An Akimichi Clan Ninja held a Red Chili Pill, hesitated, then put the pill into his mouth. After chewing and swallowing it, all the calories in his body were converted into Chakra, and Chakra-formed butterfly wings appeared on his back.
A moment later, the Chakra butterfly wings disappeared. The Akimichi Clan Ninja painfully clutched his chest, gasping for breath, then vanished in a puff of smoke.
The main body felt the pain of the Shadow Clone before it disappeared and sat down on the ground, breaking out in a cold sweat in just a few seconds.
Orochimaru noted down the experimental data in her notebook and said to Akimichi Torifu, "Uncle Torifu, the side effect of the Red Chili Pill is the burden on the body caused by the rapidly increasing power. To reduce the side effect of the Red Chili Pill, it will inevitably affect its efficacy."
I have to say, as expected of the broad-minded and robust Akimichi Clan, the Three-Colored Pills they make are potent.
The Green Spinach Pill and Yellow Curry Pill were alright, but the Red Chili Pill was made entirely for a one-for-one exchange with an enemy, fully embodying the principle of "if it doesn't kill you, eat it until you're dead."
"Orochimaru, if we reduce the efficacy of the Red Chili Pill, will it still have its intended effect?"
Akimichi Torifu was concerned that the Red Chili Pill was a necessary secret medicine to activate the Akimichi Clan's inherited calorie control method, which was the secret among the Akimichi Clan's secret Ninjutsu for maximizing their strength.
"Intended effect, Uncle Torifu, you mean the calorie control method, which is Butterfly Mode, right? The Akimichi Clan in Ino–Shika–Chō represents 'Chō' because of this secret Ninjutsu."
Orochimaru understood what Akimichi Torifu was subtly expressing.
"That's right."
Akimichi Torifu, seeing Orochimaru speak so directly, nodded in agreement.
Orochimaru thought for a moment and asked, "Do you want the Red Chili Pill to be a key to unlock the secret Ninjutsu, or do you want this key to also have some of the previous power-boosting effects?"
"What about the side effects?"
Akimichi Torifu was more concerned about the side effects. If Orochimaru's improved Red Chili Pill could be used as a common soldier pill, then Orochimaru would be a friend to the entire Akimichi Clan... No, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him a great benefactor.
During the Warring States Period, before the establishment of Ninja Villages, members of the Akimichi Clan, in order to achieve victory in battle, continuously consumed Red Chili Pills, transforming into butterflies one after another. While astonishing the world, they also met their deaths after the butterfly transformation ended.
It was like a blooming firework, shining brightly for a moment and then vanishing.
"Uncle Torifu, I need more time. I need to reduce the side effects while maintaining the secret medicine's effectiveness as much as possible."
The medicinal ingredients for the Red Chili Pill were all purchased by the Akimichi Clan and provided by the Nara Clan, so Orochimaru felt awkward bringing up research funding.
The medicinal ingredients "accidentally" wasted were already enough to cover the research expenses.
"Improving a secret medicine can't be rushed, I know that."
Akimichi Torifu clapped his hands, and three members of the Akimichi Clan each carrying two suitcases walked into the room. "This is a small contribution from me towards your research."
The sales of the new soldier pill were extremely hot, bringing in a considerable income for the Akimichi Clan in just over a month.
Akimichi Torifu knew that improving the secret medicine was very difficult and didn't want Orochimaru to work for nothing. He couldn't offer his family's secret techniques for Orochimaru to research, so he could only give her money under the guise of sponsorship.
"I will do my best."
Orochimaru readily accepted Akimichi Torifu's sponsored research funds. She wouldn't refuse money that was offered, especially since the Akimichi Clan had a request for her.
Indeed, just as Hiruzen said, she was a money-grubber!
Akimichi Torifu looked at Orochimaru's shining eyes, a smile on his chubby face.
Ninja do need money, it's true, but someone like Orochimaru is very rare.
Considering that the things she likes to do all require a lot of money, it's not surprising.
Orochimaru left the Akimichi Clan compound and returned home, counting the research funds Akimichi Torifu had given her. The money in the six suitcases added up to over ten million ryo.
This was much more generous than Danzo!
Orochimaru looked at the suitcases overflowing with banknotes, thinking of the Akimichi Clan's broad-minded and stout figures. The more she looked, the cuter they seemed!
Her former angel investor, Danzo Shimura, whom she considered Dora·Danzo·A Dream, was unceremoniously kicked aside by her!
Don't get too close to me, I'm afraid the Akimichi Clan will misunderstand!
Just kidding, Orochimaru would never complain about having too many patsies.
Orochimaru sealed the suitcases of money into a scroll and looked at the skincare products in different containers on the table. The skincare products she developed included spreadable face masks, sunscreen lotion, moisturizing cream, and body lotion.
These were all skincare products made from medicinal ingredients extracted from various herbs that are beneficial for the skin. They would definitely be loved by rich and beauty-conscious women, promoted with slogans like 'skincare, beauty, health benefits, anti-aging,' and so on.
As for Ninja who don't have much money, Orochimaru's target consumer group wasn't them.
There's no need to say much about the spreadable face mask and sunscreen lotion. The moisturizing cream is for daily application to the face and hands, and the body lotion is for applying all over the body after bathing.
For those wealthy women, inviting their lovers to apply body lotion all over them after bathing could easily lead to suggestive, adult-themed scenarios.
When Orochimaru's skincare products began to sell, she would include such scenes in her books. She believed her fans would definitely want to try it themselves.
To prevent health problems from consuming too much body lotion, Orochimaru's body lotion was 100% natural. Eating a lot of it would be beneficial for the body, and the taste wouldn't be too bad either.
Orochimaru sighed, "Researching Forbidden Techniques and scientific research requires a lot of funding!"
Nara Pharmacy
"These are for me? Can I really accept them?"
Nara Matsuka looked at the bottles and jars of skincare products Orochimaru gave her with surprise. Opening the lid of the spreadable face mask, she could smell the unique herbal fragrance. For women who love beauty, it's really hard to refuse these skincare products that can maintain their beauty.
"Matsuka-nee, this is as a thank you for before."
Orochimaru still remembered Nara Matsuka's help and made her small request: "I need to know your user experience to see if there are any areas that need improvement."
"Okay, I'll write down how it feels after using it."
Nara Matsuka looked at Orochimaru, who resembled a little adult, took off her gloves, and reached out to pat her head.
Bang—!
Orochimaru vanished in a puff of smoke.
"Shadow Clone?"
Nara Matsuka looked at the vanished Orochimaru in surprise.
Could she have guessed I would do that?
Nara Matsuka thought of how much Orochimaru disliked having her head patted, and a mischievous smile curved her lips.
Next time, I'll definitely pat her to my heart's content!
I knew it... Orochimaru, standing in front of the Senju Residence, shivered. After receiving the Shadow Clone's memories, her face darkened slightly.
Just as she expected, Nara Matsuka had patted her head again. This feeling of being treated like a child was truly annoying.
Ding-dong—!
Orochimaru reached out and pressed the doorbell. In a moment, footsteps were heard.
"Who is it!"
A voice full of impatience came out.
Did I come at a bad time?
Orochimaru heard multiple meanings in Tsunade's voice.
When the door opened, Tsunade poked her head out, her cute little face flushed red, with slips of paper stuck to it like a white beard.
Tsunade, who was about to overheat from losing, performed a master-level face-changing act the moment she saw Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru, you're here!"
"What is this..."
Orochimaru looked at the slips of paper on Tsunade's face and knew what was going on.
"Tsunade, you couldn't be playing cards with Grandma Mito..."
"Alright! Stop with the nonsense! Come help quickly!"
Tsunade, without another word, dragged Orochimaru into the house, pulling her to go win back the game. She wanted to stick those slips of paper back on their faces!
What?
The winner is Orochimaru?
She and Orochimaru were good friends and besties. If Orochimaru won, then she won!
No, can you two grandchildren please not drag me into your entertainment?
Orochimaru was dragged along by Tsunade, looking bewildered.
I should have checked the almanac before leaving home!
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