Mom and I were sitting in the dining room drinking tea, different from usual mom looked annoyed with my presence.
"Can we add Duy to our team?"
My mom looked defeated.
"...Yes."
After a week of wearing my mother down Duy was finally going to become a member of our team.
"... Though you have to do the paperwork."
The smirk my mother sent me was annoying, I suppose this was revenge for bothering her?
I sighed...
I hadn't even asked Duy to join yet...
A quick hand-seal and I sent three Shadow Clones off to do my work for me.
I saw mom's smirk disappear and I sent her a smirk, the paperwork didn't inconvenience me in the slightest.
...
"Duy you're joining our team."
Duy looked confused maybe because I was giving him no choice in the matter, or maybe because I invaded his home and woke him up at midnight.
"..."
Duy sat up and stared at me for a moment.
"... What?"
I sent him a sunny smile I had copied from Kushina.
"Welcome to the team Duy!"
Duy's mouth opened and closed a few times but no words came out, it seems I had caught Duy flat-footed.
I grabbed Duy's hand and placed a pen in it.
"Alright here's your paperwork please sign your name here and write your ninja registration number here."
I pointed to the appropriate sections and watched with joy as Duy mechanically wrote his name and registration number.
"Alright, thanks Duy!"
With one last sunny smile, I Shunshined out a window I had left open when I entered.
...
A new day dawned.
I had kidnaped Duy early in the morning to assess his skills.
He had been training with the Eight Gates the previous night so I had to heal him to get him ready for a spar.
The results were disappointing but expected.
Duy had no talent in the ninja arts, I had thought his Taijutsu would be great but even that was barely above Genin level.
His physical fitness was the only thing he had going for him, though I guess he had to have great fitness to use the gates.
I tapped my foot and sent Duy a look filled with disappointment.
He flinched and looked down avoiding my eyes.
Duy had been caught flat-footed with his abrupt entry into our team and we hadn't had time to chat.
"Alright..."
I looked at Duy who was still looking away from me.
"...You have no talent for the ninja arts..."
Duy slumped.
"...But just because you have no talent doesn't mean you aren't a great ninja."
Duy regained some vigor and his eyes met mine.
"Now demonstrate the Eight Gates for me!"
Duy sprang to his feet.
"Normally I wouldn't open any of the gates unless I had something to protect, but I'll show you what I can do Shiro!"
Duy got into a stance and took a deep breath.
I activated my Byakugan and slowed my perception.
"Gate of Opening!"
I saw one of the tenkutsu in Duy's brain flash for a lack of a better term, I attributed it to an increase in chakra from that tenketsu.
"Gate of Healing!"
Another tenketsu in Duy's brain lit up.
"Gate of Life"
A tenketsu on the spine lit up and I deactivated my Byakugan.
Duy's skin was red, veins were bulging all-over his body and his hair stood up.
Though his super Saiyan hairstyle made him look silly as even his mustache was standing up.
"Alright, I've seen enough."
...
Duy laid on the ground releasing heavy breaths, I was healing him and admiring the lack of damage done to his body.
Though there was a huge amount of lactic acid buildup, nothing to worry about as it would only cause muscle soreness.
"We'll have to get your Taijutsu up to scratch, having such impressive physical fitness is useless if your Taijutsu is subpar."
Duy nodded but said nothing.
"I'll be coming over every night to heal you and spar with you."
Well, a clone would, but it was pretty much the same thing.
"And don't worry about missions for the next two months I'll have some clones making enough money to take care of your necessity's."
Duy shook his head and opened his mouth to refuse but I cut him off.
"Alright I've got to go, we'll talk about it later."
I disappeared in a Shunshin successfully putting off the conversation.
...
I sat in my make-shift lab pondering ways I could make Duy stronger.
Obviously, he was getting his chakra network expanded and he was going to have his nerves enhanced, but that was as far as my ideas went.
I was rolling the idea of implanting some cells from the woman into him, he could use the healing factor, it would help him in recovering from using the gates.
Though Duy having a separate chakra type in his body would be extremely noticeable both to sensors and to any of the villages Dojutsu users.
So, If I wanted Duy to have that bloodline I needed to find a way for the two chakras to combine.
I didn't even have the slightest idea on how to go about that...
Could I just completely trade his chakra out for the woman's?
Maybe or maybe not...
Chakra was complicated it was affected by the physical body but also affected the physical body.
Sigh...
Maybe it didn't have to be too complicated.
How about a Gravity Seal and some body modifications?
Let's do that to start with...
I won't worry about anything more than that for now.
C'mon! It's safe, I've done it to myself!"
Duy was literally backed into a corner and looked ready to escape.
"No thanks young Shiro, the Gravity Seal is enough for me!"
I pouted at his refusal, this was the second time we were going through this song and dance, Duy didn't even want the Gravity Seal at first.
"You won't even feel a thing! You'll wake up faster and with a bigger reserve of chakra!"
Duy paused for a moment, but then jumped into his nice guy pose.
"I believe I can become stronger through my own effort! One's true youth fades when they turn their backs on their beliefs!"
I took a moment to admire almost blinding sparkle on Duy's teeth.
"Artificially improving your reserves isn't turning your back on your beliefs, c'mon you'll forget it even happened in a few days!"
I took a moment to contemplate knocking him out and doing it regardless of his opinion.
Duy seemed to have picked up on my thought, he jumped through slipped through a window and started running off into the distance.
I approached the window and stuck my head out.
"I know where you live! You can't run for long!"
Duy looked over his shoulder and sped off faster.
I shut the window and eyed It for a moment, perhaps I should have that window sealed?
Or maybe just removed entirely...
It'd give the villages Genin something to do.
...
I stood staring at the letter I had received in disbelief, apparently, I was doing fine without a lab and there was no need to allocate resources for a personal lab.
Though there was a friendly offer to join the Research and Development department.
I balled the letter up and tossed it into the trash.
If the village wouldn't pay for my lab I guess I'd have to do so myself, I think I had enough to outright buy a house...
Maybe that's what I'd do.
Though it'd have to be outside the Hyuga compound...
Mom might apricate the idea as well, I heard the elders were pressuring her to marry anyways.
Perhaps getting out of the compound would do her some good as well?
...
Gai was glued to the ground and unable to stand, Duy was enthusiastically doing squats when he yelled encouragements at Gai
"Gai use your Youthful vigor!"
Duy was training with Gai, both of them were using Gravity Seals, for added efficiency I was healing them every time they got too tired to move.
It was a beautiful display of youth!
"Ha-ha! I've done it!"
I turned my attention back to Gai who was standing and had thrust his arms up in victory.
"Nicely done my son!" Duy slapped Gai on the back knocking him over.
Duy ignored Gai and made his nice guy pose.
"Now it's time for the next step!"
Gai had worked his way up again and was enthusiastically waiting for instruction.
"It's time for one-hundred push-ups!"
Duy dropped to the ground and started doing him, Gai also dropped to the ground but was struggling.
"I can do it! I have the passion of Youth!"
That's a new one...
"That's the spirt Gai! That's the power of Youth!"
I turned my attention back to the seals I was making, I would have joined them but I was a clone and there was nothing to be gained from exercise.
That and I had money to make...
I spared a look at my almost forgotten pile of storage seals.
I looked back at Gai, it was interesting how he turned out.
I figured he might be different without his eternal rival Kakashi to challenge him but he seemed mostly the same.
Perhaps any changes would become more apparent as he aged.
Gai was only twelve now, there was plenty of room for him to change and grow.
"YOSH! Let's increase our seals!"
I sighed, at a certain point the simply too heavy to use or too chakra expensive.
I wondered what level Gai would eventually reach.
I was maxed at level five, the increase to level six broke my already ridiculous bones...
Not that it mattered...
...
Plan 'get out of the compound and make my own lab' was a go.
Mom was reluctant to move as the house we were living in was her parents and after some discussion, we agreed to keep the house and rent it out while we bought a new house away from the Hyuga.
Though maybe she agreed because I said that I'd be moving regardless of what she chose to do...
So, the plan was to get a place in a shinobi occupied neighborhood with a basement.
Sadly, this wasn't a quick process, thankfully mom took it upon herself to find the perfect house and it was no longer my problem.
Now I needed to look into getting some equipment, I didn't know where to start or if anything I needed could be bought so maybe I'd have to steal it.
I'm sure Orochimaru probably had a few hidden labs I could pilfer if needed.
...
"Shiro start packing we have a mission."
I looked up from my book.
"What are we doing?"
I had a few experiments planned so hopefully this mission wasn't too much of a time sink.
"We're going to Noodles for a patrol mission."
So, we were just making sure there were no Ninja's trying to hide near Konoha.
"Can Duy come?"
Mom rolled her eyes.
"Your project can come."
I rolled my eyes back at her, he wasn't my project.
"I guess it's time to field test Duy."
Though it's a shame that the mission would delay house hunting a bit.
We were on our way to Noodle Country, Duy was brimming with excitement and was chattering non-stop filling what had once been a comfortable silence with constant noise.
Mom and I were both quiet people and having Duy with us was a change to our usual dynamic.
It wasn't a huge upset, it was just different.
And perhaps that is for the best, some change is good after all.
"So, what's our team name?"
Duy's question broke me from my thoughts.
"No idea."
I looked at mom as I really had no idea.
"Its Team Hyuga."
Something I didn't know, I had thought it was just a nickname.
"Now we need a new name."
Duy stayed silent and mom just nodded.
"Any ideas?"
Mom and Duy both stayed silent.
"..."
Finally, Duy spoke up.
"Team Youthful Gentlemen?"
The word youthful didn't come with its usual enthusiasm.
"No"
Mom didn't like the name but hadn't offered any suggestions of her own.
I bounced a few ideas around my head before settling on the least awful one.
"Team Irregular?"
Mom shrugged and Duy nodded.
"Alrighty... I'll update it when we get back."
Well, a Shadow Clone would...
...
We were mid-way through Noodle Country when mom spotted a treasure.
And by treasure, I mean a Kaguya.
He was apparently leading a little group of Genin and was showing them how to remove their tracks and use chakra to keep yourself from sinking into the muddy ground.
It was rather touching.
"Alright, I'll meet you guys at the capital."
Mom and Duy nodded through Duy looked confused.
"Alright see ya!"
With a little wave I took off in a Shunshin towards the direction mom had pointed out.
...
I was about two-hundred meters from the Kiri-nin.
He was setting up camp and teaching his Genin how to start a fire, it brought back memories of Minato teaching me and Kakashi the Fire Starting Jutsu.
How sweet.
Though now that I was close, I was hesitant to do anything, the Shikotsumyaku only appeared in Kimimaro so I didn't have much to gain from capturing this guy.
I figured it was like Wood Release only appearing rarely once every few generations.
In fact, it might something to do with being the reincarnation of some part Ōtsutsuki ancestor.
Maybe Kimimaro was the reincarnation of one of Hamura's sons or something?
I started chewing on my nails, I wish I hadn't even had this thought.
It only complicated things.
How much did Hashirama's Wood Release have to do with being the reincarnation of a quarter Space-god and having space god chakra?
Working under that assumption maybe Ōtsutsuki chakra awoke dormant DNA and gave its wielders access to forgotten bloodlines?
Could I awaken or improve my bloodlines by 'awakening' dormant DNA?
A lot of DNA was just 'junk' and filled with inactive elements that only become active with stimuli such as environmental changes or trauma.
Perhaps Ōtsutsuki chakra was the stimulus in Hashirama and Kimimaro's case.
Going by that logic, chakra itself could also be part of that stimulus and allow for changes to happen in the bodies of potential shinobi while they grow up and train their bodies.
Bloodlines are simply unique mutations built upon those changes over generations. Stuff like elemental training should also be reflected in one's DNA...
I used my arm to hide my eyes even though it didn't do anything with my Byakugan active.
The more I followed this train of thought the more things made sense.
The Tenseigan 'awoke' with Ōtsutsuki chakra, probably the chakra awakening dormant DNA.
The Sharingan awoke with trauma, it was trauma activating dormant DNA.
Madara awakening the Rinnegan, it's Senju chakra and Uchiha chakra combining making demi Six Paths chakra and awakening dormant DNA.
It all seemed to fall together.
I resisted the urge to groan, where do I even start with DNA?
I wasn't sure Orochimaru had gotten into DNA yet, wasn't he just injecting Hashirama's cells into children and killing them when he got booted from the leaf?
Was he experimenting with DNA or cells?
I couldn't remember.
...So, I didn't even have anyone to steal research from if he was just messing with cells.
Fuck!
And Emergency Rations had changed with exposure to chakra as well!
More chakra and DNA fuckery.
I couldn't even get into DNA when I was still bumbling around with cells.
There was no way I was ever going to be able to get into DNA without computers.
And I hadn't seen more than a shitty television so far, so there was no chance of the Naruto-verse having computers.
Is this enlightenment?
No, I think the word I was looking for was epiphany.
I had an epiphany and could do almost nothing with what I had thought of.
Sigh...
I turned my attention back to the team of Kiri-nin.
They were happily roasting some fish over a fire and chatting.
Perhaps I would awaken both the Tenseigan and Shikotsumyaku if I got some Ōtsutsuki chakra into my system.
Though how 'pure' would the chakra need to be?
Could it come from Naruto or Sasuke?
Could it come from the Ōtsutsuki on the moon?
.Could it come from the statue that Madara was currently hooked up-to?
Could it even come from Kimimaro?
Or could I inject myself with Hashirama's cells and use his chakra?
Would it even matter if I dosed myself with chakra...
Madara was hooked up to the statue for ages before he awakened the Rinnegan.
So many questions.
I took a peek at the Kiri-nin, they were settling in and getting ready for sleep.
What do I even do with them?
I watched as the female Genin threw more sticks into the fire.
Did I even need to do anything with them?
Even though I didn't need the Kaguya it was always good to have extra Kaguya cells on hand.
Or at least pure Kaguya cells.
I decided on a plan and blew a breath out of my nose.
I crouched and coiled my muscles and appeared behind the Kaguya clansman with a Shunshin.
I was met with an elbow to the face and was sent flying back landing on the ground with a thump.
"I knew you were here the whole time!"
I laid there for a moment dazed, he had hit me so hard I lost control of my chakra and deactivated my Byakugan.
I looked up and seen a manic grin appear on the man's face.
"Did ya feel sneaky tree hugger?"
I climbed to my feet while still feeling rocked, the Genin had taken this time to gather in a rough formation.
I spared the Genin a moment of attention but dismissed them, this was likely their first mission out of their country, one was even shaking and looked half-way to pissing himself.
"What's with your hair, did your mommy do it for you?"
The man's hair did indeed look stupid, it was the first thing I noticed about him.
"Fuck you, bitch!"
Even though he was annoyed he didn't make any moves and seemed content with watching me.
"I didn't know Kiri-nin were such bitches."
He snorted.
"Fuck you midget, at least I don't have to jump to reach the counter!"
I glanced at him for a moment.
"At least I don't wear make-up bitch face."
My opponent snorted and started making his way towards me, though he kept his guard up.
Seeing that he was silent I stayed silent as well and started my approach, my opponent elected to forgo weapons and had his fists at the ready.
I thought for a moment and decided to do the same.
I jumped in first and tagged him on his right arm which he tried to punch me with.
The moment I touched him he jumped away and started fiddling with his arm, I used the time to slow my perception.
"What did you do to me?"
Bullshit no jutsu!
"Medical Ninjutsu."
He grunted.
"Annoying."
I nodded, having your limbs immobilized was annoying.
"Sorry about that."
He didn't respond and one of the Genin threw a handful of kunai at me.
I sidestepped them and used some Chakra Strings to catch them and toss them back where they came, I heard two screams of pain but ignored them.
Reflexes for the win...
The Kaguya used the time his Genin bought and rushed at me sending a kick towards my head.
I gracefully sidestepped it and tapped his leg as it passed further disabling him.
He grunted and used his good leg to launch himself backward.
He landed ungracefully and looked at his Genin, I took the time to do the same.
They seemed to have been patched up, the girl seemed to know Medical Ninjutsu and was surprisingly good at it.
The fight was going my way, so I decided it was time to test a jutsu.
I ran through four hand-seals and a long thin blade of lightning formed in my hand.
I enjoyed the look of shock on the Genin's faces and sent them a nod.
"Sometimes you just run into people with lightning swords, it's a wild world out there."
I Shunshined behind the Kaguya and ran the tip of my sword through his spine.
Another Shunshin and I was away from his body and out of range from any potential shenanigans.
I sighed and watched as the Kaguya fell to his knees and then faceplanted.
His Genin rushed and surrounded him, the female member was fruitlessly trying to patch his wound and the two males were standing at the ready one armed with two kunai the other with a sword.
I released my grip on the sword and watched it disperse as I was no-longer feeding it chakra.
My favorite thing about the lightning sword was its weightlessness, I could effortlessly swing it around as I pleased.
I guess the lack of blood was a plus as well.
Hmm...
I leaned to the side to dodge a kunai that one of the boys had thrown, I snatched it out of the air and pocketed it.
One could never have enough weapons after-all.
"Now what should I do with you three?"
They were about twelve and thus just over the age where I wouldn't be willing to experiment on them.
So, they might be out of luck.
I eyed the group, one of the boys looked terrified but resigned, the second had pissed himself and looked to be barely standing, the girl was sobbing over her sensei and had given up on healing him.
It was a sorry sight, it almost made me feel bad.
Almost.
...
"Any of you have a bloodline?"
All I got was silence in response, the Genin were resigned and the Jonin couldn't do more than mutter curses at me.
"The first one to answer me gets to go free."
The two boys shifted and looked at each other but ultimately didn't speak.
I took a closer look at their features but didn't see anything hinting at a bloodline.
"Death it is then..."
I took a moment to stare at them giving them a chance to blurt out something to save their lives.
No one spoke, they just silently held my stare.
Either they didn't have any bloodlines or they were extremely loyal.
I Shunshined into the group and with two quick taps to their necks the boys were unconscious.
I looked at the girl, she was silently crying and hadn't moved, she had seemingly given up.
I tapped her on the neck and she collapsed onto her sensei
I sighed...
What to do... What to do...
After looking at the Kaguya for a while I discovered a few things.
His body structure was slightly different and his bones were denser than normal though they were nowhere as dense as mine.
He also had a healing factor though it was barely noticeable.
The most notable thing was the huge amount of testosterone in his body.
I figured it probably caused the increased aggression and 'savageness' the Kaguya were known for.
Overall, I'd discovered nothing of note.
Just that I might become more of a savage when I start puberty.
Sigh...
Hopefully, Kaguya puberty wasn't too much of a bother.
...
I've got four bodies and I was out of ideas...
Well...
I guess I'm practicing chakra network expansion.
I need to find a way to increase chakra density as well.
Hmm...
I do it to the Kaguya and girl, then I'll poke at the gates of the other two...
I wonder if I could open a gate permanently?
Something to test in any case...
...
A twitch of my fingers and all the team's weapons were gathered and neatly stored, another twitch, and the packs flew into my arms.
Chakra strings were a marvel, and they brought me immense joy when I used them.
Using something someone worked hard to learn as a parlor trick never ceased to bring a smile to my face.
Though they were less impressive when they could only go three or so feet from my body.
I sealed my loot away and looked down at the now weaponless ninja.
All in all, things went well, there was only one death.
After expanding the Kaguya's chakra network I pumped him full of chakra from my seal to see what happened.
He was ripped apart from the inside out.
It was shocking and not something I had anticipated.
Didn't two idiots from Kumo gain the Ninetails chakra after being swallowed?
If they could handle that why couldn't this guy handle Kage level reserves?
What a useless waste.
It seems the body had a limit of what it can handle, maybe that's why Uzumaki are such good Jinjuriki and have such large reserves, their bodies could handle more chakra. Or maybe I just jumped the gun and increased his chakra system too much in one go?
Something to experiment with later...
Though the Kaguya was a lost cause the other three fared better, the girl now had reserves equal to mine and the boys had their Gates of Opening 'damaged'.
I say 'damaged' because I lacked a better term, the gates weren't open like Duy's were but they were active.
The first gate The Gate of Opening regulated muscular strength and when released allowed you to use one-hundred percent of your muscular strength...
Humans used like twenty or thirty percent normally...
Or so I'm told...
So, maybe the boys would gain incredible strength?
Or maybe they'd destroy their body's just by moving carelessly.
I'd see in a moment...
Hmm...
I eyed the group for a moment, I wonder how enhancing their sense of smell would go?
Probably not well.
I imagine smelling people's poorly wiped assholes all-day would be hell.
Perhaps that's why the Inuzuka stay in their compound?
The thought brought a smile to my lips.
"Ok!" I clapped my hands together.
"No more silly thoughts!"
Daylights burning after all.
...
Damaging the gates worked about as I expected, meaning it worked but it also had drawbacks.
The sheer force exerted destroyed the body when one moved carelessly and even if you didn't destroy your body right away your muscular-skeletal system would eventually deteriorate anyways.
And the lactic acid buildup was insane, meaning you had a lot of strength but no stamina.
Stamina could be built up...
Though I guess stamina doesn't matter when trying to stand destroys your body.
Anyway, you need an insanely strong body to not be destroyed by your own movement.
I probably could have guessed this...
This whole ordeal was almost pointless.
Which was a pity.
The girl had seemingly lost her hard-earned chakra control as well.
Which was a shame as I had wanted to expand my chakra network.
But I probably shouldn't if my control suffered.
Control was my specialty after all.
...
It was time leave and I was wondering what to do.
Having my subjects running around is ideal as I would like to know if there are any side-effects caused by my experiments.
I guess it's time to use the Memory-Concealing Technique, originally the jutsu called for the use a of tiny sand needle but I opted for some bone needles instead.
I already had the seal on some tiny bone needles so I was good to go.
I just had to plop them in the memory center and all would be well.
As long as they didn't get checked over by a competent Med-nin, everything should be A-Okay.
I hope.
Even if the needle was found, tampering with it would kill them anyway so I wasn't too worried.
...
I put all the Genin in their bedrolls and tucked them in, I then sealed their sensei's body for later use.
They would wake with no clue what happened to their sensei or themselves.
Or at least that was my hope.
I'd see how it went, if I didn't get an update on my bounty, I'd assume all was well.
...
I regrouped with Mom and Duy at Noodle's capital whose name I hadn't cared to remember.
Mom and Duy were both slow so they had only been waiting for three hours, they had used the time to buy two rooms at an inn and take a quick look around.
Well, mom took a look around and Duy Youthfully complemented the Byakugan's usefulness.
Or so I heard.
I hoped mom and Duy got to know each other a little better while I was gone.
Though hopefully not too well, I didn't need a youthful step-father...
...
Mom was sending me a look from across the room.
"So, how'd it go?"
I made a so-so gesture.
"It was messy."
Meaning it didn't go as I wanted it to.
Though almost nothing went as I wanted it to...
"That's a shame."
I shrugged.
"You win some, you lose some."
At least I knew not to expand my reserves right to Kage level and I got some Kaguya parts, so it wasn't a complete loss.
"Have you got Heavens Palm down?"
Mom nodded but looked slightly peeved.
"I have but I can only use it four times."
That was good enough, I could only do nine myself.
"Want to learn something else?"
Though she had the Rasengan and Heavens Palm, having two big moves wouldn't stop her from dying.
Most of my fights ended before anyone got to throw any moves at all.
That's the advantage of crazy speed...
"Hmmm..."
Mom leaned back and tapped her fingers on her crossed arms.
"No thanks."
That wasn't what I wanted to hear.
"I'd like to make a technique of my own, I don't want you to be the only one with anything to teach."
I'm not sure how much I liked that.
"Alright." Even though I didn't want her wasting valuable time, it was probably best that she makes her own techniques.
I could still teach her with clones...
Or get her to make her own clones...
"Did you know that you get memories from Shadow Clones?"
I got a nod and an eye-roll in response.
"Why don't you use it to train?"
Mom raised a single eyebrow.
And it was my turn to roll my eyes.
Would I have to spell everything out?
Sigh...
Annoying.
"Don't sigh at me, Shiro."
Annoying...
...
"Duy stop helping the civilians, we're supposed to be unseen and unheard."
Duy sent me a nice guy pose from across the roof.
"Thank you for your reminder young Shiro, I shall endeavor not to make the same mistake twice!"
I sent Duy a blank stare in response.
Duy couldn't seem to stop himself, he already painted a fence, patched a roof, and went grocery shopping for an old lady.
All within the hour.
"Sure..."
I pointed my index and middle finger at my eyes and then pointed them at Duy.
"...I'm watching you."
Duy nodded with a youthful smile.
I repeated the gesture twice more and gave up when I saw it did not affect Duy.
"Let's go check out the shore, there's no ninja's here."
I expected there to be around six spies but there was no-one with chakra above civilian level.
It was a little suspicious.
...
Perhaps my suspicion was for nothing...
I had wandered most of Noodle Country's north-west shores and had found nothing.
Which was annoying.
Missions around Kiri were seldom peaceful as of late.
So where were all the Kiri-nin?
"I'm going to have a quick look around, I'll meet up with you at our inn."
I Shunshined away before Duy could reply.
...
Another thorough search provided nothing other than annoyance.
No ninja anywhere.
Which was unusual.
Last I heard we were having some skirmishes with Kiri in Noodles.
There wasn't even a single Konoha cannon fodder bumbling around.
Though I guess that mist Genin team counted ...
I arrived at the door to our room and gave it a quiet knock.
Knock* Knock* knock*
Mom opened the door and waved me in.
"Did Duy get back?"
Mom nodded but sent me a reproachful look.
"Yes, but don't leave him behind."
Duy was a grown Eight Gate using man, he could take care of himself.
"Alright."
However, I knew better than to argue.
"Anyway, I couldn't find anything, it's like everyone packed up and left."
I wasn't sure what was up but there was no Konoha or Kiri ninja to be found.
Mom hummed and nodded but didn't say anything.
"Did everyone pull back to the border?"
Mom just shrugged.
Alright.
...
Another day and another attempt at convincing mom and Duy that body modifications were the way to go.
"You won't even feel it, you will just wake up with more chakra, better speed, and reaction time."
Duy and mom were hard nuts to crack, no amount of reassurances, promises, or threats would work on them.
"No thanks."
Mom as usual wasn't having it and was determined to remain unmodified.
"Thanks for your offer young Shiro!"
Duy wasn't interested either.
I eyed them for a moment and played with the idea of just knocking them out and doing it regardless of what they thought.
Broken trust could be rebuilt...
"Stop staring like that, it's creepy."
I turned my head away and focused on the setting sun, I had hoped to enjoy some combat but it seems that everyone withdrew from the area.
Boring...
It was time to leave and I was excited to return to Konoha.
I wanted to see if the village had anything on DNA and I was bored with this patrol mission.
Hopefully, the village had texts or books on DNA and maybe even a way to manipulate it.
I wouldn't get my hopes up but there was always a chance, the Naruto-verse was weird, they lacked blenders but had microscopes, lacked toasters but had heart monitors.
I could go on all day...
The point was, the Research and Development might have had some way to manipulate DNA.
It wasn't too much of a reach to think that the village was experimenting with DNA.
Or at least Orochimaru was.
So now I needed to figure out what was up, if they had texts about DNA that would be great, if they had ways to manipulate DNA even better.
If they had jutsu to manipulate DNA that was amazing.
The shenanigans I could get up to...
I couldn't wait.
There were a lot of possibilities open to me.
Even immortality.
I already had a few ideas but if I could manipulate DNA I could at least slow or stop my aging and give myself more time to discover something better.
I didn't need to replace my cells if I could stop my DNA from degrading...
Telomeres are responsible for protecting the DNA if I remember correctly.
Now I've got a new direction to explore and soon the war will kick-off.
It's going to get hectic these next few years...
...
The trip back was slow, mom wanted to find someone to set Duy on and was taking her time looking for infiltrators and Missing-nin.
Sadly, she had no luck, the southern part of Fire Country was peaceful there were no nearby ninja villages nor was there a lot of bandit activity.
We only really had to worry about Kiri coming from the south-east and they didn't seem all that interested in us at the moment.
So, it was one long trip back to Konoha...
...
After getting back home and glancing at the calendar I realized Gai was graduating in a month and a half.
Which meant the war was almost here.
I had the chance to snag a Genin from the graduating classes and snap them up before anyone else.
Hmm...
Lot's of choice...
I also had to see Mikoto soon...
I hadn't seen baby Itachi yet...
I also needed to look into DNA.
What to do... what to do...
I'll have a shower and sent some clones out and then I'll take it from there.
...
Clones were sent out, the rabbits were fed and now I had some time to myself.
Though I had no idea what I would with my time, Gai and Duy needed some time to themselves and Kushina was still out on a mission...
I think I'll locate the Research and Development building so I can plan a heist if need be.
If I couldn't buy equipment, I'll just steal it, whether that be from Konoha or another village.
I guess it'll depend on how I'm treated when I try to buy anything I need.
The more annoying the ordeal the more willing I would be to steal.
Though hopefully, it wouldn't be too hard to get my hands on, Orochimaru had quite a few hidden labs.
If the stuff was hard to get, he probably wouldn't have had so many labs.
I guess I'll see.
...
It only took a moment for me to decide that looting the Research and Development building wasn't going to happen.
It was extremely well defended...
So, no easy loot for me...
I guess I'll just wait on it a little, I was jumping the gun anyways.
Perhaps some training?
...
I wanted to figure out more uses for my Lightning Constructs, though they were extremely costly they were just too potentially useful to ignore.
After I had thought about it for a while, I realized that there were plenty of uses for my Lightning Constructs and that cost wasn't as much an issue as I thought it would be if I used my seal.
After pondering for a while I remembered the Susanoo.
What was special about the Susanoo?
The Susanoo was a chakra construct and it made me think of other constructs.
Uzumaki chains were constructs, Naruto's weird chakra hands were constructs, Tailed Beasts were also constructs.
Any one of those I could potentially copy.
Though obviously on a smaller scale...
I wouldn't be making a Susanoo or Tailed Beast anytime soon.
Or possibly ever...
But I've gotten basic constructs down and it would only take a little work for me to make some lightning chains...
So, I guess that's where I'll start...
Chains first, lightning arms second, and Susanoo never.
I couldn't imagine the chakra cost of a Susanoo.
Sigh...
...
My clones dispersed bringing both good and bad news.
Mikoto and Itachi were doing well and apricated the visit.
Itachi was too young to do anything other then babble and Mikoto looked exhausted so the clone left and dispersed soon after not wanting to impose.
The other clone had requested a visit to the archives as there was nothing on DNA in either the Hyuga or village library.
The archive was huge so I had high hopes I'd find something, even if it was not immediately relevant.
If I had no luck, I might have to join team Orochimaru or rob Orochimaru.
Neither of those was likely to end well.
Which was why I hoping the archives provided some answers or direction.
Although I hoped to luck out in the archives, I didn't have high hopes.
There was a good chance that all the good stuff was in Research and Development.
Hopefully, that wasn't the case...
...
"How about I expand your chakra network just a little?"
I held my fingers milometers apart and mom just stared at me with an impassive face.
"..."
I stood still in my position maintaining eye-contact and still trying to demonstrate how little I'd expand her reserves with my fingers.
"When chakra reserves grow greatly, your control over your chakra degrades."
Fair point.
"That won't happen if you expand your reserves in tiny increments over a few months."
It still might happen but at least you didn't just lose all of your hard-earned control in a day.
"I'm not interested."
That's what I expected.
"Alright."
I'll just bother her later.
...
My trip to the archives was approved and after a trip deep into the Hokage monument, I was once again welcome to the sight of towering shelves packed with books and scrolls.
I took a moment to enjoy the smell of paper and poorly circulated air.
"Can I use my Byakugan to look for what I need?"
I stood looking at the ceiling for some sign of my hidden observers' approval or disapproval.
I caught movement to my left and saw a hand phase through a ceiling tile and make the hand signs for 'negative, disapproval' at me.
The hand quickly retreated into the ceiling after a moment.
I admired the Genjutsu and nodded in the hand's direction.
"Alright, thanks."
The hand popped back out and gave me a thumbs-up before retreating.
I snorted feeling quite amused.
But my amusement faded when I realized that I'd have to look for what I wanted the hard way.
I'd start in the medical section, I guess...
...
After two days of searching, I finally found gold.
.
Genetic Mimicry
The user can temporarily mimic or obtain properties of a creature's physiology through vigorous study. Alternatively, the user's genetic structure can alter itself to become identical to a biological creature upon contact, though doing so has a high chance of death or injury as changes are random when used by someone unskilled.
Unlike Shapeshifting, the user does not necessarily take on the appearance of the target but rather select parts of their physiological makeup. With this technique, one could touch an eagle and see far, a fish and breathe underwater, or a dog and gain an amazing sense of smell, but only if the user is experienced with the technique.
Alternately an unskilled user can touch a tiger and become a tiger-human hybrid losing his sanity in the process.
Prolonged use can result in permanent changes.
.
Good stuff!
I took a moment to ponder about this being part of the Inuzuka's origins, though I doubted it.
Who would mimic a dog when there were better animals...?
Or maybe the one who mimicked a dog got the best results?
I'd likely never know as such stuff was usually clan secrets.
Hmm...
This might be a path to stealing Kekkei Genkai or becoming a full Ōtsutsuki...
Though I'd have to catch an Ōtsutsuki first which was easier said than done.
I moved on after some thought.
.
Mutation Inducement
The user is able to induce mutations, changes in the sequence of an organism's genetic material, in their selves or other living beings. The changes can range from minor genetic changes to severe physical mutation, the user could even be able to activate recessive abilities in allies or suppress abilities in foes. Note that the user may force instant change or stretch it over longer periods or even several separate sessions.
.
The technique had a lot to do with manipulating someone's chakra.
It confirms my theory that chakra can cause physical changes.
Not useful at the moment but it was still interesting and potentially useful in the future.
.
Gender Transformation
The user can alter ones and/or other's gender either permanently or temporarily, they may be able to combine genders for hermaphrodite or remove both for neutri. The change is complete to the cellular level.
.
Not something I wanted or needed?
.
DNA Indexing.
The user is able to take the DNA of any species or any individual being and record it either for replication, a re-creation of the species, or genetically enhanced beings.
The user may be able to encode their DNA into Seals/weaponry, ensuring that such devices and weaponry will only work for them.
.
Something extremely useful, now I didn't have to worry about needing computers for information storage.
It had a lot to do with seals, but even when I could see the DNA I wouldn't know what it did without a lot of experimentation.
.
Cell Manipulation.
The user can shape and manipulate the cells of any sort of organism, including the functions of the cells in the organism. They can help to circulate oxygen in the body, make cells heal any sort of wounds, or fight off disease.
.
I had already roughly did this myself but this was an improvement to my existing technique, it was just a more advanced version of something I already use.
.
DNA Overwrite.
The user can completely or partially overwrite the DNA of themselves or others. This can be either permanent or temporary.
.
This could possibly be what Orochimaru used when he jumped bodies, though if that was the case, I didn't understand why the bodies rejected him.
This could also solve some problems with Biological Absorption, the main issue was taking in foreign DNA, the body didn't like foreign DNA and rejected it.
With this, I can overcome that hurdle.
But looking at the seal work was upsetting, it required you to edit 200 different cells have the Seal copy your work, and then apply the work to other cells throughout the body.
A lot of setup was required for this to work, but once it was done I could use the seal whenever I wanted.
Neat.
.
DNA Link.
The user possesses a link to somebody/something through fresh DNA and chakra, which allows them to know the location of their target within a kilometer radius.
.
It seemed useless so I didn't bother with further reading.
.
DNA Isolation.
The user can isolate DNA, performing such acts as suppressing certain Genetic Traits and making others dominate.
.
Now that was gold and exactly what I needed I was already half Kaguya so there was little Gene manipulation needed.
Sadly it was made to suppress the non-desired traits during a fetus's development, so it needed to be changed a bit...
Never the less I continued sifting through the shelves, there was so much more to explore.
.
Gene-Splicing.
The user is able to take the DNA of any species or any individual being and is able to modify it and insert it into the DNA of any other species to strengthen or modify the host's body.
.
There was a warning written in near flowing script on the bottom of the scroll.
'Any modifications made to oneself may cause infertility, any traits gained from outside your species may cause unexpected mutations.'
Interesting but not something I was interested in at the moment, though it could see future use.
.
Amalgamation.
The user can merge two or more separate objects into one, regardless of whether the objects are organic, inorganic, living, dead, technological, etc. They can decide which parts of the objects are dominant in the union, what is erased, and what is merged.
The denser the material's fused, the higher the chakra cost.
This wasn't useful for anything outside of crafting.
Unless I wanted to do some messy experiments...
I moved on.
.
DNA Disintegration.
Users can disintegrate/destroy the DNA of any organism, causing varying levels of damage from necrosis.
.
Not useful in combat as it required the target to be completely restrained...
So not useful at all...
.
DNA Analysis.
The user can analyze DNA through various means. They can identify such things as the DNA owner's identity, or such things as mutations and genetic damage.
.
It went on to list other sub techniques and additional ways to analyze DNA.
Another gem.
Though it required a lot of seal work.
...
There were thirty-three different techniques involving the manipulation of DNA.
Though one, in particular, caught my interest.
.
Primal Form.
The user reverts into their primal form, becoming an evolutionary throwback with traits that have disappeared generations before.
.
I stared dully at the scroll, this was way too good to be true.
.
Warning
Users may have a limited intellect.
Users may not have control of their primitive instinct and urges.
Users' physiology may be unstable.
.
I thought so...
I was almost certain this was an Inuzuka technique, in fact, a few of them could be attributed to the Inuzuka.
Though if that was the case why were the Inuzuka such a shit clan?
Wolves in sheep's clothing?
Or did 'mimicking' dogs make them stupid?
And why would the Inuzuka ever give up any of these techniques?
"Sigh..."
If I just up and used the jutsu I probably would just turn into an ape, I probably had very little Ōtsutsuki in me.
Or at least not enough to risk my sanity for.
...
I looked at the section of shelves that I mentally dubbed the Orochimaru shelves and pondered.
Even if I was able to mess with my DNA what good would that do me?
From what I read I was only 'isolating' DNA few cells at a time.
The body had around thirty-trillion cells and 200 different types of cells.
It was a hilariously pointless endeavor.
Without using DNA Overwrite's seals, the only way around doing every cell a few at a time was to make the cells divide a few billion times...
And I doubt the cells would be young after that...
I rolled my eyes at the thought, of course, they wouldn't be young...
So, I needed to make the cells immortal or change DNA Overwrite's seals?
That's the only way I could think of getting around aging myself...
Since I was already manipulating DNA could I manipulate or regenerate telomeres?
Telomeres are just repetitive strings of DNA found at the ends of chromosome pairs within cells.
Telomeres protect chromosomes stopping them from deteriorating or fusing, but the telomere on the end of each chromosome pair is shortened with each cellular division.
Eventually, the telomere is depleted, and apoptosis or cell death begins.
That was aging in a nutshell.
So, I regenerate the telomere and I'm theoretically biologically immortal.
As long as I could regenerate the telomeres on the DNA I might be able to divide cells indefinitely.
Meaning I can change the DNA of one cell, dived it, and replace other non changed cells.
Potential Immortality and the potential easy awakening of my other bloodline.
I took a deep breath and sighed.
I had a rough plan and now I needed to work towards that plan.
Cell Manipulation, DNA Analysis, DNA Indexing, and DNA Isolation was what I needed to focus on.
Cancer cells were immortal, so that's where I'd likely find out about telomere regeneration.
I started placing the books I borrowed back onto their shelves, I was preparing to make my exit, I could come back another time.
I was already researching cancer, I had thought about turning my whole body cancerous to become immortal.
Ideally, I just had to make a seal that kept everything where it was supposed to be and I could become living cancer.
Or so I thought...
But my new plan was better.
I finished filing the books away and gave a friendly wave at the ceiling.
My mood was much better, DNA had opened a whole new avenue.
I might not need to do any cell transplants if I could mess with DNA.
I guess I'll see.
A month passed, Duy graduated, Kushina returned, Kakashi got his new team, and five clones plus myself were spending just about all day studying, reading, and practicing some of our newly learned techniques.
Things were going well.
Or they were until the Hokage requested a meeting.
I hadn't done anything, so I wasn't overly worried, but it was still an annoyance.
Now the question was, do I go myself? Or do I send a clone and risk shenanigans?
...
I gave a firm knock on the door.
Knock* Knock* Knock*
"Enter!"
I opened the door and made my way inside.
After a deep bow towards the Hokage, I stood in the center of the room and waited.
"Take a seat, we're still waiting on someone."
He pointed behind me.
I turned and saw a pair of chairs that weren't there a moment ago.
I eyed the chairs and shrugged.
I took a seat and looked at the Hokage, he had started on some paperwork, leaving me to sit by myself.
Alrighty...
I crossed my arms, leaned back, and closed my eyes.
...
I heard the door open.
I turned my head towards the door and opened my eyes.
Orochimaru was making his way inside and looking rather annoyed.
Looking at him I understood why people would fear him, he looked evil.
But I guess it was hard not to look evil with snake-like eyes.
"I'm here sensei."
I stayed quiet and watched the exchange. Orochimaru looked annoyed and the Third had a warm smile on his face.
"Orochi it's good to see you, take a seat." The Third gestured to a chair.
I thankfully didn't smirk at his nickname.
"What was so important, that it required me to waste my precious time?"
Orochimaru talked was a slow drawl and his face was impassive, he in no way wanted to be here.
"I wanted to ask you if you would spend a few hours a week teaching young Shiro here." The Hokage pointed at me as he finished his sentence.
Orochimaru turned his attention to me for the first time since he arrived.
I sent him a little wave and he ignored me.
"I don't have time for an apprentice."
The third shook his head.
"You just need to pass on some of your knowledge on body modification and DNA manipulation, which is Shiro's current interest."
That sentence made me incredibly nervous, I didn't know how much they knew about what I was doing. Even if all my notes were in French and English there was no guarantee that they weren't decoded.
Orochimaru sent me a look of mild-interest but remained quiet.
"Shiro, why don't you tell Orochimaru what you've been working on."
The question served two purposes, he wanted me to impress Orochimaru but he also wanted to know about anybody modifications that he wasn't aware of yet.
I was pretty sure they didn't know too much of what I got up to, the Hokage was fishing for information and trying to foster talent, or so I thought.
I took a deep breath and prepared myself.
"I've enhanced my nerves and improved my Byakugan's range."
Orochimaru didn't look impressed and neither did the Hokage.
"I'm currently working on ways to expand someone's chakra network." That didn't have any visible effect on Orochimaru nor the Hokage.
"I've also recently been able to regrow limbs though at a huge chakra cost."
The Hokage looked mildly interested but I didn't think I'd sold Orochimaru on the idea of a student so I decided to throw out some bait.
"I've also been looking into immortality or ways to become immortal as well."
The Hokage hummed and Orochimaru shifted slightly though his face hadn't changed.
"Hmmm... Any discoveries?"
I shook my head.
"No, I've just got a lot of theories."
The Hokage nodded.
"You're not confident in your theories?"
I nodded.
"The more I learn, the harder it seems it is to achieve true immortality."
The Hokage nodded and I leaned back, hopefully giving the appearance of being comfortable.
"Would you share some of your theories with us?"
I nodded and smiled.
"Yes, as long as you can dismiss your Anbu."
The Hokage nodded and waved his hand, I flickered my Byakugan and watched the Anbu leave for a moment.
"Well..."
I deactivated my Byakugan, even though they won't know what we talked about one of them will probably report to Danzo.
Meaning I've probably gained his attention if I didn't already have it.
"The first one I had thought of was something I call Cancer Immortality."
This was easy to give up, I didn't think it was possible and it had large risks to oneself.
"Cancer is immortal, meaning cancer cells can duplicate indefinitely. So, I thought if I made every cell in my body cancerous could I become immortal?"
Orochimaru shook his head.
"If all your cells were cancerous your body would keep producing cells eventually failing when the cancer impedes critical bodily functions."
I nodded
"But If you had a Seal that kept your body in your desired shape, you could overcome that."
Orochimaru nodded.
"Though even then it's imperfect, your physical energy would become sickly and weak because of the cancer."
I nodded even though I didn't know that.
The second one I had thought of is called Tailed Beast Immortality."
I looked at the Hokage and Orochimaru, both seemed interested, which was what I wanted hopefully I wouldn't have to show too much of my hand.
"The idea was to turn oneself into a chakra construct via Fuinjutsu."
I had thought that if Sasori could seal his consciousness into a core and operate a puppet body why couldn't I do the same and make myself a chakra construct.
"You seal your consciousness into a core from which you pilot your body using an artificial network."
I blew a breath from my nose.
"I realized that wouldn't work, so I pondered the possibility of having a seal replicate your every cell with chakra and hold that form."
I rolled my eyes.
"It would be almost impossibly hard to do, you would need the seal to record everything about your body and then replace your cells with chakra cells, but even if you got that far then you would need a way to generate physical energy or you wouldn't have a way to generate chakra."
I paused for a moment and Orochimaru chimed in.
"Nature chakra."
I nodded and sent him a thumbs up.
"Yes, I had the same thought, the problem is that a chakra body wouldn't be able to adapt."
This time Orochimaru nodded.
"You would lose the ability to grow."
I nodded and looked to see if the Hokage was paying attention.
"And even if it somehow worked, you would just become another Tailed Beast, someone would eventually seal you and use your power."
The thought of Tailed Beasts made me think of the Zero Tails, was it worth capturing? It had no relevance to Zetsu's plans so I wouldn't have to worry about anyone plotting against me if I stole it.
Now do I continue or do I cut the conversation off here...?
"Do you want me to continue? The Hokage looks to be losing interest."
The Hokage had been looking out the window seemingly having lost interest, though I don't know why he wouldn't be interested in immortality.
"You two can talk later, Shiro why do you seek Immortality?"
The Hokage didn't look even mildly interested in my answer but I could see Orochimaru paying attention from the corner of my eye.
I wanted to live long enough to learn world travel, the Ōtsutsuki could do it so it wasn't out of reach.
Though I couldn't say that to the Hokage.
"I want to live long enough to see the village advance."
The Hokage blinked at me and Orochimaru didn't look too enthused with my answer.
"When the First Hokage created the village, he wouldn't have been able to imagine how much it would change and grow, I hope to experience the village's growth over the years."
The Hokage hummed and Orochimaru stayed silent, I leaned back into my chair and folded my arms.
Everyone was silent for a while and I wasn't keen to break the silence, I wanted some time to think.
Hopefully, that answer was satisfactory, I barely pulled that out of my ass...
I implied I wanted to be the village's immortal guardian, watching it grow and prosper.
Hopefully, the Hokage loved that...
...
Eventually, Orochimaru broke the silence.
"I don't have the time to teach you, but I'll allow you to be my assistant and teach you as I go."
Allow me?
What an asshole.
"I'd be happy to."
Hopefully, I'd learn stuff, if he shafted me and didn't teach me shit, I'll seal him and toss him into the ocean.
I reached over to Orochimaru and offered my hand.
He reached over and took it.
We shook hands, and I wondered if I was making a huge mistake.
Was faster progress worth having to worry about my Byakugan or body being stolen?
"Alright Shiro you're dismissed, Orochi you stay we have more to discuss."
I nodded stood up and bowed towards both the Hokage and Orochimaru.
Orochimaru wasn't sealing bodies until after Naruto was born, so hopefully, it wouldn't be a problem for a while.
I made my way out of the room and dismissed myself in a burst of smoke.
...
I stood staring blankly at Emergency Rations.
Clones didn't suffer any consequences from their actions, it made them make risky or silly decisions.
I was both horrified and glad.
Horrified for my future and glad the clone made no mention of my plan to become a Stem Cell Vampire.
I was pretty close to making it work, DNA Overwrite was the final piece of the puzzle.
Cell rejection was caused when the immune system rejected 'foreign' cells, if the DNA was changed and the cell was manipulated a little, it was no longer foreign.
I was pretty sure Orochimaru could come to the same conclusion himself.
Though hopefully, I didn't give him any ideas.
Sigh...
Two possible paths to immortality.
Stem Cell Vampire and Biological Immortality...
I just needed to get the seals down and I was done with Stem Cell Vampire.
And I also needed to get the rate of cancer down...
I almost forgot about that...
...
The chakra control needed to touch DNA without destroying it was insane, I couldn't imagine what sort of madman made this technique.
I understood why you had to use a seal to do the rest of this.
I couldn't do it yet but I'd keep trying.
Though perhaps I should focus on other things...
Would it be better to put DNA shenanigans off?
I didn't know...
...
The next day I was pondering expanding my chakra network and feeding Emergency Rations when I was disturbed.
"Ah-hem."
I turned and saw Orochimaru standing in the middle of my lab and sending me a bored stare.
Hello." I sent him a nod and tried to hide how disturbed I was with having my home invaded.
He took a glance at my crappy lab and gave it a look of disdain.
"Your mother let me in."
I nodded, though it didn't make me feel better about having my lab invaded once again.
"Alright."
Orochimaru walked over and placed his hand on one of my rabbits.
He hummed but didn't say anything, and I remained quiet as well.
Eventually, I got bored of watching and went to start feeding my other rabbits.
"Have you been using these as practice for DNA analysis?"
I nodded
With animals, you would look for physical differences between sub-species, like rabbits with different colored furs, ear sizes, or hearing sensitivity. All those things.
Once you have enough rabbit species with different traits you can easily find out which mutations are most prevalent in which species and inside that species which rabbit has different combinations of mutations.
You can use that data to find out which rabbits will have the biggest ears or longest fur.
At least if you are right that's the case.
"Don't bother, I've already done this myself with many different animals."
I sighed, I wasted a few weeks on this if that was the case.
"Alright."
I just nodded, If Orochimaru already had this done, all I needed to do was memorize his work.
"So, what brings you here Sensei."
Orochimaru seemed to have enjoyed my use of Sensei, it was the right move.
"I came to collect you, it occurred to me that I didn't arrange anything before you were dismissed."
I nodded.
"So, what's the plan?"
Orochimaru started making his way towards the door.
"I'll show you where I do some of my research and I'll key you into the seals, from there we will decide on a schedule that works for you."
I nodded and followed after him.
"Sure thing, Sensei!"
I figured it would take me around five years to make any progress in DNA manipulation.
By studying under Orochimaru I could cut that time down.
I just needed to identify what part of the DNA corresponded to the Shikotsumyaku.
Which was easier said than done.
I might still need to wait until Kimimaro was born...
Sigh...
...
Hidden under a Dongo shop in the middle of Konoha is where Orochimaru brought me.
Orochimaru's lab looked less advanced then I had imagined it to be.
There were a lot of different organs, animals, and other body parts floating in glass containers.
I spun and took a better look at the lab, shelves were lining the walls, each was filled with different specimens.
"So?"
I looked at my new teacher wondering what he had planned.
Orochimaru brought out many different scrolls, books, notes, and stacks of paper and set them on a table in the corner of the room.
"You will be studying, when you've memorized everything there, I'll decide what to do with you."
I nodded and made my way over to the table and grabbed the notes first.
"Those don't leave the lab."
I nodded again.
I briefly looked over to the pile of stuff Orochimaru gave me.
Some of it was medical stuff I had already memorized, but there was other chakra related stuff that I hadn't seen before.
'Spiritual Energy and It's effects on Chakra.'
Neat.
'Chakra Capacity and Lifespan.'
Hmm...
'Chakra and DNA.'
The whole pile contained lots of good stuff, I hadn't seen any of this in the archive or the library's. So, this was likely Orochimaru's work.
Either that or it was heavily restricted.
More restricted than the already restricted stuff in the archive...
I took a breath and activated my Byakugan.
I admired the flowing script covering just about every inch of the room, I saw Orochimaru eyeing me and I sent him a wave.
I turned my focus onto the books and activated Kokoro no kyōka.
It would only take me a day to memorize all of this, it would likely take me longer to understand it though...
...
A lot of Orochimaru's notes were about directly fucking with the DNA and seeing what happened.
It was ugly business.
But it was extremely efficient.
Orochimaru had made great progress in analyzing human DNA.
According to his notes, humans have between 20,000 and 25,000 genes.
Genes were just strands of DNA.
Every person has two copies of each gene, one inherited from each parent.
Most genes are the same in all people, but a small number of are slightly different between people.
These small differences contribute to each person's unique physical features.
Lots of interesting stuff...
But nothing related to Kekkei Genkai...
So, he was holding back...
Not unexpected, but it was annoying.
I'd already made massive gains, so I'd stay my path and continue as I was.
Hopefully, I could gain his trust and start working on some of his projects...
I'll see what the future holds...
...