181-185

Chapter 181 Solitary and Obsessive Seeker of Truth 

Just like a shuriken aimed straight for the heart, Orochimaru's directness totally rattled Shindai, making his hands and feet go all shaky. He was practically vibrating! 

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, seeing Shindai tremble like a leaf. "My, my, you seem quite scared of me. What's wrong? Are you worried I'll kill you?" 

Shindai stammered, "N-n-no... It's not like that, is it? I-I just know a tiny, tiny bit, really, just a smidgen! There's no need for a messy end, right, Lord Orochimaru? My lips are sealed! In all of Konoha... no! In the entire ninja world, there's no one whose mouth is tighter than mine!" 

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed. "No one whose mouth is tighter than yours? Even though I've barely interacted with your teammates, I already know pretty much everything about them just from what you've blabbed! Hatake Kakashi is a closet pervert, Uchiha Obito is an idiot, and Nohara Rin is a clingy follower. Oh, and Minato Namikaze is completely whipped, likes to be submissive, and got his first kiss by Kushina Uzumaki yanking his collar and forcing it on him, right?" 

Shindai's face went completely stiff. Had he really said all that? He probably... well, yeah, he probably had. 

Shindai tried to twist out of it. "B-but those were just unimportant things! For the important stuff, my mouth is super tight, Lord Orochimaru! See, I know so much about you, and I haven't breathed a single word of it, right?" 

Orochimaru looked at Shindai with a knowing smirk. "You just said you only knew a little bit about me, and now you're saying you know a lot. Shindai, it seems you know quite a lot indeed." 

Shindai honestly wanted to slap himself. And he actually did, though it was more like a gentle caress than a real slap. 

Orochimaru tapped the table with his knuckles. "Alright, I can promise you I won't kill you. I don't want to, because your talent in research is truly excellent. I'm someone who values talent, and there are very few people in this ninja world with your gifts. But, I want you to tell me your true thoughts. If you keep joking around like before, then I can't guarantee this promise." 

Shindai's facial expressions kept changing. After a long moment, he looked up at Orochimaru and asked, "What if, Lord Orochimaru, what I say is something you don't want to hear?" 

Orochimaru replied, "As I said, as long as they are your true thoughts, the promise stands. Even if we can't walk the same path afterward, as long as you don't leak anything, this promise will remain valid." 

Shindai fell silent again for a while, then suggested to Orochimaru, "Lord Orochimaru, then I'll tell you what's really on my mind!" 

Orochimaru's interest was piqued. "Oh? Then begin." 

Shindai asked Orochimaru, "Lord Orochimaru, do you believe science has morality?" 

Orochimaru thought for a moment before replying, "No, in my opinion, science is cold and unfeeling, unrelated to morality. Science itself possesses no morality; it simply pursues objective facts and truth." 

Shindai nodded, then said, "Indeed, science doesn't possess morality, but people do. Our research always has strong objectives. For example, my puppets are for helping me in battle. And because people themselves possess morality, I believe that when we conduct scientific research, we also imbue it with that same attribute." 

Orochimaru's expression became slightly more serious. He replied, "However, ethics and morals can shackle scientific research, limiting creativity. While it may seem to go against certain moral standards in the short term, in the long run, the benefits are immense." 

Shindai countered, "Excessively pursuing speed of breakthrough while neglecting ethical considerations can also lead to catastrophic consequences. And it will also lead to restrictions. Since Lord Orochimaru doesn't want people to know about your research, isn't it because you're worried about being stopped if it's discovered? Lord Orochimaru, in my opinion, science and ethics are not opposing forces; they are mutually supportive and complementary. What is the purpose of the scientific research you are doing, Lord Orochimaru? Is it for yourself, for the village, or for the ninja world? Whatever the reason, doing research in secret will definitely tie your hands, and that will also limit creativity. I think, with everyone's support, you could still conduct research without distractions, couldn't you? 

For example, the research Lord Orochimaru is currently doing could be conducted in a more legitimate way. You could recruit volunteers as test subjects for human experiments, ensuring their lives are preserved. While the process might be a bit more complicated, it could solve a lot of trouble. But Lord Orochimaru hasn't done anything, just silently doing experiments alone, as if abandoning all ethics. Sometimes, I feel like Lord Orochimaru isn't truly a scientific researcher..." 

Orochimaru stared at Shindai and asked, "Like what?" 

Shindai looked directly into Orochimaru's eyes with a candid gaze and said, "I think Lord Orochimaru is more like... a solitary and obsessive seeker of truth." 

Orochimaru gazed at Shindai, silently. 

Shindai continued, "That's what I truly feel inside. I believe Lord Orochimaru isn't really that cold and unfeeling. I've felt that myself during these past few months we've spent together. So, conducting research within an ethical framework isn't something impossible, right? Doing experiments without risking other people's lives is surely more acceptable, isn't it? I believe that if you did things that way, Lord Hokage and the others would definitely support Lord Orochimaru's research. A person's energy is always limited, even if that person has infinite life. With everyone's support and help, it would definitely be easier, and you could even brainstorm ideas, which might be even more helpful for your research." 

Orochimaru looked at Shindai and asked, "Are you trying to convince me?" 

Shindai scratched his head. "Huh? Not really convincing, I guess... okay, maybe a little bit. Lord Orochimaru has taught me so much, and I really want to learn from you properly. Speaking of which, Lord Orochimaru, do you want to become Hokage?" 

Orochimaru looked puzzled. "Why are you suddenly asking that?" 

Shindai chuckled awkwardly. "Just asking, because it seems a lot of people in Konoha think Lord Orochimaru will be the next Hokage." 

Shindai remembered that the conflict between Orochimaru and Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to stem from the Hokage position not being given to Orochimaru, but to Minato Namikaze. They said Orochimaru had evil and ambition hidden in his eyes and couldn't be entrusted with such a heavy responsibility, which made Orochimaru hate Hiruzen Sarutobi. Shindai thought about trying to get some information for Minato Namikaze, to see if Orochimaru had any desire to be Hokage now. If Orochimaru didn't have that idea now, then perhaps he could help Minato Namikaze by eliminating a competitor. 

**What do you think of Orochimaru? 

Chapter 182: Orochimaru's Obsession 

Shindai wanted to subtly figure out if Orochimaru had any ambition to become Hokage right now. 

But Orochimaru just tossed the question right back at him. 

"So, many people think I'll be the next Hokage, huh? What do you think, then?" 

Shindai thought for a moment, choosing his words carefully, before saying, "I also think Lord Orochimaru has a very strong chance of becoming the next Hokage, but... Lord Orochimaru isn't suited to be Hokage." 

In his mind, Shindai was chanting, 'Why? Why?' 

Just as Shindai wished, Orochimaru asked, "Why do you say that?" 

Shindai immediately perked up, launching into his explanation for Orochimaru. "From my perspective, people like us just aren't cut out for Hokage! Think about it, Lord Orochimaru. To be Hokage, you've got to fully utilize your personal charisma. Of course, I'm not saying Lord Orochimaru lacks charisma! If I were a girl, I'd marry Lord Orochimaru in a heartbeat!" 

"Lord Orochimaru, you're the quiet, reserved type. A lot of girls who look up to you say you're like that 'forbidden-system handsome' guy. But being Hokage? You can't be reserved! You have to smile all the time, give everyone a friendly vibe, make the villagers feel safe. Smiling all day long... just thinking about it gives me the creeps!" 

"And that's not even the worst of it! The worst part is the never-ending paperwork! Lord Hokage's hair, Lord Orochimaru, have you seen it? His hairline has receded so much! He's a middle-aged man in his fifties, and if his hair wasn't still black, he'd look like an old grandpa!" 

"Because of all that endless work, you can't properly do your research. Inspiration is super important for us! Sometimes an idea just hits you, right? If you get bogged down with all that stuff and your inspiration vanishes, you might not recover for days!" 

"For me, even if someone begged me to be Hokage, I wouldn't do it! It might look glamorous, but it's exhausting work, a real pain in the neck. I'm sure you feel the same way, Lord Orochimaru, right?" 

Orochimaru looked at Shindai with a somewhat strange expression. "It doesn't seem like anyone would be begging you to become Hokage anyway." 

Shindai looked at Orochimaru plaintively. "Lord Orochimaru, I was just making an example! Did you really have to shoot me down like that?" 

Orochimaru waved his hand at Shindai. "Alright, you can go rest now." 

Shindai looked at Orochimaru, confused. "Huh? I can leave?" 

Orochimaru nodded. "Yes, you can go." 

Shindai shuffled his feet awkwardly for a moment, unable to hold it in, and asked curiously, "Lord Orochimaru, aren't you going to tell me what you're thinking? I've said my piece, now it's your turn, Lord Orochimaru, just a little bit?" 

Shindai really wanted to know what Orochimaru was thinking right then. 

Orochimaru's face was devoid of expression as he told Shindai, "No thoughts. If you still have energy, then join the other shinobi on night watch." 

"I'm tired! I'm outta here! See you tomorrow, Lord Orochimaru!" 

Shindai dashed off, afraid that if he lingered even a moment longer, Orochimaru would snag him for night watch. 

Shindai left Orochimaru's tent. 

Orochimaru stared blankly at the candlelight inside the tent, the flickering flame casting his face in shifting light and shadow. 

At this moment, Orochimaru's mood was similarly fluctuating. 

His parents had died when he was young. After graduating from the Ninja Academy at six years old, Orochimaru was assigned to Hiruzen Sarutobi's squad. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi had been exceptionally good to this disciple, treating him truly like his own child. 

Orochimaru was very grateful to Hiruzen Sarutobi. For Orochimaru, Hiruzen Sarutobi was like a father figure. 

But Orochimaru knew his own personality: his thoughts leaned towards the negative and self-centered. He didn't trust the strength of his comrades because he feared them getting hurt, preferring to solve everything by himself. 

During the Second Great Ninja War, his student, Nawaki, accidentally triggered an explosive tag trap and was blown to bits. 

When Nawaki sacrificed himself, Orochimaru was right behind him, watching. He didn't have time to save his student and could only watch helplessly as he left this world. 

This event made Orochimaru feel the fragility of life for the first time. 

After that, Tsunade's lover, Dan Kato, was critically wounded. Even with Tsunade's incredibly advanced medical ninjutsu, she couldn't save him. She could only watch Dan die, which led to her developing hemophobia. 

And the shinobi in the war, mercilessly killing each other, made Orochimaru increasingly feel that life was like a fragile object, easily shattered. 

Orochimaru wanted to explore truth by mastering all the jutsu in the world. 

However, a person's time is ultimately limited, and one never knows when death will come. 

Orochimaru had already secretly infiltrated the Hidden Leaf's forbidden jutsu archives, poring over countless ninja scrolls. Among them, the forbidden jutsu called Reanimation Jutsu, invented by Tobirama Senju, truly fascinated him. 

The Reanimation Jutsu could summon the souls of long-dead shinobi back into the living world and revive them in a physical form. 

Because of this jutsu, Orochimaru began to ponder the idea of immortality. 

Orochimaru believed that as long as he continued to live, it would allow him to master all jutsu. 

Right now, the only person in the entire Hidden Leaf supporting his research was Danzo. 

His research required a lot of resources and support, all provided by Danzo. 

Orochimaru was very clear about Danzo's intentions – he simply wanted the results of his research. 

Earlier, in the Hokage's office, what Hiruzen Sarutobi had said to him indicated that Hiruzen Sarutobi was already somewhat aware of what he was doing, meaning there was a risk of exposure. 

If he was exposed, he would have no choice but to leave the Hidden Leaf. 

If he could avoid leaving the Hidden Leaf, Orochimaru naturally wouldn't want to go, after all, everything he had was in the Hidden Leaf. 

Orochimaru felt that what Shindai said about him being a lonely and obsessive seeker of truth was very fitting. 

He just wanted to seek truth, even if it meant resorting to unscrupulous methods. 

"Heh, I never thought a mere genin would see right through me. If I conduct my research within the framework of ethics and morality, will I gain support...?" 

As for being Hokage? Orochimaru truly wasn't interested right now. Indeed, just as Shindai had said, being Hokage was a huge bother and would only interfere with his research. 

If, at some point, he did become interested in the Hokage position, it would mean he absolutely had to become Hokage and gain power to continue his research. 

Orochimaru wasn't that extreme yet, so he began to seriously consider whether Shindai's idea that science and ethics could be mutually beneficial and complementary was actually viable. 

If he could get Hiruzen Sarutobi's support for his research, then a slightly more troublesome process wouldn't really matter. 

The candle on the desk burned brighter and brighter, fully illuminating Orochimaru's face. 

"Hmph. Once I get back to the Hidden Leaf, I'll talk to Lord Hiruzen. If we can reach a consensus, then I'll leave Root. If not, then I'll still have to rely on Danzo to support my research." 

What do you think of Orochimaru's internal struggles? It's like he's caught between the light and the shadows, just like a true shinobi! 

Chapter 183: Stone Village Attack 

Back in his tent, Shindai felt a knot of unease in his stomach. Even though he'd laid his cards on the table with Orochimaru and gotten a promise not to be messed with, who knew if that Sannin would actually stick to his word? As for whether Orochimaru would actually listen to what he had to say, Shindai honestly didn't dare to think about it. 

Shindai had merely expressed his own philosophy. Differing ideologies are the biggest rift, and it's incredibly hard to persuade someone when your core beliefs clash. Orochimaru definitely had his own set of ideals, which dictated his conduct, values, and goals, and consequently influenced how he viewed and tackled problems. Shindai didn't agree with Orochimaru's philosophy, and similarly, he didn't believe his own ideas could sway Orochimaru. 

In Shindai's mind, the best outcome would be for Orochimaru to make some concessions in order to conduct his research more comfortably. A good research environment is crucial; having support is far better than going it alone. Imagine the hassle of having to secure funding, materials, and everything else by yourself! Shindai, for example, when he needed research materials, he'd just hand a list to Obito and the others and let them handle it, or maybe even "borrow" some useful bits from Minato-sensei's house. Money wasn't an issue for him; he was all about pulling off a grand scheme with nothing but ingenuity. 

So, even though Orochimaru's research would be restricted after making concessions, preventing him from treating people like disposable tools, it would also make his work much easier. He wouldn't have to constantly worry about being found out or operate in the shadows anymore. Unless... Orochimaru actually enjoyed that sneaky, clandestine feeling. 

Eek! It's not impossible, he might actually enjoy the thrill of it! 

Shindai slapped himself on the forehead. "What am I even thinking about at a time like this?! But... where did I go wrong? How did Orochimaru figure me out? My acting has always been top-notch! This is truly bizarre. Forget it, I'll just check on Pakura's location." 

Shindai pulled out a small screen from his ninja pouch. On it, a tiny dot marked Pakura's position. "Hmm, her location hasn't really changed; she's still within the Sand Village. When is Rasa going to make his move? Is he really that patient?" 

Shindai felt a bit anxious. He wanted Rasa to act on Pakura quickly. The sooner it started, the sooner it would end. Once Pakura was safe, he could relax, and even get her to come to Konoha. 

The next few days were a torment for Shindai. Worrying about Orochimaru and then worrying about Pakura almost drove him to a nervous breakdown. Two days passed in this state. 

On the evening of the second day, a squad of about 15 Stone Village ninja launched a surprise attack on their camp. 

"Shindai!" 

Shindai's teammate, Choji's ancestor Akimichi Tayori, called out to him. Shindai quickly formed hand signs: "Alright, let's go, I'm ready!" 

"Right!" Tayori immediately formed his own hand signs. 

"Partial Expansion Jutsu!" 

Tayori increased his body size. 

"Magnet Release! Iron Sand Spikes!" 

Shindai manipulated his iron sand, forming sharp spikes on Tayori's back. 

"Human Bullet Tank!" 

Tayori attacked the invading Stone Village ninja by rolling and ramming into them. Anyone he hit was guaranteed to end up with a few new holes in them. Tayori bulldozed his way through the Stone Village ninja, while Shindai, using his Iron Sand Wings, soared into the sky, raining down attacks on them from above. 

Coupled with Orochimaru's counter-attack and the efforts of the other Konoha ninja, the Stone Village squad was quickly repelled. Shindai helped the injured Tayori to the medical ninja's tent for treatment. Tayori's injury was self-inflicted; he'd spun so fast he got dizzy and smacked his head on a tree, splitting it open. 

When Shindai helped Tayori into the medical tent, he awkwardly said, "Hey, Tayori, I think your little scratch can wait." Tayori, holding the big bump on his head, saw only two medical ninja bustling about with a dozen injured shinobi, three of whom looked severely hurt. The two medical ninja were swamped, and even Tayori felt a bit embarrassed. "Yeah, you're right. My injury isn't that bad. Shindai, just help me back to my tent to rest." 

After helping Tayori back to his tent, Shindai went to Orochimaru's tent. "Orochimaru-sama, we only have two medical ninja here, and quite a few injured. They're a bit overwhelmed." 

Orochimaru replied, "I've already requested reinforcements from Konoha – combat ninja and medical ninja. But even then, it'll take about three days for them to arrive. So, if the Stone Village ninja attack again within these three days, we'll have to figure out a way to hold them off ourselves. I've summoned many snakes to patrol the perimeter, and Shindai, your jutsu is perfect for crowd control. Prepare your iron sand beforehand so you can immediately cover a large area with attacks when the enemy strikes." 

Shindai nodded. "Understood, Orochimaru-sama." 

After leaving the tent, Shindai used his Magnet Release to draw the iron sand from underground to the surface, preparing for battle. 

On the third day, the Stone Village ninja indeed returned, and their numbers were even greater than last time, roughly 30 of them. This time, Shindai didn't team up with Tayori; instead, he fought alongside Orochimaru. 

"Striking Shadow Snakes!" 

Orochimaru hunched over, spitting out a massive swarm of snakes from his mouth, continuously attacking the enemy. Seeing Orochimaru spewing out so many snakes, and in such a dense mass, Shindai shivered and let out a gag. 

Orochimaru glanced at Shindai from the corner of his eye. "Don't just stand there." 

"Oh." 

"Magnet Release! Iron Sand Demonic Imperial Array!" 

Shindai used the iron sand he had already spread across the ground to form a large, spiky barrier for piercing attacks. Shindai felt something was off; these Stone Village ninja were surprisingly tough. Most of them seemed to be at the Jonin level, and they skillfully evaded Shindai's Iron Sand Demonic Imperial Array using their Earth Release ninjutsu. 

Shindai summoned Kamunari, and with the Iron Sand Wings on his back, he soared freely within the Iron Sand Demonic Imperial Array, then manipulated Kamunari to engage the Stone Village ninja. Orochimaru formed hand signs and used the Summoning Jutsu, bringing forth many enormous snakes to assist in the battle. 

The fight lasted for over half an hour. Under the combined efforts of Shindai, Orochimaru, and the rest of the Konoha ninja, they barely managed to repel the Stone Village forces again. Shindai clutched his bleeding arm; he had been moving too fast during a dive and was accidentally grazed by a kunai flying through the air. At the same time, Shindai felt an incredibly resentful gaze. He looked towards the source of the feeling and found Akimichi Tayori. Tayori was now also covered in wounds. They were teammates, yet Shindai hadn't stuck with him. No wonder Tayori looked so dejected! 

Chapter 184: Shindai's Business Savvy 

The Stone Ninjas attacked again, and this time, their combat strength was serious. While they were repelled, the Leaf Village shinobi took heavy losses. 

There were originally only about 30-something Leaf ninja here. Now, all of them were injured, half with severe wounds, and five or six had even sacrificed their lives. 

Even Orochimaru himself sustained a minor injury. 

Given Orochimaru's reputation, he was definitely the primary target for the Stone Ninja's attacks. 

The good news was that Leaf Village reinforcements had arrived. The bad news was that because the Leaf had so many areas to defend, they couldn't send many people to support this location. 

Another 30 combat ninja were sent as reinforcements, but there were only seven medical ninja. However, people from the Leaf Village Orphanage came to help with logistics. 

Among them were Yakushi Nonou and Yakushi Kabuto. 

Shindai sat beside Orochimaru, waiting for treatment. Since neither of their injuries were too severe, they would be treated after the more critical cases. 

Yakushi Nonou and Yakushi Kabuto, both capable of medical ninjutsu, began treating the wounded. 

Kabuto walked up to Orochimaru and Shindai and said, "I'll treat you two." 

Shindai grinned. "Oh, sure!" 

Orochimaru didn't say anything, but he already pulled up the sleeve of his left arm, revealing a wound that looked quite deep. 

Green, glowing chakra erupted from Kabuto's hands as he began treating Orochimaru. 

Yakushi Nonou asked Kabuto, "Kabuto, are you holding up?" 

Kabuto, full of energy, replied, "Yes, Matron, I'm fine!" 

One of the orphanage staff members helping out behind Kabuto grumbled, "Even if it's for the orphanage, why do we have to help treat ninja? We're supposed to be logistics!" 

Kabuto, with surprising maturity, replied, "Because if you don't do anything, money won't just come to you. Achi, can you get me some bandages?" 

"Alright." 

The orphanage staff member, called Achi by Kabuto, went to get bandages. 

Orochimaru looked at Kabuto, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "You're not a ninja, but your medical skills are impressive." 

Shindai chimed in from the side, "He's right! The Mystical Palm Technique isn't simple medical ninjutsu; it's considered advanced!" 

Kabuto proudly stated, "Matron taught it to me!" 

Orochimaru felt a spark of interest in Kabuto's talent. He said to Kabuto, "Your name is Kabuto, right? Have you ever thought about becoming a ninja? I believe you'd be an excellent one." 

Kabuto smiled. "I don't plan to. I just want to help the orphanage earn as much money as possible and stay by Matron's side. She's done so much for me, and all I've been able to do is give her a pair of glasses." 

"Is that so? What a shame." 

Shindai pointed at himself and asked, "Kabuto, do you remember me?" 

Kabuto scrutinized Shindai's face, and in Shindai's expectant gaze, he replied, "No, I don't." 

Shindai frowned. "Hey, you rude little brat! I was there when they found you on the battlefield!" 

Kabuto apologized. "My apologies, my eyesight isn't very good, so I wasn't wearing my glasses back then and couldn't see people clearly. Plus, my head was a bit fuzzy at the time, so I was spaced out." 

Shindai asked, "From what you just said, it sounds like the orphanage is really short on money?" 

Kabuto sighed. "Yes, the orphanage's funding has always been a big problem. The village seems to be in a financial pinch right now too, so those of us capable kids do whatever we can to earn some money and lessen Matron's burden." 

Shindai thought for a moment, then said, "Short on money, huh? That's actually a small problem. I have many money-making plans. Want to hear them?" 

Kabuto had finished treating Orochimaru and had moved on to Shindai's arm wound. He asked curiously, "Hm? What kind of plans?" 

Shindai proposed, "I can tell you, but only if you become my subordinate from now on. What do you say?" 

Kabuto just went down the wrong path, Shindai felt. If he was properly guided, he might become a very good assistant. 

Later, when his "adult puppet shop" opened, if business was booming, having a capable assistant would be crucial. 

Kabuto nodded decisively. "As long as it helps the orphanage get funding, I can be your subordinate!" 

Shindai then began to speak grandly. "Alright, so it's a deal! Now, let your big brother enlighten you, my little brother! First off, you need to get donations from kind-hearted people. Your orphanage should organize a charity event in the Hidden Leaf, and tell them how miserable you are, how bad things are for you..." 

Kabuto looked confused. "But... even though life is a bit tough, we're not miserable or bad at all! On the contrary, we're quite happy; Matron is very good to us!" 

Shindai tapped Kabuto's head. "Idiot! It means you need to play up your hardships, to elicit sympathy! If you want donations, you need to give people a reason to donate, right?" 

"Isn't your life tough? Then say you don't get enough to eat or wear every day, that you're bullied constantly, that children without parents aren't loved, and that you long for affection and all that! It seems you respect your Matron a lot, so you can say how tired she is for you, how she pours her heart and soul into the orphanage children, selflessly dedicating herself." 

"In short, tell them how miserable it is, how touching it is, so that those kind-hearted people willingly open their wallets and donate to your orphanage. Think about it yourself: if there's a pitiful, ragged child asking you for a bite to eat, would you give it to them? Of course you would, if you could!" 

Kabuto nodded thoughtfully. 

It sounded like... it made sense. 

Shindai continued, "But you can't use this method too often, it'll lose its effect. So, you need a stable source of income. The best way is to open a shop. You can open a store in the orphanage's name." 

"For example, open a handicraft shop, and then give the handicrafts a special value. Say that every handicraft purchased helps improve a child's life." 

"Or, say, open a snack shop and give it a value: 'You eat a snack, and a meal goes into an orphanage child's belly.' I believe there will be a steady stream of caring customers willing to pay for it, especially since it's not expensive." 

"You can use the donated funds to open these shops. That way, you'll have a stable income source. From then on, forget just improving your lives, you might even reach the pinnacle of life!" 

Kabuto's heart pounded with excitement as he listened, his face flushed. This wasn't just logical; it was very logical! 

"Big Brother! You're absolutely right! Could you talk to Matron about this later?" 

"Of course! Who else but your big brother would help you out? I'll go talk to your Matron later, and then I'll invest a share too!" 

Shindai grew more and more enthusiastic as he spoke, even getting himself excited. He felt like this was a goldmine! 

Orochimaru looked at Shindai with a strange expression. 

Playing the victim to raise charity funds, then opening a shop, giving products a 'caring' value to make customers buy them—this whole process was truly seamless. But he had to admit, it was indeed a good way to make money. 

It seems Shindai has quite the knack for unconventional business strategies, wouldn't you say? It makes you wonder how the Hidden Leaf's economy would change if he had more influence! 

Chapter 185: Interested in Investing? 

Kabuto was currently lost in the dream Shindai had painted for him. 

He didn't understand all the details, but he got the general idea. In short, the orphanage would never lack money again. 

However, Kabuto was worried that if he talked to Matron Nonou himself, she might not take him seriously since he was just a kid. So, he asked Shindai to explain his money-making plan to her later. 

And Shindai readily agreed. 

Because right now, Shindai felt this was a real goldmine. He came up with the idea, after all, so investing a little and getting a cut of the profits seemed perfectly reasonable, right? 

"Big Brother, don't forget!" 

"No problem! I've got it!" 

Kabuto happily went off to treat other ninja. 

Shindai, meanwhile, was also cheerfully calculating his potential earnings. The more he calculated, the brighter the smile on his face became. Maybe he'd even have enough funds directly for his adult puppet shop when he opened it! 

Aha! 

A sudden spark of inspiration hit Shindai. 

When the orphanage held its charity event, he could totally crash it! 

Playing the victim? He was a professional! He came to the Hidden Leaf alone from the Sand Village – that's prime material for a sob story. He could get those kind-hearted folks to donate to him too! 

Yes! That's the plan! 

Every time Shindai fantasized about a bright future, someone always showed up to pour cold water on his dreams. 

It used to be Obito, Kakashi, and Rin, but now, it was Orochimaru. 

Orochimaru spoke to the happy-go-lucky Shindai. "You won't be able to do it." 

Shindai was surprised. "Can't do it? Why? Is there a flaw in my money-making plan? Or does the Hidden Leaf not have any kind-hearted people? That'd be too stingy!" 

Orochimaru replied, "Your money-making plan isn't flawed. If everything goes smoothly, it could indeed solve the orphanage's financial problems. But that's if everything goes smoothly." 

Shindai was confused. "So, what's the 'not smooth' scenario?" 

Orochimaru glanced at Shindai. "You know a lot about my affairs, don't you? Then you should know who I'm working for right now." 

Shindai thought about it, and his face instantly darkened. 

Damn it! That old geezer Danzo! 

Orochimaru saw Shindai's face had gone dark and understood that Shindai had guessed. He continued, "Nonou was once a Root ninja, a rather excellent intelligence operative, known as the 'Walking Miko.' But she left Root." 

"Because she was too exceptional, no one in Root could replace her as an intelligence agent. Danzo wouldn't just let her leave Root so easily. So, Danzo wants her to return. You saw someone talking to me at the Hidden Leaf gate the other day, and you asked me who he was, didn't you? That was Aburame Ryuma, Danzo's direct subordinate. He came to tell me that Danzo wants Nonou back in Root." 

"Once this mission is over and I return to the Hidden Leaf, Danzo and I will go see Nonou and make her return to Root." 

"Danzo is a man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. If Nonou isn't willing to work for him, then based on my understanding of Danzo, he'll use the orphanage as leverage to force her back into Root." 

"The orphanage's funds, those children—Danzo will use them all to force Nonou to comply. The donations collected from charity events might be stolen the next day, and the shops they open might constantly face trouble until they're forced to close down." 

"Destroying these things is easy for Danzo. So, no, you won't be able to do any of this." 

Shindai bit his thumb, his brows furrowed in deep thought. 

He'd just taken Kabuto on as his subordinate. Was he, as the "big brother," going to break his promise to Kabuto so soon? 

That would be too embarrassing. 

Danzo was a truly shady old man. 

Shindai was willing to call Danzo the shadiest old man after Black Zetsu. 

Even if he managed to help the orphanage succeed, Danzo would definitely resent him, and that would be super troublesome. 

In other words, before he could help the orphanage, he had to figure out how to deal with Danzo. 

Once Danzo was handled, his money-making plans would naturally succeed. 

What to do? 

Shindai glanced at Orochimaru beside him and couldn't look away. 

Orochimaru was actually waiting for Shindai's response, curious to see what solution Shindai would come up with in this situation. 

Orochimaru saw Shindai's eyes light up and asked, "What? Have you thought of a solution?" 

Shindai grabbed Orochimaru's sleeve, his eyes sparkling as he asked, "Lord Orochimaru, are you interested in investing?" 

"Hm?" 

Orochimaru looked at Shindai, puzzled. Why was he suddenly asking about investing out of nowhere? 

Shindai excitedly explained, "Actually, solving the Danzo problem is super simple! All we have to do is drag Lord Hokage and the Legendary Sannin into this... erm, no, that's not right. Get them involved, and everything will be smooth sailing!" 

"Get Lord Hokage to promote the orphanage, and give Sister Nonou an award, like 'The Kindest Person in the Hidden Leaf'! That would clearly show that the orphanage and Sister Nonou are under Lord Hokage's protection!" 

"Later, when the orphanage opens its shops, Lord Orochimaru, Lord Jiraiya, and Lady Tsunade can all buy a small share. Then, the Legendary Sannin themselves can make personal appearances and advertise, which would safeguard these shops!" 

"That way, who would dare steal money? Who would dare threaten the orphanage? Who would dare cause trouble at the orphanage's shops? Causing trouble would mean going against Lord Hokage and the Legendary Sannin! Doesn't that solve everything?" 

"No matter how strong Danzo is, he can't possibly be stronger than Lord Hokage, right, Lord Orochimaru?" 

Orochimaru listened to Shindai's solution and couldn't help but be amazed at how quickly the kid's mind worked in this area. 

Orochimaru nodded in agreement. "It is indeed a solution, and it also takes you out of the picture. However, just having Lord Hiruzen, Jiraiya, and Tsunade do this would be enough; they'd be quite willing to do such a thing. Why would you mention me? I'm working for him, so why do you think I'd help Nonou?" 

Shindai looked into Orochimaru's snake-like eyes and said, "Lord Orochimaru, smart people like us, it's not just about intelligence. The fact that you just told me about Danzo means you've already considered making a concession, haven't you?" 

"I can't get involved in this directly, after all, I don't want to be targeted by that troublesome guy, Danzo. But once Lord Orochimaru makes a concession, your relationship with Danzo will definitely worsen. Since it's going to worsen anyway, you don't need to worry about Danzo's feelings, right?" 

"This matter could earn Lord Orochimaru some good reputation, and a good reputation is quite useful sometimes, isn't it? There's no harm in having too much good reputation. Plus, it could also allow you to bargain for more things from Lord Hokage." 

Orochimaru gazed at Shindai, then suddenly smiled. 

"Shindai, I increasingly want you to become my disciple. If you were my disciple, I wouldn't have to worry about so many troublesome things." 

What do you think of Shindai's bold proposal? It sounds like he's trying to play the ultimate game of chess with the big players of the Hidden Leaf!