Orochimaru's Bold Idea

"Is there an even stronger ability?"

Orochimaru murmured, an eerie gleam flickering in his dark golden eyes.

He believed that.

Uchiha Mai's ability just now had indeed been strange, but it could only be used as a supporting measure, at most interfering with an opponent.

Yet Uchiha Mai looked completely confident. Either he was putting on an act and gambling, or he truly had some trump card.

Orochimaru was not particularly willing to gamble with Uchiha Mai, so he assumed Uchiha Mai still had something damn impressive up his sleeve.

"Being able to witness it would naturally be wonderful, but why do you have to use my life to test it?"

Orochimaru gave an awkward laugh. "Mai, we're both Konoha shinobi. We've been comrades working in the same war zone and the same department for nearly a year.

"You're far too hostile. Killing each other would not be good."

The same department referred to the Anbu. Uchiha Mai had served as deputy commander of the war zone for roughly three months and as captain of an Anbu unit for a year.

"Then what was that attack from behind?" Uchiha Mai pressed.

"A test. It was merely a test."

Orochimaru continued smiling awkwardly and forcibly explained, "I have a bold idea that requires your assistance.

"But this idea is far too dangerous for you. If you are not strong enough, you could be seriously injured or even die.

"For your safety, I deliberately tested your strength. If you could not pass the test, then there would be no need to carry out the plan.

"After all, safety comes first."

"Oh, really?" Uchiha Mai curled his lip. Why do I find that so hard to believe?

"Absolutely true." Orochimaru nodded.

That was half true and half false. Orochimaru had indeed never intended