Chapter 91: Hooked Orochimaru

"It looks like the Third's tricks have finally run out. I anticipated this move," Gin said, shaking his head with a faint smile.

Any contract tied to Gin was absolute—betrayal would result in the contract breaking, memories being erased, and Gin knowing instantly.

"Of course," Orochimaru said coolly. "The Hokage and Danzo have your three clans cornered. But knowing you, there's a plan in motion. I suspect your shinobi are preparing something big. Warn your elite to be cautious around the Hokage and Danzo. That's all I'll say."

Orochimaru casually revealed the elders' plan as though fully on Gin's side.

"Expected, but still appreciated," Mikoto nodded, slightly surprised.

Gin checked his Favorability: Orochimaru—45.

He frowned. Only that much? He thought Orochimaru would trust him more. Apparently, the Sannin didn't truly believe in the Third's success—he was simply hedging his bets by showing goodwill in advance.

"So, what do you want in return?" Gin asked directly.

"Tsuk-tsk… Sharp as ever." Orochimaru's snake-like eyes lit up. "I want to purchase a batch of your nutrient pills. And… I'd like a stake in your future ventures. Perhaps even access to advanced pills, if possible. I've tried purifying them from the basic ones, but the results are inferior and take too long."

He had received 30 million ryo from the Third for emergencies—but war always presented opportunities. For Orochimaru, chaos was the perfect ladder. Rich nobles and merchants were simply fattened prey.

"Wait—did you really extract high-level pills from mine?" Gin raised a brow. "Show me one."

"Of course!" Orochimaru grinned and produced a porcelain bottle.

Inside was a single pill—refined, clean, but not quite perfect.

Gin scanned it with his spiritual perception and chakra. "Impressive. About 70% as effective as mine. That explains your improvements."

He nodded in approval. "All right, I'll sell you 100% authentic pills and even offer you a share later—but only for personal use. No reselling, no distribution. Can you abide by that?"

"No problem!" Orochimaru quickly nodded and handed over the box of money. "Here's the 30 million. How many pills does that get me?"

"Five hundred," Gin said, sealing the box with space-folding technique and handing over a scroll. "All in here. Don't lose it."

Orochimaru immediately broke the seal and checked. He kept ten pills out, smelled one, and swallowed.

"…This is incredible," he whispered. "At least 30% better than my version. Thank you. Truly."

He realized the value wasn't just in raw power—but in efficiency of absorption. It bypassed the body's limitations, rapidly boosting one's strength over time.

If only I had better methods to refine my training and absorption. The Uchiha and Tsunade's growth is abnormal… Orochimaru mused.

He now understood: these weren't just prodigies. They were using superior systems of cultivation. Unfortunately, his relationship with Gin wasn't close enough to ask for these secrets—yet.

He decided to gain favor by mentoring Gin's peers. Reiko, Aoto, and Nawaki were the keys to strengthening bonds with the new generation of Uchiha.

Despite Konohagakure's growing suspicion of Gin's group, no one had uncovered their training methods. Several clan members who "died" in missions had simply vanished—tracked by Orochimaru, then disappearing entirely.

Unbeknownst to him, Gin had simply transferred them to the Pirate World. Until Gin took full control of Konoha, they would remain hidden—dead to the world.