---
"No, I have a better solution."
Takuya waved his hand dismissively.
"Huh?"
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "Takuya, do you have something in mind?"
Hearing Takuya's words, Orochimaru couldn't hide his surprise. Based on his knowledge of Takuya, the man wasn't one to make empty promises. If he said there was a solution, there must be something substantial behind it. But this was no simple task. Creating a chakra generator wasn't like going to the market to buy vegetables. How could he claim to have a way?
"That's right," Takuya replied calmly. "I've made a major breakthrough. Follow the instructions I'll provide, and chakra will no longer be a limitation for any shinobi."
He smiled, confident in the information he had already prepared in his mind.
Orochimaru and Beiruhu exchanged glances, both sucking in a breath. Could it really be possible? Up until now, they assumed Takuya's request for their research indicated he didn't have the means to create such a device. But here he was, claiming he had not only a solution but one so far ahead of what they had been working on. The skepticism in their eyes was clear—Takuya's strength was undeniable, but this kind of breakthrough required more than raw power.
"Takuya, can we see this information?" Orochimaru asked, his competitive nature flaring up. When it came to research, there was no one he feared. He needed to see if Takuya's claims were as groundbreaking as they sounded.
"Of course," Takuya replied, pulling a scroll from his robes and handing it over.
Orochimaru and Beiruhu immediately huddled together, eagerly unrolling the scroll. As they scanned the contents, their expressions shifted from doubt to surprise, then to shock and finally to admiration. By the time they finished, both men looked at each other and let out a synchronized sigh.
"Takuya, I'm… thoroughly impressed," Orochimaru admitted, his voice low with disbelief. "You've even figured out how to cultivate a Sacred Tree… With this knowledge, chakra really won't be a problem anymore."
He spoke with a tone that bordered on reverence, looking at Takuya as though seeing him in a new light.
"Takuya, I've always respected your power, but I thought I could surpass anyone when it came to research. Yet, with this… I have to admit defeat." Orochimaru's eyes were sincere. "I may never surpass you in this field."
For the first time, Orochimaru, the proud and self-assured scientist, felt humbled. Before, he had followed Takuya because of his strength and the resources he provided. But now, he was truly convinced—Takuya was someone to follow without hesitation.
"Hokage-sama, you're like a god of the shinobi world," Beiruhu added, his awe palpable. As a researcher, he understood the monumental value of the information Takuya had handed them. Only a god, he thought, could conceive something so advanced.
"Now, the two of you will develop the seeds of the Sacred Tree according to the instructions on the scroll," Takuya instructed. "The world is vast, and we can't be limited to just this small shinobi world. Our goal is the stars themselves."
Orochimaru and Beiruhu stood straight, their faces filled with respect and admiration. "Yes, Hokage-sama!"
Takuya nodded. "Good. Do you have any more questions?"
Seeing the intensity of their gazes, Takuya took a cautious step back. Why were they staring at him like that?
"Takuya, wait a moment," Orochimaru called out, waving to one of his android assistants. The android left immediately, and Takuya had a sinking feeling that he knew what was coming.
Sure enough, when the android returned, it wasn't alone. Alongside it was a young, attractive woman.
"Not again..." Takuya thought, smiling wryly. Orochimaru was always pulling this. Every time Takuya visited, he was presented with a "gift"—and it was always a beautiful woman. First, it was Mitarashi Anko, then Guren, and now… there's another.
"Takuya, this is Tayuya," Orochimaru said with a grin. "She's yours now."
"Greetings, Hokage-sama," Tayuya knelt, bowing her head in respect.
"Get up," Takuya said, giving her a quick nod. She was indeed a beauty, and since Orochimaru had already gone through the trouble, there was no reason to refuse. Tayuya stood and positioned herself behind Takuya, accepting her new role without question.
"If you have any questions, Orochimaru, just come find me," Takuya said, clapping him on the shoulder before turning to leave with Tayuya in tow.
As they left, Beiruhu glanced enviously at Orochimaru. "Why do you act like that now? Trying to show off?"
"No wonder he's the leader," Beiruhu muttered to himself. "I should take notes."
---
In Konoha, Takuya and Tayuya walked down the bustling streets. Tayuya's eyes darted around, wide with curiosity as she took in the lively atmosphere.
"Tayuya, do you have any hobbies?" Takuya asked after a moment, realizing that he knew little about her.
Tayuya blinked, clearly taken aback. "Hobbies? Hokage-sama?"
"Yes," Takuya smiled. "Is there anything you enjoy doing?"
"Hokage-sama, I… don't have any hobbies," Tayuya replied, her voice hesitant. She was clearly unsure how to answer.
"Really?" Takuya raised an eyebrow. "Then how do you spend your time?"
"I usually train in ninjutsu and other ninja arts," she said quietly, unsure why Takuya was asking such questions.
"Do you enjoy that kind of life?" Takuya asked, sighing softly. "You can be honest."
Tayuya hesitated before answering, "I… don't know. It's all I've ever known."
Takuya could tell from her response that she had been raised as little more than a tool, just like so many others under Orochimaru's care. He had no intention of letting his wife remain in that mindset.
"Let's spend the day exploring Konoha," Takuya said with a smile.
"As you wish, Hokage-sama," Tayuya replied, following without question.
To her surprise, Takuya led her through the village, stopping at various street vendors and buying her snacks, insisting she try them all. She was hesitant at first, but with each bite, her eyes lit up, especially at the desserts.
"How is it? Do you like them?" Takuya asked, pleased with her reaction.
"They're… delicious," she admitted, her guard slowly lowering.
They continued through the village, eventually arriving at a large, grand shopping mall. The building was bright and lavishly decorated, and Tayuya couldn't help but stare.
"Come on," Takuya said, leading her to the second floor.
There, the entire floor was filled with women's clothing stores, displaying all kinds of beautiful outfits. Tayuya glanced down at her own simple, worn clothes and felt a wave of discomfort.
"See anything you like?" Takuya asked, noticing her gaze.
"I… I'm fine, Hokage-sama," she replied, shaking her head quickly.
Takuya sighed and picked out a few outfits himself. "Go try these on."
"As you command," Tayuya said, taking the clothes hesitantly and disappearing into the fitting room.
When she emerged, Takuya's eyes brightened. "You look great, Tayuya. Really."
For the first time, Tayuya looked at her reflection and felt something other than indifference. She wasn't just a tool anymore—she was a person.
---