"Huh?"
The moment the Daimyo of the Wind Country brought up the topic of a longevity elixir, all eyes in the hall turned sharply toward Ren Takashi. The daimyos and other representatives stared at him with fiery anticipation, making him visibly uncomfortable.
But it wasn't just the stares that unsettled him.
From his seat in the shadows, the Third Hokage's expression darkened. His heart dropped, and his gaze grew razor sharp.
He wasn't concerned about the daimyos living longer.
No—what terrified him was the possibility that Uzumaki Mito might extend her life.
He had been biding his time, waiting for her inevitable decline. With her gone, he could finally dismantle the alliance between the Uchiha and Uzumaki clans and reclaim his influence over Konoha.
If she truly managed to live another three to five years… if Ren Takashi had enough time to mature and solidify his power base, then all the Third's long-laid plans would collapse.
He couldn't let that happen.
Ren Takashi picked up on the shift in atmosphere. He gave a strained chuckle and replied smoothly:
"My teacher and I have indeed begun preliminary research into elixirs that might extend life. Unfortunately... there's been no tangible progress yet."
He shook his head, feigning disappointment.
"Longevity is a far more complex field than typical chakra enhancement or restorative medicine. The challenges involved are... immense."
He smiled apologetically.
"That said, we won't abandon the research. In fact, we plan to allocate more resources to it going forward. If we make any breakthroughs, you'll be the first to know."
The daimyos nodded in understanding, seemingly satisfied with the response. From their perspective, if Ren truly discovered something of value, they were confident he'd bring it to them first—for the right price.
After all, who had more wealth, resources, and rare herbs than them?
No one.
"I see. That's a shame," said the Fire Daimyo, his tone filled with regret. "Still, we'll be patient. Just let us know if your research bears fruit. We'll pay handsomely."
"Indeed. The Land of Lightning would be most interested as well."
Privately, some of the daimyos even considered putting their anti-Uchiha strategies on hold. If a genuine longevity pill was on the horizon, then any suppression of Ren Takashi could wait… until they got their hands on the formula.
"Haha, of course," Ren replied with a calm smile. "Three to five years at the earliest, or perhaps ten at the latest. We'll keep pushing forward. Please look forward to it."
"Oh, we will. And should you need anything—rare herbs, special equipment, whatever—just reach out. We'll support you fully if it helps with the research."
"Same here!" echoed the Fire Daimyo and others.
While they celebrated the possibility of extended life, the Third Hokage sat like stone, his expression grim.
He didn't believe Ren's explanation.
Tsunade and Ren Takashi were brilliant. If they had already begun experimenting, then it was entirely possible they'd made real progress. And if that was true…
"Damn it," Hiruzen muttered internally. "How could I have overlooked this?"
He couldn't let Uzumaki Mito extend her life. If she survived even two or three more years, Uchiha and the Senju-Uzumaki alliance would be untouchable. His own plans would be dust.
But sabotaging the research wasn't simple.
The elixir lab was located near Mito's residence, and powerful chakra barriers protected it. None of his agents could get close. If he attempted direct interference, it would be seen as a declaration of war.
And that, he couldn't afford.
He needed a plan. And for that, he'd need help.
Koharu, Homura… maybe even Danzo.
The Third Hokage clenched his fists.
Half an hour later, after the daimyos had signed their contracts and departed, the Third returned to the Hokage Tower and immediately summoned Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.
"Hiruzen, what's the urgency?" asked Homura. "Is this about the bidding?"
"Yes," Koharu added. "The village came out ahead this time. We should receive a solid stream of income. We deserve a healthy cut!"
But before Hiruzen could respond, Koharu's tone turned bitter.
"Still, Uchiha are infuriating. Once again, they blocked our family bids—even when we offered high prices! It's clear they don't want our clans to gain a foothold."
"Even the village's own shares feel like a pacifier to keep us quiet," she huffed. "It's unreasonable!"
She sounded genuinely aggrieved. Hiruzen, unaware of her true loyalties, took her complaints at face value.
"There's nothing to be done about that now," he sighed. "We've known their intentions for a while."
He raised a hand to silence them and activated a chakra barrier around the office.
"I didn't call you here to discuss dividends."
Both advisors sat straighter.
"The important issue," Hiruzen said gravely, "is this: during the share-signing, the daimyos questioned Ren Takashi about the development of a longevity pill."
Koharu and Homura's eyes widened.
"What?"
"Yes," he continued, "and Ren admitted that he and Tsunade have been researching it."
He paused to let the weight of that sink in.
"They claim to have no breakthroughs, but I don't believe it. Not with minds like theirs."
He leaned forward, voice low and urgent.
"We've built our entire plan around Mito-sama's death. If she lives even five more years, we may never break Uchiha's grip on the village."
Koharu's expression twisted in mock concern. "I can't believe they're actually working on something like that…"
She pretended to think. "Sabotaging the lab isn't feasible. The barriers are too strong, and Mito-sama is too alert."
"Even if we destroyed the equipment, who's to say they haven't memorized the formulas?"
Homura nodded seriously. "We're boxed in. We need something clever."
"Which is why," Koharu added smoothly, "perhaps we should… consult Danzo."
"Danzo?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow.
Homura nodded. "If anyone has unconventional solutions, it's him. He may be imprisoned, but he hasn't lost his cunning."
In truth, they just wanted to hear Danzo's ideas and leak anything dangerous back to Ren Takashi.
"Alright," Hiruzen muttered. "Let's go. There's no time to waste."
A short while later, the three arrived deep inside the prison beneath Konoha.
There sat Danzo, cross-legged in meditation, refining his chakra.
Sensing their presence, he opened his eyes.
"Hiruzen? Koharu? Homura?" His voice was dry, but alert. "All three of you at once? This must be serious."
"You're still sharp as ever," Hiruzen said, then waved his hand to erect a soundproof barrier.
He explained everything in a hushed voice.
Danzo's face grew pale as he listened.
"You're telling me Ren Takashi might be developing a pill that grants longevity?"
He clenched his fists.
"And you let this go unnoticed until now?"
"We can't confirm the extent of their research," Hiruzen said grimly. "The facility is sealed tight. We can't infiltrate it. But we must stop them before it's too late."
Danzo remained silent for a moment, then exhaled through his nose.
"You really expect me to solve this?"
He sneered.
"Fine. Let me think…"