He had miscalculated.
Lin Ze was indeed in poor condition, but he was by no means unprepared!
He had even anticipated the sneak attack long ago and reserved enough strength to strike back!
These three partially beastified Shadow Clones, combined with Chakra Enhanced Strength, might not be able to kill him, but they were enough to keep him occupied for a short time and even make him pay a considerable price.
And this was, after all, the Konoha Camp!
If the commotion grew too loud, Torifu Akimichi and Minato Namikaze could arrive at any moment...
Especially Minato Namikaze!
More importantly, Orochimaru saw a fearless confidence in Lin Ze's icy gaze.
He vaguely sensed that Lin Ze still had some unrevealed trump card meant specifically for him.
Was it some kind of Sealing Jutsu? Or something else?
Orochimaru's thoughts raced. He recalled the records of the Sealing Jutsu scrolls Lin Ze had exchanged for in ANBU. Adamantine Sealing Chains?
If that was indeed the case, the consequences of getting entangled in his current condition would be unimaginable.
Although he coveted Lin Ze's body and secrets, that was only if he did not go down here himself.
"Heh... what astonishing vigilance and strength."
Orochimaru straightened, that unsettling, false smile returning to his face as though the sneak attack had never happened:
"It seems I've disturbed your rest, Lin Ze."
Lin Ze said nothing, merely watching him coldly, the three partially beastified Shadow Clones in front of him poised to strike.
Orochimaru gave Lin Ze a long look, finally let out a low chuckle of uncertain meaning, and slowly sank into the shadows beneath his feet, disappearing.
Only after confirming that Orochimaru's presence had completely receded did Lin Ze let out a slight breath of relief.
He forced himself to walk back into