"Let him in," Orochimaru ordered, forming a hand seal. A cloud of smoke enveloped him, and when it cleared, his figure had transformed into Mi. Adjusting her glasses with meticulous care, she addressed the trio in front of her. "From now on, I am Mi. I am here to request funding from the Laboratory Base. Understood?"
A quiet groan of exasperation escaped her. "Lord Orochimaru, you're putting too much pressure on me!"
Qing He, observing the scene, raised an eyebrow at the tension. Orochimaru, preparing for an acting demonstration, radiated his usual calm yet unnerving aura.
"Funding?" Kakuzu's voice was laced with skepticism, as usual. "Your research hasn't progressed in so long, and now you're asking for more funding? Do you think company money grows on trees?"
For Kakuzu, profits were personal. The more the company earned, the more he received. If the company suffered losses, so would he. His reputation and wealth were inseparably linked to the company's financial health.
At that moment, Hanzō arrived at the Presidential Office, guided by the presidential secretary. Standing just outside the door, he caught the heated argument within.
"What do you mean my research is useless? My research is indispensable to the company! Kakuzu, do you dare say that again in front of President Qing He?"
Kakuzu's calm, cold tone cut through the tension. "What exactly is the purpose of the Chakra Battery you developed? From what I see, it's nothing but a waste of money."
A third voice, firm but trying to remain composed, intervened. "Stop arguing, stop arguing… Mi, Kakuzu, calm down. This is the Presidential Office! President Qing He, please, say something!"
Hanzō hesitated at the door, unsure if he should enter. He glanced nervously at the secretary beside him. "Did I come at a bad time? Perhaps I should return later?"
"Please, don't mind," the secretary replied, attempting to maintain a serious expression. She opened the door and gestured for Hanzō to enter.
Reluctantly, Hanzō stepped inside, tension knotting his chest. He thought perhaps he should have delayed his visit. Today seemed wrong, and under these circumstances, his goal might very well fail.
"Mr. Hanzō, what brings you to our company?" Qing He asked with a smile that seemed to welcome a close relative. He cleared his throat, drawing the attention of Mi and Kakuzu to the guest.
"President Qing He," Hanzō began, speaking earnestly, "on behalf of the Land of Rain, I would like to propose a partnership with your company."
The Land of Rain, a small but strategically positioned country, had long been caught between the ambitions of the Great Nations. Its geography was both a blessing and a curse: fertile lands hidden amidst perpetual rain and dense forests, yet vulnerable to invasion and exploitation. Hanzō knew that the country could not thrive alone.
Should they ally with the Land of Wind? Its harsh terrain offered little support. Could they rely on the Land of Earth? Iwagakure's reputation for ruthlessness made that dangerous. And the Land of Fire? Konoha's resources were vast, but its leadership harbored resentment toward the Land of Rain. Aligning with any major power carried risk, as it could turn the small nation into a battleground.
Hanzō had thought long and hard. Then an idea struck him: the White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company. Unlike the other powers, the company focused on business, not politics. They had never meddled in the affairs of the Land of Waves, their operations limited to profit and technology.
"Mr. Hanzō, how do you envision this partnership?" Qing He asked, feigning deep thought.
Hanzō hesitated. The Land of Rain had little to offer in terms of raw resources or industrial capacity. Factories could not easily be built in the relentless rain, and skilled labor was limited. He struggled to frame a proposal that would appeal to a company motivated by profit rather than patriotism.
Orochimaru watched Hanzō closely, curious about his reasoning. The young man's determination was apparent, yet the strategy seemed haphazard. This was clearly a decision born from passion rather than careful calculation. Still, Orochimaru sensed a rare combination of courage and vision in Hanzō, traits that only a young leader in his twenties could muster.
"I want to use your company's resources to develop the Land of Rain," Hanzō said, summoning all his resolve. "I want to protect my homeland!"
Qing He studied him intently, weighing the request. The Land of Rain was constantly embroiled in conflict due to its location, and the potential for economic growth was uncertain. "Mr. Hanzō, I cannot make this decision alone. I am the president, but this matter affects the company's future. I will provide an answer by tomorrow at the latest."
Orochimaru, silently observing, analyzed the situation. The outbreak of war was not imminent; minor skirmishes were manageable. The Land of Rain, while less valuable than the Land of Rivers, still held potential. A Chakra Battery factory could be built there. The ninja of Hidden Rain Village, struggling with meager incomes, could contribute labor, transforming their chakra into production.
Furthermore, Hanzō himself was formidable. During past conflicts, he had led the Hidden Rain Village against multiple nations simultaneously, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strength. Supporting him could benefit the company in the long term rather than harm it.
"A factory the size of a Chakra Battery facility could be built in the Land of Rain," Orochimaru said aloud, his voice calm but decisive. "The Hidden Rain ninja could produce Chakra Batteries, and a transportation hub could be established to facilitate distribution. Given the current scale of our operations, we require manpower, and the Land of Rain offers exactly that."
Kakuzu interjected skeptically. "The Land of Rain is frequently disrupted by wars. How stable is it to invest there? The potential for sabotage is high, and the risk could outweigh any benefits."
"True," Orochimaru conceded. "However, before a full-scale war breaks out, investment can yield multiple returns. Consider the Second Shinobi World War—Hanzō's proactive measures allowed the Hidden Rain Village to defend itself against Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and Konoha. His strategic prowess ensures that temporary instability does not necessarily translate to long-term failure."
Orochimaru paused, letting his words settle. "Moreover, the White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company does not rely heavily on the Five Great Shinobi Villages for profits. Most of our revenue comes from ordinary people, from goods like healing pills and herbal teas. Targeting a factory in the Land of Rain would be a deliberate act against the company, and consequences would follow swiftly."
Kakuzu considered this, still uncertain. "Ninja may interfere, but the majority of profits come from civilians. The risks are manageable if precautions are taken."
Orochimaru's gaze swept across the room, lingering on each person—Setsuryu, Qing He, and Kakuzu—before returning to the complex question of strategy. "The Land of Rain is at the crossroads of three nations. Any conflict there can be controlled with careful planning. Investing in its infrastructure now will pay dividends, both economically and strategically, before larger wars erupt. This is not merely an act of profit; it is an investment in the future stability of the region."
Kakuzu's expression softened, as he began to understand Orochimaru's reasoning. Profits were important, yes—but strategic foresight and alliances could secure far greater gains. The Land of Rain, its people, and its ninja were not just a liability—they were a resource.
Orochimaru continued, detailing the operational measures. Factories would be protected through technological safeguards and intelligence networks. Should any ninja attempt interference, repercussions would be swift and decisive. Even the strongest ninja would find it difficult to overcome the security measures implemented by the company.
"This approach benefits the company, the Land of Rain, and the surrounding regions," Orochimaru concluded. "It is a rare opportunity where economic, strategic, and social goals align. Supporting Hanzō now ensures stability, profit, and influence in a critical region."
Kakuzu nodded, finally comprehending the broader picture. "Very well. I see the value. Let us proceed as Orochimaru suggests."
Hanzō's eyes shone with hope and gratitude. The young leader's vision for his country had been understood, and the first step toward a partnership with the White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company had been secured.
As the meeting concluded, Orochimaru sank into contemplation, his mind already projecting the implications of this investment. Small steps today could alter the course of future wars and the fortunes of entire nations. The Land of Rain would rise—not merely as a battleground, but as a hub of industry, stability, and opportunity.
And in the midst of strategy, calculation, and ambition, a young Hanzō's passionate desire to protect his homeland had sparked a movement that could change the world.
---patreon (Obito_uchiha)