They traveled through time at the same time, but the villainous scientist

Chapter 19 Meeting the parents
A few days later.

Orochimaru left his makeshift laboratory.

He was also carrying a rather exquisite-looking wooden box.

What was inside was, of course, a gift he had prepared for Tsunade and the legendary First Hokage's wife.

Skincare products produced in his laboratory and formulated by himself.

The previous improvements to the soldier's ration pills were just minor steps, meant to earn some start-up capital and improve the favorability of higher-ups.

Now that he has some capital, he's thinking about finding a more efficient way to "make money".

These cosmetics and skincare products are his next move.

As the saying goes, women and children are the easiest to earn money from.

With his knowledge of biotechnology and chemistry, the products he created far surpassed the effects of similar products on the market.

Some time ago, he subtly mentioned to Tsunade that he was quite interested in the study materials she usually read and wanted to "learn from" them.

Unexpectedly, Tsunade agreed quite readily, waving her hand in a gesture of acceptance, and even warmly invited him to visit the Senju mansion.

I can't go to my teammate's house empty-handed the first time, can I?
He's not that idiot Jiraiya; he understands these basic social skills.
……

After passing through the relatively bustling streets of Konoha, Orochimaru soon arrived at the legendary Senju clan's residence.

Well, it's more like a vast mansion than a residence.

There wasn't a sign saying "Thousand Hands" hanging at the entrance, which made it seem rather low-key.

As soon as I reached the door, I saw a figure with golden twin ponytails jumping around and looking around.

Orochimaru! Here, here!

When Tsunade saw him, she immediately waved excitedly, looking full of energy.

Beside her stood an elderly woman who looked very old, with her red hair tied up and an air of elegance and nobility.

The old woman was dressed in an elegant kimono, with a gentle smile on her face. Just by standing there quietly, she exuded an indescribable aura of tranquility.

"Tsunade."

Orochimaru walked over and nodded.

"Hehe, let me introduce you,"

Tsunade grabbed Orochimaru, pointed at the old woman beside her, and said with a hint of smugness in her voice.

"This is my grandmother, Mito Uzumaki!"

"Lord Mito, hello, I am..."

Orochimaru's heart stirred slightly, but his face remained expressionless as he bowed slightly.

"Hehe, no need for formalities, child."

I often hear Tsunade mention you, saying you're an incredibly talented genius.

Mito Uzumaki interrupted him with a smile, her voice gentle and kind.
"Grandma! Don't talk nonsense!"
I only mention it occasionally~

Tsunade blushed instantly, stamping her foot and scolding him playfully.

"Yes yes yes~"

Mito Uzumaki smiled and echoed.

Watching the interaction between the grandfather and grandson, Orochimaru's lips curled into a faint smile.

"This is my first visit, and I have brought a small gift as a token of my appreciation."

He then handed over the wooden box he was holding.

"Oh?"

Mito Uzumaki was somewhat surprised, but she accepted the wooden box.

Upon opening it, I found several uniquely shaped small porcelain bottles inside.

She picked up one of the bottles, uncorked it, and smelled it; a faint, pleasant fragrance wafted out.

Then, she poured out a little of the milky white cream and gently spread it on the back of her hand.

The cream had a cool feel and was quickly absorbed by the skin, making the previously dry skin more moisturized.

"This……"

A look of surprise flashed across Mito's eyes.

Wow! What is this?

Tsunade also came over, looking at it curiously.

She followed suit, squeezing out a little and spreading it on her hand, then smelling it.

"The taste is reminiscent of thorny thorn, poria cocos, and coix seed..."

As Tsunade rattled off the ingredients of his skincare product like a menu, Orochimaru's lips twitched. Had his secret formula been exposed just like that?
"Hehe, I really like this gift. Thank you so much, child."

Seeing Orochimaru's reaction, Mito Uzumaki suppressed her surprise and her smile became even more gentle. "Come in quickly."

Orochimaru nodded and followed the grandfather and grandson into the Senju mansion.

However, as soon as he stepped inside the mansion, Orochimaru keenly sensed something amiss.

This huge mansion, although it is well-maintained in every way, is... far too small in number.
Apart from a few servants responsible for cleaning, there were hardly any other Senju clan members to be seen.

This seemed somewhat different from what he had imagined of a top-tier aristocratic family, one of the two founding families of Konoha.

"Don't you think it's...too quiet here?"

Noticing Orochimaru's gaze, Mito Uzumaki, who was walking ahead, paused slightly, then slowed down and asked softly.

Upon hearing this, Orochimaru nodded; he was indeed somewhat curious.

"During the Warring States period, ninjas were bound by clans and bloodlines, constantly fighting each other, which led to endless warfare." "Hashirama established ninja villages to end all of this."

"As the founder of the ninja village, in order to let other clans put aside their grudges and truly integrate into the big family of Konoha, Hashirama... set an example by taking the initiative to announce the disbandment of the Senju clan."

Of course, this is more of a symbolic dissolution.

The clan members are still alive, the bloodline is still there, but they no longer band together under the name of "Senju Clan," but have completely integrated into the Konoha system.

Mito Uzumaki sighed and explained softly.

Orochimaru nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this.

It must be said that Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, was indeed a man of great courage and vision.

This willingness to sacrifice one's own family's reputation for the sake of the collective good is something not everyone can do.

But it is precisely because of this that the ninja village was able to be established...

The group arrived at an elegant reception room.

The servants quickly served tea and snacks.

"Tsunade, go and get that herbal medicine guide I asked you to put away last time. It'll be good for Orochimaru to take a look too."

Not long after sitting down, Mito Uzumaki smiled and said to Tsunade.

"Oh, okay, Grandma!"

Tsunade scratched her head, somewhat confused, but still obediently got up and left.

As Tsunade's figure disappeared through the doorway, Mito Uzumaki's smile gradually faded, and she turned to look at Orochimaru.

His expression turned serious, especially his eyes, which seemed to see through all pretense and gaze directly into people's hearts.

Is this... Nine-Tails Mode?

Orochimaru was not afraid at all; instead, his eyes lit up.

He remembered that in the Naruto setting, Mito Uzumaki, as a perfect Jinchuriki, also possessed the ability to perceive malice that Naruto later had.

"Orochimaru."

“I’ve heard a bit about what you’ve been doing in the village lately.”

"I have to admit, you do possess talent and ability far beyond that of ordinary people."

"but……"

"An excessively powerful force, if not guided by the right mind, will often lead to an irreversible path."

Mito Uzumaki was taken aback by Orochimaru's reaction, but she still spoke in a deep voice.

Because of Tsunade, she had been keeping an eye on Orochimaru, especially after he read the Scroll of Seals and asked to see the Senju clan's information.

She knew very well what those forbidden techniques meant. Although doing so showed distrust of the Third Hokage, as the First Hokage's wife, she had to see Orochimaru's true character for herself.

"Tell me, Orochimaru."

"What exactly do you want those research materials for?"

"You are so passionate about research, seeking knowledge and power, but what is your purpose...?"

Mito Uzumaki stared into Orochimaru's eyes. As the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, her perception of malice far surpassed that of ordinary people.

She needed to understand Orochimaru's character and determine where this talent would ultimately lead.

Facing this old man who had weathered many storms and witnessed the founding and rise and fall of Konoha.

Orochimaru remained calm despite her all-seeing gaze.

"Lord Mito, you're overthinking it."

Orochimaru smiled upon hearing this, picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then put it down.

He raised his head to meet Mito Uzumaki's gaze without flinching.

"Purpose?"

"it's actually really easy."

"The knowledge accumulated by our predecessors will be inherited by the next generation, who will then continue to explore forward."

"Humanity will one day turn all the unknown into the known."

"I just think that the process of exploring the unknown is interesting in itself."

Upon hearing this answer, Mito Uzumaki paused for a moment.

She stared intently into Orochimaru's eyes, as if trying to find even the slightest trace of hypocrisy or ambition.

but no.

In those golden, vertical pupils, she could sense only pure curiosity and a thirst for knowledge itself.

a long time.

Mito Uzumaki's tense expression suddenly relaxed, revealing a relieved smile.

"Ha ha……"

She chuckled softly and shook her head.

"What an interesting child."

She picked up her teacup and took a sip.

"Ok."

"Since you want to see it, then go see it."

"The Senju family's database is now open to you."

(End of this chapter)