Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura sat together in the dimly lit conference room, their sharp gazes locked on the young Orochimaru. The girl calmly sipped at the tea cup in her hand, her pale fingers steady, her golden eyes untroubled. To them, it was almost infuriating. Here was a child, not even yet grown, who carried herself as though the great matters of Konoha had nothing to do with her. Both elders had the same urge—to grab her by the ear, drag her forward, and demand she explain herself.
Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado, however, looked quite satisfied. They were pleased that Orochimaru had not made any bold or inappropriate remarks. In their eyes, this discussion was a serious council between Konoha's senior leadership, and a junior had no right to casually insert herself. Her silence was the most proper thing she could offer.
Still, the topic at hand was not small. If Danzo were to give his approval, and if the Akimichi Clan were able to obtain Orochimaru's improved soldier pill formula, then even if the production cost increased slightly, the new medicine would undoubtedly become the most desired commodity among Konoha's shinobi. A pill that could restore chakra with fewer side effects was not just an item—it was life and death on the battlefield.
Just as the discussion deepened, a hesitant voice came from outside the door.
"L-Lady Mito, you… why are you here? The Hokage and the village elders are in conference. This meeting room is—"
The words were interrupted by another voice, warm and kind yet carrying unshakable authority.
"Is that so? I am here to find Orochimaru. Are you sure you wish to stop me?"
It was Uzumaki Mito, wife of the First Hokage and the living symbol of Konoha's founding. Her voice was gentle, but it carried a weight that could not be denied.
"Y-you dare block my Grandma?"
Another voice rang out, full of youthful vigor. Tsunade strode forward, her blonde hair swaying as she shoved aside the flustered guard with the confidence only a child of the Senju could possess.
"Thank you, Princess Tsunade!"
The ninja on duty, rather than offended, looked at her with eyes filled with gratitude. To be caught between Uzumaki Mito's authority and his duty was unbearable—Tsunade had just saved him from humiliation.
A moment later, the door to the conference room was pushed open. The atmosphere inside shifted instantly as Uzumaki Mito entered, her every step calm yet commanding. She swept her gaze across the assembled elders and Hokage with a warm smile.
"Am I interrupting you?" she asked lightly, though none in the room dared think of it as a casual question.
"L-Lady Mito! You… why are you here?"
The four advisors, along with Hiruzen and Danzo, all rose to their feet immediately, their bodies stiff with respect. No one present dared remain seated in her presence.
Danzo Shimura, normally cold and indifferent, felt a ripple of unease pass through him. When faced with Mito's presence, his face betrayed both fear and apprehension.
"Grandma Mito? Why are you here?"
Orochimaru blinked, surprised. It was rare for Uzumaki Mito to leave her residence at all. And yet here she stood, accompanied by Tsunade, who peeked out from behind her grandmother's robes. The blonde girl stuck out her tongue and made a silly face at Hiruzen and the others, clearly mocking them.
Orochimaru exhaled softly. So that's how it is. She had expected Tsunade to barge into the meeting on her own, trying to stand against the elders with sheer stubbornness. But Tsunade, perhaps realizing she would be at a disadvantage, had brought out her greatest trump card instead.
Of course, there was also the possibility that Tsunade hadn't thought that far ahead. After all, children often had a natural instinct when they were cornered: when unable to win alone, they simply called for an adult. Some grew out of the habit, but others carried it all their lives.
---
Uzumaki Mito and Tsunade walked directly toward Orochimaru. Hiruzen quickly stepped forward, moving to pull a chair out for the matriarch.
"No need."
Mito waved her hand dismissively, and in one fluid motion, she picked up Orochimaru and sat herself down in the Hokage's own chair, placing the child squarely on her lap.
"?!"
The entire room froze. This was the first time anyone had seen Uzumaki Mito display such open affection for a child in front of others. It was more than tenderness; it was a declaration. By seating Orochimaru on her lap, she was telling the entire leadership of Konoha: Do not think of bullying this child.
"I can stand, you know," Tsunade huffed, crossing her arms behind her grandmother and puffing her chest out. Her triumphant expression made her look like a victorious little swan.
"Were you in the middle of discussing Orochimaru's soldier pill formula? Please continue," Mito said evenly. "I will not interfere with your decisions."
Her words, though gentle, left no room for argument.
Danzo was the first to recover. "Torifu, the formula may be entrusted to the Akimichi Clan. I have no need for the profits of this medicine. What I do want is that every shinobi in Konoha knows this new formula was developed under my funding."
His tone was reasonable, almost generous. The truth was far more self-serving—Danzo's true investment was in reputation and in cultivating Orochimaru's talent.
"However," he added, glancing at the girl in Mito's lap, "my decision does not represent Orochimaru's will. I believe it is only fair we hear her own thoughts."
Every gaze in the room shifted onto Orochimaru. She sat stiffly in Uzumaki Mito's arms, her body prim and composed, though her mind was whirling.
Who am I? Where am I? And why on earth am I sitting in Grandma Mito's lap?
Her face went blank, her thoughts drifting into a haze.
"Is this really the time to space out?!"
Tsunade, irritated, reached out and pinched her cheek. Orochimaru yelped softly, her wandering thoughts snapping back into place.
"Ah… huh?"
Seeing all eyes fixed on her, Orochimaru coughed awkwardly. "Have you already reached a conclusion?"
Hiruzen cleared his throat. "Orochimaru, Danzo has agreed to grant the formula to the Akimichi Clan. What terms do you wish to set in return?"
Orochimaru's gaze sharpened. "I have heard that the Akimichi Clan's inherited secret technique is related to Yang Release chakra nature transformation…"
"Impossible!"
Akimichi Torifu immediately cut her off, his large frame stiffening in outrage. "The inherited secrets of our clan cannot be shared. Such things are the foundation of our techniques. They cannot be handed to outsiders under any circumstances."
The refusal was sharp, but Orochimaru only shook her head. "You misunderstand, Torifu-sama. I have no interest in your clan's secret techniques. What I seek is only the accumulated knowledge and experience your clan possesses in Yang Release transformation. Generations of your ancestors must have compiled insights that can deepen my own understanding. That is all I request."
Her calm explanation shifted the mood. This was not an attempt to steal the Akimichi Clan's heritage but to learn from their wisdom. Her real ambition had always been tied to chakra transformation. From the moment she began developing the improved soldier pill, she had already set her sights on the Akimichi Clan's ancestral research.
If this plan succeeded, she would gain their insights and Danzo's financial support—a perfect outcome, killing two birds with one stone.
"That's all?"
Torifu looked at her in surprise. The request was almost too modest. Compared to the formula itself, her demand seemed laughably small. It felt, in fact, as if the Akimichi Clan was gaining the soldier pill at no real cost.
Unlike the old soldier pill formula, which was already known to many, this new formula was unique. Even if rival villages obtained samples, it would take them tremendous time and money to unravel the improvements.
"One-tenth of the profit from the new soldier pill shall belong to Orochimaru," Uzumaki Mito declared suddenly. Her voice was not loud, but it carried absolute finality.
"One-tenth?"
Torifu's expression tightened. He hesitated, reluctant, but how could he contradict Lady Mito? Just as he was about to speak, Orochimaru herself interjected.
"In addition," she said calmly, "I will assist the Akimichi Clan in refining the manufacturing process of the soldier pill. The cost of production can be lowered significantly."
She would not release the profit share Mito had secured for her, but she could offer value in return. In truth, Orochimaru had once thought of demanding a continuous share of the profits, but such a request would have been rejected outright. Now, thanks to Tsunade and Grandma Mito, the opportunity had been forced open for her. With this income, she would be able to realize her dream of a private laboratory much sooner.
"One-tenth profit? No problem!"
Torifu spoke quickly, as if afraid she would change her mind. Her youth did not blind him to her ability.
The contract was drawn up immediately under the witness of Hiruzen Sarutobi, Koharu, and Homura. Danzo Shimura, Akimichi Torifu, and Orochimaru each placed their seals upon the agreement.
"This is the formula," Orochimaru said simply, handing over a scroll to Torifu.
Torifu accepted it with both hands. "And I will see your request fulfilled without delay."
The matter was settled. When the meeting ended, Orochimaru left alongside Tsunade, who tugged her by the hand protectively. Uzumaki Mito smiled faintly at the sight. Orochimaru had won more than profit today—she had won the goodwill of people who mattered.
Orochimaru herself looked at Tsunade's smug little face and felt a strange chill. One day, when I finally decide to run away from this village, this girl will surely be my greatest obstacle.
Outside the Hokage building, representatives of the Yamanaka and Nara clans were already waiting. They were clearly lending their support to Torifu, as was expected among the Ino–Shika–Chō alliance. In Konoha, survival was not only about strength—it was also about connections and solidarity.
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