Compared to two years ago, Uchiha Hikari had grown quite a bit taller and was no longer so thin. After multiple treatments, her body was very healthy, and her previously flat chest had also developed.
"That Nawaki guy left, right?"
Uchiha Hikari looked around, greatly disliking Nawaki, who always took up Orochimaru's time.
Orochimaru had been away on missions for so long, and just when they finally met, Nawaki would interrupt them again. Uchiha Hikari's hostility towards Nawaki was growing, and she found him more and more unbearable.
If Orochimaru didn't know what was going on, she would have suspected that the current reincarnations of Indra and Ashura were them.
After all, Uchiha Madara was still alive and well.
By her reckoning, he should be close to awakening the Rinnegan.
"He left a long time ago."
Orochimaru raised her hand and pinched Uchiha Hikari's considerably rounder cheek.
"How long will you stay this time?"
Uchiha Hikari rubbed her face against Orochimaru's hand.
"Hard to say, I don't know either."
Orochimaru also didn't know how long she could stay in Konoha. Being too busy, she had to slow down her research progress, which was what annoyed her the most.
Land of Waves, White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company.
In the CEO's office, Orochimaru sat on the sofa and said, "Regarding those war orphans, let's cultivate them. Even if only one-third or even fewer have the talent to become Ninja, it's still a profit for us. The remaining people can also become loyal to the company."
Orochimaru's plan for the war orphans was very simple: those with Ninja talent would be assigned to positions that required Chakra refinement, those without would be assigned to positions that didn't require Chakra, and those with Bloodline Limits would have special arrangements.
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."
Aokawa replied respectfully. So, Lord Orochimaru had already thought this far ahead?
Had Lord Orochimaru already anticipated that Jiraiya would seek help from the company for the war orphans, which is why she instructed me to agree to Jiraiya's request as much as possible?
Truly worthy of Lord Orochimaru!
Thinking of this, Aokawa's admiration for Lord Orochimaru grew even stronger.
What is this Aokawa thinking again?
Orochimaru looked at Aokawa, who had been CEO for quite some time and still liked to overthink things, completely unable to understand what he was thinking.
"Once the flames of war reach Konoha, I will also need to go to the battlefield."
Orochimaru stood up and walked to the window, looking at the prosperous scenery of the Land of Waves outside.
"Lord Orochimaru, is there anything our Iburi Clan can do?"
Aokawa really wanted to do something for Lord Orochimaru. In his opinion, Lord Orochimaru had always been giving to them, while they had never helped Lord Orochimaru at all.
"Everything proceeds according to plan. Minimize the impact of the war on the company as much as possible."
The Laboratory Base on the island had already become a processing plant for Sage Art Explosives. Orochimaru needed a large amount of money to purchase materials for making explosives, then process them into Sage Art Explosives and seal them into paper. Various research projects also required large funds.
"Lord Orochimaru, please rest assured and leave it to me."
Aokawa said seriously. The impact of the war on the company was obvious.
"Oh, by the way, Lord Orochimaru, there will be a meeting shortly. Would you like to attend?"
Aokawa suddenly remembered that Hanzo would be arriving at the company soon.
"Let Mi attend."
Orochimaru was not interested in attending meetings.
Soon after... A black sedan flew through the air. It bore the Hidden Rain Village symbol on its body. The car stopped on the platform of the White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company's rooftop lounge. The car door opened, and a much more mature Hanzo stepped out of the car.
Conference room
"What does a war between great nations have to do with us? As long as it doesn't interfere with my research, they can fight however they want!"
Mi said, arms crossed, completely unconcerned. She didn't care at all what would happen to the Ninja World, as long as it didn't delay her research. In any case, it would be the main body's headache.
"Mi, the war has already affected us. If this continues, the funds for the Laboratory Base..."
Kakuzu reminded with a heavy expression. Just thinking about how much money the company would lose due to the war made him feel very bad.
"What?! You old fossil, how dare you cut my funds? Do you believe I'll blow up your flashy car?!"
Mi slammed the table and stood up, her temper as explosive as ever. She was ready to target Kakuzu's precious car at the slightest disagreement.
"Ms. Mi, please calm down. What's more important now is how to minimize the war's impact on us."
Hanzo also didn't want the war to affect the Land of Rain, but that was impossible.
The geographical location of the Land of Rain was simply too good, sandwiched between the three great nations of Wind, Earth, and Fire. If it weren't for the help of the White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company, he couldn't imagine what the Land of Rain would be like now.
"It's very difficult. The war is escalating, and we can only try our best to minimize its impact on us."
Setsuryu, as the company's external representative, often traveled to various countries on business. She was well aware that all the major Shinobi Villages were caught up in the fighting, and only when they calmed down would the war end.
"Also, the arrangement for the war orphans. Thanks to Orochimaru's friend, we have taken in over a thousand war orphans. Currently, the company is considering buying a small island near the Land of Waves to serve as an Orphanage for the war orphans."
Kakuzu knew the future value of those war orphans, but the thought of having to provide them with free food and drink for so many years made his heart ache. How much money would that cost!
"Once those war orphans grow up, even if one-third of them possess Ninja talent, they can bring us enough profit and value. For those without Ninja talent, we can also arrange jobs for them, and their loyalty to the company is guaranteed."
Aokawa believed that spending money to raise those war orphans was worthwhile, and more war orphans would be sent over later.
Having witnessed the war, Aokawa believed that the company needed to accumulate sufficient strength to protect itself.
And those war orphans would become Ninja who protect the company, employees who work for the company, and people loyal to Lord Orochimaru and the company in the future.
This was Lord Orochimaru's foresight!
Thinking of this, Aokawa's admiration for Lord Orochimaru grew even stronger.
This was the best outcome for those war orphans.
Hanzo's eyes flashed with surprise upon hearing this. The White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company's benefits could be said to be the best of any company. Simply being able to work for the company was enough to make others envious.
"In summary, the war's impact on the company is more than just this. Our transportation hubs in various countries are the most affected. Therefore, the company's cargo fleet needs to strengthen its vigilance and defense to prevent attacks!"
Aokawa sighed and looked at Hanzo, saying, "Hanzo, I'm entrusting the Land of Rain's transportation hub and Battery Factory to you."
"Please rest assured and leave it to me."
Hanzo would not allow the Land of Rain's national foundation to be jeopardized, and in his eyes, the national foundation was the White Snake Battery Factory and the White Snake Transportation Hub.
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