---Third POV---
"It hurts so much!"
Obito had been fooled, this surgery wasn't just your average pain.
But he understood that gaining power required sacrifice. In the end, it was just some pain. Compared to most of the ninjas in the shinobi world, if this small price could make him stronger, then he was incredibly lucky.
"Amazing that you're still holding on like this."
Kura gave Obito a thumbs-up in admiration. When he had his first transplant, Orochimaru had injected him with three types of anesthetic poisons, which greatly dulled his physical sensitivity.
Even so, the pain had been enough to require restraints to keep him from thrashing. Yet this boy brought in by Ryouma could lie obediently on the operating table through sheer willpower alone, truly impressive.
Beep beep beep...
The machine nearby gave a reminder sound. Orochimaru operated a few keys on the console, and the four mechanical arms that had been injecting specially-treated serum into Obito's body automatically retracted.
"You did well."
He praised Obito for his strong will, then slowly injected the long-prepared "Special Soothing Agent" into his neck.
"Now, you can get a good rest."
"Huh...? Am I... done...?"
Mumbling some barely coherent words, Obito's mouth twitched, and he collapsed into sleep.
Previously, he had to stay awake so the rate of White Zetsu cell injection could be adjusted based on his consciousness. Now that the first transplant stage was complete, letting him sleep would help his body better adapt to the foreign cells.
While Obito was asleep, Ryouma took the opportunity to talk with Orochimaru about developing a White Zetsu-based healing agent.
"I have a money-making idea, want to hear it?"
"Oh?"
Orochimaru, no fool himself, knew Ryouma was about to propose something. He gently set the tools in his hand down on the workbench.
"Kura, tidy up the lab."
"Yes."
---
In Orochimaru's study, the dim, flickering light illuminated the ancient books and scrolls lining the walls, casting an oppressive aura. Maybe all mad scientists like this kind of ambiance.
In any case, Ryouma appreciated it.
After briefly outlining his idea, using White Zetsu cells to mass-produce portable healing agents for sale, Orochimaru leaned against a large wooden chair, fingers tapping the armrest as he squinted in thought, considering the plan's feasibility.
"Ryouma," he finally spoke, voice low and raspy, "the shinobi world has ceased large-scale wars. If you're just talking about the Land of Fire, the market for this kind of drug wouldn't be very large."
Ryouma smiled faintly, a sly glint in his eyes.
"Oh no, our target market isn't just the Land of Fire, it's the entire shinobi world."
Orochimaru tilted his head slightly, and his gaze sharpened.
"However, cross-border commercial activity like this carries too much uncertainty. Besides hiring ninja escorts, you'll constantly have to find the most suitable transportation routes. Only the sea routes near the Land of Water are relatively stable."
Ryouma smiled gently.
"No need to worry about transport. By then, we'll have warehouses established in each of the great nations. When the time comes, I'll personally handle delivery. Every week… hmm, actually, every month, I'll use the Flying Thunder God Technique to teleport with a month's supply of medicine directly to each warehouse."
Hearing that Ryouma planned to solve the issue using such an extravagant method, Orochimaru couldn't help but show a trace of surprise in his eyes.
Using space-time ninjutsu for cross-border logistics? That was some chakra-rich arrogance.
But he quickly regained his calm, nodded slightly, and finally began to have some confidence in Ryouma's plan.
"Looks like you're serious. But there's still a major issue in your plan that needs addressing."
Ryouma patiently waited for Orochimaru to continue. When it came to knowledge of the shinobi world's commercial landscape, he naturally couldn't compare with someone like Orochimaru, who frequently traveled to acquire medical equipment.
Facing Ryouma's humble and inquisitive attitude, Orochimaru felt quite pleased. As someone who valued etiquette, he most enjoyed conversing with polite and refined individuals.
"Perhaps you're unaware, but healing agents coming from Konoha would almost certainly not be officially recognized by the other four great hidden villages. Without that, large-scale legal sales would be impossible."
As for selling to the surrounding smaller countries, Orochimaru didn't even bother to mention it, that kind of petty profit wasn't even worth the effort compared to taking a mission and making fast money.
"Legitimacy, huh? Let me think... Iwa and Kumo probably won't be an issue. Ōnoki and A should give me some face. As for Suna, if I go in person to negotiate, that should be fine too."
Ryouma spoke as he paced back and forth in the study, carefully considering every detail.
"Only Kiri is a bit troublesome. The people there are... a bit prejudiced against me."
He paused in his steps and sighed, his tone filled with helplessness.
Orochimaru gave a faint smile, a subtle spark of excitement flashing in his eyes. A project of this scale, spanning the entire shinobi world, probably only someone like Ryouma, who had the strength to suppress a great nation single-handedly, could even consider pulling it off.
"There's no need to rush. We can start by selling only in the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning."
Patience was also a key trait of a good businessman. He prided himself on understanding human nature and spoke with conviction.
"Once the rest of the shinobi world witnesses the advantages of the White Zetsu healing agents, even if we don't go looking for them, they'll come begging to buy our product."
"Oh? Confident, are we? But hey, I haven't even confirmed yet, can you mass-produce the medicine on your side? That's the real key."
"Mass production is no problem. I can even guarantee the potency remains consistent."
Ryouma shook his head, a sly glint in his eyes.
"No, we don't want the potency to stay the same. We can't be too honest when selling medicine. First, we release a batch with weaker effects, then slowly roll out stronger versions as upgrades. That's how we maximize profits."
Orochimaru paused for a moment, then let out a helpless chuckle.
"This... fine. We'll do it your way."
In truth, Orochimaru was limited by the era he lived in. In Ryouma's previous world, this kind of... "squeezing" upgrade model had already become standard across nearly every industry.
For Orochimaru, having a way to monetize his research like this was quite ideal.
At the very least, with a stable source of funding, he no longer had to keep thinking of ways to pitch ideas to angel investors and play the role of a budget thief every once in a while.
As Ryouma and Orochimaru were engaged in a passionate discussion, the door to the study was knocked.
"Orochimaru-sama, Obito has woken up."
The voice of Kura came from outside the door.
---
Obito was sitting on the operating table, rustling as he got dressed.
Ryouma asked with concern, "How does your body feel? Any abnormalities?"
After fastening the last button, Obito pushed off with his legs and jumped off the operating table, doing a few stretches.
"No abnormalities at all. I feel better than ever."
As he spoke, a red flash appeared in Obito's eyes, and the Mangekyō Sharingan's triangular pinwheel pattern emerged. He could clearly feel that the oppressive sensation he used to experience when activating the Mangekyō had completely disappeared.
As for his vision, since he hadn't excessively used his eyes, and at Ryouma's insistence hadn't even once activated "Susanoo," there wasn't much of a noticeable change.
If he had to describe it, it felt as though his eyes were constantly in that refreshed state right after applying eye drops, cool and soothing.
What a smooth and invigorating surgery!
Seeing Obito so energetic and showing no signs of aftereffects, Orochimaru let out a sigh of relief. He really didn't want to deal with any family-member drama or medical disputes. That wasn't something he could handle.
"Your transplant surgery isn't fully over yet. For the next three months, you'll need to come back on this day each month for a booster injection."
"Ah…"
Obito's face fell. While his body felt amazing after the surgery, the initial pain had been very real.
"Hehe, the follow-up treatments won't be as painful as today."
Orochimaru was in a great mood. Today, not only had he obtained precious experimental data from Obito, but he had also secured a long-term collaboration with Ryouma.
Come to think of it, ever since Ryouma had delivered the body of White Zetsu to him, his scientific career had taken off like a ride on a tailwind, smooth sailing and thriving ever since.
"By the way, Obito," Ryouma suddenly remembered something. "Once you've completed all three booster shots, you'll be free to use Susanoo without needing my permission."
"Really?!"
Obito's eyes lit up.
Hearing their conversation, Orochimaru mused, "Susanoo, huh? I heard Shiori once used that technique to subdue a fully-tailed beast form on the battlefield of the Kumo. Truly a powerful technique."
His dream had always been to master all ninjutsu in the shinobi world, and a powerful technique like Susanoo, often called a godly power, was naturally something he'd heard of.
"But don't idealize this technique too much," Ryouma warned. "Before you've achieved its complete form, many powerful jutsu are capable of breaking through Susanoo's defenses."
He had to give Obito a reality check ahead of time. Otherwise, he might foolishly think he was invincible just because he had Susanoo.
"I understand." Obito declared confidently, "I'll reach the level of complete form as soon as possible!"
…So in other words, he didn't understand anything at all.
Ryouma rubbed his forehead helplessly.
Oh well. As long as Obito didn't get too full of himself, it was fine. He didn't believe that simply implanting a few White Zetsu cells would allow Obito to achieve the complete form of Susanoo anyway.
---
Peaceful days always pass by quickly, slipping away quietly before you even realize.
In the blink of an eye, the scorching days of midsummer had hurriedly faded, taking with them the blazing heat and clamor, leaving behind only a faint warmth, signaling summer's quiet departure.
On a winding cobblestone path, Ryouma, Kakashi, and Obito were strolling lazily toward the Hokage Building.
"Hey, Ryouma, what do you think Minato-sensei wants from us this time?" Obito asked curiously, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Could it be another top-secret mission like the one in Rōran?"
"How would I know?" Ryouma replied offhandedly. He wasn't Shiori, how could he predict the future?
"Ahem." Kakashi intentionally cleared his throat a few times to get their attention, then lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "Actually… I do know a bit of insider info."
"Oh! Spill it!" Obito and Ryouma immediately perked up, staring intently at Kakashi, eagerly awaiting what he'd say next.
Sure, they'd find out soon enough once they entered the Hokage's office, but let's be honest, hearing it from Kakashi's gossip was far more interesting than getting it directly from Minato.
Seeing the curiosity practically radiating from their eyes, Kakashi decided to stop teasing.
The three of them glanced at each other knowingly and huddled into a tight little circle, shoulders touching, heads leaning in, and began whispering.
"Remember when the Third Hokage conducted a raid on Root's illegal experimental base in the village not long ago?" Kakashi whispered.
"Of course I remember," Ryouma responded immediately.
"Huh? That happened?" Obito blinked in confusion. Had he missed another huge piece of news?
Kakashi gave Obito a sidelong glance but ignored him, continuing, "During the raid on Root's lab, thehe found a young boy… who still showed signs of life."
"So, I'm guessing that Minato-sensei called us over today to talk about that boy," he said with a hint of certainty in his tone.
Upon hearing that, Ryouma immediately understood. A surviving boy discovered in Root's lab at this time, who else could it be but Yamato?
Considering the importance of his Wood Release abilities, it made perfect sense for Minato to entrust him to their group.
Honestly, though, he really didn't want things to turn out this way. He hated dealing with kids, having to put up with Hidan was already enough of a headache.
---
A few minutes later, the three of them opened the doors to the Hokage's office. As usual, Minato was alone inside, seated behind a nearly bare desk, save for a few token thin documents.
Seeing them enter, he warmly greeted them and got straight to the point.
"Yo, Ryouma, Obito, Kakashi, I have a very important long-term mission for the three of you."
"Long-term mission?"
Ryouma quietly repeated the keyword, feeling a sense of dread. Was Kakashi actually right? Were they really being tasked with babysitting some kid?
"Jonin of Konoha: Aotsuki Ryouma, Uchiha Obito, and Hatake Kakashi."
Minato shifted into an official tone as he spoke.
"The three of you are highly skilled and possess a deep Will of Fire. You've made great contributions to Konoha. Now, as the Fourth Hokage, I am officially appointing the three of you as members of my personal Hokage Guard Platoon."
So that's the long-term mission? Ryouma let out a silent breath. Just now, he'd really scared himself.
Obito, on the other hand, was so thrilled by the mission that he nearly jumped with excitement.
"This is amazing, Minato-sensei!" He placed both hands firmly on the Hokage's desk, his voice full of determination. "Don't worry, I will give it everything I've got, and protect you with my life!"