"Hehe."
Uzumaki Mito smiled warmly as she watched Tsunade and Ren Takashi banter.
Not bad at all.
She could see clearly—since Tsunade had begun working closely with Ren, she had become more cheerful. Her smiles came from the heart now.
Of course, that might also be due to Mito's own extended lifespan. With her grandmother still around to anchor things, Tsunade naturally felt less pressure.
And on top of that, with Ren's support, Nawaki had also shown impressive progress in his training these past few months. The boy's future looked promising.
"I'll help with your research too. Now that Kushina and Minato are wrapping up their sealing technique training, I have more free time," Mito offered.
"But," she paused, curious, "do we really need to develop storage talismans? Aren't storage scrolls enough?"
Ren shook his head. "They're completely different. What I want are two types of storage talismans: one-time use and reusable. The single-use ones should be small—palm-sized at most—while having enough internal space and being cheap enough for mass production."
"As for the reusable version, I want to push it toward a permanent-use tool—storage rings, chakra bracelets, or other ninja tools with permanent space."
"The current storage scrolls are bulky, clunky, and ridiculously expensive. They can't meet real modern needs."
Mito's eyes lit up. "If that really works out, it would be a game-changer for logistics and travel."
"Exactly!" Ren nodded. "Same goes for the medical talismans and ninjutsu talismans. These three are the core—each one has the potential to revolutionize daily life and combat logistics in the ninja world."
"That's settled then," Mito smiled. "I'll help with the storage talismans. I'm interested now."
Tsunade pouted. "So what, I don't get to participate?"
Ren rolled his eyes. "Of course you do. You're the backbone of the medical talisman project. You'll also work on ninjutsu talismans with me. The storage talisman stuff is better handled by Grandma Mito and me."
"Do your job well, and just the medical talisman tech alone could make you one of the richest people in the world."
Tsunade's eyes sparkled. "Really?"
Ren stared at her. "Fake."
Tsunade scowled.
Ren sighed. "If you lose money like you usually do, even a billion a day wouldn't be enough. That's why Grandma and I will open a casino for you right here in Konoha. You can lose to us instead of Danzo or the Daimyō's men."
"At least then, the money will stay in the family and help our clans develop."
Uzumaki Mito beamed. "It's a great idea! You like the thrill of playing, not necessarily winning. You might as well lose to us."
Tsunade groaned. "So I'm just the designated sucker now?"
But despite her grumbling, she was clearly amused.
Then Ren asked, "By the way, teacher, can you introduce me to Orochimaru?"
Tsunade frowned immediately. "Orochimaru? What do you want with him?"
She grew serious. "I'll be honest—stay away from that man. He's dangerous. I can't see through him anymore. He's grown more… inhuman."
"He's been in contact with Danzo, even working with him. That's not a good sign."
Ren nodded, reassured by her concern. "Don't worry. I know exactly what I'm doing."
He wasn't bluffing. He had just the kind of bait to lure Orochimaru in—and tools to keep him under control.
"You're too confident. What do you want from him anyway?" Tsunade asked, still wary.
"I want to collaborate on research. Specifically—Chakra-based machinery, home appliances, and electrical tech. That's not something you or Grandma Mito specialize in."
"But Orochimaru is a genius in that domain. If we work together, we could build an entirely new technological industry—something that could modernize the entire ninja world."
Tsunade still looked uneasy. "There are already people researching that—especially in the Land of Lightning."
Ren nodded. "And they're doing a terrible job. The ninja world's development is glacial. We can do better—and profit while we're at it. Why leave it to outsiders?"
Tsunade sighed. "Alright, I'll help you contact him. But I'll be present at the first meeting—and if he tries anything funny, I'm dragging you out."
She paused, then grinned wickedly. "Also, if you ever cross paths with Jiraiya… keep your distance. Don't let that pervert influence you."
Ren snorted. "The 'Emperor of Degenerates'? Don't worry. I like beautiful women, yes. But I've got standards. I'm not going to be like Jiraiya or the Third."
That made Tsunade laugh out loud. "Good. Because if you ever start acting like him, I'll beat you myself."