The "Mind Restoration Pill"—a product of months of research—had finally become a staple. It restored mental energy, cleared fatigue, and reawakened one's vigor, allowing a full day of sharp function with just one dose. Even the lower-quality versions had tremendous value for civilians, which made it immensely popular among nobles, businessmen, and daimyo.
If it worked wonders on regular people, then for shinobi, it was nothing short of strategic gold.
Unfortunately for the other ninja villages, Konoha had no intention of handing them a golden blade to be stabbed in the back with. Though profits were tempting—and even with the Fire Daimyo and several key stakeholders pressing the Pharmaceutical Company for more exports—the village strictly limited monthly external sales. High-grade versions were entirely reserved for elite ninja clans, top civilian representatives, and the founding shareholders.
These higher-tier pills required rare herbs—some nearly extinct—making even monthly batches incredibly scarce.
In the lab beneath Uzumaki Mito's residence, Ren Takashi's Two Tomoe Sharingan spun gently as he completed the final steps of the long-awaited Life Potion with Tsunade.
A pale green vial shimmered with vitality.
"It's done," Ren whispered. "Let's test it to confirm the predicted effects—then we can call this a success."
He wiped an imaginary bead of sweat from his forehead, smiling faintly at Tsunade.
Originally, Ren had estimated it would take three months to develop. In reality, with multiple parallel projects like the Detox Pill and Instant Recovery Formula eating into their time, the Life Potion took more than half a year to finalize. Several earlier prototypes had failed to meet expectations—but those failures weren't wasted.
They'd led to breakthroughs—like the instant-response recovery potion, a combat elixir capable of immediately restoring stamina and chakra. Unlike the Nutrient Pill, which needed minutes to circulate, this new formula worked within seconds. It could mean the difference between death and a decisive counterattack.
Still, Tsunade and Ren agreed this was too powerful to distribute broadly. For now, only the Uchiha, Senju, and select members of the Uzumaki would receive limited quantities.
Certainly not the Third Hokage.
Tsunade's expression turned serious. "We'd better test it now. Grandma Mito… she's stabilized, but she's still bleeding vitality. If we don't reverse the loss soon, she might not last the year."
Her tone dipped into bitterness. "Some people are hoping she dies. We both know who."
Ren nodded solemnly. "Not just her. My father and several other shinobi have pushed their bodies beyond recovery. They'll never break through to the Transformation Realm unless they recover that lost vitality."
Over the past six months, both Uchiha Nobuhiko and Ren's mother had reached the Dark Energy realm in martial cultivation. But the toll from overusing chakra in prolonged combat had left scars beneath the surface. Vitality was their bottleneck now.
Ren himself was being cautious. His own Huxia martial arts had only reached the early stage of Dark Energy. He was deliberately avoiding overexertion to preserve his future potential—and to delay the awakening of his Sharingan's third tomoe until his body could fully support it.
"Alright, enough talk." Tsunade rolled up her sleeves. "Time to test the formula."
Ten minutes of careful analysis later, Tsunade's eyes lit up. "It's perfect! We can administer it immediately!"
Ren smiled and turned toward the cabinet. "Let's produce a larger batch while we can. How many prime herbs do we still have?"
Tsunade frowned. "Only enough for three more batches. The centennial Red Ginseng and Lifebloom Grass are nearly depleted."
"That's enough," Ren replied calmly. "Twelve doses is plenty for now. I'll handle this batch myself."
Tsunade's brow twitched. "You don't trust your teacher to brew them properly?"
Ren laughed, deliberately evasive. "I didn't say that—you did."
With a smooth motion, he activated the alchemy array and began the meticulous process. Over an hour later, the glowing green potions were sealed and safely stored.
"We'll split the batch. I'll store half. Mito-san likely only needs three to five to fully recover," Ren said, sealing his share into his spatial treasury.
Tsunade gripped his arm. "You're coming with me. If it's not enough, you'll brew more on the spot."
Ren sighed in mock surrender. "If I say no, will you let go?"
"Exactly."
They both laughed.
Tsunade, ever the strategist, reminded him, "More herbs are coming next month. We'll make sure your father gets his as well."
The potion wasn't just medicine—it was a weapon. The Uchiha Merit Pavilion and Mission Hall had expanded massively in recent months. Ninety percent of the clan had already renewed their contracts with Ren. Reform was alive and well, with the holdouts marginalized or sent away on long-term missions.
They weren't purged. Not yet. But they were contained.
Within Senju and Uzumaki circles, contracts were being signed rapidly as well. Thanks to Mito's outreach, even dozens of Senju once thought lost among the civilians had returned. As trust deepened, Ren had begun drafting a new vision: selective intermarriage among the Uchiha, Senju, and Uzumaki.
The goal? Children who inherited the best of all bloodlines—vitality, chakra control, and the Sharingan.
Until then, he would begin work on his next major project: a blood-purification serum capable of strengthening clan kekkei genkai and pushing the Uchiha further down the path toward the Eternal Mangekyō and beyond.
He'd already charted related avenues for future industries: ninja beast evolution, enhanced genetic training, and more.
Tsunade mussed his hair playfully. "Thanks for always thinking ahead."
"Let's go," Ren said. "Time to visit Grandma."
They used Flying Thunder God to teleport discreetly to Mito's courtyard, dodging the prying eyes of Sarutobi and Danzo.
Mito's clone raised an eyebrow. "What brings you two here?"
"The life potion's ready," Ren announced. "It's time."
Delight flashed in her eyes. "Come to my room. I've set up enough barriers to keep even Danzo's rats out."
Once inside her private sanctum, Ren was stunned by the complex array of seals. "This is… incredible, Mito-san. I still have much to learn."
Mito chuckled. "I'm glad you realize that, even if you're already better than me. These days, you're the one teaching me."
"Enough chit-chat!" Tsunade barked. "Give Grandma the potion!"
Ren summoned the six vials onto a cushioned bench. "It's been fully tested. You can take the first one now."
With a grateful nod, Mito took the potion and drank.
Almost instantly, warmth flooded her body. Her depleted vitality surged. The flames of her life, once flickering, burned anew—strong, radiant, and resolute.
The transformation was immediate. Her skin regained its glow, her chakra stabilized, and even her hair gleamed with renewed life.
Tsunade's eyes glistened.
Ren exhaled in relief.
The Life Potion had fulfilled its promise.