As Lin Ze sped through the rocky mountains, he calmly analyzed Orochimaru's mindset:
He must be coveting me right now, but he's afraid of the consequences of acting.
In the short term, he probably won't readily resort to taking me by force. He's more likely to try something roundabout, like surveillance, laying plans, or... looking for opportunities to make a deal, as he did this time.
As for whether Orochimaru would report his unusual constitution to Konoha High Command, Lin Ze wasn't too worried.
Given Orochimaru's personality, he would be more inclined to keep this "treasure" to himself.
Reporting Lin Ze's secret would do him no good. Instead, it might prompt Hiruzen Sarutobi to tighten his control, costing Orochimaru his chance to act.
The only thing he needed to watch out for was Orochimaru colluding with his "project partner," Danzo.
That scheming old bastard Danzo had always been obsessed with the Sharingan and Hashirama cells. If he learned about Lin Ze's abilities, there was no telling whether he would be tempted.
Moreover, because Lin Ze had used dragon claws when seizing Yamato's cellular tissue, he hadn't displayed his normal partial beastification form this time.
Based solely on what Orochimaru had seen with his own eyes, and considering Orochimaru's relationship with Danzo, Lin Ze surmised that the two would be unable to piece together that he was the mysterious person who had wiped out the Root squad.
After all, having just commanded the Battle of Kikyo Pass, Orochimaru was now at the height of his prestige. To anyone with a discerning eye, Hiruzen Sarutobi would certainly resign after the war to take responsibility, and Orochimaru was currently the strongest candidate for the Hokage position that would become vacant.
Given Danzo's desire for the Hokage position, he would certainly take measures against