After Naruto and Sasuke finished all their assigned missions, Kakashi took the two brats back to the village as per their original plan.
By that point, Kakashi was exhausted to the limit, his eyes bloodshot. In such a state, even if he somehow opened his Sharingan, he probably wouldn't realize it.
While the three were returning to Konoha, the other three members of the "Konoha F4" intensified their formal censure and punishment of Danzo.
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the other two advisors glared at Danzo with grim expressions.
Because the evidence was still insufficient, Danzo's matter wasn't easy to deal with. However, after Orochimaru visited Konoha last time, Danzo had let slip that talk about one billion ryō, providing a crucial lead for the trio. Since then, Konoha's "F3" had been pressing Danzo relentlessly.
This time, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke up first. He looked at his old comrade with anger and disappointment:
"Danzo, tell me once and for all—what happened with that one billion ryō?"
Danzo stuck to his usual spiel:
"The missing one billion has nothing to do with me. The one billion I mentioned to Orochimaru is for a project that requires one billion in early investment. It's not the money that disappeared from the treasury."
Danzo's attitude enraged all three of them. If Danzo weren't the prime and sole suspect, he could say whatever he wanted. But the Konoha treasury is missing exactly one billion, and Danzo "just happened" to mention a one-billion-ryō early investment project—that was far too big a coincidence.
Moreover, that supposed "project" might not even involve Orochimaru at all. Otherwise, Orochimaru wouldn't have been so baffled when he heard Danzo mention it that day.
At this point, both Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado looked furious. They scolded Danzo one after the other:
"Danzo, don't go too far. Just admit where that one billion went!"
"Danzo, how long will you keep up this self-delusion?"
After Danzo's slip of the tongue last time, the two advisors had become almost certain he was behind the missing one billion. But Danzo acted like a stubborn rat that had eaten a weight, refusing to admit a thing. No matter how they tried to persuade him, he wouldn't budge.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at him for a long while before finally making a difficult decision. In a chilly tone, he said,
"Danzo, we can't allow you free rein anymore. If you don't return that money to Konoha's treasury, we'll make public some of your crimes. First, we'll reveal to the villagers how you deceived Orochimaru and used them in your forbidden experiments on Wood Style. If you keep refusing to mend your ways, we'll divulge more and then take even harsher measures."
Sarutobi's words shook Danzo to the core, like thunder crashing. His face twisted in rage:
"Hiruzen, you're slandering me—launching a disguised attack and inciting the villagers to turn on me!"
Hiruzen merely shook his head. "Danzo, the facts are plain for all to judge. I'll only reveal the truth as it is—I won't slander anyone."
All four in the office knew full well that if Danzo's secret—commanding Orochimaru to use villagers as test subjects in his Wood Style research—came to light, the villagers' trust in him would plummet to absolute zero. No one would ever support a man who'd harmed the villagers and severely jeopardized their interests.
Moreover, Danzo had taken this huge risk with forbidden research in hopes of mastering Wood Style comparable to the First Hokage's power, which would bring the village a bunch of Wood Style ninjas and thus catapult Konoha's strength—so that he could become Hokage. If this scandal were exposed, it was unthinkable that the villagers would accept him as their leader.
Deep inside, Danzo understood the gravity of this fallout. Yet he still refused to confess. The only alternative was to come up with the one billion ryō to restore the village's losses—but he didn't feel he'd done anything wrong. He believed all his actions were for the sake of the village, and that his present failure was only temporary. One day, he was convinced, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others would regret what they'd done to him.
Once the meeting reached that impasse, it ended. Konoha's "F3" wasn't kidding this time. Shortly after, people were plastering bulletins around the village, listing the facts of Danzo's misdeeds. The entire village was astonished, and the news blew through Konoha like a gust of wind. Almost everyone started discussing Danzo:
"What? He used villagers as experimental fodder for some forbidden research? How could Danzo do that?!"
"That monster—how many villagers did he kill?"
"So Lord Orochimaru was innocent all along, and Danzo was behind it all?"
"This makes me so angry! I want to dig up Danzo's family graves!"
The villagers' wrath exploded overnight, and Danzo became a target of universal condemnation. Even the Shimura clan and Root were affected. Under that immense pressure, Danzo had no choice but to lie low and avoid appearing in public.
On a rooftop somewhere in the village, Danzo stood overlooking Konoha. Sarutobi's harsh new measures made him feel like a rat on the street that everyone wanted to beat. And given the magnitude of these revelations, the villagers wouldn't just forget in a short time—unless something bigger diverted their attention. Danzo was adept at "guiding" public attention like this, but in the face of the F3's comprehensive block and sanctions, he had no way to stir trouble for now. He'd have to remain quiet until this storm subsided, then seek a chance to retaliate.
As Danzo stewed over the entire village's hostility, a Wood Clone of Senshi quietly appeared behind him. Senshi had been watching Danzo for some time and was well aware of his predicament. He worried Danzo might snap from all the pressure and do something drastic—like leaping off a building. Senshi was Danzo's "security advisor," after all, and if Danzo died, Senshi's mission would fail, blemishing his career. That was something he absolutely wouldn't allow.
Looking at Danzo, Senshi said coldly: "Danzo, I advise you not to get any suicidal ideas. If you try, not only will I stop you, I'll also use force to keep you alive and prevent my mission from failing."
Senshi's icy stare and threatening words made Danzo remember all too well the day they'd first met, and it sent a shiver down his spine. He recalled that time Senshi repeatedly blasted him to shreds with 60 Million Volt: Thunder Dragon, teaching him the meaning of cruelty.
That day, Danzo once again relived the terror of being dominated by Senshi. Naturally, he didn't truly plan to take his own life—but he still left the rooftop in a hurry. Danzo wasn't afraid of death, but there were indeed horrors exceeding death…
…
In Takigakure, at the leader's office
It's said that whenever someone rejoices, someone else laments. While Amegakure, Kusagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure were all flourishing, Takigakure was encountering unprecedented obstacles.
In the Taki leader's office were five individuals: the head, Hisen; his heir, Shibuki; the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki, Fu, who stood beside Shibuki; and two top-level Taki officials, Yoro and Kegon, both looking deeply worried.
Although Takigakure was a mid-to-small hidden village, it possessed some unique attributes:
1. It was the only non–Great-Nation village to have a tailed beast—furthermore, a perfect Jinchūriki.
2. Its overall ninja count wasn't large, yet it boasted a strong cadre of high-level shinobi.
3. It owned a special treasure, the so-called "Hero Water," passed down through generations. Drinking it could multiply a ninja's chakra by over ten times.
4. Long ago, the Earth Grudge Fear technique was theirs, but Kakuzu stole it. That was a historical leftover.
At present, Taki's urgent concern was the series of events befalling it recently. Hisen furrowed his brow so tightly it looked like the 川 character. He'd received nothing but bad news these last few days. When he saw Yoro and Kegon arrive looking dejected, Hisen knew they must have more bad news.
He sighed. "Speak. What's happened now?"
Kegon replied, detailing what he'd discovered:
"Leader, more villagers sneaked out again today. Not only that, we also have two more missing ninjas."
When he finished, Yoro added, "That missing Taki trading caravan we sent agents to find has joined Amegakure. The investigator spoke with them, and they said they'll continue doing business as a caravan for Amegakure—no plans to return to Taki. He himself decided to stay in Amegakure, sending this message to us through a third party."
Hearing that, Hisen nearly fainted. Lately, it wasn't unusual for a few villagers to disguise themselves as refugees and escape to Amegakure for a better life. But now one of Taki's own trading caravans has emigrated to Amegakure! As if that weren't enough, the scout ninja also stayed there!
Feeling like he'd choke from frustration, Hisen watched Fu and Shibuki exchange glances. Fu said, "Leader, I have an idea to solve Taki's present troubles."
He turned to her, interested. "What's on your mind?" Taki's stagnation vexed him daily. He'd tried everything and still saw no way out.
Fu explained: "It's actually very simple—Taki can join Amegakure's alliance. Then all our problems disappear."
Her idea was straightforward: If you can't beat them, join them. Amegakure had everything going for it, plus massive growth potential. No wonder Taki's villagers, merchants, and even some ninja were running off there. Better to officially become part of that alliance.
Hisen instantly rejected this: "No. Taki mustn't get too entangled with outsiders. Protected behind our great waterfall, no matter how chaotic the outside world becomes, we can stay out of it. Yes, we're allied with Konoha, but our direct cooperation with them is usually limited. By joining Amegakure's alliance, we'd be forced into extensive outside contact—and if some upheaval occurs, we won't be able to remain neutral."
He was unwilling to give up Taki's geographic advantage. Although the ninja world was presently stable, who could say if the Fourth Great Shinobi War wouldn't erupt soon? If that happened while they were linked with Amegakure, Taki would get dragged in.
Yet Fu disagreed: "Leader, the ninja world is currently at peace. There's no sign of a Fourth Great War anywhere. Besides, if our village grows strong enough, we can protect ourselves under any circumstances."
Shibuki agreed: "Father—"
Before he could continue, Hisen cut him off: "Address my title properly while we're working."
Shibuki scratched his head, then started over:
"Leader, sir, I also believe Fu's idea makes sense. Taki has been developing far too slowly for years now, and we've hit a bottleneck. Aligning with Amegakure could help us break free of our slump."
Still, Hisen refused. Before he could say so, Fu spoke up again:
"Amegakure was once ravaged by war and desperately poor. Kusagakure was even worse, rife with internal strife, plus banditry and running prison services for a living. But after those two villages formed an alliance, they both advanced at an astonishing speed—prosperous by the day. Our Takigakure has no reason not to join an alliance like that."
Hisen hesitated, obviously torn. He'd actually considered it before, too. After a moment of silence, he posed a tough question:
"If we open ourselves up to the world via this alliance, we'll be a lot more exposed. How do we deal with reduced safety?"
Fu answered without hesitation: "The stronger the village, the safer it is! If we join Amegakure's alliance, we can grow rapidly—and if we ever get into trouble, as allies, Amegakure would come to our aid."
With that, Hisen, Yoro, and Kegon all thought the matter over carefully. If Taki wanted to progress, they had to move beyond self-imposed isolation. Otherwise, in light of that alliance's huge influence, Taki would face only further decline.
Fu then threw out one more curveball:
"And there's another major advantage! I've always admired Lord Kakuzu—and he's now a key figure in Amegakure. Word is, he's good friends with both Angel-sama and Lord Senshi, who oversee the village. If we join the alliance, we could ask Lord Kakuzu for help so we can profit even more!"
Kakuzu was labeled a criminal in Taki many decades ago, but that was a miscarriage of justice. Hisen and the current leadership already knew he'd been driven to it by corrupt elders back then. They'd seen that data in their investigations and realized the old administration had essentially forced a loyal ninja into becoming a rogue.
Hisen had wrestled with how to handle that legacy, but Fu's mention of Kakuzu gave him a sudden spark. She was right: for Taki, it'd be a huge net benefit to join the alliance, especially since they had a unique advantage—Kakuzu was originally from Taki. He'd become a big deal in Amegakure, enjoying close ties with Angel-sama and Lord Senshi. They could ask him to help them join the alliance. After all, Kakuzu had been wronged by Taki's old leadership; by clearing that away, they could invite him to become Taki's new leader if he was willing. Whether by seniority, skill, or contribution to the village, Kakuzu was fully qualified to lead Taki. If that happened, Taki could finally develop in ways they'd only dreamed about.
Thus, Hisen decided on the spot:
"We'll take some Hero Water with us to Amegakure and request an audience with Lord Kakuzu, invite him to be Taki's new leader, and discuss Taki joining the alliance!"
Fu was thrilled. As the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki, she was a major fan of Kakuzu, regarding him as a legendary figure. Kakuzu may have killed a bunch of clueless village elders decades ago and stolen Earth Grudge Fear, but that had probably saved Taki from more incompetent leadership. If Kakuzu returned to them, he could restore the stolen technique if he so desired.
So a delegation promptly set off from Taki to Amegakure, bringing a precious supply of Hero Water. The water was produced only once every hundred years by their "Sacred Tree," and a single sip could multiply a ninja's chakra many times over. It was a treasure any ninja would crave.
In under two days, the Taki delegation arrived at Amegakure. There, Kakuzu was busy taking Deidara on mission after mission. Deidara was getting bored; he either did nonstop tasks with Kakuzu or occasionally visited orphan shelters. Though Kakuzu insisted these tasks honed Deidara's artistic spirit, Deidara felt it was just the same routine over and over, with no benefit to his art.
Suddenly, Deidara came to a stop. A group of five people had blocked their path: three adults and two kids. Kakuzu shot them a cold look:
"Move aside! Don't get in my way—I'm on a job!"
Outside of Amegakure, he'd have asked if they wanted to lose their hearts. But here, he couldn't just attack or he'd face trouble from both Senshi and Nagato. But to his surprise, the strangers reacted in a way he didn't expect. A little girl ran up, beaming:
"Lord Kakuzu, I'm Fu of Takigakure!"
Kakuzu raised his head, noticed their Taki headbands, and felt an internal jolt—five countrymen from Taki? Then Hisen stepped forward and spoke respectfully:
"Kakuzu-sama, hello. I'm Hisen, current leader of Takigakure. We've come to see you about two extremely important matters regarding Taki. We seek your help."
Kakuzu's brain short-circuited. I'm a missing-nin from Taki—why on earth would they need me for something "extremely important"?
After a quick mental rant, he frowned at Hisen:
"What two matters?"
With utmost courtesy, Hisen answered:
"First, we'd like you to be our intermediary so Taki can join Amegakure's alliance. Over the years, our growth has stagnated, and now we're hitting a bottleneck. If we join Amegakure's alliance, these problems might be resolved."
Kakuzu: (O_O)???
What was going on? Taki wanted to join Amegakure's alliance? Abandoning Konoha, their old ally?
Kakuzu knew Taki's situation well—he came from there. Taki had always had Konoha's support. So he asked three rapid-fire questions:
"Aren't you allied with Konoha? Why Amegakure? And why come to me about it?"
Hisen calmly addressed them one by one:
"Being allied with Konoha doesn't prevent us from joining Amegakure's alliance; it's not mutually exclusive. And as for why the alliance—we've had the following issues…"
He then recounted Taki's recent problems. Kakuzu thus learned many Takigakure, merchants, and even some ninja had defected to Amegakure. It made sense that Hisen wanted to fix this. Another wave or two, and half the village would be gone.
But Kakuzu still didn't see why they specifically needed him to negotiate, rather than going directly to Amegakure's leadership. Hisen then got to the main point:
"Kakuzu-sama, we've fully investigated what really happened decades ago. The old Taki leaders abused their power, ordered you around blindly, and lacked any vision. You were wrongly accused. We've exonerated you completely, and the current village population knows you contributed greatly to Taki. We're hoping you'll stand up for us before Angel-sama and Lord Senshi so Taki can join the alliance."
Then, solemnly, Hisen added,
"Moreover, all of us—the senior leadership and most villagers—would like you to come back to Taki as our new leader, guiding our village to a brighter future!"
That left Kakuzu flabbergasted:
What—the—heck? One second he was a missing-nin, next second they were begging him to return as Taki's new boss.
Hisen wasn't done. With a hint of shyness, he continued, "If possible, we also hope you'll help us have all Taki's elite ninjas join the Akatsuki. Let's say that's our second request."
Kakuzu: (O_O)???
He stood there in utter confusion. It sounded less like they wanted an "alliance" and more like Taki wanted to merge with Amegakure entirely. Every elite from Taki to Akatsuki? Kakuzu couldn't resolve these issues alone, so he decided to bring them to Konan. Having Taki join might mean more black-market missions for Amegakure—everyone would benefit. So off they went.
"Come with me," Kakuzu said. "I'll take you to see Angel-sama, one of Amegakure's top officials."
Delighted, Hisen and his party followed him. Before long, they arrived at the place where Konan was distributing supplies to orphans. Seeing Kakuzu approach with such a complicated look, Konan asked curiously, "What's the matter? That expression on your face is strange."
Kakuzu composed himself and replied, "Konan, Takigakure wants to join Amegakure's alliance."
Konan gave a slight nod, but still wondered why he looked so odd. After all, many villages—openly or secretly—were showing interest in an alliance. Taki's desire to join wasn't exactly shocking.
Kakuzu guessed what she was thinking and explained, "It's not just that. Taki also wants all its elite shinobi to join the Akatsuki."
Konan: ???
A moment ago, her calm expression matched his complexity. Having an entire village's elites sign up for Akatsuki—that was far beyond what she could decide alone. That would be a major event indeed. She'd have to consult the "Amekage"… Er, the leader of Akatsuki. With a deep breath, Konan said:
"All right, bring them to my office. We'll talk in detail. As for their elite ninjas joining Akatsuki, I need to discuss it with our leader first."
Kakuzu agreed, then said to Hisen, "Just follow her. There probably won't be any big issues with you joining the alliance." Hisen and his group were overjoyed at how smoothly it was going. They believed that once they joined, Taki would hitch a ride on Amegakure's rapid rise.
Hisen expressed his thanks: "Kakuzu-sama, thank you for helping us. Please consider returning to Taki as our new leader. Our doors are always open."
Kakuzu merely nodded, not taking it seriously. Why be Taki's leader and hamper his mission work when staying in Amegakure (and in the Akatsuki) was much more profitable? He chose not to say that out loud.
So Hisen, Shibuki, and the others left with Konan. The Seven-Tails Jinchūriki, Fu, however, stayed behind.
Soon, Konan reached the tower where Nagato was staying. She opened the door, and when Nagato saw her slightly amused grin, he braced for a headache.
People's feelings differ: every time Konan had that faint smile, he knew she was bringing some new matter about Amegakure's development—but again, not directly related to the Akatsuki's ultimate goal. Precisely the kind of chore she'd want him to decide on. She was definitely cementing his position as "Amekage" while leaving him less time to plan the big final objective.
Sure enough, Konan, in her soft but cool voice, said:
"Nagato, Takigakure's leader, Hisen is here. He wants Taki to join the alliance, and on top of that, all Taki's elite ninjas want to enlist in the Akatsuki. What do you think?"
Nagato felt his head splitting. In the last few months, he'd spent much of his time dealing with administrative matters for Amegakure and had barely worked on the Akatsuki's real plan. Now Taki wanted to hand over their entire elite force. Konan was dead set on pushing him into the "Amekage" role, so that he might revert to their original dream and transform the world in a gentler way.
Meanwhile, back with Kakuzu, things were getting awkward. Fu stood before him, her large eyes gleaming:
"Kakuzu-sama, I'm well aware of your illustrious history! Back in Taki, you were our most outstanding ninja at the time, contributing greatly to the village. Even measured against the entire Taki legacy, you're among the top three for overall ability."
Kakuzu was pushing a century in age—he'd seen and heard plenty—but having a youngster hype him up like that was still disconcerting. Though inwardly pleased, he felt slightly embarrassed. His face was hidden behind his mask, but if not, Deidara would have seen him grin ear to ear.
Yet Fu wasn't done. After that brief pause, she continued:
"After you left Taki, you made your mark on the ninja world's black markets—countless legends and tales. Until Lord Senshi appeared, you were the black market's greatest legend!"
At that, Kakuzu felt conflicted: both happy and uneasy. Nonetheless, Fu finished her praise with a concluding statement:
"That's why you're one of Taki's all-time greatest ninjas, hugely influential in the shinobi world! You're the pride of Taki! So, Kakuzu-sama, please allow me to be your personal assistant. Let me follow you and create new glory for Taki!"
Originally, Kakuzu was about to refuse—having Deidara around was enough hassle, why drag along a girl? Then he recalled that Senshi had an assistant too. And if Senshi used an assistant, maybe there really was some benefit to missions. So he relented:
"Fine, Fu. From today onward, you're my assistant. We'll carve a new legend in the ninja world!"
Fu: (〃▽〃)
Hearing that, Fu squealed in delight: "Yay! Starting today, I'm Kakuzu-sama's assistant! I'll do my best!"
Deidara: (O_O)???
What on earth? Kakuzu just abducted a girl from Taki behind her guardians' backs? And he's sure it's no problem bringing a kid along on missions…?
…
Konoha, in Orochimaru's former lab
Orochimaru and Kabuto were busy organizing and packing up instruments and tools. Orochimaru had once been naive enough to covet the Hokage seat, but now he'd lost all interest in the post. This return to Konoha was purely a business trip. If Hiruzen or anyone tried talking him into becoming Hokage before he made enough money, he'd pass the buck to Jiraiya or Tsunade. Being Hokage would only interfere with him milking money from old folks!
As Orochimaru calmly adjusted various devices, Kabuto stood nearby, clearly uneasy. He hesitated repeatedly before asking:
"Orochimaru-sama, are you sure we won't run into trouble? The way things are playing out is different from what we initially expected. We assumed Danzo would be stuck in the hospital so we'd never cross paths. But we've already met him! Last time at the Hokage's office—though you brushed it off—Hiruzen, plus those two Konoha advisors, aren't so easily fooled. If this keeps up, could problems arise?"
Orochimaru replied casually, "Kabuto, no worries. Just do as I say." While he spoke, he took out some vials and idly tinkered with them.
"Danzo's beyond redemption. He's done far too many bad things—no matter how he tries to 'clean' himself, he'll only get dirtier. And he lacks any proof that he and I ever had that one-billion-ryō deal. Even if he had two more mouths, he couldn't possibly justify himself to that old man."
It was clear Orochimaru had picked up some habits from Senshi. He still referred to Hiruzen as "Sensei" in public, but in private, he now casually called him "that old man." Indeed, Danzo had no way to prove any real deal with Orochimaru about one billion.
While the two were chatting, one of Konoha's senior advisors, Koharu Utatane, was en route to Orochimaru's lab. She didn't come to accuse him of anything but to discuss business.
Soon, there was a knock at the door.
Knock, knock, knock!
Hearing it, Kabuto tensed, while Orochimaru showed no concern and signaled him to open it. Once Kabuto did, Koharu entered, smiling:
"Orochimaru, that 'Eternal Chakra Elixir' you developed is amazing. I used it, and the effects were immediate. I feel so much better now—like I could keep working for the village for another twenty years! By the way, do you have any more of that elixir? I'd like to buy some."
Orochimaru smiled back. "Advisor Koharu, no need for courtesy. If it helps you, I'll just give you a few more."
Hearing this, Koharu beamed. But she said, "No, no, I can't just take it from you younger people. Whatever it costs per bottle, I'll pay full price."
Orochimaru shook his head. "No need, Elder. That said, this potion can be improved by seven- or eightfold. I simply lack the funds for further research. Otherwise, it could be much more effective."
Speaking, he handed five vials of the Elixir to Koharu. She saw his look of frustration and grew even more resentful of Danzo. Look at the damage he's caused—delaying a brilliant talent like Orochimaru!
If Orochimaru had stayed in Konoha, he might have researched an even stronger Elixir by now. But it wasn't too late. Even in its current form, it was already potent. If it could be enhanced by seven or eight times, it would become a huge strategic asset for Konoha. Many elderly ninjas, barely able to move, would regain the energy to serve the village again.
With that in mind, Koharu gritted her teeth. "Orochimaru, how much do you need for research?"
He sighed. "Advisor Koharu, this research is a massive money sink. Even with thrifty budgeting, we'd need around one to two billion ryō. Yet the technology benefits not just Konoha but all the Land of Fire. Divided among everyone who stands to gain, each person paying a few hundred million or so would suffice to complete the research."
The mention of "one or two billion" made Koharu's heart skip. She certainly didn't have that kind of money. But the rest of Orochimaru's explanation reassured her. If the entire Land of Fire's leadership chipped in—and many influential individuals needed it—it could be done.
At that, she immediately took out a check for one hundred million and handed it to Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru, please use this first. I'll help you promote your research and rally the rest of the funds."
Orochimaru was overjoyed inside, but outwardly he maintained a solemn air and shook his head: "Advisor, the project is too costly and might take a year or two."
Koharu waved her hand dismissively. "That's no problem. We can wait a few years if needed—let alone one or two. Take this first, and I'll raise more."
So Orochimaru accepted with a serious look. Koharu left with her five vials, delighted, now eager to gather more research funding. To her, this was a genuine strategic opportunity for Konoha: if the elixir's potency could be boosted seven or eight times, then all the old folks in the village would gain tremendous rejuvenation—even returning to the battlefield if necessary.
Not long after Koharu departed, Homura Mitokado arrived next. Because he and Hiruzen had learned from Koharu that Orochimaru lacked research funding, and because of the huge potential of his technology, they too came. More importantly, Homura also needed more of the Eternal Elixir—for both himself and Hiruzen. The old men felt somewhat guilty about past events with Orochimaru, and Hiruzen was too embarrassed to come in person, so Homura came on his behalf.
When Homura entered, Orochimaru put on a calm face while rejoicing inside. Another fish on the hook!
Homura said, "Orochimaru, do you still have any of that Eternal Chakra Elixir we used last time?"
Orochimaru guessed right. At the question, he pulled out a box. "Advisor Homura, I do still have some left."
Homura was thrilled. "This elixir is extremely helpful for older ninjas like us. The last dose I took really improved my condition. How much is it per vial? I'd like to buy some."
Orochimaru smiled: "Advisor, you're a senior—just take what you need."
Homura already knew from Koharu that Orochimaru gave her five vials in exchange for a one hundred million ryō research sponsorship. But he didn't plan to exploit Orochimaru for freebies either. Instead, he asked, "Koharu said the current version can be improved seven or eight times—really?"
Orochimaru nodded firmly. "Initially, the elixir was only a tenth as effective. I managed to upgrade it through further research. But once I left the village and lost funding, I had to stop. With the right financing—around two billion ryō and maybe a year of R&D—the effect could multiply by up to seven or eight times."
Hearing that, Homura took out two one hundred million checks. "Here's a hundred million from me, and another hundred million from an old friend of ours who also supports your research. In return, let me take ten vials from that box."
Orochimaru appeared magnanimous. "You can take them all if you'd like."
He could afford to be generous because, though the research had been expensive, the cost to manufacture a single vial was minimal. If he wanted more, he could make it at any time. Giving Homura the entire box would be no issue.
Homura shook his head. "Ten is enough—five for me, five for my old friend. He really thinks highly of you. Honestly, everything that happened back then was Danzo's fault…"
Orochimaru guessed which 'old friend' he meant. Clearly, not every elder in Konoha could casually dish out a hundred million. So with feigned understanding, he replied, "I've forgotten about all that. I hope your friend can also let go of the past."
Hearing this, Homura's appreciation of Orochimaru deepened. A genius like him, had it not been for Danzo's lies and schemes, might have ascended to the Fifth Hokage years ago.
After Homura left with his ten vials, Kabuto, who'd been observing, felt a wave of respect for Orochimaru. Previously, he worried about staying in Konoha for too long, lest Hiruzen or the advisors cause trouble. Yet it turned out they were fine. Moreover, Orochimaru had, within a very short time, landed two big paydays. Kabuto was awestruck by both Orochimaru's innovative talents in research and his ability to make money.
Recalling the remarkable power of Orochimaru's "Yamata no Orochi Fruit," Kabuto was already saving up money to buy something similar from Senshi. But a hundred million wasn't a small sum, and that was just the beginning. Senshi had plenty more treasures worth obtaining, and even Orochimaru was still laboring to earn enough to purchase them. Determined, Kabuto decided to stick with Orochimaru long-term—learning not just scientific research but also the art of wealth-building. Only then could he truly keep up with Orochimaru's grand footsteps.
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