Chapter 24
"Crunch~"
The sound of muscles tensing echoed through the cave. Although Zixu attempted to dodge, Orochimaru's fangs still grazed his neck, leaving a shallow scratch. With a sinister smile playing on his lips, Orochimaru retracted his unnaturally long neck.
"Only obedient test subjects are worthy test subjects, huh?"
Based on past combat experience, Orochimaru was certain that even though he had failed to land a full bite, his speed ensured that the minor wound would still allow him to inject his cursed seal. However, as he carefully observed Zixu, he noticed something... unusual.
Zixu's face contorted in pain as he clutched his neck with both hands. His brows furrowed, and his body trembled slightly, as if he had truly been afflicted by the curse seal.
Orochimaru narrowed his golden eyes. "Hah... stop pretending." His voice was laced with amusement. "Anyone injected with my cursed seal would have a visible marking spreading across their skin... yet I don't even smell blood."
A cold gleam flashed in his eyes. His intuition was rarely wrong, and it was telling him that Zixu was far from ordinary.
"A mere Genin...? That's a joke."
If the old relics like Sarutobi Hiruzen had known about Zixu's monstrous physique, they would never have let him remain in a regular shinobi team. Instead, they would have dragged him into Anbu or Root for immediate training.
"So... you're hiding your strength?"
A knowing smirk curled Orochimaru's lips.