"Ah, that's right, Orochimaru-sama. These are the devices you wanted me to acquire."
Qing He suddenly remembered the scientific research equipment Orochimaru had requested. He drew a scroll from his drawer and respectfully handed it over.
"Very good. You've worked diligently," Orochimaru remarked, accepting the scroll. Without another word, he used the Flying Thunder God Technique to return to Konoha.
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Chapter 72: Comfort Aburame Clan
Aburame Clan Compound
Aburame Shisuke stared at the Kikaichu crawling along his finger, a hint of surprise flickering across his face as he reflected on Orochimaru's unexpected visit.
The Aburame Clan had always been one of those clans that villagers hesitated to approach. It was not uncommon to hear stories of children terrified of the dense swarms of insects surrounding the compound. Even the bravest child could break into tears in such an environment.
Shisuke wondered silently why Orochimaru would choose to visit the Aburame Clan.
When Orochimaru first set foot in the compound, he glanced around with curiosity. Contrary to his expectations, the Aburame Clan's home was not a chaotic nest of insects; it bore no major difference from other ninja clans' compounds.
Orochimaru's attention soon fell on a clan member carrying a large container strapped to his back. His interest piqued. Was the container meant to grow insects for easier control? Or perhaps to differentiate insects by function?
Soon, Orochimaru came into possession of a jar-like bottle. A soft stopper made of cloth, soaked in a secret medicine, calmed the Kikaichu inside.
So, it was that easy to interact with the Aburame Clan? Orochimaru had anticipated refusal. He was prepared for Shisuke to deny his request, perhaps even deploying clan members to stop him. Yet, Shisuke merely laughed—a laugh so genuine that he poured a bottle of Kikaichu from the jar without hesitation.
His only request was simple: when Orochimaru developed a new species based on Kikaichu, he would teach the Aburame Clan how to cultivate it.
Shisuke cared not for Orochimaru's research results themselves, but for the potential of breeding a new species. Unbeknownst to Shisuke, Orochimaru's goal was to develop Chakra Poison using the Kikaichu.
Yet, from Shisuke's perspective, Orochimaru—hidden behind his sunglasses—was a treasure far more valuable than any insect. The benefits he could bring to the Aburame Clan were immense.
Shisuke considered the achievements of the Ino–Shika–Chō clans: their prosperity, their innovations, the soldier pills, skincare products developed by Orochimaru, and the Iburi Clan cured of their Bloodline Limit disease. The Akimichi Clan's Three-Colored Pills alone were highly profitable, and the White Snake Brand stores were an even greater boon.
If Orochimaru's interest in Kikaichu could further benefit the Aburame Clan, then this was an opportunity they could not ignore.
The Aburame Clan relied on Chakra to feed their insects, not flesh or blood. Many resources were required to cultivate their insects, especially those with special abilities. While Shimura Herbal Tea had already brought significant profit, cultivating stronger insects remained costly. Allowing Orochimaru access to some Kikaichu in exchange for the potential creation of a new species was a clear win.
Had Shisuke not feared frightening Orochimaru, he might have prepared a much larger container to grant him more Kikaichu. The Aburame Clan had no shortage of them.
A new species?
Orochimaru studied the Kikaichu container in deep thought. Shisuke's words had ignited a spark of inspiration. If the genes of Desert Ants from the Demon Desert and Double-Tailed Scorpions were integrated into Kikaichu, what form would the new insects take? Would they inherit the biting power of the Desert Ants? The size and strength of the Double-Tailed Scorpions? Could genes from non-insects even be incorporated?
The possibilities thrilled Orochimaru. He had decided: his experiments with Kikaichu would now include genetic modification.
Meanwhile, in Shisuke's home, he stood in front of a mirror, reflecting on Orochimaru's visit. "Shisuke… uncle… have I become that old?" he murmured, amused by his own thoughts.
It seemed no loss to be called 'uncle' by such a capable young man. After all, this was Orochimaru—the same genius who developed the soldier pills, the Three-Colored Pills, cured the Iburi Clan's Bloodline Limit disease, and created countless other innovations. Shisuke had full confidence in Orochimaru's ability to cultivate a new Kikaichu species.
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Land of Lightning, Hidden Cloud Village
The Third Raikage, A, had acquired the White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company's interests from the Land of Waves. He now stood in the Raikage Building, overseeing a barren land once dismissed by other nations, yet from which the company had emerged as a financial powerhouse. Its products reached the Five Great Nations, many smaller lands, and even the southernmost Land of Snow—a testament to its far-reaching influence.
Raikage A recognized the economic value of the company. Its presence could greatly benefit Kumogakure. Years had passed since the First Shinobi World War, and the village had regained its strength, though attacks by the Eight-Tails still caused substantial losses. He suspected that the Tailed Beasts' power might have been a method to suppress villages. Kumogakure, with ninja tools like the Kohaku capable of sealing Tailed Beasts, was not exempt from concern.
"Ms. Iryu, welcome," Raikage A greeted.
Iryu stood, smiling gently. "Third Raikage, I come as head of the White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company to offer Kumogakure a long-term escort mission."
"Escort mission?" he asked, frowning slightly.
"Our products require transport across the Land of Lightning, and dangers may arise along the way. We seek your ninja as escorts," Iryu explained.
The Raikage, with experience from the First Shinobi World War, raised a realistic concern. "I understand your company operates in many nations, including the Land of Waves. What if ninjas from different villages clash during the escort?"
Iryu reassured him: "We've established multiple ports in the Land of Waves to prevent such encounters."
"Very good," A said, pleased. He appreciated the company's foresight. After further discussion, a long-term cooperation agreement was finalized.
As Iryu and her entourage departed, the Raikage's secretary asked, "Raikage-sama, should this be reported to the Daimyo?"
"No need," he replied. Village expenses funded by the Daimyo were insufficient; a partnership with the White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company was far more advantageous.
Iryu then traveled to Iwagakure in the Land of Earth and Sunagakure in the Land of Wind, which presented harsh conditions. The Hidden Mist in the Land of Water remained off-limits, restricted by the policies of the Blood Mist Village. There, goods could only be sold through licensed merchants. Rogue and wandering ninjas were occasionally employed, but the Iburi Clan was always prepared to handle any threats.
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Land of the Seas, Mother Island
On a bridge, Kakuzu flexed his wrist, separated from his arm with black blood veins connecting them. He pierced the arm of a figure whose back faced him—a flying fist moving with deadly precision.
A faint smoke arose from Qing He's body, shifting between solid and ethereal forms.
"What?" Kakuzu exclaimed, pupils narrowing in surprise. He had not expected this technique. "Duman… from the Iburi Clan? But your Bloodline Limit has a flaw! How are you here?"
Qing He remained calm. "A certain adult wishes to see you, Mr. Kakuzu. Please come with me."
Kakuzu analyzed Qing He's movements and recognized the truth: the Iburi Clan's flaw was well-known, yet this figure moved without concern. He could not resist curiosity.
"I am not interested," Kakuzu said. Yet he stopped, listening as Qing He continued.
"What if following me could earn you more than any bounty?"
Kakuzu paused, his gaze fixed on Qing He's form.
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Chapter 73: The Pain of Small Countries
At Konoha's gates, a red-haired woman registered at the guardhouse and walked through. Her eyes wandered to the iconic Hokage Rock, lingering on the statues of the First and Second Hokage.
"Konoha… it hasn't changed," Uzumaki Chigusa murmured with a faint smile.
She wondered if Miya had released any new books, which would likely appear in the larger villages first.
"Clan leader… can't you wait for me?"
A young girl, carrying a large scroll, ran breathlessly toward the gates. Her bright red hair bounced with each step, sweat glistening on her pale cheeks. Chigusa's gaze followed her as she approached the registration desk.
"Little Naino, you're too slow," she said, smiling slightly.
The girl clenched her fists but offered no protest, instead registering her name. A hand pressed gently against her head as Chigusa guided her.
"Clan leader!" the girl exclaimed, feeling the weight of the scroll on her back.
Two guards watched silently as Chigusa and Naino moved through the gate.
"Where to first? Hokage Building, or Grandma Mito?" Naino chirped.
"First, the Third Hokage, then Lady Mito," Chigusa replied, noting the child's fleeting anger and carefree spirit.
News of Uzumaki Chigusa's arrival quickly reached Danzo Shimura. Having completed his reports, he had planned a walk outside but abandoned the idea upon learning of her arrival. He had never gotten along with the Uzumaki Clan, not even with Lady Mito, who harbored her own dislike toward him.
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