It had been the right choice—entrusting Orochimaru with the Umbrella Research Center.
What was once the dark, oppressive domain of the Root organization had now transformed into a gleaming scientific stronghold, humming with chakra-based machinery, clinical lighting, and the quiet intensity of genius minds at work.
Standing amid the lab's cold sterility, Namikaze Mirai observed as Orochimaru explained their latest breakthrough, his voice rasping like dry parchment. Yet every word held weight.
In just under half a month since his return to Konoha, the Umbrella Scientific Research Center had already produced a tangible miracle.
"Mirai-kun, this is the new medicinal compound developed according to your specifications."
Orochimaru held up a slim glass vial, no thicker than a thumb. The liquid inside shimmered faintly, a cool azure glow swirling within. It looked alive, as if the solution itself pulsed with potential.
"This first-generation Recovery Serum by Umbrella Company is designed to dramatically accelerate cellular regeneration in the injured." Orochimaru continued, his vertical pupils glinting with pride. "Compared to any existing medicinal product on the open market, its healing efficiency has increased by an estimated 50% to 60%."
Mirai gave a small nod, expression unreadable—but inside, he was quietly thrilled.
That level of improvement… was monstrous.
Enough to completely dominate the current pharmaceutical market. No village, no battlefield medic, no wounded shinobi would ignore a drug like this.
"The most efficient method of application is direct injection." Orochimaru added, turning to a metal tray where a white rabbit lay, its back wounded and bleeding. "Oral consumption is possible, but the efficacy is reduced by nearly a third."
He deftly drew half the solution into a syringe, expelled the air, and injected the serum into the rabbit.
What happened next was astonishing—even for someone like Namikaze Mirai.
In mere seconds, the bleeding slowed. Then stopped. Then, right before their eyes, granulation tissue bubbled up, sealing the gash with fresh, pink flesh. The process continued rapidly until the once-gruesome wound was nothing more than a scar.
"Preliminary estimates suggest that only two doses are required for full recovery in injuries of this scale." Orochimaru said.
Mirai's blue eyes narrowed in thought.
He had expected results. But this…
This surpassed even his expectations.
While skilled medical-nin could achieve similar effects, they were rare. Across the entire shinobi world, capable healers were a limited resource—precious and not easily replaced. If a single ninja could carry several of these vials into battle… the implications were massive.
Every combatant in the field would fight harder knowing they had a second, maybe third, chance at survival.
"The applications are endless…" Mirai murmured.
"And this is only the beginning." Orochimaru said with a snake-like grin. "We've also made breakthroughs in a variety of other pharmaceuticals—hemostatic powders, anesthetics, nerve-pain suppressants. Each with an efficacy increase of 20% to 30% over conventional options."
"Excellent." Mirai said. "I was right to hand the Umbrella Research Center to you, Orochimaru."
The pale Sannin gave a rare, humble shake of his head. "The credit is not mine alone. Tsunade has lent her expertise, and the rest of the research team has given their all."
In truth, Orochimaru had changed. Once obsessed with power and immortality, there was something different about him now—a new kind of hunger. Not for jutsu or eternal life, but for discovery.
Perhaps the path to his ambition didn't lie in forbidden techniques, but in the controlled, limitless frontier of science.
And in Konoha, under the protection of Namikaze Mirai, he had everything he needed.
A well-funded laboratory. Loyal researchers. Freedom.
Mirai could see it too. A small smile curled at the edge of his lips.
This Orochimaru—the one who had shed his venomous skin to become a builder rather than a destroyer—was the perfect partner to upend the shinobi world's outdated foundations.
"And now that development is complete." Mirai said, "We begin sales."
He turned toward Orochimaru, eyes glinting with quiet ambition.
"We've already set up an Umbrella Medical Company branch in the Land of Waterfalls. We'll begin external distribution there. Any thoughts?"
Orochimaru shrugged.
"I have no objection. That's your battlefield. Mine is here."
Selling under Konoha's name would be political suicide. The other hidden villages would either boycott the product or band together to sanction Konoha's medical exports.
No—Umbrella needed to be an independent entity. A shadow company. Profits earned in the dark, power built in silence.
That was the game.
As Mirai was finalizing details, a timid voice interjected.
"Um… Hokage-sama… Orochimaru-sama…"
A young woman with short-cut platinum-blonde hair and nervous eyes stepped forward. She bowed slightly, fidgeting with a clipboard.
Yamanaka Nobuko. Twenty-four years old. A mid-level researcher under Orochimaru and one of the few able to understand both the theory and moral complexity behind these developments.
"Forgive me, but… is it truly safe to release this medicine to the public? If other villages gain access in bulk, wouldn't that pose a strategic risk to Konoha?"
Orochimaru chuckled lowly.
"You've overlooked something vital, Nobuko."
His golden eyes bore into her like scalpels.
"Human greed… is endless."
Nobuko blinked in confusion.
"I'm… not sure I follow."
"When one hidden village hears of the new Umbrella Recovery Serum, what will they do?" Orochimaru asked. "They'll buy as much as possible, of course. They can't afford not to. But the moment that happens—every other village will do the same. Because they know if they don't, they'll fall behind militarily."
Mirai folded his arms. He already saw where this was going.
"The result," Orochimaru continued with a faint smirk, "is a competitive hoarding spree. Every major village, driven by fear of inferiority, will stockpile our products. None of them will want to be the first to fall behind."
"And when they're done spending fortunes on healing potions…" Mirai said, picking up where Orochimaru left off, "They'll discover something else…"
Nobuko's eyes widened.
"The Type 2 medicine… is the one we sell externally…"
"Exactly." Orochimaru confirmed. "The more potent Type 1 remains exclusive to Konoha."
A silence settled in the lab.
Then came the dawning horror on Nobuko's face.
This wasn't just a product launch—it was a psychological weapon.
No matter how much the other villages stocked up, they'd never gain parity. They'd spend more and more to try, bleeding their budgets dry in the process. All while Konoha remained immune to the inflation they caused.
In the name of 'defense', they'd bankroll their own strategic disadvantage.
"I… I didn't realize…"
Nobuko swallowed hard.
"I'll begin preparations for packaging and distribution."
She bowed quickly and left the lab, still pale.
Mirai exhaled slowly, his mind already on the next step.
It wasn't enough to let the dominoes fall.
You had to know which domino to flick first.
"Orochimaru." he said with a sudden spark of inspiration. "I've made a decision. Kumogakure will be the first to stockpile our serum."
Orochimaru's smile widened.
"Ah… of course. After the last battle, their hospitals are overflowing with wounded. Raikage will do anything for a miracle treatment."
He gave a low, rasping laugh.
"That man will empty his coffers… and think he's won."
Mirai's blue eyes shone with anticipation.
*****
Support me on my pat reon and gain early access to my creations.
https://www.pat reon.com/RroY28 (remove the space)
You can access up to 30 advanced chapters.