Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind was heavy with unease. He could not afford for Orochimaru to harm his body in any way. Every interaction with the young prodigy reminded him that the line between brilliance and danger was razor-thin.
"Hokage-sama…" Furofuki hesitated, clearly struggling with whether to speak. Finally, he forced the words out. "Where did you find the doctor who formulated this medicinal tea?"
Hiruzen's face darkened slightly. "Is there something wrong with it?" he asked, his voice calm but edged with concern. Deep down, a knot of anxiety twisted in his chest, preparing him for the worst news.
"No, Hokage-sama. The doctor who prepared this tea must be a legendary physician. If it were possible, I would purchase the formula immediately," Furofuki said, his face red with embarrassment. Even as an experienced medical professional, explaining this in front of the Hokage felt awkward.
Hiruzen leaned forward slightly, curiosity mixed with concern. "What does it do?"
Furofuki lowered his gaze behind a stack of documents, his cheeks still flushed. "I suppose you've noticed… Your recent marriage to Biwako-sama must have… had a very positive effect."
Hiruzen's pupils narrowed, but he maintained his composure. He coughed lightly, masking the slight tremor of curiosity in his chest. "Does it have any adverse effects?"
"This is the remarkable thing, Hokage-sama. The tea is completely harmless. Long-term consumption is not only safe—it is beneficial for health."
Long-term consumption is beneficial for health? Hiruzen mused silently. The implications were enormous. If only this medicinal tea could be made available to the entire Village…
It wasn't just a medicinal tea; it was a tonic that nourished the body, revitalized the spirit, and strengthened health over time. Hiruzen could hardly believe that something Orochimaru had concocted so casually could hold such value.
Most importantly, with the influence this tea could exert, Konoha's younger generation would likely enter a period of peak performance. The Ninja Academy might soon overflow with talented students, each reaching their potential more rapidly than ever before.
He leaned closer to examine the ingredients that Furofuki meticulously analyzed. But as he did, the practicality of distributing the tea hit him like a bucket of cold water. The cost alone for supplies was staggering. Even if he wanted to provide it to everyone in Konoha, the Village could not afford it. If the Daimyo of the Land of Fire learned that such funds were being spent in this manner, he might be dismissed immediately.
Hiruzen sighed. This dream, for now, would have to remain just that—a dream.
---
"Orochimaru-sama," a figure coalesced from smoke in front of him, kneeling with head bowed in respect. It was Chiriu.
"How did it go?" Orochimaru asked, opening his eyes from meditation.
"Relocation funds have been distributed to all Iburi Clan members arriving in Konoha. The central district has been chosen for their residences, and construction will begin once the blizzard passes," Chiriu reported.
"The central district… an excellent choice. It is neither too noisy nor too isolated—perfect for the Iburi Clan, who have long lived in caves. Bring your clan members to settle in peace. You are now part of Konoha."
Orochimaru nodded, pleased. Konoha's higher-ups had clearly considered this carefully. The clan would have both safety and accessibility, an ideal compromise.
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama," Chiriu said, bowing once more before transforming into smoke and vanishing.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Orochimaru rose and opened the door to find Hyuga Mio standing there, her face pale, eyes bloodshot, and traces of blood staining the edge of her forehead protector. She looked as if she had endured unbearable pain.
"Come in and talk," Orochimaru said calmly. He stepped aside to let her enter.
Hyuga Mio followed, closing the door behind her.
---
"This… where are we?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Her eyes darted across the room, which was filled with intricate instruments and glowing screens. Orochimaru's Shadow Clone ignored her presence, focused entirely on its work.
"This is my laboratory, my private space. Very few know of it, not even my sensei," Orochimaru explained, his tone calm but commanding.
Despite leaving a Shadow Clone to assist, Orochimaru was aware of its vulnerabilities. A stray strike could destroy it, revealing secrets he intended to keep hidden.
"Come with me to that room," he said, gesturing. "Tell me what happened while I examine your body. I am particularly curious why you allowed me to investigate the Caged Bird Curse Mark. Your choice intrigues me."
Hyuga Mio hesitated, then followed him. She finally spoke, her voice strained. "During my training with the Main Council members, I couldn't suppress my hatred for them. They noticed my feelings and punished me with the Caged Bird Curse Mark."
Lying on the bed, she explained everything—the headaches, the sense of pressure in her eyes, the pain that seemed to radiate from her skull. Anyone in her position would be miserable, writhing in agony as the brain felt like it might rupture.
Orochimaru listened intently, his gaze traveling over the scratches on her forehead. Blood had already clotted, forming the early stages of scabs. He accepted the examination report from the Shadow Clone and began scrutinizing her vital data.
"No matter how much the Branch Council hates the Main Council, they shouldn't act in front of them, right?" he murmured, almost rhetorically.
Using the Mystical Palm Technique, he healed the scratches with precision.
Hyuga Mio was still young, which explained her difficulty hiding her resentment. Compared to the minor punishments Hyuga Hiashi once administered, this was severe. His intentions, however, had always been protective, especially when it came to Hyuga Hinata.
Orochimaru's mind raced as he considered the structural flaws of the Hyuga Clan. The Main House should have been the protector, yet it seemed the Branch House was the one shackled, the Caged Bird Curse Mark effectively turning loyal members into tools for oppression.
The Caged Bird Curse Mark, he thought, was designed to protect the Byakugan, yet it enslaves the very people it should safeguard.
Hyuga Mio clenched her fists so tightly that her nails drew blood. Orochimaru had finished treating her forehead and now handed her a helmet-like device connected with multiple wires.
"Are you sure I can remove it?" she asked, her voice wavering. "The curse mark is meant to protect the Byakugan, but it seems your Hyuga Clan is using it to punish the Branch House."
Orochimaru's lips curved slightly. "I need to examine your cranial nerves. The Caged Bird Curse Mark is intricately connected to them. You didn't think I could just glance at it and undo it, did you?"
A sly smile flickered across his face. "Or… would you like me to open your head and observe the curse mark more directly?"
Hyuga Mio's eyes widened, and the device nearly slipped from her trembling hands.
"I'm joking," he reassured her, noting her fear. "I wouldn't do anything without your consent."
Reluctantly, she donned the device and lay on the bed. She could feel the fine needles probing various cranial nerves. The machines beeped and flickered, casting a glow on Orochimaru's focused face.
The curse mark affects the occipital lobe and cerebellum, he thought. No wonder it can destroy the brain. It protects the Byakugan from theft while simultaneously preventing intelligence-gathering.
"Do you want to completely undo it, or retain some functions?" he asked, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.
Hyuga Mio frowned. "Does that mean I could keep the curse mark but avoid being controlled by the Main Assembly?"
"Exactly," Orochimaru replied. "The curse mark protects the Byakugan. Once potential thieves realize they cannot access it through a Branch Assembly member, they will seek other targets."
He crossed his arms, leaning against the instrument. "Being born into the Hyuga Clan is your fortune, Mio—it grants abilities far beyond ordinary Ninja. But being in the Branch House… that is your misfortune. The Main Assembly exists for their own protection, not yours."
Hyuga Mio's Byakugan glimmered faintly as her veins throbbed in frustration. "I can't come to you often," she admitted, worried the Main House would notice.
"No problem," Orochimaru said smoothly. "I only need your cooperation for a few experiments. I am developing a new curse mark based on the Caged Bird Curse Mark. Let me collect the necessary data while your Byakugan is active."
With that, he guided her toward the bed, anticipation glinting in his eyes.
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