"We believe this!"
Ren Takashi and Uzumaki Mito exchanged a knowing smile.
"After all, I've already signed a Mind Seal Contract with you. Even if you wanted to leak secrets about me or the research institute, you'd be physically incapable of it."
That's right—yesterday, Ren Takashi had Orochimaru sign a spiritual binding contract specifically for confidentiality. He hadn't taught Orochimaru any of his core techniques yet—no martial arts or chakra methods. The contract was simply a safeguard.
After all, Orochimaru's favorability was only at 30. Loyalty? Zero.
Ren understood—Orochimaru was the type of man who could never truly be loyal to anyone. That didn't disqualify him from being an asset. But if Ren was going to pass on anything substantial, it would only be after Orochimaru's value and contribution had risen significantly—and even then, knowledge would be delivered incrementally, never all at once.
Otherwise? Orochimaru's curiosity would devour itself.
"Uh… That's true," Orochimaru admitted, his expression tightening ever so slightly.
When he signed the contract, he hadn't thought much of it. He'd arrogantly assumed he could crack the seal if necessary—after all, he was a genius. But as soon as the spiritual seal took root in his sea of consciousness—wrapping itself around his very soul like a living rune—he regretted it. It wasn't just unbreakable. It was stabilizing, strengthening even, offering passive protection against mental intrusion and genjutsu.
Still, Orochimaru didn't like being bound.
"I wonder... if my completed Yamata Technique and Living Corpse Reincarnation can bypass this seal..." he thought to himself. He doubted it. The seal was too deeply intertwined with his soul structure.
"I'll have to start studying sealing techniques seriously..." Orochimaru muttered internally. "And next time—I'll never sign something blindly again."
Changing the subject, he said aloud, "Well, the institute hasn't begun operation yet. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
He knew the Third Hokage was likely on his way. Orochimaru had no interest in becoming the man's pawn—or middleman.
"Fine. Just make sure to study the technical material I gave you seriously. The sooner you master the basics, the sooner you can begin contributing actual results," Ren Takashi reminded.
"Of course. I'll be going."
Orochimaru nodded and vanished with a Body Flicker.
Less than ten minutes later, the Third Hokage arrived at a casual pace.
"Ren Takashi! Mito-sama! You're both here."
He glanced at the half-built facility behind them and remarked, "This research institute… It's a massive undertaking."
Ren and Uzumaki Mito exchanged a look, but said nothing.
Uzumaki Mito didn't waste time. "Just say what you came here for. Don't waste our time with small talk—I'm not in the mood."
"Y-Yes, of course."
The Third Hokage, despite the sting, smiled and nodded repeatedly. "It's like this: I was wondering if the research institute still needed investment. Or, at the very least, when it starts establishing factories and commercial operations, could you grant a share to the village and… to the Sarutobi clan?"
"You know as well as I do that Konoha's financial strain is increasing. The external situation is deteriorating fast. We never know when the next Shinobi World War will break out. The village needs funding—for our future, and for the next generation of shinobi."
Ren and Mito both sneered inwardly.
Konoha's finances? Training future shinobi? What you mean is your own clan's growth, your own war chest, your own power consolidation.
Outwardly noble, inwardly corrupt.
Still, the truth was, the upcoming technology industry would rely on Konoha's infrastructure.
They had planned for this.
Mito didn't argue. "Drop the act. The research institute is off-limits. Forget investing in it."
"But when it comes to the factories and companies that spin off from our research—fine. The village can have 20% of the shares. But only under Konoha's name. Not the Sarutobi clan, not Danzo, not Root."
"In return, the village must provide capital, policy support, and infrastructure—land, resources, zoning rights. Agreed?"
That was the deal. If they wanted to install power grids, wire up cities, open factories, they'd need municipal cooperation.
"Of course!" Hiruzen said, a bit too quickly. "If it benefits Konoha, I will support it fully!"
Mito snorted. "I don't trust a word out of your mouth. We'll sign a formal agreement—write every clause in blood. Otherwise, don't blame me for... unpleasant consequences."
That sent a chill down Hiruzen's spine.
But the benefits outweighed the risks, and he didn't want to be left out again—like with the pharmaceutical institute. "Very well. Let's sign."
Mito turned to Ren. "Get the contract."
Ren Takashi nodded, summoned the pre-written scroll from his spatial seal, and handed it to the Third Hokage.
Hiruzen's eyes twitched as he witnessed the casual spatial summoning.
"You can warp objects now too?" he asked.
Ren shrugged. "Why not? I already developed group teleportation. This is just a more refined version."
"By the way, Hokage-sama—you did trade for my upgraded Flying Thunder God Technique a while ago. Has anyone managed to learn it yet?"
"If they have, I'd love to exchange notes."
Hiruzen felt his lungs tighten.
Was this kid mocking him? No one had even mastered Tobirama's original version, let alone this.
With a stiff smile, the Third Hokage replied, "Unfortunately… no. Talents with spatial affinity are rare. Not many have the comprehension for it."
"But perhaps, if you could explain it in person… I might understand?"
It was a long shot. But worth asking.
Ren's smile froze into something colder.
"You want me to teach you? No, Hokage-sama. That would be arrogant. I'm just a Genin."
He added with false modesty, "But don't worry. Konoha is the cradle of geniuses. I'm sure someone will learn it eventually."
The Third Hokage bit down on his pipe. This brat.
After quickly signing the contract, Hiruzen handed back a copy.
Ren scanned it, then returned one to him. "Keep this. When we're ready to launch the company, I'll notify you."
"Thank you," Hiruzen said, hiding his disappointment. "I'll take my leave."
As he departed, Ren and Mito watched him go.
"Well played," she said.
Ren smiled. "He thinks he's getting a share of the pie. But the pie's already poisoned."
Mito chuckled. "Just make sure no one gets greedy. I don't want to clean up another warzone inside Konoha."
Ren nodded, his gaze already drifting toward the blueprint models of the research facility.
The chakra revolution was coming. And no one—least of all Sarutobi Hiruzen—was ready for what came next.