"Of course, to make money off adults like you who enjoy reading banned books."
Orochimaru's voice carried a trace of disdain.
Uzumaki Chigusa patted Orochimaru's head with a gentle smile. "So, have you figured out how to convince a scary adult like me, who enjoys reading banned books?"
Orochimaru frowned. What can I do?
He pushed Uzumaki Chigusa's hand away and said, irritated, "Let's negotiate terms I can accept."
"I want a manuscript written in your own hand," Uzumaki Chigusa stated firmly. She recognized this as a rare opportunity and refused to let it slip away, even if it meant making demands on a child.
Who told Orochimaru to become Miya? He could no longer treat her like a child. Who at eight years old would write forbidden books? And not just any books, but constantly banned ones with explosive content!
"Huh? Are you dreaming? You'd better buy it. Maybe I'll consider selling it cheap," Orochimaru said, crossing his arms and glaring at the shameless adult before him. He refused to yield easily and proposed a bargain: "My manuscript is around one million ryo on the black market. I can give you five hundred thousand ryo."
"No! I want you to write, 'Given by Miya,' to my dear reader, Uzumaki Chigusa! Or I'll tell Grandma Mito about your forbidden books!"
Uzumaki Chigusa winced and sighed. "Grandma Mito mentioned you once. She wanted to teach you the Sealing Technique, and she asked for my opinion. Naturally, as the Clan Master of the Uzumaki Clan, I had no objection. But what if Grandma Mito discovers you wrote forbidden books? Really… a headache."
She looked at Orochimaru carefully, trying to gauge his reaction. Seeing him still indifferent, she pressed further, "Grandma Mito would definitely be upset, wouldn't she?"
How could the Uzumaki Clan have a shameless clan leader like you…? Orochimaru thought. Are you really from the Uzumaki Clan? And that red hair… isn't dyed, is it?
Orochimaru stared silently at the theatrics of Uzumaki Chigusa, put his hand to his forehead, and finally said, "Okay, I agree. But this stays a secret. If you tell anyone, you'll never see another book I write again."
"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone," Uzumaki Chigusa said with a satisfied smile. Coming to Konoha had truly been worth it. She not only discovered Miya's true identity but also received a handwritten manuscript from her, a treasure she would keep for life.
"I thought you hated my books," Orochimaru said, surprised by Uzumaki Chigusa's happiness. He remembered her previous reactions—her detailed interpretations and analysis of his plots.
"Actually, it's not exactly hate, but it's not exactly love either," Uzumaki Chigusa admitted, scratching her cheek. A slight blush appeared. It's a bit embarrassing that such a child likes banned books…
"What a strange person," Orochimaru muttered, extending his hand. "We should head back. Remember, I met you on a mission."
"I understand, I understand."
Uzumi Chigusa took Orochimaru's hand, and together they used the Flying Thunder God Technique to arrive at Tsunade's house. As expected, Tsunade questioned Orochimaru, unsurprised, about how he knew Chigusa.
Uzumaki Nano wasn't worried about Chigusa's safety; she was more concerned about Tsunade interrogating Orochimaru. She had heard Grandma Mito mention the power of the Flying Thunder God Technique—it was an S-rank Space-Time Ninjutsu!
"By the way, Orochimaru, you're so proficient with the Flying Thunder God Technique. Why didn't you tell me?" Tsunade asked suddenly, pinching his cheek in mild displeasure.
"Your relationship is… very good," Uzumaki Nano commented, resting her chin on her hands as she watched the two.
"Jealous?" Tsunade grimaced, gripping Orochimaru's arm tightly as if to prevent him from being kidnapped.
"Jealous? I'm not jealous at all!" Uzumaki Nano protested, pressing her forehead against Tsunade's.
"I think you're jealous!" Tsunade pressed harder.
"I'm not jealous!"
"You are!"
They continued their playful struggle, leaving Orochimaru sandwiched between them, dazed and rocking involuntarily. Enough already… I should've checked the calendar before leaving. Today is definitely not a good day to go out.
Tsunade forced Orochimaru to spend the night there, ensuring he wouldn't sleep in the same room as Uzumaki Nano. Meanwhile, Jiraiya, hoping for a free meal at Orochimaru's house, found the place dark and uninviting.
"Orochimaru went on a mission? What a mission fanatic!" Jiraiya muttered, shaking his head. He had no choice but to find a restaurant for a quick meal. If he were younger, he would have explored the adult world, examining its dirty underbelly with critical eyes.
The next day, Uzumaki Chigusa and Uzumaki Nano exited Konoha's gates. Their primary goal was to visit Uzumaki Mito; the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, was just an afterthought. They had visited everyone necessary and were ready to return to Uzushiogakure.
Buzz!
A kunai dropped in front of Uzumaki Chigusa. Its hilt contained Orochimaru's Flying Thunder God Technique formula, with a letter tied to the ring in steel wire.
"Enemy attack?!" Uzumaki Nano quickly unstrapped the large scroll on her back, letting it fall to the ground as she surveyed their surroundings.
"This isn't an enemy attack," Uzumaki Chigusa said calmly, picking up the kunai and reading the letter. A smile formed on her face as the letter ignited on its own. She raised the kunai, along with the Flying Thunder God Technique formula, feeling a sense of reassurance.
---
"Why are we buying a factory that's about to go bankrupt? It's a waste of money!" Kakuzu exclaimed, glaring at the closed doors of the appliance factory in front of him. He couldn't understand why "Lord" Qing He wanted to purchase a failing business.
"With your shallow understanding, you cannot grasp the greatness of that Lord. The importance of this factory, and the profits it can bring to White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company, will exceed your imagination," Qing He replied, walking confidently ahead.
"Shallow?" Kakuzu's eyes narrowed. If it weren't for knowing the futility, he might have attacked.
Inside the household appliance factory, the factory manager's office was buzzing.
"Mr. Qing He, are you really willing to buy our factory?" the manager asked, excitedly shaking Qing He's hand. His eyes sparkled with hope.
"Please take a look first," Qing He said, handing over the purchase contract.
The manager read, signed, and quickly returned the document. The factory had become a burden; he could barely pay employees. Someone willing to buy at a fair price was a blessing—no haggling required.
Kakuzu watched Iwasaki Taro leave with two boxes of money. Then his gaze shifted to Qing He. "It's time to tell me who this 'Lord' really is," he said in a low voice.
"That Master's identity? You'll understand when you meet him, Mr. Kakuzu. Please mind your manners." Qing He glanced at him, then began to explore the factory.
Kakuzu clenched his fists. His arms darkened, then returned to normal. Let's see if this 'Lord' is worth the trouble.
---
Land of Waves.
Kakuzu followed Qing He to White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company. As they entered, people rushed into the bunker for safety. Strangely, despite the company's size and reputation, the building felt almost deserted.
Inside the presidential office, Orochimaru sat on the couch, writing in a notebook.
"Sir Orochimaru, I have successfully purchased the home appliance factory," Qing He announced, placing the contract respectfully on the coffee table.
Orochimaru closed the notebook, sealing it into a scroll.
Is she… the 'Lord' you mentioned?! Kakuzu's pupils dilated in shock. The pale, white-skinned girl before him seemed unreal, almost like a mirage. He questioned whether he had entered a Genjutsu.
It reminded him of past missions—like the impossible assassination attempt on the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama. He had discovered the Hokage was using a Forest Clone, fled in panic, and was accused of failure. Throwing shuriken from 800 li… that's no exaggeration now.
"Mr. Kakuzu, this isn't our first meeting," Orochimaru said, glancing at him while picking up the purchase agreement.
"Impossible… I've never seen you," Kakuzu said, certain he had never met her.
"Then let's assume you didn't," Orochimaru replied smoothly. "Mr. Kakuzu, have you heard of White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company?"
"Of course. One of the most profitable companies in the world," Kakuzu answered, thinking of the black market rewards. He had heard of the legendary products: fertility boosters, Shimura herbal tea, and other elite commodities.
"So, Mr. Kakuzu, would you volunteer to join White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company?" Orochimaru asked sincerely, not as a superior but as an employer. Not dying for it, dying for money.
Kakuzu was tempted but wary. "Are you really the 'Lord' Qing He mentioned?"
"If Qing He hasn't sworn loyalty to anyone else, then the 'Lord' must be me," Orochimaru said.
In an instant, Orochimaru's figure appeared behind Kakuzu and then by the window. Kakuzu didn't even see her move. Her speed rivaled the Third Raikage's. He broke out in cold sweat, stunned by her seemingly ageless, deceptive appearance.
---
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