With White Zetsu's cooperation, Orochimaru and Kabuto's experimental process went very smoothly.
This particular White Zetsu, enhanced by more than a dozen of Orochimaru's "Snake Tech" modifications, boasted strength surpassing that of an ordinary jōnin.
Orochimaru also successfully extracted a sample of "Blacklight Vampire essence" from it.
However, Orochimaru did not proceed to further experiments just yet. Instead, he said to Kabuto,
"Record and organize the details of the experiment we just ran. I'll call Senshi over to discuss our next plan."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru!" Kabuto nodded solemnly, then moved off to the side to organize the research data according to Orochimaru's orders.
After Orochimaru left for a brief moment, he summoned over one of Senshi's Wood-Style clones—the one guarding the Blacklight Virus.
When that Wood-Style clone arrived at the laboratory, he glanced casually at the figure in the barrier, then blurted out in surprise,
"Snake Bro, are you using Kabuto Bro as a test subject!?"
Orochimaru: (O_O)???
Kabuto: (O_O)???
Orochimaru wore a rather odd expression, not understanding why Senshi would say that.
Behind the experiment table, Kabuto—who had been recording data—responded somewhat awkwardly,
"Lord Senshi, I'm right here."
Senshi looked at Kabuto, then turned to the White Zetsu in the barrier, who now resembled a "Kabuto-Sage-Mode" form.
He promptly said, "My mistake, I saw it wrong! So... how did you make this thing? And how strong is it?"
From observing this, Senshi realized how correct it was to sell the Blacklight Virus and Stone Mask to Orochimaru.
The Stone Mask and the Blacklight Virus couldn't be directly used—they had way too many drawbacks.
But after Orochimaru's "Snake Tech" modifications, these technologies became barely workable.
In response to Senshi's questions, Orochimaru said proudly,
"This White Zetsu's strength now surpasses that of an ordinary jōnin from a major village. But three problems remain."
Senshi asked casually, "What problems?"
Orochimaru explained candidly,
"First, producing this sort of White Zetsu is very expensive. Next, only a White Zetsu—an ideal test subject—can withstand so many forms of Snake Tech."
"My solution is to extract this 'Blacklight Vampire essence' from the White Zetsu to turn ordinary people into chūnin-level Blacklight Vampires."
"But there is one problem we still can't overcome: even the latest Blacklight Vampires are afraid of sunlight. Prolonged sunlight will still kill them."
Senshi paused, then asked uncertainly,
"Snake Bro, are you trying to buy some super-strong sunscreen from me?"
Orochimaru: _(O_O)???_
What the heck? Can sunscreen even fix that?
Though, come to think of it, it might indeed be an idea...
Orochimaru thought briefly, then said,
"I've got a brilliant idea: let these Blacklight Vampires develop an extra layer of skin on their surface, so that in sunlight they don't die right away."
"We can also develop specialized 'sunblock coatings' to improve their survival odds under sunlight, then have them wear black cloaks during activities."
"That way, they can still operate effectively in daytime, and be unhindered at night."
Senshi nodded. "Sounds good, Snake Bro. But if that's what you're planning, why call me?"
He knew Orochimaru wouldn't call him over just to show off new technology; there had to be another reason.
Sure enough, Orochimaru continued,
"Even if these chūnin-level Blacklight Vampires manage in daytime, they can still encounter unexpected incidents. So I plan to develop a life-support agent that allows them to go full power in daytime for a short period."
"From my previous analyses, Blacklight Vampires die under sunlight because the ultraviolet rays in the sun destroy all the cells in their bodies."
"But your chakra has an incredibly high level of vitality. Using your chakra as the raw material, I can produce that life-support agent."
After a drawn-out explanation, Senshi finally realized what Orochimaru wanted: to purchase his chakra.
He had wondered if it was something bigger—but yes, Orochimaru's idea made sense. If Senshi's chakra protected them, chūnin-level Blacklight Vampires could fight at full power in daylight for a while.
Although the technology had various issues, the partial result could already be monetized.
Grasping it all, Senshi patted Orochimaru's shoulder.
"Snake Bro, you should've said so early on. You want to buy my chakra? That's simple."
Orochimaru's tone went snakelike and sinister:
"I do need to buy your chakra, but I need a discounted price. You already know this technique's principle, so I'll definitely need more of your chakra in the future."
"After all, any mid-level Blacklight Vampire in the major villages—or any faction—will rely on a life-support agent made from your chakra to operate in daytime."
"The bigger the population of Blacklight Vampires across the ninja world, the higher demand for the life-support agent, which means more commissions for you."
Senshi waved him off,
"Snake Bro, we have to strictly control the number of Blacklight Vampires. A big village should have at least ten ordinary ninjas for each Blacklight Vampire; otherwise the ninja world's vampires will run rampant."
After hearing that, Orochimaru thought a bit, then nodded.
While Orochimaru conversed with Senshi's Wood Release clone, Senshi's main body—alerted by that clone—arrived at Orochimaru's lab.
Senshi already knew Orochimaru wanted to buy chakra. Rubbing his hands in excitement, he said,
"Snake Bro, don't worry—I'll definitely give you a discount. Right now inflation is crazy, so if I keep selling at the old price, that's basically a discount for you!"
"How is that fair!" Orochimaru exclaimed at Senshi's logic.
But Senshi just folded his arms:
"Snake Bro, are you really going to say I'm not giving you a discount?"
Both Orochimaru and Kabuto were speechless at Senshi's "discount." While Senshi technically was giving a discount, it was tiny—probably well under 5%. Considering Konoha's prices were stable, inflation was basically negligible.
But then Orochimaru remembered how Senshi was always a "pit" in deals. Not taking the chance to raise the price was "merciful."
He made his decision: "Fine. We'll use the old price. I'll purchase 400 million ryō worth of chakra again."
Because Senshi's chakra was the vital core material for Orochimaru's "Snake Tech" processes—the Eternal Chakra research, Blacklight Vampire research, and the life-support agent. So buying in bulk now was no harm.
Orochimaru led Senshi to a device that stored chakra. Senshi had seen it a long time ago, though it had changed in many details now that Orochimaru and Kabuto had upgraded it.
Regardless, Senshi knew precisely how much chakra four hundred million ryō could buy; there'd be no freebies.
When Orochimaru got him there, he said with practiced ease,
"Senshi, I hereby commission you for four hundred million ryō to provide that amount of chakra for my research."
…
[Commission Accepted!]
[Client: Orochimaru]
[Objective: Provide Orochimaru with a certain amount of chakra as research material!]
[Payment: 400 million ryō]
[Mission Rank: S]
[Mission Bonus: 400,000 Employment Point!]
At the system's cue in his mind, Senshi happily rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
Recently, he's been earning money at an incredible pace. Accumulating it, he'd already surpassed 3.5 billion million ryō, heading toward 4 billion. Though still short of Black Zetsu's record, it was a new personal best in so little time.
As for exceeding Black Zetsu's record, that seemed tough. After all, Black Zetsu once gave him a mission total of more than 3 billion ryō. Currently, no matter how wealthy the Five Great Nations might be, they wouldn't just spend so lavishly.
Senshi suspected that the only ones who could surpass Black Zetsu's record might be Black Zetsu himself—or Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. Because Black Zetsu was Kaguya's devoted "son," what belonged to Black Zetsu also belonged to Kaguya.
Once Orochimaru assigned the mission, Senshi placed his hand on the console and began streaming his chakra into the storage device.
Seeing the container gradually fill with chakra, Orochimaru felt delighted. He still eyed Senshi out of the corner of his vision.
Senshi's recent behavior had intrigued Orochimaru quite a bit. Orochimaru pondered inwardly:
"Who knows how many different parties have hired Senshi? In such a short time, he's gained nearly 3 billion from me and Kabuto alone, yet he's hardly reacted. I'm not sure if it's because he regularly handles giant sums or something else…"
Orochimaru found Senshi incredibly calm despite an astronomical payday. So much money—raking in funds from the Five Great Nations and big villages—would bankrupt a place like Sunagakure if they tried to pay it in one lump sum.
Yet Senshi, having pocketed such a fortune, seemed utterly unruffled. If not for how motivated he remained about missions, Orochimaru might suspect Senshi was ready to retire from mercenary life.
While Orochimaru mulled it over, Senshi finished injecting chakra into the apparatus. Finishing up, he reached out and signaled Orochimaru for the commission. Orochimaru promptly handed him four checks of one hundred million ryō each.
Senshi pocketed them cheerily, then asked,
"Snake Bro, my super-high-quality chakra is basically the core raw material for your Snake Tech, right? Why not stock up on more, so you don't run out too soon?"
Orochimaru shook his head.
"My funds have to be allocated carefully. Until the Blacklight Vampire technology is showcased, I don't have much spare cash lying around."
Of course, that was a bald-faced lie. He was rolling in money from selling "supplements" to the Great Nations' elites, but having done so many deals with Senshi, Orochimaru knew you must never admit to wealth or Senshi would keep eyeing your pockets.
At Orochimaru's claim of lacking free funds, Senshi definitely didn't believe it!
But both men were cunning old foxes—they simply let it go. Senshi never forced a sale. If Orochimaru didn't want to buy more chakra, so be it. He could just raise the price next time.
With that in mind, Senshi said lightly,
"Well then, Snake Bro, next time you buy chakra, you may face inflation. Don't say I didn't warn you."
Hearing that, Orochimaru ground his teeth in annoyance. He'd long tried to replicate Senshi's chakra but always failed—and indeed Senshi's chakra was essential to "Snake Tech."
Yet even so, Orochimaru declined to buy more right now. One key reason—likely unknown even to Senshi—was that Senshi's power soared so rapidly that every few months, his chakra "evolved" again and became more valuable. If he waited, he might get a stronger form of Senshi's chakra.
Thus, with each side scheming, no further deal was made. After Senshi took his leave, performing his space-time "Kāma," Orochimaru and Kabuto instantly showed their true colors.
Just seconds earlier, they'd seemed composed, but now they both rushed to the chakra storage device, looking anything but calm.
Kabuto glanced at the device's readout, elated:
"Lord Orochimaru, we've hit the jackpot this time!"
Orochimaru nodded, validating Kabuto's conclusion:
"Looks like even Senshi himself hasn't noticed how much his chakra quality has evolved. We've gotten fleeced in so many deals, but this time we've finally come out on top."
"Quick, do a comprehensive analysis of this latest batch of Senshi's chakra."
"Perhaps the secret to fixing the Blacklight Vampire defect lies within it."
"Yes!" Kabuto replied, and, following Orochimaru's instructions, began analyzing Senshi's chakra.
Every so often Senshi bestowed himself massive new power-ups; though not all those powers were embedded in his chakra, it still kept ascending in vibrancy.
This time, Orochimaru and Kabuto researched and scrutinized that chakra in detail, soon becoming wildly excited. Senshi's new chakra manifested even greater vitality and life force.
Originally, Orochimaru and Kabuto had other research tasks, but after getting Senshi's new chakra, they shelved them all to focus exclusively on that.
In past deals, they typically needed a day or two to produce a rough conclusion on his chakra.
This time, the ninja world's two top scientific pioneers pulled multiple all-nighters in a row, sporting dark rings around their eyes by the time they arrived at preliminary results.
Seeing those results, Orochimaru was overjoyed—this time Senshi really did him a big favor. Noticing Kabuto nearly faint from exhaustion, Orochimaru suggested:
"Kabuto, that's enough. Go rest a while."
Though Kabuto was exhausted, his eyes glowed with excitement.
"Lord Orochimaru, let me help see this through."
Hearing that, Orochimaru didn't push further. They continued concentrating on research. If Senshi were here, he might say to Kabuto, "Even if you might keel over, must you push yourself so hard for science? You're quite something!"
But in reality, Kabuto was only somewhat physically fatigued, not truly at risk. As Sukuna's jinchūriki, he wouldn't just drop dead.
Once they finished the follow-up stage, they were even more fired up.
"Hahahahaha!" Orochimaru started laughing Madara-style in the lab. Kabuto's eyes also radiated excitement.
Delighted, he remarked, "Lord Orochimaru, many of our tech fields are going to see breakthroughs!"
Orochimaru nodded resolutely.
"Indeed, the quality of the chakra Senshi brought us this time is exceptionally high."
"It'll help advance not only our Eternal Chakra research but also the Blacklight Virus project, the Blacklight Vampire experiments, and many other areas."
"We'll first perfect the Blacklight Vampire technology. Then I'll go find Old Man Sarutobi to see where he stands on it."
Kabuto said worriedly, "That technology brings huge benefits but also irreversible downsides. The Hokage might not agree, right?"
Folding his arms, Orochimaru explained,
"Once we refine the technology further with Senshi's chakra, the vampires' potential and daytime capabilities will strengthen."
"Though prolonged sunlight still heavily injures or kills them, as long as we have that 'Life Support Agent' made from Senshi's chakra, they can endure about two hours of sunlight damage."
"Add some other measures, and the downsides will be minimal. If the old man Sarutobi can't accept even that, then we'll just push the technology to other factions."
In Orochimaru's view, the technology could be introduced into Konoha first, then extended to the entire ninja world.
But Sarutobi-sensei and the two village advisors might be too conservative, so they might not support it.
Meanwhile, something else was going on in the Hokage's office.
Aside from the "Konoha F3," there was a woman wearing a green robe, with pale gold hair, and a notably explosive figure standing there.
She was none other than Tsunade-hime, one of the Legendary Sannin, known jokingly as the "Fat Sheep," the "Princess of Konoha."
Yawning, Tsunade looked at the Konoha F3 listlessly and said,
"Was it really necessary to have the Anbu specifically bring me back? As far as I know, that pervy Jiraiya has been back for quite a while."
"What's more, I heard that Orochimaru changed his ways a long time ago and now devotes himself wholeheartedly to the village."
"Even if Jiraiya is a bit unreliable and isn't fit to be Hokage, what's stopping Orochimaru from taking over?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head at that.
"Yes, Jiraiya's personality doesn't fit being Hokage, and he has no interest in the role. As for Orochimaru, he prefers scientific research and pushing the village forward with new technology rather than governing it."
"After much deliberation, we feel only you can be the Fifth Hokage. With Orochimaru and Jiraiya supporting you, we believe you'll manage the Hokage's duties very well."
Still yawning, Tsunade said,
"Forget it. I've no desire at all to be Hokage. I came back this time just because I've been away for ages and wanted to check in."
"Oh—and don't send the Anbu all over to hunt me down again!"
She left unsaid the fact that she was already exhausted from dodging creditors chasing her gambling debts. Now having to evade Anbu as well was too much. She was still the "Princess of Konoha," right?
Tsunade's stonewalling left the F3 a bit embarrassed. Yet they were all old hands, so they didn't stay awkward long. Sarutobi spoke more earnestly,
"Tsunade, the ninja world is in the midst of unprecedented upheaval not seen in a century. Koharu, Homura, and I are all doing our best, but we're gradually feeling overmatched."
"With you back, there's time for a transitional period so you can slowly familiarize yourself with what it takes to manage the village."
"But if one day something happens to us and the village needs you to step up as Hokage, you'll face even greater pressure."
Even if Sarutobi's words made sense, Tsunade just shook her head:
"Then train Orochimaru to be Hokage. I'm not interested in the post anyway."
Her strong attitude gave the F3 a headache.
They had invited Tsunade back as Hokage after thoughtful consideration, believing she was the best fit overall.
Now they faced the insoluble problem of Tsunade refusing to become Hokage.
While the F3 struggled, Nara Shikaku suddenly pushed open the door.
Seeing Tsunade in the office, he froze, then broke into excitement:
"Perfect—if Lady Tsunade's in the village, then Yamanaka Irei and those two might still have hope!"
~~~
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