"A monster? A Kappa?"
On the screen, Mareya's expression visibly shifted.
The Third Hokage narrowed his eyes. "Is this something serious, Lady Mareya?"
"No, no—it's not that. I was just surprised," the shrine maiden said quickly. "I didn't expect such creatures still existed in this world."
She waved her hands dismissively, then added, "But Hokage-sama, our current shrine lineage is no longer suited for combat. If Konoha is able to handle the monster, there's nothing more I can do. We wouldn't stand a chance."
Once, the priestesses of the Land of Demons had been formidable. But after generations of decline, even preserving the bloodline was a struggle—let alone confronting monsters.
Their only remaining strength was purification.
The Third Hokage gave a small, patient smile. "You've misunderstood. The kappa has already been subdued. Its strength is only around the level of a jōnin, and Konoha has it fully restrained. What we seek is not assistance with the capture, but with the purification—we're unsure how to handle it without leaving behind any lingering danger."
"Ah, I understand."
Mareya exhaled in relief. She quickly grasped the intent and said,
"In that case, please send the kappa to the Land of Demons. I will personally perform the ritual."
The Third Hokage hesitated, then said, "Konoha is still recovering from the recent attack. Our forces are stretched thin. It would be more feasible to send someone to escort a shrine maiden to Konoha rather than try to ensure the kappa's safe transport all the way to your country."
He wasn't lying—the Akatsuki attack had taken a heavy toll. Although the ninja corps was mostly intact, civilians had suffered greatly.
But more than that, what truly concerned him was the risk of interception. If the kappa escaped en route due to enemy interference or its own tricks, it would be catastrophic. It had little chakra and could hide its presence easily—perhaps even the Byakugan wouldn't be able to track it. Transporting it was simply too risky.
"Please be assured, Lady Mareya," Hiruzen added quickly. "Konoha will do everything to protect the shrine maiden. And we'll ensure that you are compensated."
"…This isn't about money," Mareya replied after a pause. "But since Hokage-sama insists, the Land of Demons will send someone suitable."
She continued, "I will send my daughter. She is still young—barely six—but more than capable of performing the ritual."
Hiruzen blinked. "Is that… appropriate?"
It wasn't a question of doubt in her daughter's ability. He simply hadn't realized the shrine maiden lineage had declined so far. That such a young girl was their best option said much about their current state.
Mareya misunderstood his surprise and clarified with confidence, "Shion's talent would have been extraordinary even in the Warring States era. She's inexperienced, yes—but with the kappa already captured, she'll be safe."
"In that case," Hiruzen said, nodding solemnly, "we'll send a team to escort her here. Konoha is grateful for your help."
Mareya smiled. "There's no need for thanks. We each get what we need."
As the screen faded, Hiruzen frowned and repeated her words under his breath:
"We each get what we need?"
He stared at the now-dark monitor, deep in thought. The more Mareya emphasized her daughter's talent, the more it felt like Konoha was getting the lesser end of the deal.
Wouldn't a girl like that be guarded closely at home? Why send her into danger?
Even with protection, accidents could happen. For her to take such a risk… there must be another reason.
"Unfortunately, we have too little intel on the shrine maidens," Hiruzen muttered, shaking his head.
But then he let it go.
There were more urgent problems to deal with.
---
Elsewhere: The Akimichi Compound
Orochimaru wiped the surgical fluid off his gloves and smiled. "The operation was a complete success. You may try standing, Lord Akimichi."
Choza Akimichi didn't get up right away. He lay on the table, sweat-drenched and pale, looking like someone who'd just crawled back from the gates of the afterlife.
"Complete success?" he muttered. "That wasn't a surgery—it was a warzone."
The exhaustion overwhelmed even his fear of Orochimaru. After resting for a while, he sat up and slowly tested his limbs.
"How do you feel?" Orochimaru asked pleasantly.
"…Stronger than ever," Choza admitted.
He clenched his fists in amazement. His chakra reserves had increased by over 30%—a staggering number for someone already among the elite.
The prototype of the "Physical Reinforcement Surgery" had worked. Risky, unscalable, but undeniably powerful.
Choza bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Orochimaru."
As clan head, he wasn't thinking only of himself. While the surgery had required rare materials, the Akimichi were a prestigious clan. Others could benefit too.
"Actually," Orochimaru said with a glint in his eye, "it's thanks to your clan's secret medicine. Without that explosive burst of chakra, you wouldn't have survived."
Choza shivered. He remembered the near-mad surge of energy coursing through him during the operation. Without the medicine, he would've been consumed.
"But if your clan can produce higher-quality medicine… the success rate may rise even further," Orochimaru added.
Choza's face fell slightly.
He knew what Orochimaru meant. The snake wanted more of their most precious resource—the medicine tied to their very survival and economy.
"Lord Orochimaru may have misunderstood…"
"I'm not asking for a gift," Orochimaru said, smiling. "Sell it to me at the market rate."
"That's…" Choza realized his mistake. "Forgive me. If you wish to purchase, the Akimichi will provide it at cost."
There was no point offending Orochimaru. Not now.
"No need. I'll need it in bulk."
Orochimaru grinned. "Just cover the cost of production—I'll take care of the rest."
Choza hesitated… then nodded.
If it was for the village, and if Orochimaru was footing the bill, there was no reason to refuse.
---
Konoha Hospital
Orochimaru laid the finalized version of the Physical Reinforcement Surgery scroll on Tsunade's desk.
"All the details are here," he said. "Everything's been tested—on an outsider."
Tsunade ignored his quip and flipped through the scroll, scanning the surgical notes and data.
"You really are heartless," she muttered. "Look at all this money you bled from the village under the pretext of research."
"Not at all," Orochimaru replied smoothly. "Developing this cost me dearly. Besides, shouldn't you thank me for sharing it now?"
"Please." Tsunade snorted. "You've made your money and now you want me to handle the actual surgeries."
As she said this, she pulled a vial and folder from a drawer and tossed them across the desk. "Here. The poison you wanted."
Orochimaru's eyes lit up. "So fast?"
"It was a byproduct from my duels with Chiyo," Tsunade replied. "I tweaked it slightly to fit your requirements."
Orochimaru nodded. In toxin research, failed byproducts were common—but occasionally, one became valuable.
"What will you do with it?" Tsunade asked sharply. "Poison the leader of Akatsuki?"
Orochimaru only raised a finger to his lips.
"Didn't we agree? No questions, just transactions."
"You are targeting him, aren't you? He's the only one with Rinnegan that you'd go this far for."
Orochimaru gave no answer.
"But why this kind of poison?" Tsunade asked. "It's not lethal. Not even that debilitating."
Orochimaru turned with a smirk. "No more small talk. You have surgeries to perform."
And with that, he vanished out the window.
---
Amegakure – Rain Village
Kabuto summoned a strange white snake, barely the thickness of his arm—except this one had a human face.
"Lord Orochimaru…?"
He was startled. He had never seen his master in such a form.
"Don't be alarmed," the snake chuckled. "Once you master White Snake Sage Mode, you too can reshape yourself at will."
The snake began to melt and merge with Kabuto, their chakra signatures aligning.
"This time," Orochimaru said, his voice a hiss in Kabuto's ear, "you'll be my double."
_____________________
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