At night, the cool Gekko moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting mottled shadows on the ground.
Deep underground in Training Ground Zero, Orochimaru followed behind Danzo Shimura, observing everything around her.
Building a training ground underground, wouldn't prolonged lack of sunlight cause physical problems? Not to mention anything else, one's personality would also become increasingly gloomy and repressed.
"Orochimaru, this is the Anbu training department. I am the manager of this department and the one who devises the Anbu training plan. The Anbu are the Hokage's direct subordinates, Ninja who protect Konoha in the shadows, and nameless heroes."
"Nameless heroes?"
Orochimaru looked at Danzo Shimura, who was walking ahead, with a puzzled expression.
"Anbu do not leave bodies after death. This is to prevent the enemy from obtaining information."
Danzo Shimura looked at the thoughtful Orochimaru. He was very patient with such an exceptionally talented genius. He would gradually let her know about the existence of Root, guiding her to voluntarily join Root.
He did this not only because Orochimaru was Hiruzen Sarutobi's disciple but also because Orochimaru was exceptionally talented, far surpassing the geniuses of various clans, who paled in comparison to her.
"Many things Anbu do are unsavory, eliminating threatening individuals for the sake of the Village's peace. Within the Village, ANBU Ninja are viewed with apprehension."
Danzo Shimura's tone was calm, observing the expression on Orochimaru's face from the corner of his eye. He could discern little information from her still-youthful face.
"Even so, Anbu are a necessary existence. Some things simply need to be done."
Orochimaru didn't reject ANBU Ninja, but she would still feel uncomfortable if targeted by them. That feeling was like being inexplicably targeted by a police officer.
Although Anbu in the original story mostly appeared as background characters and cannon fodder, living in this Ninja World, she realized their existence was indispensable. It was precisely because of Anbu that the Hokage could sit in his office, aware of most things happening in the Village, and precisely because of Anbu that he could timely grasp the movements of various Various Ninja Villages.
Anbu handled all the dirty and arduous tasks. Both in that world and this Ninja World, such a group of people was needed.
Danzo Shimura paused slightly, a hint of surprise in his eyes. He hadn't expected Orochimaru to quickly grasp the significance of Anbu's existence. He admired her even more, but at the same time, he knew that such a rational Orochimaru must have already planned what she wanted to do. It would likely not be easy to guide her to voluntarily join Root.
"Orochimaru, are you studying Medical Ninjutsu recently? Why would you abandon Ninjutsu and turn to researching Medical Ninjutsu?"
"Lord Danzo, I have some ideas, but I lack relevant medical knowledge. Studying Medical Ninjutsu is merely a side venture."
A glimmer of light flashed in Orochimaru's eyes, as if she was talking about something she was interested in.
I wonder if Danzo Shimura can become my angel investor… Relying solely on the income from writing books, who knows how long it will take for me to have my own laboratory.
"Oh, what kind of ideas?"
Danzo Shimura followed Orochimaru's lead.
"The recipe for the soldier pill is no secret in the Ninja World. I've studied it. The soldier pill, through the combination of various medicinal herbs, has the effect of making users energetic, tireless, and restoring their stamina and Chakra. However, excessive consumption of soldier pills can have severe side effects. I want to improve the soldier pill's recipe, and for that, I need medical knowledge."
Orochimaru spoke sincerely, though in reality, she was drawing a big picture for Danzo Shimura.
Consuming too many soldier pills is harmful to the body. All medicine has some toxicity; whether it's a tonic or any other medicine, too much is never good.
As for improving the soldier pill, it was just a fleeting idea she had by chance.
The reason she brought it up was, on one hand, she lacked a naive investor, and on the other, through Danzo Shimura, she could access more rare books. The Danzo Shimura before her was no longer a cunning old man!
He was Dora·Danzo·A Dream, who would grant every wish!
And a plus version, a wealthy Dora·Danzo·A Dream who could casually provide the funds she needed!
"Improving the soldier pill, huh… If successful, it would be a good thing for the Ninja in the Village."
Danzo Shimura suppressed his surprise, a benevolent smile appearing on his face. "Orochimaru, if you need any help, you can tell me. I believe with your talent, you will surely achieve great results."
Is this Lord Danzo?!
The guards around Danzo Shimura saw the smile on his face, a hint of shock flashing in their eyes. Though they were not supposed to have any emotions, at this moment, they felt a trace of fear.
"I need more books related to medicinal herbs, Lord Danzo. If possible, I hope you can financially support my research. Please believe me; I will deliver satisfactory results to you."
Orochimaru looked at Danzo Shimura earnestly, a hint of apprehension on her face, her hands tightly clutching her clothes.
"Alright, Orochimaru, I believe you."
Danzo Shimura wouldn't miss such a good opportunity to win over Orochimaru.
Besides, he didn't think Orochimaru's research would cost too much money.
Once Orochimaru successfully improved the soldier pill, he would also get a share of the credit. At that time, when the Village's Ninja ate the improved soldier pill, wouldn't they praise him, Danzo Shimura?
Why not gain reputation for a little money?
As for whether Orochimaru could successfully improve the soldier pill, he wasn't worried at all.
Danzo Shimura still wanted to see Orochimaru's research fail. If she felt indebted to him, it would be easier for him to win her over.
So, whether Orochimaru's research failed or succeeded, he wouldn't lose.
He was winning big from the start!
The next day, Orochimaru looked at the mountain of medical books piled up in her house, a slight curve forming on her lips.
Root's actions were truly swift!
Orochimaru quickly received the research funds. It seemed to express his trust, Danzo Shimura directly sent her two million Ryo. One S-rank mission only paid about one million Ryo.
With these two million Ryo, she was confident that she could embezzle most of it and still present some results to Danzo Shimura.
To improve the soldier pill, this small amount of money was not enough!
"Orochimaru, come train with me… Huh?!"
Tsunade pushed open Orochimaru's door, saw the mountain of books piled in the room, and thought she had entered the wrong house. She backed out, closed the door, confirmed she hadn't come to the wrong place, and then opened the door again. Seeing several Orochimaru clones immersed in the ocean of knowledge, she confirmed this was Orochimaru's home.
Tsunade's finger trembled as she pointed at the terrifying mountain of books. "Orochimaru, these books are…?"
"Tsunade, you're here."
Orochimaru looked up at Tsunade, who was standing at the doorway, and said with a smile, "These are books sent by the Assistant Hokage."
"Hurry up and go train with Tsunade."
"Don't disturb us here."
"Go, go!"
Orochimaru's Shadow Clones were each more individualistic than the last, intensely disliking interruptions while reading.
The… Assistant Hokage?!
Isn't that the very annoying guy!
Even Grandma Mito doesn't like him!
Tsunade was shocked. When did that guy become so kind?