Kadaj had grown stronger in the last couple of years, but, unless Orochimaru had misjudged him, he was still holding back. The boy never had been stupid, just impulsive and easily led.

"Naturally," Orochimaru answered, waiting for an incoming attack. It wouldn't be the first time; back when Kadaj had been new in the palace he'd suffered a severe case of violent overconfidence, and had been put down swiftly. Then, with a little grooming, he'd become loyal, and then....

Then other people had got involved and undone a lot of careful work, but it was not unsalvageable.

"But first," he said, silkily, tongue wicking out with a quick flicker that he knew would bring back memories, "why don't you stop holding back?"