Is This His True Form?
Hyuga Mio quietly studied Orochimaru, who seemed more energetic than usual. His pale face was sharper, his golden eyes brighter, and even the subtle curl of his lips gave off a sense of satisfaction.
Is this his true form? Mio wondered.
Orochimaru, however, wasn't concerned with Mio's doubts. His thoughts were elsewhere—circling like snakes in the dark corners of his mind.
The Caged Bird Curse Mark… if I want to understand it, I'll need more than scattered rumors and clan gossip. Books. Research. A foundation.
He thought of Danzo. Lord Danzo always says he can meet my needs. Let's see if he keeps his promise this time.
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Chapter 57 – White Snake Brand Skin Care Products Specialty Store
At Root Headquarters, a masked ninja respectfully placed a sealed strip of paper on Danzo Shimura's desk.
"Sir Danzo," the ninja said, bowing low.
Danzo, in the middle of stamping documents, paused. His single visible eye glanced at the paper before he carefully unrolled it. The handwriting inside was unmistakable: Orochimaru's.
Curse Mark…
Danzo's brow furrowed. He recalled hearing that Hyuga Mio, a branch family member, had visited Orochimaru yesterday. And now, today, Orochimaru was requesting books on curse marks.
Curiosity of a child, or something more dangerous? Doesn't Orochimaru understand what sort of storm he's walking into if he pokes at the Hyuga Clan's Caged Bird Curse Mark?
He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. Orochimaru's popularity was no longer a secret. After all, thanks to him, the elusive Iburi Clan had finally joined Konoha.
If the Hyuga start a conflict with Hiruzen over their curse mark… where will it lead? Hiruzen… Koharu… Homura… whose side will they take?
Danzo's lips twitched into the faintest shadow of a smile. He didn't intend to stop Orochimaru. In fact, this could be an opportunity. If Orochimaru's brilliance led him into conflict with the leadership, disappointment and bitterness would bloom. And when that disillusionment took root—Danzo would be waiting.
"Bring the books on curse marks," Danzo ordered. "Seal them in a scroll and deliver them to Orochimaru immediately."
"Yes, Lord Danzo!"
---
That very evening, Orochimaru heard a dull thump-thump outside his room. He opened the door and found a scroll lying on the ground.
He crouched, picked it up, and unsealed it. Piles of books tumbled out, covering the tatami in neat stacks.
"Lord Danzo's speed really is something," Orochimaru muttered with a faint smirk.
Before he could dive into his research, the doorbell rang. Orochimaru frowned and peered through the peephole. To his surprise, Nara Matsuka stood there.
"Matsuka-nee?"
The door swung open. Matsuka grabbed his arm before he could ask anything.
"Change your clothes! Come with me to the barbecue restaurant. There's something important we need to discuss."
---
Barbecue Restaurant
The rich scent of grilled meat clung to the air, thick and smoky. Plates of sizzling cuts crackled over the charcoal, sending up mouthwatering aromas.
Orochimaru sat stiffly at the table, chopsticks in hand, staring at a mountain of grilled meat that had been piled high in his bowl. His expression was unreadable, but inside his thoughts boiled.
Why here of all places? I have so many books to read, and they drag me to a barbecue restaurant?
He preferred the silence of his study, where he could swim in an ocean of knowledge. Instead, he found himself seated with Matsuka, Akimichi Harudō, and Yamanaka Shiko—two clan wives and a bossy elder-sister figure—while the table practically glowed with greasy meats.
"Eat more, eat more," Akimichi Harudō urged with a motherly smile. "You have to eat plenty to grow."
Eat more? Orochimaru narrowed his eyes at her, suspicion creeping in. So the Akimichi Clan's real plan is to fatten me up, is it? First snacks, then discount barbecue coupons… it's all part of some plump conspiracy.
Resigned, he picked up a slice of meat, dipped it in sauce, and chewed. It was delicious, tender and smoky—but it wasn't knowledge.
"Harudō, don't overwhelm him," Yamanaka Shiko said kindly. She gave Orochimaru a reassuring smile. "It's enough that he eats what he can."
Matsuka, meanwhile, was propping her chin on her hand, unimpressed. A barbecue restaurant for business talks… worst idea ever.
Finally, after swallowing another reluctant bite, Orochimaru set down his chopsticks. His golden eyes sharpened.
"Aunt Harudō, Aunt Shiko, Matsuka-nee… let's get to the real matter."
---
The Business Proposal
What followed left the three women silent in awe. Orochimaru laid out a plan:
He would provide the formulas and production processes for skincare products.
The Akimichi Clan would supply medicinal ingredients.
The Akimichi and Yamanaka Clans would oversee production.
Nara Matsuka would manage sales in Konoha.
Orochimaru would take only 10% of net profits.
Even Harudō, who knew little about commerce, could see how advantageous this was for their clans.
"Only ten percent?" Shiko's eyes softened with guilt. "Orochimaru, that's far too little. It feels like we're taking advantage of you."
Harudō nodded in agreement. "I'd rather we make a little less than let you walk away with so little."
Matsuka placed a hand on his shoulder. "You should raise it, Orochimaru."
But the boy shook his head. "I have conditions. The formulas cannot be leaked, and this logo must be used on all products."
He slid a paper across the table. On it gleamed the image of a golden oval, within which a white snake coiled with its mouth open.
"The White Snake Brand," Orochimaru declared. "This logo is mandatory. As for my share—ten percent net profit is plenty."
The three women exchanged glances. Orochimaru's cut was modest, but his terms revealed ambition. Branding, exclusivity, secrecy—he was thinking far beyond Konoha.
For Shiko especially, it was a revelation. Among Ino–Shika–Chō, the Yamanaka Clan always lagged behind financially. If skincare flourished, their fortunes would change forever. Already, her mind was scribbling shopping lists of luxuries she could finally afford.
---
Marketing Strategy
But Shiko raised a practical concern. "How do we even sell skincare products? We can't market them like soldier pills."
"Exactly," Harudō agreed. "Soldier pills are essential. Skincare is not."
All eyes turned to Orochimaru.
He sighed, pulling out a neat stack of papers. "I knew you'd ask. Here's the marketing plan."
Matsuka skimmed through it, and her eyes widened. Even without skincare, this plan could sell almost anything. The only catch was… models. They would need the most attractive men and women in the village.
Her gaze slid to Orochimaru mischievously.
"Don't tell me…"
Orochimaru froze. "No. Don't even think it."
"It's your duty to invite the Uchiha Clan's handsome men and beautiful women!" Matsuka declared triumphantly. "Please, Mr. President!"
"I—I'm still a child!" Orochimaru protested, horrified.
---
The Uchiha Surprise
And yet, not long after, Orochimaru found himself leaving the Uchiha Police Department with a dazed expression.
The captain served me tea… Did I walk into the wrong place? When did the Uchiha become so easy to talk to? And how do they all know my name? Am I really this famous?
He stared up at the proud fan symbol of the Uchiha. Strangely, complaints about the Police Force had dwindled recently. Something in Konoha was shifting.
---
The Grand Opening
Within a week, thanks to the efficiency of Ino–Shika–Chō, the White Snake Brand Skincare Products were produced, packaged, and ready. Flyers filled the streets of Konoha, doubling as discount coupons.
On launch day, the busiest street near the Hokage Building buzzed with energy. A stage had been built before the new White Snake Brand Specialty Store.
The crowd gasped as Uchiha men and women stepped onto the stage. Their natural beauty alone drew eyes, but when they demonstrated the products—washing their faces, applying moisturizers, and showing off radiant skin—the audience erupted.
Nara Clan members narrated enthusiastically. Yamanaka women, graceful and charming, modeled the creams. Akimichi clansmen kept order among the swelling crowd.
"Beautiful!"
"Look at their skin!"
"White Snake Brand… I need it!"
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, watching through his crystal ball, rubbed his eyes in disbelief. The Uchiha cooperating in such a venture? Villagers lining up happily to buy beauty products?
He looked at the brochure his wife Biwako had given him that morning. "Skincare, beauty, anti-aging… White Snake Brand."
No price was listed, but the release date was today. He peered out the window of the Hokage Office and saw the massive crowd himself.
His heartbeat quickened. Biwako had specifically told him to bring home skincare products. What if they sold out before he arrived?
The Third Hokage, most powerful man in Konoha, suddenly found himself nervously clutching a brochure, ready to dash out like an ordinary husband on an errand.
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Chapter 58 – Joking
The explosive success of White Snake Brand shocked even Orochimaru himself. He had anticipated good sales, but this level of frenzy? This demand? It far exceeded expectations.
For once, the boy genius of Konoha was left speechless.
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