The next morning, in a private room at the Sihai Restaurant—
Ren Takashi arrived as promised and, upon entering, saw that Orochimaru and Tsunade were already seated and waiting.
"You're finally here," Tsunade said flatly. "I arranged this meeting for you. Whether or not you can win Orochimaru over is up to you. I make no promises."
"And since it's your treat, you can order the food. We'll talk while we eat. Fair?"
"No problem at all."
Ren Takashi smiled as he nodded, then waved his hand and erected a Five-Element Isolation Barrier around the room to secure the conversation.
With that done, he turned to Orochimaru with curious respect. "Thank you for coming, Lord Orochimaru. I'll get straight to the point so we don't waste time. This is my research and industrial plan. Please review it."
He handed over a detailed scroll—a comprehensive development blueprint outlining a technology-driven future powered by consumer electronics, chakra appliances, and mechanical systems.
"Oh?"
Orochimaru looked intrigued. He took the scroll, nodding slightly, and began reading.
During the time it took him to examine the proposal, the dishes Tsunade had ordered in advance were delivered by Nara Anzu herself.
More than ten minutes later—
"Huu..."
Orochimaru exhaled deeply, closing the scroll. A complex light danced in his serpentine eyes as he turned to Ren Takashi. "I thought I already held you in high regard, but I realize now the entire ninja world has underestimated you."
"You're not just trying to reform the Uchiha or Senju clans, or even just Konoha… You're trying to reshape the entire ninja world. Your vision isn't just revolutionary—it's epochal."
"If the technologies and systems you've designed can be fully implemented, the ninja world will transform beyond recognition. The everyday lives of common people would see unprecedented improvement."
"I must ask… what kind of mind conceives something so bold, yet so precise?"
Ren Takashi merely smiled. "So, what do you say, Lord Orochimaru? Are you interested in joining me in shaping a new future for the ninja world—one where we can drive both scientific progress and unimaginable profit?"
"With the financial resources this generates, no research would ever be constrained by funding again."
Orochimaru's tongue flicked out subtly. "You make a compelling case, Ren-kun. Money, after all, solves most problems—even for someone like me."
"But I do have a condition before I agree to join."
Ren raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it."
"I want a monthly purchase quota of your high-grade pills—the ones you and Tsunade developed. Thirty of each type, and sixty each of the Advanced Nutrient Pills, Advanced Soul Recovery Pills, and Physical Enhancement Pills."
Ren considered this and nodded. "Deal. I'll authorize you to purchase 60 each of the nutrition and body enhancement pills. But for the Soul Recovery Pills, the quota must remain at 30—they're harder to produce due to rare ingredients."
"All purchases will be at market price. Agreed?"
Orochimaru nodded, satisfied. "Agreed. Now then, which research area do you want to begin with?"
"I propose we start with power infrastructure and common household appliances," Ren replied. "First, we upgrade thermal power tech. Without reliable electricity, we can't scale production. Then we develop appliances—refrigerators, fans, water heaters, washers."
"I'll also set up a technology research institute—just like our pharmaceutical one. We'll share our findings and license them to other businesses."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "And where would this institute be located?"
Ren glanced at Tsunade. "How about the Senju compound? Teacher Tsunade, would the Senju be willing to co-invest?"
Tsunade blinked. "I'm not particularly interested in tech, and the Senju don't have many who can contribute meaningfully to research. Are you sure?"
Orochimaru chimed in, "I think it's a great idea. The Senju lands are secure, and Lady Mito's presence adds a level of deterrence."
"More importantly, Chakra technology will be a huge part of this research. Sealing arts are the foundation of Chakra engineering—and the Uzumaki, under Lady Mito, are the undisputed masters."
Ren's eyes brightened. "That's an excellent point. Then let's bring the Uzumaki in as well."
"With both Senju and Uzumaki participating, we can simultaneously develop both electrical appliances and Chakra-enhanced versions."
Tsunade nodded slowly. "I'll speak to Lady Mito. She'll likely support it."
Ren continued, "Our next challenge will be Chakra storage. Without a reliable Chakra battery, users would need to manually charge appliances every time. That's not practical."
"But if we can develop a Chakra battery—one that stores excess Chakra safely—it could revolutionize ninja logistics."
"Imagine missions where a ninja doesn't burn through their own reserves because they can tap into a high-purity stored Chakra supply."
"Even better, we could create a Chakra economy. Purified Chakra, traded as a resource to supplement combat readiness. It would empower low-tier shinobi and extend mission endurance."
Orochimaru and Tsunade both gasped audibly.
"You… you're insane," Tsunade whispered. "You want to commercialize Chakra itself?"
Ren grinned. "Why not?"
He looked at the two of them, his expression calm and composed.
"The chakra battery is just the beginning. With this technology, we'll open a new era—where even energy itself can be regulated, priced, and optimized. This isn't just profit. This is evolution."
Tsunade and Orochimaru exchanged glances—equal parts apprehension and awe in their eyes.
This wasn't just a project.
It was the blueprint for a new world.