The White Zetsu Lurking in the Shadows

Orochimaru was not embarrassed in the slightest at being rejected. His face was still beaming with a smile.

"You'd better think this through carefully. Right now, I have Uchiha Genya's complete trust, and in Konoha, I'm practically second only to Lord Hokage."

"Following me will only benefit you. There won't be any drawbacks."

"I could easily find another snake to sign a contract with. It's just that the benefits would definitely go to them instead."

Manda fell silent.

The contract binding him had been completely severed by that slash. In theory, he was indeed free now.

But Orochimaru's promises were extremely tempting. If one of his mortal enemies in Ryūchi Cave gained even more benefits, Manda would rather take another beating from Uchiha Genya.

Manda asked suspiciously, "You'll offer me more sacrifices in the future?"

Orochimaru smiled and shook his head.

"Lord Hokage doesn't like beasts that eat humans. You'd better quit that habit."

Manda immediately refused. "If there's nothing in it for me, why should I keep helping you?"

Orochimaru's smile became mysterious. "That depends on how you look at it. Believe it or not, it's up to you."

"I'm only giving you this warning because we've worked together for so many years and developed a bond. Otherwise, if another snake signed a contract with me, I wouldn't lose anything."

Manda snorted, but in the end, he said nothing more. He turned into a cloud of white smoke and temporarily returned to Ryūchi Cave to recover.

The injuries he had suffered this time were severe, but Ryūchi Cave contained a vast amount of Natural Energy, which could help him recover more quickly.

However, before leaving, he still linked his contract to Orochimaru's.

But if Orochimaru summoned him next time only to make him take another beating, then he shouldn't