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After feeding everyone a generous slice of future ambition and watching them rush off to cultivate with burning enthusiasm, Li Rong casually reached out and grabbed Dugu Yan's hand.
"Since we're already in another World," he said lightly, "let's go out and take a look around."
Dugu Yan blinked. "You? Going out voluntarily? That's rare."
Li Rong didn't bother hiding it. "What do you think of that pale-faced, long-haired guy who keeps licking his lips without realizing it?"
Dugu Yan shuddered, rubbing her arms. "You mean Orochimaru? The way he looks at people feels like a snake staring at prey. It's disgusting."
Ye Leng Leng nodded in agreement, frowning. "When he observes us, that obsession with research almost becomes tangible. It's like he's already dissecting us in his mind."
Bi Ji thought for a moment, then gently shook her head. "He does look gloomy, but the thirst for knowledge in his eyes is very pure. He seems more like a scholar who's gone too far."
"Scholar?" Li Rong snorted. "Mad scientist fits better. When Minato absorbed the Spirit Bone, Orochimaru's fingers were trembling. That wasn't fear—that was excitement from seeing a priceless specimen."
Snow Princess' gaze sharpened. "You want to recruit him for the Sacrificial Shop."
Li Rong smiled faintly. "His talent and curiosity are rare. I want to see how far he can go if I give him a proper stage."
"So this is a test," Snow Princess concluded. "If his thirst for knowledge is real, he'll come looking for us after we go out."
"Exactly." Li Rong nodded. "I've also heard Konoha's ramen and barbecue are famous. Let's go see for ourselves."
Dugu Yan instantly forgot about Orochimaru. Her eyes lit up. "Ramen first, then barbecue!"
Ye Leng Leng laughed. "Careful, you'll eat yourself into a little pig."
"I'm not afraid!" Dugu Yan lifted her chin proudly. "The Beauty Pill slims the body as well as nourishes the skin!"
The girls teased one another as they followed Li Rong out.
The moment they stepped outside the courtyard, four figures silently appeared.
The leading man, wearing a dark green flak vest, bowed respectfully. "Konoha Jonin Sarutobi Soulin. By Hokage-sama's order, I will serve as your guide and guard."
"Don't stick too close," Li Rong said calmly. "It ruins the mood."
"As you wish."
With a hand seal, the four vanished into shadows, deliberately leaving faint Chakra fluctuations behind—an unmistakable announcement of their presence.
The ramen shop didn't last long.
"So greasy. And salty," Dugu Yan muttered after forcing down a bite. She put down her chopsticks with a pained expression.
Li Rong patted her back gently, then turned to the shop owner. "Sorry. We're from out of town. My wife isn't used to the local flavors."
Teuchi laughed warmly. "I've seen this before. Guests from the Land of Lightning complain the same way. Try this tea—it cuts the grease."
Dugu Yan flushed, apologized, and accepted the tea.
When she looked up again, Li Rong had already finished an entire bowl.
Her eyes widened. "You? Eating this without complaint?"
Li hesitated, then looked at Snow Princess for help.
Snow Princess ignored him completely. She carefully rinsed each noodle in clear water before eating, then stopped halfway through the bowl.
Dugu Yan began counting on her fingers.
"Too greasy—won't eat. Too salty—won't eat. Too sour—won't eat. Too spicy—won't eat. Too bitter—won't eat. Too bland—won't eat. And now you say you're not picky?"
Li leaned close and whispered, "Careful. Tonight I'll feed you something even fishier."
Dugu Yan froze—then immediately grabbed his collar and shook him violently.
"Did you add to my physique again?!"
Li tapped the air innocently. "I wasn't going to. But now I am."
"Cancel it! Now! Immediately!"
"Impossible. Permanent enhancement."
"You scoundrel—!"
The ramen incident ended with Bi Ji and Ye Leng Leng finishing their bowls, while Dugu Yan plotted revenge.
Her mood improved when she dragged the others toward the shopping street.
"I want to try on some clothes. They really show off your figure here!"
Bi Ji and Ye Leng Leng were instantly tempted.
Snow Princess, however, leaned closer to Li Rong. "Several groups followed us earlier but retreated after sensing the guards. Two are still hidden."
"Not surprising," Li replied softly. "Even Hokage orders aren't absolute."
Snow Princess frowned. "In the far north, anyone who defied me openly was eliminated."
Li smiled. "Konoha politics are… complicated. I'll explain tonight."
She kicked him lightly, face heating up.
The shopping lasted the entire afternoon.
Li Rong's hands filled with bags. Snow Princess and Bi Ji flushed just looking at the clothes.
"These aren't for going out," Li said seriously. "They're for sleeping."
Bi Ji and Ye Leng Leng twisted the flesh at his waist in perfect coordination.
Snow Princess pushed the rest aside without mercy.
Defeated, Li shifted targets—waistbands and hair ties.
"Attack bonus. Attack speed bonus. Perfect."
By dusk, the bags were stored away.
"No sign of him," Dugu Yan muttered. "Your snake didn't bite."
"Not yet," Li said calmly. "Let's go eat barbecue."
The Akimichi barbecue did not disappoint.
"This is amazing!" Dugu Yan sighed blissfully.
Li flipped meat on the grill. "Ignore the watchers. We're merchants. Tourists."
"Still annoying," she complained.
"Every World has rules," Li said evenly. "Breaking them immediately only invites trouble."
"And you wouldn't want someone stronger than the Sacrificial Dao Lord barging into Douluo and forcing their rules on you, would you?"
The girls fell silent.
Then—
"We meet again, Boss Li."
Orochimaru appeared, followed by Jiraiya and Tsunade.
Finally, Li thought. The snake surfaced.
After introductions, Orochimaru wasted no time.
"Minato's examination results were astonishing," he said eagerly.
"No rejection. Chakra increased by 12%. Circulation speed up 15%. Cellular strength up 8%. Wind Release efficiency increased by 20%."
His eyes burned.
"Boss Li—if artificial Spirit Bones were attached throughout the body… could one acquire multiple Bloodline Limits?"
The hook was set.
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