"As expected of you, Ren Takashi! Your imagination really knows no bounds!"
"But this is entirely feasible—absolutely incredible!"
Orochimaru's golden, serpentine eyes shimmered with curiosity and admiration. He leaned forward, interlacing his fingers, his voice smooth and sharp. "I find myself increasingly interested in this Chakra technology. If it really takes off, it won't just change Konoha—it will reshape the entire shinobi world. Perhaps... in the future, shinobi won't need to risk their lives on missions. They could sustain themselves simply by selling their chakra. Can you imagine such a world?"
"I'm trying to," Tsunade murmured, her gaze drifting off as she considered the implications.
Ren Takashi nodded with a smile. "Since we're all in agreement, I'll go speak with Chief Lu Ming and get his formal approval. Teacher Tsunade, could you help us secure a location near the pharmaceutical institute? We'll need a large space to build this new research institute."
"No problem," Tsunade agreed without hesitation, flashing a hand sign. "Leave it to me. Senju doesn't have much right now—but we've got empty buildings in spades."
"Much appreciated," Ren said, grinning. "Let's eat first. The chefs here at Sihai Restaurant have been getting too complacent—time to remind them what quality tastes like!"
After the meal, Ren made his way straight to the Uzumaki clan compound and met with Chief Uzumaki Lu Ming, handing over a stack of detailed research proposals.
"This initiative has massive potential, Chief Lu Ming. It will revolutionize the economy, the shinobi system, even how we think about chakra. Will your clan join us?"
Lu Ming set down the document, eyes solemn but shining. "Even if this had no future, I would support it—for all you've done for our clan. But this?" He exhaled. "This is transformative. Count the Uzumaki in."
"No need to talk about repayment, Chief," Ren waved his hand. "But if you insist—how about more intermarriages between our clans in the future? That's the real win-win."
"Hmm?" Lu Ming raised a brow. "What do you mean? How would that benefit us?"
Ren didn't dodge the question. "It's about bloodlines. You know our clans all originate from the Sage of Six Paths. The Uchiha have the Sage Eyes, but lack the Sage Body. The Senju and Uzumaki have the opposite. Our potential is capped if we walk separate paths. But if we intermarry... we might recreate that legendary bloodline union."
"Wait a moment," Lu Ming frowned. "Are you suggesting that the children from these unions—especially those born from Uchiha—would all belong to your clan? That seems a bit... convenient for you."
Ren chuckled, shaking his head. "No, not like that. The child's clan will follow the father's line, regardless of whether they inherit the Sharingan or the Sage Body. That's the only fair way to do it."
"And your own clan will agree to that?" Lu Ming narrowed his eyes.
"Not yet. But I'll convince them," Ren said confidently. "We're not talking about petty clan pride—we're talking about the possibility of creating a future where we transcend our current limits. And that starts with unity."
"I see," Lu Ming nodded slowly. "Then this is more important than I thought. But there's something that bothers me..."
Ren waited patiently.
"If the bloodlines are that crucial, then those of us who've already passed our prime—or those who aren't part of these marriages—won't benefit, will we? Are we just... stuck?"
Ren shook his head. "Not at all. I'm also developing a blood purification potion. With that, any member of the Uchiha, Senju, or Uzumaki will be able to purify their bloodline, strengthen it, and vastly increase their potential. Even reaching the Eternal Mangekyō or levels comparable to the First Hokage."
Lu Ming's eyes widened. "That's... you really believe this is possible?"
"I'm sure of it," Ren said firmly. "And I'll do even more. With time, I'll push Huaxia martial arts and the Chakra Zhoutian system to higher levels. Even those without the Sage bloodlines will be able to reach or surpass the Six Paths level."
"Immortality?" Lu Ming whispered, stunned.
"Not out of reach," Ren said simply.
They fell silent for a few seconds before Lu Ming let out a low chuckle. "Alright. I'll prepare our clan for it. Let's see this through."
The discussion then moved to practical matters. Ren brought Orochimaru to meet Uzumaki Mito and formally established the research institute. The ownership breakdown was simple:
Ren Takashi: 50%
Orochimaru: 20%
Uzumaki Clan: 20%
Senju Clan / Uzumaki Mito: 10%
With the location secured in the Senju territory and both clans throwing their workforce into construction, the facility began taking shape.
Lu Ming later reported, "This place is ten times larger than the pharmaceutical institute. Even with both our clans working together, we'll need three months to complete it."
"That's fine," Ren replied. "I'll spend that time refining the blood purification potion and the medical talisman project."
"I have no problem either," Orochimaru added. "I've got other experiments to finish. We'll reconvene in three months."
Ren nodded, then took out three storage seal scrolls and handed them to Orochimaru, Uzumaki Mito, and Lu Ming.
"These contain beginner-level scientific and technological manuals. Read them or assign clan members to study. You'll need this foundation to contribute meaningfully to the institute."
All three blinked in surprise. Orochimaru licked his lips, amused. Lu Ming groaned. "Looks like this is going to be even harder than we thought... I'd better recruit some curious-minded clan members."
The institute's construction and partnership didn't go unnoticed. From the shadows, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo observed, their expressions stormy.
"What's Orochimaru doing?" Hiruzen muttered, puffing on his pipe. "Why is he suddenly working with Uchiha Ren and the Uzumaki clan?"
Danzo's face darkened. "Wrong question. The real issue is what Ren Takashi is planning now."
He slammed his fist on the desk.
"This so-called research institute... it's another strategic move! We failed to control the pharmaceutical institute, and now he's building another one in broad daylight? This time we can't sit by. We need to get someone inside, someone we can control."
"The longer we delay," he said through gritted teeth, "the further we fall behind."
And this time, they weren't just behind—they were on the verge of becoming obsolete.