These were messages from readers across the Five Great Nations, sent to the publishing house after finishing the story.
Duanshan Street – Outside Gui Lin Residence
As Su Mu stepped out of Gui Lin Residence, he saw two familiar figures under a nearby tree.
Orochimaru and Kabuto, both pale and haggard, had been waiting there all night.
Su Mu couldn't help but chuckle.
Even a guy like Orochimaru looks pitiful when he's exhausted.
But clearly, Orochimaru's current body was at its limit. He didn't have much time left.
"Here's what you wanted. Take it."
Su Mu handed over a black package.
Orochimaru's eyes shimmered with emotion.
He'd waited years for this moment… finally…
"Master Su…"
"Is your shop hiring?"
That question caught Su Mu completely off guard.
Orochimaru… applying for a part-time job?
If I let someone like him work here, wouldn't all the customers run for their lives before I even start telling a story?
Su Mu laughed.
"No need. I accepted your Kusanagi Sword—helping you is only fair."
He turned and walked away.
Orochimaru watched him go, sighing deeply.
"If only I could be as carefree as you…"
Underground Lab – Hidden Base
Orochimaru tore open the package the moment they returned.
Three black pills rolled out.
Kabuto picked one up and examined it carefully.
"Lord Orochimaru, we don't know what this is. I don't recommend—"
"Don't bother."Orochimaru smiled faintly, plucking the pill from Kabuto's hand."We're already at this point. What's there to fear?"
Just as he was about to swallow it, Kabuto found a folded letter at the bottom of the package.
"Wait—there's a letter from Master Su!"
Orochimaru paused and took the letter to read.
[From Su Mu]
Inside this package are three Qi Refining Pills. They will allow your body to begin generating spiritual energy.
But be warned: only one pill every three days. Take more, and your body will explode.
Also included is a Qi Refining manual—it will help convert your chakra.
You should already know: this world holds two forces.
One is "chakra," a foreign power implanted in this world.
The other is "spiritual energy," a force born of this world itself.
If you truly wish to walk this path… then swallow a Qi Refining Pill.
But know this: once you do, you will never have chakra again.
Orochimaru didn't hesitate.
He downed a pill immediately.
It slid down his throat and dissolved, releasing a surge of potent medicinal energy.
The pain was instant—tearing, burning, searing through his nerves and organs.
"Ghh... Aaahhh...!"
Kabuto panicked and rushed to support him.
"Lord Orochimaru! Let me extract it!"
He pulled out his chakra scalpel—but Orochimaru waved him off.
"No need…"
"I've endured worse pain than this."
"If I've come this far—how could I fear a little suffering now?!"
Another wave of energy surged through him, sweeping through muscle, bone, and soul.
In that moment—
Orochimaru's chakra evaporated.
In its place surged a pure, steady stream of spiritual energy.
He opened his eyes. For the first time, he could see spiritual energy flowing in the air.
But Kabuto—could see nothing.
"This power…"
Orochimaru laughed wildly.
"Stronger… purer… far superior to chakra!"
Kabuto watched in bewilderment as Orochimaru sat down, opened the Qi Refining manual, and began to study.
An hour passed.
He exhaled a foul breath—his first sign of bodily purification.
Orochimaru stood up, energized.
"First stage of Qi Refining… and I can already feel my body healing."
As he reached to put the remaining pills back in the package, he noticed something else tucked underneath—
A manual labeled "Swordflight Technique."
"Huh? A bonus?"
He flipped it open.
"Guess Su Mu threw in a freebie…"
"Lucky me."
Kirigakure – Mizukage's Residence
Mei Terumi, dressed in a blue sleeveless gown, was deeply absorbed in Immortality.
Suddenly, the door burst open.
Chojuro rushed in, panting heavily and holding a copy of Gonggong Strikes Mount Buzhou.
"I got it, Lady Mizukage! I got it!!"
He ran up to her, wheezing and bent over.
Mei gave him a charming smile.
"Seeing you work so hard… it's kind of cute, Chojuro."
Chojuro blushed beet red.
"Th-Thank you, Lady Mizukage…"
Mei took the book and flipped through the first few pages.
"This storyteller's work is... wonderful."
"I wonder what he looks like…"
"I think I'd like to meet him."
She peeked up at Chojuro with a teasing grin.
"If you were half as interesting as him, maybe I'd let you marry me."
Chojuro nearly passed out on the spot.
"N-N-No way…"
Mei chuckled and stood up, stretching lazily.
"The Land of Water has been quiet lately… it's a good time for a little vacation."
Chojuro gasped.
"Wait… are you going to Duanshan Street?!"
"So clever. Remind me to reward you with a kiss next time~"
"Come, let's go see what story the mysterious Master Su tells next…"
She quickly changed into travel attire and departed with Chojuro, leaving Kirigakure behind.
Duanshan Street – Gui Lin Residence
Su Mu stood outside the tavern, studying blueprints in his hand.
He was planning a full renovation.
"At this rate, Gui Lin Residence won't be able to hold everyone. Time for a major expansion."
Behind him, a now loli-fied Tsunade leapt out from the shadows.
"Hey, what're you up to?"
She peered over his shoulder at the blueprints, pouting slightly.
"Nothing important. Just getting ready for the crowds,"Su Mu replied.
But as he turned to look at her—
His nose almost bled on the spot.
Her body had shrunk, but certain parts… had not.
And the view from this angle was… deadly.
"So... I didn't tell you last time when I snuck in as a maid. You're not mad, right?"
Tsunade grinned mischievously.
Su Mu smiled back.
"With a beauty like you helping out, how could I be mad?"