Orochimaru nodded without hesitation. "When you put it that way, there really should be some connection."
"Yes, I agree with your theory for now. But are you really planning to let that purple mist affect you again and enter that so-called Black Mist Vortex?"
Orochimaru asked doubtfully, but he could not help turning the matter over in his mind. What Yui Hyuga had just said was probably true, and this incident had only deepened his curiosity about the Gourd.
He did not believe Yui Hyuga's claim that it was not the Totsuka Blade. These incidents were enough to establish that the Gourd was no ordinary object. Even if it really was not the Totsuka Blade, it was probably some other powerful treasure.
He stared at the Gourd in Yui's hand. After a moment's thought, he came up with a way to learn about its abilities. "Yui Hyuga, could you let me try being affected by the purple mist too, so I can return to my original body inside the Black Mist Vortex?"
"Perhaps we'll experience different sensations."
At his words, Yui's hands paused briefly. Her pure white eyes studied Orochimaru for a moment before she shook her head. "No. Until we've figured this out, it's better if I go in. After all..."
She paused for a moment, then continued, "After all, I'm the owner of this Gourd, and I'm the one controlling the purple mist. If it affects any of you, there's no telling what might happen. So until we've confirmed it's safe, it's better to let me go."
Yui had guessed what Orochimaru was thinking. He probably wanted to use this chance to interact with the Gourd to determine whether it was the Totsuka Blade.
That left her no choice but to refuse Orochimaru's request. After all, what she