Orochimaru, under the watchful gaze of so many powerful figures, broke out in a cold sweat. His heart pounded wildly, and he felt as though he could die at any moment.
He was already a rogue ninja from Konoha, and he had followed Madara as a traitorous lackey and guide. Now that he had fallen into the hands of Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Raikage, and the others, even leaving behind an intact corpse would be a luxury.
Unless... unless he could cling to a very thick thigh.
Orochimaru's mind raced. He immediately thought of a solution, smiled, and put on a deferential expression. He bowed slightly to Uchiha Mai and said passionately, "Mai-san, I have not disappointed your expectations.
The task you gave me has been completed!
Following your instructions, I successfully infiltrated Madara's side, lured that old schemer out of hiding, and brought him here to fight you to the death.
My mission is now complete. May I return to the village... return to the Empire, and serve you?"
What acting!
Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others all revealed incredulous expressions upon hearing this. Orochimaru was actually a spy within a spy?
If he had said so earlier, then Orochimaru truly had rendered a service to the Ninja World. The unknown was the most terrifying; Madara hiding in the shadows was more troublesome than Madara openly stepping forward.
But when had Uchiha Mai begun laying out this scheme?
Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes and fell into thought as he waited for Uchiha Mai's answer. To be honest, he only believed thirty percent of Orochimaru's claims.
Sarutobi Hiruzen knew this disciple of his far too well. He would stop at nothing to achieve his goals and had an extremely low moral bottom line, much like the Second.
The traitor part was probably