Shen Mo understood the depth of Orochimaru's thought process and couldn't help but feel a surge of surprise.
Orochimaru was a figure of profound contradictions. While he was undeniably a bloodthirsty, cruel villain in his early years, he possessed an almost paternal dedication to teaching his students. He was, after all, the architect of Sasuke's foundational strength.
He despised the triviality of mortal life, yet he appreciated its grand potential. One thing was certain: Orochimaru was defined by his relentless pursuit of a singular objective.
In the later stages of the original timeline, his final evolution wasn't vindication, but rather a shift in focus—he gave up the pursuit of immortality when he realized that the complexities of human nature were a far more worthy subject of endless exploration.
This made him a perfect, long-term customer.
"Becoming a merchant in the Chamber of Commerce is not a simple matter," Shen Mo stated, appearing thoughtful.
"First, your inherent qualifications are lacking," he explained slowly. "That is the base requirement. All fully independent merchants begin as assistants to established merchants. But without the proper qualifications, even if I were to take you on, you would never be formally recognized."
Orochimaru's sharp mind instantly processed the subtle implications. To achieve his new goal of becoming a merchant, he required two things: sufficient qualifications/abilities, and the crucial approval and mentorship of an existing merchant. The first step was within his control; the second depended entirely on the man before him.
Orochimaru simply smiled. "Then I shall prioritize enhancing my power."
Your Jars, Lord Shen Mo, are worth any price necessary.
"A wise choice," Shen Mo nodded, aware of the inner monologue.
The path to eternal life was Orochimaru's immediate, consuming desire—the essential first step toward infinite knowledge and travel.
"What is the total valuation of all my accumulated knowledge?" Orochimaru inquired, getting straight to the point.
"The knowledge itself is valued at approximately 11 million points," Shen Mo calculated instantly. "It's quite valuable. While most of the basic Ninjutsu knowledge has already been acquired through Hiruzen Sarutobi, your most unique and valuable assets are the techniques you personally developed. Chief among them is the Body Revitalization Jutsu, valued at 5 million points."
The Body Revitalization Jutsu—the technique of transferring one's soul into a new vessel—was far from trivial. Despite its many flaws, it was a legitimate foundation that, if perfected, truly approached the boundary of immortality.
Combined with his unique scientific developments—cloning, cell culture, and genetic manipulation—his work was profoundly unique. These concepts, when fused with the power of Chakra, created a rare, cross-system body of knowledge.
If he were to sell his memories and personal experiences alongside the knowledge, the total valuation would climb to nearly 26 million transaction points, more than doubling the initial price. The system highly valued this collision of different "systems" and unique applications.
"Is that all my thirty years of relentless research is worth?"
Orochimaru looked dissatisfied but offered no argument. The sum was over ten million points—a staggering, high-demand figure in his world. However, his ambition measured value in infinity.
"I have no need for your knowledge," Shen Mo clarified, preempting Orochimaru's thoughts. "This valuation adheres to the Chamber of Commerce's principle that changing fate comes at a price. By the standardized metrics of the Chamber, your expertise is valued precisely at this level."
Shen Mo paused, then added meaningfully: "The Chamber of Commerce actively encourages the unification of forces from different worlds."
Orochimaru's eyes flashed with fierce intelligence. The unity of power systems is the true element of destiny!
"The Necromancer Series Jars," Orochimaru declared, struggling to stand upright but his voice buzzing with eagerness. "I will purchase all available Tier One Jars first. And, might I request that you release Kabuto Yakushi?"
Shen Mo had already healed his hands, but without Kabuto, the process of opening the Jars would be impossible given his severe internal damage.
Shen Mo silently acquiesced. He raised his hand, and two hundred Tier One Jars materialized before the rogue Sannin.
Kabuto Yakushi felt the oppressive force lift instantly. He took a gasping breath, rushing to Orochimaru's side to resume treatment. His mind was reeling from the shock. A merchant from another world? Jars containing infinite power?
"Kabuto, do not be distracted," Orochimaru instructed, his lips twitching slightly. "Begin the treatment, but I will start the opening now."
The message was clear: You will see the truth for yourself.
Shen Mo, too, was eager. The Necromancer Series was tailored for Orochimaru, possessing numerous powerful items. Since the system randomly generated the rewards based on the prize pool probability, the outcome was entirely dependent on Orochimaru's luck.
Orochimaru shakily reached out a newly-grown hand and opened the very first Jar.
A tense silence descended. The Sannin was momentarily nervous, needing tangible proof that the endless world of power was real.
Inside the Jar rested a single, bloody, pulsating eyeball.
"Items within the Necromancer Series are consistently related to the theme of the undead," Shen Mo explained, a dark smile playing on his lips. "Though a Tier One Jar is merely introductory, it immediately demonstrates the series' nature. What you hold is the preserved organ of a magical beast that should not exist in your reality."
Orochimaru ignored Shen Mo, meticulously examining the eyeball. He studied the tissue, the optic nerves, and the structure. There was no trace of disgust.
"Lord Orochimaru!" Kabuto Yakushi gasped, also leaning in with a serious expression. "This pupil... it possesses an integrated bone structure for support, and a double eyelid mechanism. It is incredible. What kind of creature is this?"
Amateurs watch the spectacle; experts analyze the function. Orochimaru's mastery of biotechnology was instantly evident.
Would you like to continue the Necromancer Jar opening, focusing on Tier One items, or see Hiruzen Sarutobi's reaction to Orochimaru's purchase?