Chapter 48:
The man in the white coat was passionately recounting the experimental process from the past few months with great enthusiasm.
He was Harano, a medical ninja from Konoha Hospital with extensive expertise. After receiving an order from above, he had been working closely with Orochimaru to learn the production of the genetic repair fluid, which was called the recovery potion by them. Throughout the process, Harano had been astounded by Orochimaru's extraordinary talent and deep insights into genetics. Every now and then, with just a few suggestions or adjustments, Orochimaru would enlighten him, leaving him in awe of the young genius.
Before long, Harano couldn't resist the temptation and officially became Orochimaru's disciple. It might sound unbelievable for a middle-aged man in his forties to apprentice under a boy who wasn't even ten yet, but it was the truth.
Orochimaru, though, played along, pretending to study with Harano for a short while before passing him an improvised, incomplete formula and production process of the genetic repair fluid. From that point on, Harano began to study independently, only seeking Orochimaru's guidance when he encountered issues he truly couldn't resolve.
After three intense months, it was was finally completed! Though it was a substitute, and its regenerative abilities were slightly inferior to the original, the difference was minimal.
Upon hearing Harano's report, the Third Hokage nodded in approval. "How much does it cost to produce a recovery potion now?" he asked.
Harano hesitated slightly, then answered, "Well… around 50,000 ryō."
"Fifty thousand ryō?" The Third Hokage raised an eyebrow, surprised at first, then nodded again. "That's certainly more expensive than the standard wound medicine, which costs only a few hundred ryō, but considering its effects, it's worth every penny. Produce a batch for future use."
"Yes, sir!" Harano replied, bowing. "Then, I'll take my leave."