He had only read the beginning of the scroll, but if it truly contained a method of cultivating natural energy suited to humans, as the other man had said...
Then...
Why had something so precious been passed on to him so easily?
He could imagine how important something like this would be to the entire Ninja World. The major villages would even classify it among their highest-level forbidden techniques.
"Orochimaru."
Xia Le spoke with a soft chuckle.
"Do you know? There is one thing that sets you apart from everyone else in this world."
Orochimaru listened attentively.
"When it comes to the truths, philosophies, and laws of the world, you possess a thirst for knowledge that they lack."
"I greatly admire that spirit of exploration."
"Besides."
"If you become stronger, we may have many more opportunities to work together in the future."
Xia Le's words left Orochimaru momentarily stunned, then silent.
He rolled up the scroll again, gripping it tightly in his right hand.
Only those who understood natural energy could appreciate how precious and powerful this was.
To be honest, once it was in his hands, he no longer had the courage to give it up.
"Then, thank you!"
Orochimaru slowly rose and spoke solemnly.
"Orochimaru, your thirst for knowledge and your research abilities are what I value most!"
"I look forward to even better cooperation between us in the future."
Xia Le smiled faintly.
Orochimaru nodded.
Then he turned and hurried away.
He was already impatient to explore what was recorded in the scroll.
At the same time, Orochimaru felt an immense sense of pressure from Xia Le.
On the surface, he was the strongest member of the Uchiha Clan, mild-mannered, approachable, and even extraordinarily generous.
In reality, however, the man was like a cloud of mist, impossible