While Kishimoto had a fondness for fishnet stockings, Ikemoto clearly had an obsession with belts. These personal fetishes were perfectly reflected in their respective works.
Just look at Sarada—she practically looks like a criminal. How many belts does she have strapped onto her body? Then there's that oil-painting-like art style layered on top.
If Erzhuzi had known that his daughter would grow up looking like a pale-skinned version of a Black woman, he probably wouldn't have been able to keep his composure. He would've pulled out his gun, fired at the wall, and let out a frustrated "BIU."
I honestly don't understand those people who go out of their way to praise Boruto.
What's this nonsense about "reaching rock bottom and then rising again"?
If Boruto had no connection to Naruto at all, would people really still watch it?
I understand that Boruto's main characters are no longer Naruto and Sasuke, but couldn't their exit from the stage have been handled with a bit more care—especially in a way that considered the feelings of older Naruto fans? After all, that series was my youth.
But I digress. I was supposed to be writing a speech about "shelves," and somehow it turned into a rant about Boruto.
Truth be told, I actually don't dislike Boruto Uzumaki himself. His Sexy Jutsu is… well, entertaining.
But Boruto overall? No comment. I've already voiced all my complaints, and there's nothing more worth saying.
Just one piece of advice: don't activate automatic subscription. Only read what you like.
What if I make a mistake later on?
Those who subscribe automatically will suffer a huge loss.
Anyway, thank you for reading this little "off-the-shelf" speech. It turned into a tirade filled with negative energy toward Boruto, but at least I got it out of my system.
---
Chapter 59: The Will of Fire Cannot Be Defeated
In the Land of Fire, spring followed a harsh winter. Yet, oddly enough, the temperature actually dropped lower than before—a strange phenomenon people called "reverse spring cold."
The dry winds swept across the land, making the air sharp and uncomfortable. However, those who used White Snake Brand moisturizer noticed a pleasant surprise: their skin wasn't nearly as dry as in previous years.
A few even experienced slight peeling at first, but it vanished completely after applying the cream. Word of mouth spread quickly. The White Snake Brand skincare products became even more popular, and followers of the trend rushed to secure their supply.
---
Konoha – Barbecue Restaurant
"Why are we meeting in a barbecue restaurant again? Is this really a good place to talk business?"
Orochimaru grumbled as he walked inside, bundled up tightly in his cloak. A purple scarf covered most of his face, making him look more like an ANBU operative than a casual diner. With his concealed appearance, he seemed almost like a man wearing an animal mask.
As soon as he opened the door, a wave of warmth hit him. The rich aroma of grilled meat and charcoal filled the air, nearly overwhelming his senses.
Scanning the room, Orochimaru quickly spotted Nara Matsuka's table and made his way over.
"Orochimaru, you're here!" Matsuka raised her hand with a smile.
"Sorry, I'm late."
The meat on the grill was already cooked. Orochimaru unwrapped his scarf, removed his coat, and hung it up before sitting down. He immediately noticed the hesitant, almost guilty expressions on Akimichi Harudō, Yamanaka Shiko, and Matsuka.
With a sigh, he said, "You've guessed it. The formula for White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company's products came from me. I get a commission from it."
"Then, Orochimaru, what about our specialty shop in Konoha…?" Yamanaka Shiko asked nervously. She was deeply worried. After all, their clans had just found a rare, profitable business. If White Snake products couldn't be produced locally, would they really have to import everything from outside?
"Aunt Shiko, Aunt Harudō, Matsuka-nee, don't worry," Orochimaru reassured them. "I already made arrangements when I signed the contract. You can continue to produce and sell White Snake Brand skincare products in Konoha. But you must guarantee quality and keep up with packaging updates whenever the company changes them."
"I knew it!" Matsuka exclaimed with a relieved smile. "Orochimaru always thinks ahead. I told you two he wouldn't forget something this important."
In truth, Matsuka had trusted Orochimaru completely, but the other two had been worried. After all, if White Snake Pharmaceutical suddenly pulled the rug out from under them, their entire investment would collapse.
"But there's one condition," Orochimaru added. The three women leaned in, listening carefully.
"The products you make and sell can only be sold in Konoha. In exchange, I'll prioritize giving you improved formulas whenever they're developed."
It sounded like a generous arrangement. But in truth, Orochimaru saw Konoha merely as a testing ground. Even if problems arose here, he could contain them. Once products reached mass distribution outside the village, however, any mistake would spiral out of control—and even Doraemon's time machine wouldn't be able to fix it.
Because of this, the skincare sold in Konoha was much cheaper than elsewhere. Even ordinary shinobi could afford them—cheaper than many ninja tools, in fact.
---
Hokage Building – Mission Hall
"Miss Iryu, may I ask what kind of mission White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company wishes to request?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, pipe in hand, as he studied the well-dressed woman before him.
"Our company wishes to post long-term C-rank and B-rank escort missions in Konoha," Iryu explained. "We'd like Konoha ninja to protect our shipments and ensure delivery to towns throughout the Land of Fire."
Hiruzen frowned slightly. "Escort missions, hm? As far as I know, your products aren't only sold in the Land of Fire."
"That's correct," Iryu replied with a polite smile. "Our goods will also be exported to the other great villages—Sunagakure, Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and Kumogakure. White Snake Pharmaceutical is a business. How could we restrict ourselves to a single nation?"
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "And what about Konoha? The specialty store here?"
"You needn't worry," Iryu assured him. "Konoha's specialty shop remains yours alone. That was one of the conditions Lady Orochimaru personally negotiated in exchange for the formula."
Hiruzen finally nodded. "Very well. Konoha will accept your request."
"Then we hope for a pleasant collaboration."
Iryu placed a briefcase on the desk. "This contains the initial escort fees. We'd also like to request that Uchiha or Hyuga ninja be included in the squads."
"Why?" Hiruzen asked sharply.
"Our intelligence suggests that bandits, pirates, and rogue ninja groups are already targeting our goods. Without sensory ninja, the risk of casualties is too high. We don't want misunderstandings to harm our partnership with Orochimaru."
Hiruzen exhaled smoke slowly. He understood perfectly well—White Snake Pharmaceutical wanted Orochimaru's goodwill, and they were willing to pay to ensure it.
"Very well. Konoha will assign the appropriate ninja. Consider it arranged."
For the village, this was a blessing. The Daimyo's funds alone were never enough. Mission fees and commissions were the true lifeline of Konoha. Without them, how could they pay for ANBU patrols, border posts, the Military Police, or even hospital expenses?
The Will of Fire kept the spirit alive, yes—but money kept the village functioning.
---
Chapter 60: Orochimaru Investigating Himself
"Lord Orochimaru, the matter has been settled."
Iryu kneeled, offering a glass case containing a shed snakeskin.
Orochimaru's golden eyes flicked to him. A faint smile curved his lips. "Setsuryu… is this your Smoke Transformation form?"
"You got it."
The figure dissolved into smoke, reshaping into a handsome young man with brown hair and blue eyes—Setsuryu's true appearance. His grin was mischievous, delighted that Orochimaru had recognized the jutsu so quickly.
"I was the one who helped refine your Bloodline Limit, remember?" Orochimaru chuckled. "How could I not recognize your Smoke Transformation? You're a Smoke Clone, aren't you?"
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru. Forgive me for sending only a clone. My main body is already returning to the Land of Waves."
"It's fine. Clones have their uses. If that's all, then disperse."
"Yes, Master."
The smoke dissipated. Orochimaru rose to his feet. "Time to visit the Iburi Clan. Their children must be prepared for the Academy. They need proper techniques."
---
The Iburi's old caves were long abandoned, some turned into ruins. Those who stayed with Orochimaru worked either in laboratories or at White Snake Company facilities in the Land of Waves.
In the brightly lit laboratory, rows of tanks held beasts both small and terrifying—desert ants, giant scorpions, even monstrosities from the Forest of Death. Shadow Clones hurried between experiments: cloning, genetics, chakra-reactive materials.
One project focused on creating liquid chakra lenses—an invisible barrier over the eyes to block genjutsu. If Yin Release chakra manipulated senses through sight, why not block it at the source?
Another group studied the Hyuga's Caged Bird Curse Mark. Progress was slow; only Hyuga Mio was available as a subject. Despite Danzo's research notes, breakthroughs were limited.
Yet through these efforts, Orochimaru discovered something else: his mental energy was abnormally strong—far beyond most bloodline clans, even the Uchiha. His sensory perception was also sharp, nearing Tobirama's level. These traits weren't natural. They were the result of soul fusion—his original self merged with a foreign spirit. The combined essence granted him powers that explained why he could even wield the Flying Thunder God so effectively.
---
Iburi Clan Residence
"Chiriu, these techniques developed from your clan's Bloodline Limit will now be your secret arts—passed down and inherited."
Orochimaru placed several scrolls on the table.
"With these, the Iburi Clan will carry greater weight in the eyes of Konoha's higher-ups. You will no longer be seen as weaklings without proper ninjutsu."
The Iburi's chakra nature was unique—pure Yin Oscillation. They could not wield elemental ninjutsu at all. Only genjutsu, or smoke-based techniques born of their limit. In a world where nearly every shinobi wielded multiple elements, the Iburi were an anomaly.
Chiriu's hands trembled as he reached for the scrolls. He looked at Orochimaru, eyes filled with disbelief.
"Master Orochimaru… may I truly accept these?"
"Of course," Orochimaru said warmly. "These were developed by Qing He and myself, tailored for your clan. They belong to you."
With that, he gestured for Chiriu to take them.
A loud bang echoed as Chiriu finally seized the scrolls, bowing his head with gratitude.
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