Chapter 202: Gotta Start Selling Tailed Beast Chakra

He knew that Orochimaru's rapid scientific progress largely stemmed from how close Orochimaru was to Senshi, and from the collaborations they'd launched together.

Before this, Hiashi hadn't felt any real sense of urgency; although he was open to working with Senshi, it hadn't seemed crucial.

But that wouldn't cut it anymore—if the Hyūga clan didn't take action, as a family with a hereditary kekkei genkai, they might truly lose their edge and end up lagging behind the clans that rely on secret techniques.

Hinata had no clue what was weighing on Hiashi's mind. Right now, she was just frowning. She hated this place, and she disliked watching shinobi fight each other.

On the plus side, Nara Shikame and her two teammates had miraculously recovered. There were no severe injuries from tonight's tests.

As Hinata let her thoughts wander, she found herself thinking about a blond boy she hadn't seen for a while. When she was little and lost in the village, it was Naruto who helped her get home.

She'd heard that during the Chūnin Exams, Naruto fought a series of tough opponents here, eventually tying for first place with Sasuke.

Unfortunately, she'd still been in the Academy at the time and couldn't watch his matches.

A short distance away, Konoha's "F3" (the Third Hokage and the other two elders) and Orochimaru were discussing the test results. The first to speak was Mitokado Homura, sounding very firm:

"Tonight's test proves that the Blacklight Life Restart technique has huge strategic value. My suggestion is that we heavily invest in it. As for funding, we can copy the successful model of the Eternal Chakra Elixir."

Putting on a worried face, Orochimaru said, "This technique is irreversible. Once a shinobi undergoes it, their cells can't go back to normal. Also, the current drawbacks of Blacklight Life Restart can't be fixed anytime soon. My opinion is that we should only use it as a last resort, in critical cases."

As soon as Orochimaru said that, Koharu Utatane chided him in an exasperated tone:

"Orochimaru, you're being too soft! Tonight's test showed the technique's massive strategic potential. A major, war-changing technology like this shouldn't be used only when we're desperate!"

Then she turned to Nara Shikame's group: "You three know best what it feels like. Let's hear your thoughts."

Yamanaka Irei and Akimichi Ryuka both looked at Shikame, figuring she was the best spokesperson. Shikame, though feeling a bit put on the spot, responded honestly:

"Lord Orochimaru, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. We feel great. Our strength and potential have skyrocketed. Even though daytime movement is limited, we can still do plenty for the village at night. If we keep refining the technique to reduce its downside, it could become something that benefits all of Konoha."

When she finished, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke earnestly to Orochimaru:

"Orochimaru, you really are too cautious with this Blacklight technique. Its strategic value is already pretty clear. We also have the successful model of the Eternal Chakra Elixir to follow."

"Here's the plan: we'll replicate what we did with the Elixir to fund further research on this technique. Done deal!"

Orochimaru pulled an exaggeratedly gloomy face: "You're all killing me here. Ruining my life, you know! (Ugh, now I'm going to make even more tens of billions!)"

After Konoha's F3 finalized things, Tsunade inwardly lamented the three hundred million ryō check in her hand, which suddenly felt like pocket change.

Orochimaru was already raking in over a billion ryō a month from the Eternal Chakra Elixir. And apparently research on Blacklight Life Restart would cost even more, meaning Orochimaru could pull in at least another billion ryō per month for that.

Tsunade made a mental vow: "Taxes! Taxes! He's way out of line. Once I become Hokage, I'm slapping him with a 10% monthly tax to develop the village!"

"Plus," she thought, "I'd better make contact with Senshi soon. I'll copy Orochimaru's model. I might not be great at R&D, but with Senshi's help, I can at least launch some medical research projects."

Orochimaru, meanwhile, was clueless that Tsunade intended both to tax him and to compete. His attention was elsewhere, because Hiruzen had just said,

"Orochimaru, get ready to take Kabuto and those three from the Nara-Yamanaka-Akimichi trio, along with a squad of elite Root operatives. You'll be traveling to the various factions to promote this Blacklight Life Restart technology."

Homura nodded in agreement. "Exactly. This is a strategic-level technology—we need to raise research capital fast and begin large-scale development. Make your preparations and set off soon."

Orochimaru was thrilled inside. Everything was going exactly as planned, rocketing forward. Nara Shikame's team being badly injured had happened at the perfect time, and they had inadvertently provided the best demonstration of his Blacklight Life Restart.

After Konoha's leadership signed off on it, Orochimaru answered solemnly, "If that's the village's decision, I'll follow it. Kabuto and I will handle some preparations, and tomorrow we'll head to the other great nations, major hidden villages, and other big powers to promote this technology."

…

At the Root base in Konoha…

After the meeting ended, Orochimaru and Kabuto returned to their lab. The moment they were inside, Kabuto asked,

"Lord Orochimaru, what do we need to prepare? And which hidden village do we visit first to promote this?"

Orochimaru replied offhandedly, "Select twelve elite members of Root to come with us. Their job is to protect Nara Shikame's trio. At night it's fine, but in the daytime, direct sunlight would be dangerous for them. Let the likes of Aburame Ryōma handle it."

"As for our first stop, let's pick Sunagakure. We're allies with them, so we'll pay them a visit first."

Nodding seriously, Kabuto went to make the necessary arrangements.

The following morning, Orochimaru and his group assembled at Konoha's main gate. Twelve elite Root operatives surrounded Shikame, Irei, and Ryuka, who were all bundled up in thick black cloaks. Orochimaru had also given them special life-sustaining injections, just in case.

But realistically, with Orochimaru and Kabuto leading the escort and those twelve Root elites offering close protection, nothing was likely to go wrong.

Under Aburame Ryōma and his team's watchful care, the three boarded a darkened carriage. Inside, with no lamps turned on, it was pitch-black—maybe uncomfortable for ordinary shinobi, but Shikame's trio felt relieved.

Even though their cloaks kept out direct sunlight, being up and about in the daytime was still incredibly uncomfortable for them.

Just then, Orochimaru's voice called from outside the carriage,

"Try not to worry. I'll keep you safe. Also, if you run into an emergency, use the life-sustaining serum right away. Once you inject it, you'll get roughly two hours' immunity to sunlight."

"Yes, Lord Orochimaru!" the trio chorused, mentally noting every detail.

With that, the convoy set out for Sunagakure, where Orochimaru planned to pitch Blacklight Life Restart to the Kazekage. There were plenty of elderly figures in the Sand—like Ebizō and Lady Chiyo—who might be near the end of their lifespans. Having both the Blacklight Life Restart and the Eternal Chakra technology could mean a chance for rescue when they were about to kick the bucket.

They'd only traveled a short distance when Kabuto spoke up, "Lord Orochimaru, I just realized something."

Orochimaru gave a casual nod. "Go on."

Kabuto hesitated, then said, "With our current setup, we've basically got Orochi plus Sukuna's power. We could wipe out four nations if we wanted to. There's no need to negotiate at all—we could just take what we want by force. Plus, we're traveling with a whole squad of elite Root shinobi. We're fully equipped for combat."

When Kabuto finished, all the Root members glanced at Orochimaru as if to say, "He's got a point."

But Orochimaru only thought for a second before scolding him: "That's foolish! That's the kind of short-sighted move that kills the goose laying golden eggs. We need a sustainable approach—collaborating and winning together so we can get even more research funding and keep developing our technology."

"Slaughter and force won't save Konoha. Only scientific progress can truly drive our village forward!"

With that, the Root elites became wide-eyed with devotion:

"Lord Orochimaru is right—plots, violence, and brute force won't give Konoha its best future. Only science will!"

"We can do without anything, but never without the determination to advance technology. Our village needs it!"

"We may live in the dark as Root, while the rest of Konoha basks in sunlight—but by harnessing science, we'll shine a path ahead!"

"Long live Hydra—er, Yamata no Orochi—long live Lord Orochimaru!"

As they got carried away, Orochimaru quickly motioned for them to quiet down. Even though he was pleased with how well he'd "indoctrinated" them, Shikame's trio were outsiders, after all. No need to go overboard in front of them.

Orochimaru personally just wanted to keep making money and pushing research; he had zero interest in becoming Hokage.

…

Meanwhile, at the Academy Principal's office in Amegakure…

Senshi had been busy drawing gacha prizes. Thanks to big clients like Orochimaru, he'd already earned close to 40 billion ryō in a short time, plus four million Employment Points.

He hadn't just gone all-in in a single spree, though—he'd been doing "casual draws" from time to time. Even while he hung out in the principal's office, his Wood-Style clones and the many members of his mercenary corps were out there constantly racking up more points for him.

Sometimes he had to draw more quickly just to keep up with how fast his points were coming in; ironically, the more he spent, the more he gained overall. While he kept pulling for prizes, Karin walked in.

"Senshi, look at this!" She triumphantly placed a small bottle on his desk.

"What's that?" Senshi asked, gesturing for "System-chan" to keep rolling the gacha. He picked up the little bottle Karin handed him. It looked like a sake bottle, though knowing Karin, it probably wasn't just regular sake.

When he asked, Karin stuck her chin out proudly. "This is my latest creation with—erm, never mind, it's all my effort! White Zetsu didn't do much!"

While Karin boasted, Senshi carefully examined the liquid. He patted Karin's head in approval: "Karin, you finally quit making that weird oil-flavored cuisine with no future. This time you did good—really good! The alcohol level here is super high. It's perfect for disinfecting wounds. Clearly you were born to be a medical ninja, making pure alcohol all on your own!"

Karin: (O_O)???

While he gave her this "proud father" look, she looked at him funny. "Senshi, take a closer look. I brewed that—it's sake."

"Sake?" Senshi was startled. It was basically pure alcohol. Most people add a bit of booze to water; Karin seemed to add a bit of water to pure ethanol. He initially assumed she'd just poured some lab ethanol into a sake bottle.

But once he sniffed carefully, he did detect a pleasantly fragrant sake smell. Curious, he asked, "So, how did you manage that?"

Karin brightened further, happily sticking her chin out again. "I studied really hard and experimented over and over—lots of White Zetsu helped. After tons of trial and error, I ended up with this version!"

Senshi nodded. He got it: she'd basically improvised a formula. Those poor White Zetsu had probably drunk countless failed versions. Good thing they were tough to kill, or they'd all be goners.

He thought for a moment. "I'll have one of my Wood-Style clones introduce you to Amegakure's master brewer and bartenders. They can help refine the brewing method and flavor. This might become a signature product of Amegakure. By the way, did you pick a name for it yet?"

Karin wore the same proud expression. "Nope!"

Senshi: …

She'd run over to show off without even naming it. Clearly Karin was eager for his praise. But hey, compared to her usual "oil-flavored food," this was at least useful.

After considering briefly, Senshi told her, "When you've refined it completely, let's call it 'Flying Rain Terrace Sake.'"

Karin: (O_O)???

Before she could overthink it, Senshi clapped twice, summoning a Wood-Style clone to escort her to some professionals and continue developing "Flying Rain Terrace."

Once Karin left, Senshi checked his Employment Points again. He was making money unbelievably fast; he was nearing 40 billion ryō.

His Employment Points were even closer to the corresponding milestone because he constantly had clones and mercenary members completing tasks all over.

He decided on another round of gacha.

"Alright, might as well draw some more. If I unlock the advanced draw, I can come up with even more fun stuff for the shinobi world."

With that in mind, he ordered the system:

"System buddy, let's do a hundred-pull spree!"

[Drawing…deducting 100,000 Employment Points…remaining: 3,856,023…]

[Draw complete.]

Nine-Tails Chakra x10 Cards!

One-Tail Chakra x10 Cards!

Senzu Beans x3!

Expired Milk x1 Box!

…

No surprise—no advanced draw yet. He did score some nice stuff, though: senzu beans would sell for a high price, and the Tailed Beast Chakra was always good. "Expired milk" could just be ignored.

He went for another hundred-pull spree:

[Drawing…deducting 100,000 points…remaining: 3,756,023…]

[Draw complete.]

Expired Milk x1 Box!

Expired Instant Ramen x1 Cup!

…

"Wow…did I just raid the stale pantry at Narudo's place or what?" Senshi muttered, shaking his head at these worthless items. But from experience, he figured there might be a good reward coming up. Indeed, he soon saw something incredible:

Hero Water (Pure Version) x1 Bottle!

"Sweet, I can't believe I just drew the Hero Water!" He was delighted. Hero Water was a rare treasure from Takigakure, Kakuzu's hometown.

The "god tree" there produced only one bottle every hundred years or so, and it usually had side effects. This version, though, was purified by the system. For him, that alone made the pull worthwhile.

Still no advanced draw unlock, though. He sighed and tried another spree.

[Drawing…deducting 100,000 points…remaining: 3,656,023…]

[Draw complete.]

Toad Oil x1 Bottle!

Bug Lunch x3 Portions!

Bug Lunch x1 Portion!

Sage Talisman (Youth Edition) x1!

…

He facepalmed at the Toad Oil and Bug Lunch prizes but perked up at "Youth Edition Sage Talisman."

[Item: Sage Talisman (Youth Edition)]

[Description]: The "Youth Edition" doesn't bring people back from the dead, but it can cure any physical or mental ailment or injury!

Senshi sighed. He'd popped the champagne too soon—it was basically an upgraded senzu bean. Senzu beans healed injuries but not diseases; the youth-edition talisman did both, which could be pretty handy for other people. He personally had no need for it but could use it to cure someone else.

He kept on pulling, hoping to finally unlock advanced gacha. Even though he was already ridiculously overpowered, there was always room for improvement. Over the next several sprees, he got a bunch more Tailed Beast Chakra, Hero Water, youth-edition Sage Talismans, ninja-arts scrolls, chakra scrolls, and even more bloodline-limits.

He also got a good pile of "chakra scrolls" that worked sort of like Karin's scratch cards. Unlike random Tailed Beast Chakra, these scrolls could be given to others to boost their chakra reserves.

After burning through numerous hundred-pull sprees, he realized with dismay, "This is like that endless "hack away at it" scenario. Who knows how many times I'll have to do this before hitting 100%."

Worst case, he might have to wait for Zetsu-bro to get him some "hundred-billion mission," or else it would take forever to unlock advanced draw. That would be beyond frustrating.

He kept on drawing while pondering how best to leverage his Tailed Beast Chakra. After a moment, he got an idea:

"I can sell this to the villages that have jinchūriki. Most can't really use their Tailed Beast weapons right now, but if they infuse them with the same-type Chakra, they can restore those Tailed Beasts' power."

"And if they're willing to pay, we can push those Tailed Beasts beyond their original limits."

He figured the major hidden villages would love the chance to strengthen their Tailed Beast weapons and would definitely drop big money on it. So he decided he'd burn through his current stash of Employment Points and then head out to do business.

That plan set, Senshi began a flurry of "epic draws." By the time he used up the equivalent of nearly 40 billion ryō in points, he had a ton of items to sell off. Then he teleported via his Kāma space-warp ability directly to Sunagakure.

…

Meanwhile, Karin's new sake was causing quite a stir in Amegakure. After nearly killing several White Zetsu in the process of refining it, she'd worked with local brewers to perfect it.

Dubbed "Flying Rain Terrace," it outclassed any ordinary rice wine in both aroma and flavor. But that was all in Amegakure, and Senshi had already hopped over to Sunagakure.

Of course, Orochimaru's convoy was also en route to Sunagakure, but traveling by foot couldn't compare to Senshi's fast teleportation.

…

Sunagakure, Kazekage Building…

When Rasa (the Fourth Kazekage) saw Senshi, he sighed inwardly. His last collaboration with Senshi hadn't exactly ended on the best note.

Sure, Senshi had been considerate enough to have Karin withdraw from the Chūnin Exams, letting Gaara shine. But Gaara ended up unexpectedly eliminated by Konoha's jinchūriki, leaving Rasa a bit bitter.

So this time, he gave Senshi a rather aloof greeting:

"Lord Senshi, what brings you to Sunagakure?"

Senshi said nothing. He simply took out a scroll and tossed it to Rasa.

Rasa: (O_O)???

Baki: (O_O)???

Ebizō: (O_O)???

Lady Chiyo: (O_O)???

All four high-level Sand officials froze, not sure what he was doing. Senshi explained casually,

"Kazekage, that scroll contains Chakra that can increase the One Tail's power. You know Tailed Beasts are made of a unique form of Chakra that has a natural limit, right? But the Chakra in this scroll can push them past that limit—essentially letting you forge the ultimate Tailed Beast weapon."

Senshi's few words made all four of them jump to their feet in shock. They knew that every jinchūriki's strength varied, but none of them had ever imagined they could artificially boost a Tailed Beast's total Chakra. This definitely caught their interest.

Rasa opened the scroll and sensed the Chakra sealed inside, then passed it to Baki, Ebizō, and Chiyo in turn so they could check as well. Once they had finished, Rasa said, "Lord Senshi, I'd like Gaara to come see for himself."

Senshi just shrugged. "Sure. Consider the Chakra inside that scroll as a gift to Sunagakure. Feel free to test it."

Overjoyed, the four Sand elders could already sense that the scroll's Chakra likely originated from Shukaku. If it genuinely boosted Shukaku, Sunagakure might really create the strongest Tailed Beast weapon.

Wasting no time, Rasa called for Gaara, who soon arrived with Temari and Kankurō in tow. Temari was surprised to see Senshi, but turned to her father: "Dad, why'd you call Gaara here?"

Gaara also glanced at Rasa questioningly. Without hesitation, Rasa handed him the scroll. "It's Tailed Beast Chakra from Lord Senshi, which can strengthen your Tailed Beast. Give it a try."

Gaara and his siblings were startled. Recalling how Obito had beaten him up before, Gaara didn't hesitate. He grabbed the scroll—and the moment he did, both he and Shukaku inside him felt a jolt of surprise.

From his inner mindscape, Shukaku suddenly bolted upright. "Brat, what is that Chakra in your hand? Why does it feel exactly like my own?!"

~~~

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