There Is No Rule That Counterfeits Must Be Inferior to the Genuine Article

A few days later, Uchiha Mai had fully mastered his new ability. He left Amegakure and returned to the Konoha war zone.

The first thing he did after returning was seek out Orochimaru to "cancel his leave."

Before leaving, Sarutobi Hiruzen had assigned several ninja to take over Uchiha Mai's duties. Now that Uchiha Mai had returned, he naturally had to resume the heavy responsibility of deputy commander.

However...

"I'm very sorry, Mai."

Orochimaru extended his long tongue and licked his cheek, saying hoarsely, "Sensei sent over a handwritten order a few days ago.

According to Sensei's wishes, you can no longer serve as deputy commander of the Iwagakure war zone.

Sensei wants you to return to the village as soon as possible. He has another mission for you."

Uchiha Mai curled his lip. He had long expected Sarutobi Hiruzen to rein him in, but he had not expected it to come so quickly.

"How soon?" Uchiha Mai asked.

"As quickly as your rate of improvement." Orochimaru made a rare joke.

"Then that's faster than light."

The two exchanged glances and burst out laughing, instantly filling the tent with cheerful air.

Orochimaru's dark golden vertical pupils flickered as he said meaningfully, "I actually disagree with Sensei's decision.

An outstanding ninja like you can only bring out his greatest value by staying on the front lines during wartime.

No matter how important the position you take in the village, it would ultimately be like letting a treasured sword gather dust. For such a fierce blade to be unable to drink blood would be a despicable waste.

But there is no helping it, Mai. You did something that shook the Ninja World. You killed Hanzo of the Salamander—even Jiraiya and I might not have been able to do that with absolute certainty.