed high hopes on Yamato, hoping he could grow to rival Senju Hashirama—or at least catch up to him.

Yamato had once believed himself to be a genius, that he might be able to catch up to Senju Hashirama, until he met Uchiha Mai.

Since graduating from the Ninja Academy, Uchiha Mai's strength had never stopped improving. Even recently, limited by his age, his strength had still improved somewhat. It was utterly absurd.

It was neither scientific nor ninjutsu theory.

What was the standard template for a genius? Kakashi and Master Minato.

Graduate at around five, become a Chunin at six or seven, then spend several years building chakra reserves and combat experience before advancing to Jonin at around eleven.

Then develop new techniques, continue increasing chakra reserves, accumulate experience, and wait for the body to mature, becoming an Elite Jonin at around fifteen or sixteen.

Finally, around the ages of twenty-two to twenty-eight, officially enter one's prime and become a powerhouse comparable to the leader of a village.

Different ages brought different stages of growth. Excluding Jinchuriki, the vast majority of Shadow Level experts in the Ninja World followed roughly this path.

Yet Uchiha Mai had shattered that established path, his rate of improvement far surpassing that of any genius.

Yamato knew he could not compare to such talent. The gap was simply too great.

"By the way, what was it that Mai asked you to deliver to me?" Orochimaru suddenly remembered the important matter and asked.

Yamato took a scroll from his robes and respectfully handed it to Orochimaru. "Didn't Lord Orochimaru give Senior Mai an order this morning?

You hoped he would find