Chapter 85:
As an adult soul in a teenager's body, Orochimaru's actions and mannerisms naturally mirrored the cold, calculating figure he would one day become.
Hearing the thinly veiled threat in Orochimaru's voice, the village chief, Moriyama Yu, quickly raised his hand, signaling his subordinate to step back. The Grass ninja hesitated but followed orders. Despite not understanding why his leader was so deferential toward this young man, as a ninja, he knew better than to question orders. Though clearly displeased, he withdrew without further resistance.
"Mr. White Snake, surely we can negotiate the price a little more?" Moriyama Yu asked, trying to keep his tone diplomatic.
Orochimaru didn't even bother turning around. "Do you really think 500,000 ryo is too much to save a life?" His voice was low, filled with thinly veiled disdain, making it clear he had no intention of haggling.
His meaning was obvious: Take it or leave it.
Moriyama Yu swallowed his frustration and pressed on. "But can you guarantee that every dose of the potion will be as effective as you claim?"
Orochimaru finally turned, his golden eyes locking onto the village chief. "Do you think I'd waste my time trying to cheat you out of a few million ryo? Do you take us for fools?" His voice, dripping with sarcasm, made Moriyama Yu flinch slightly.
The village chief knew he was in no position to argue. A year ago, this mysterious "White Snake" had appeared out of nowhere, claiming to belong to a powerful organization and offering them a miraculous healing potion for 500,000 ryo per vial. The potion, he promised, could pull a ninja back from the brink of death in less than three minutes.
At first, no one believed him. Such rapid healing was unheard of, even in the most advanced medical circles. But before leaving, Orochimaru had left a single vial behind, free of charge, and instructed them to test it on a seriously wounded ninja.