From then on, Li had essentially bid farewell to his former carefree life of leisure. Having officially become part of Konoha's ruling class, he now had to review all sorts of official documents while also finding time to pretend to train.
Not long after Li took control of the Konoha Guard, he received an intelligence report. After flipping through two pages, his expression darkened. From roughly three months ago until now, more than thirty people had entered Orochimaru's laboratory and never come out.
Orochimaru had made no statement on the matter. Though some people were suspicious, none dared step forward openly due to Orochimaru's intimidating reputation. It seemed Lord Fugaku, the previous captain of the Konoha Guard, had left him quite a troublesome mess. Of course, Li's suddenly grim expression was entirely for Mai's benefit.
By now, Mai seemed to have realized what Orochimaru was doing.
If it had merely been simple drug testing, Orochimaru would not have needed so many people. Li lightly tapped the desk. "Mai."
"Yes." Mai hurriedly responded. The report had passed through her hands, and she was no fool. She naturally understood that someone was trying to set her up. She had risen far too quickly.
"You don't need to concern yourself with this matter." Li spoke in a low voice. "I know someone is trying to deal with you. I'll handle it myself. Just act as though this never happened. You may leave."
Mai's body trembled, and she quickly replied, "Yes."
After watching Mai leave, Li immediately used the Shadow Clone Technique and created two Shadow Clones. One remained behind to continue working, while the other stood to the side. Li himself then climbed out through the window. That way, if anyone came looking for him, one of the Shadow Clones could disperse immediately,