Naruto: Reborn As Orochimaru

The man in the white coat was passionately recounting the experimental process from the past few months with great enthusiasm.

He was Harano, a medical ninja from Konoha Hospital with extensive expertise. After receiving an order from above, he had been working closely with Orochimaru to learn the production of the genetic repair fluid, which was called the recovery potion by them. Throughout the process, Harano had been astounded by Orochimaru's extraordinary talent and deep insights into genetics. Every now and then, with just a few suggestions or adjustments, Orochimaru would enlighten him, leaving him in awe of the young genius.

Before long, Harano couldn't resist the temptation and officially became Orochimaru's disciple. It might sound unbelievable for a middle-aged man in his forties to apprentice under a boy who wasn't even ten yet, but it was the truth.

Orochimaru, though, played along, pretending to study with Harano for a short while before passing him an improvised, in complete formula and production process of the genetic repair fluid. From that point on, Harano began to study independently, only seeking Orochimaru's guidance when he encountered issues he truly couldn't resolve.

After three intense months, it was was finally completed! Though it was a substitute, and its regenerative abilities were slightly inferior to the original, the difference was minimal.

Upon hearing Harano's report, the Third Hokage nodded in approval. "How much does it cost to produce a recovery potion now?" he asked.

Harano hesitated slightly, then answered, "Well… around 50,000 ryō."

"Fifty thousand ryō?" The Third Hokage raised an eyebrow, surprised at first, then nodded again. "That's certainly more expensive than the standard wound medicine, which costs only a few hundred ryō, but considering its effects, it's worth every penny. Produce a batch for future use."

"Yes, sir!" Harano replied, bowing. "Then, I'll take my leave."

"Go ahead," the Hokage waved him off.

Harano nodded, sparing a glance at Orochimaru before exiting. It wasn't until he had left the office that Tsunade and Jiraiya, who had remained silent throughout, snapped back to reality. Both were in shock. Even though they knew Orochimaru had improved the formula, they hadn't expected such astounding results.

Orochimaru's scientific research abilities were, to put it mildly, extraordinary!

More than anything, the thought that a ten-year-old boy had managed to become someone else's teacher was mind-boggling.

Even after they left the Hokage's office, both Tsunade and Jiraiya still hadn't fully recovered from their shock. They had only one thought in mind: How is there such a massive gap between us?

Jiraiya, especially, was overwhelmed by a growing sense of inferiority. It seemed like no matter what field they ventured into, he would never be able to surpass Orochimaru.

As they walked, Jiraiya couldn't help but glance over at Orochimaru, who was walking calmly beside him. In that moment, it was as if a radiant halo had formed behind Orochimaru's head, shining so brightly that Jiraiya had to avert his gaze.

That night, after completing his experiments, Orochimaru returned to his quarters alone, replaying the steps of the cell transplantation process in his mind.

Cell transplantation was proving to be far more complicated than he had initially imagined. It required not only cell cultivation but also living organisms as experimental subjects. Since cell cultivation was a lengthy process and Orochimaru wasn't yet in a position to experiment on human subjects, he was currently limited to using mice. For now, his experiments remained in the cell culture phase.

As a result, the research projects assigned to him by the system had not seen any significant breakthroughs.

Knock, knock, knock!

A sudden knock at the door pulled Orochimaru from his thoughts. He frowned but rose to open it. After all, this was Konoha there weren't any enemies bold enough to approach him here.

However, he was still somewhat curious about who would come looking for him at such an hour.

When he opened the door, an ANBU stood there, clad in their usual mask and armor. Based on his physique and height, Orochimaru didn't recognize him.

"Orochimaru, someone wishes to meet with you," the ANBU said curtly, getting straight to the point.

Upon hearing such a direct request, Orochimaru's first thought was of Danzo. But then he reconsidered. Danzo had only recently established the 'Root' organization, and his position wasn't stable enough yet. Orochimaru hadn't even revealed any of his scientific research to him, so it was unlikely that Danzo would reach out at this stage.

"Who wants to see me?" Orochimaru asked, a bit wary.

The ANBU hesitated for a moment before replying, "Apologies, but I cannot reveal that information. You will know once you arrive."

Orochimaru was taken aback. Someone had the authority to summon ANBU but couldn't reveal their identity?

Was there another powerful figure in Konoha besides the Third Hokage and Danzo?

"Very well," Orochimaru said calmly. "Lead the way."

Despite his curiosity, Orochimaru didn't feel threatened. In Konoha, no one would dare make a move against him. His value to the village was too high; even the slightest disturbance involving him could trigger a cascade of consequences.

Nevertheless, Orochimaru remained on guard as he followed the ANBU through the village. They eventually arrived at a secluded mansion, not far from one of Konoha's secret research facilities, though it was noticeably smaller in scale.

As they approached, Orochimaru quietly muttered to himself, "Six guards?"

"Hm? What was that?" The ANBU, not quite hearing him, glanced back in confusion.

"It's nothing," Orochimaru replied, masking his surprise.

Though the mansion seemed ordinary on the surface, Orochimaru had detected six hidden ANBU stationed around the perimeter. Whoever lived here was clearly someone important.

Orochimaru squinted, focusing his perception ability on the person inside the mansion. He immediately sensed a vast amount of chakra.

Could it be… her? Orochimaru wondered, a flicker of recognition crossing his mind.

Curiosity piqued, he followed the ANBU further inside, his mind racing with possibilities.