Kain rushed back from his dealings in the Land of Waves and the Land of Water, heading straight to the underground laboratories of Tsunade and Orochimaru.
The air was thick with anticipation, the fluorescent lights flickering above casting an eerie glow on the sterile environment. As he entered the lab, he was greeted by Orochimaru, whose eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Mr. Kain," Orochimaru began, his voice low and conspiratorial, "the serum has been used up. Although we've made some progress, we need to carry out the next test." He leaned in closer, his interest piqued.
Kain nodded, sensing the weight of their shared mission.
Tsunade stepped forward, catching Kain's gaze. "Orochimaru is right. We have collected a considerable amount of useful data. We can confirm that the Extremis virus suppresses my grandfather's immune cell erosion. Moreover, his cells seem to enhance the metabolic function of the subjects, creating a sort of equilibrium." Her tone was serious, but there was a flicker of hope in her eyes.
"What exactly does that mean?" Kain asked, his brow furrowing as he leaned closer.
Tsunade sighed, clearly frustrated. "We thought the experiment was successful, but then they exploded again. It may have something to do with emotional states. If the subject is in a coma, they can recover from severe wounds. However, when they wake up and their emotions fluctuate, it triggers a violent explosion."
Kain listened intently, processing the information. Judging by the explosion's scale, it seemed they had indeed made progress; at least a few intact bones had been recovered after the latest incident.
"The equipment for data collection and medical examinations should be replaced in the ninja world. Though it's more expensive, we should invest in that. As for the serum, I can arrange for a new batch to be delivered in a few days. First, let me review the data more closely." He rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of responsibility.
Orochimaru, unfazed by the destruction, added, "If possible, we need to send different subjects for testing—teenagers, women, children, and ninjas."
Kain raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Can I call you Orochimaru?"
"Of course, just call me Orochimaru," he replied with a smile.
"Alright, then you can call me Kain. The first three types of subjects are available; they're all in the Prison of the Land of Fire. However, the last one might be difficult for me to procure. Do you have any ideas?"
Orochimaru smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "There are many ninjas in Konoha Prison. But if you want someone specific, it's likely that they will have a fair reason to intervene. I'm sure you wouldn't want to provoke that kind of situation."
Kain nodded thoughtfully. "Let me see what I can do. Perhaps I can have Kakuzu catch some wandering ninjas and clean up the rogue elements in the Land of Tea."
Tsunade remained silent, refraining from participating in the darker aspects of their discussions. Although she accepted the necessity of human experimentation, she didn't want to initiate that kind of conversation herself.
Her mentality was more protective, stemming from her commitment to her brother. She was willing to be passive but did not want to take the first step into the moral abyss.
"Even a ninja can do it. You truly are resourceful, Kain," Orochimaru praised, a hint of admiration in his voice. His curiosity about Kain's capabilities and the forces behind him was growing.
The fact that they could even research something as complex as the Extremis virus hinted at a well-funded and professional team.
"Can even the Wood Style Bloodline be activated?" Kain asked, his surprise evident as he observed some of the experimental subjects behaving unusually.
Tsunade confirmed, "Yes, if the Extremis virus remains under control, it may indeed be able to replicate my grandfather's Wood Style ninjutsu." She paused, contemplating the implications.
If this experiment succeeded, she would be eager to try it on herself. Yet, she understood Kain's nature all too well. He would likely want something of great value in return—something that would make his heart race.
As time passed, Kain found himself frequently traveling between the experimental base, the town, and the Land of Fire. He had effectively become the logistics steward of the research facility, overseeing the delivery of research results on the Extremis virus from Killian.
Despite his progress, Kain was cautious; he and Killian had never encountered Hashirama's cells, and he had no intention of sharing Orochimaru and Tsunade's research data. Such a decision would be illogical and risky.
Additionally, Kain devoted a significant amount of time to practicing ninjutsu. He had mastered the Three Body Technique and Shadow Clone Technique to a commendable degree, but he found forming seals a bit slower than he desired.
Under optimal conditions, he could manage three body techniques per second, but his average was still only two seals per second.
Kakuzu, upon learning about Kain's abilities, expressed both surprise and disappointment. "Such a valuable attribute wasted on you, Kain," he lamented. "You're not suited to be a ninja, neither in terms of Chakra quantity nor ninjutsu talent."
Kain speculated that his change in Chakra attributes might be linked to Kakuzu's own Chakra. He was, after all, not originally from the ninja world.
Having never come into contact with Chakra before, Kain's experience mirrored those who had received the first batch of Chakra passed down by the Sage of Six Paths, albeit in a diluted form.
However, he was unconcerned about his own strength. He had a clear vision of his role: to avoid direct confrontation and danger whenever possible.
Instead, he used the system to travel between worlds in moments of crisis, a method akin to the invincible Flying Thunder God Technique. No enchantment or sealing technique could limit him in that regard.
Learning other ninjutsu was merely a way to conceal his identity and movements. His true interest lay in studying the Extremis virus and Hashirama cells to enhance his own constitution.
Kain had positioned himself as a boss, not a mere thug charging into battle. He had even spent 30 million ryo to have Kakuzu train him for a month just to learn the Earth Style—Earth Dragon Hidden Technique. This would allow him to escape quickly in a critical moment in the Marvel world.
"Calm down, Mr. Tushi," Orochimaru said, his voice low and calming, "if you can survive, we'll let you go and give you a sum of money. Just cooperate with us."
"Ahhh!!" The subject, agitated and overwhelmed, screamed in terror before—
Boom!
Before Orochimaru could finish his sentence, the experimental subject in the isolation area exploded again, but this time only one arm erupted, slowly recovering from the blast.
The visible regeneration of bones, blood vessels, and meridians was astonishing.
"Successful?" Tsunade gasped, her heart racing as she recorded the subject's physical reactions. She adjusted the ratio of Hashirama cells to the Extremis virus, her scientific mind racing ahead with possibilities.
"Hehe, it seems my hypothesis was correct, Tsunade," Orochimaru said with a triumphant smile.
While many experimental subjects had perished in pursuit of knowledge, their sacrifices had not been in vain. This latest subject was a testament to their progress; it seemed they were tantalizingly close to success.
….
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