(Time skip)
"How's the progress? Any new breakthroughs with the Extremis virus?" Kain asked as he entered the biological research center he'd established over a year ago. Currently, the sole focus was on the "Extremis Virus" project. Despite Kain's efforts to bring in more researchers, progress had been slow. Yet, he had managed to fill all management and logistics positions, keeping the operation steady.
Killian, one of the lead scientists, sighed and rubbed his temples. "Not very promising so far. We're limited by the data we've gathered from experiments on plants and animals. We need to start human trials to obtain more relevant information." Killian was eager for this next step, seeing it as critical to progressing. While plants and small animals had provided some insights, their reactions differed vastly from what could be expected in human tests. Without human data, the project risked stagnation.
Maya, another senior scientist, immediately raised her voice, countering Killian's suggestion. "Conducting human experiments now would be catastrophic. The failure rate is close to 90%, which would make human trials almost unethical at this stage. We shouldn't even consider it without more breakthroughs."
Killian looked at Kain for support. "Boss, if we don't start human trials, we might be stuck for years. We're at a deadlock, and without real human data, we're just circling the same results."
Kain interrupted before the argument could escalate further. "Let's file an application for an Institutional Review Board (IRB) review," he suggested calmly. He turned to Maya, who seemed slightly more at ease with this approach. "This will allow us to conduct human trials with volunteers who understand the risks, and it typically takes about three months for approval. If there's no significant breakthrough by then, we'll consider Killian's recommendation."
Though reluctant, Maya nodded, realizing the financial pressures and the need for progress. The IRB application would at least ensure that volunteers were fully informed and compensated, reducing her ethical concerns. However, she knew that recruiting suitable candidates could be costly, with each volunteer costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Typically, volunteers would be recruited from impoverished areas, but even then, finding willing participants might prove challenging.
Once the human trials began, the costs of the project would escalate dramatically. If the current team couldn't make the necessary advancements, Kain planned to explore alternative options. The ninja world, he reasoned, held a few experts in human body research who could potentially contribute to their understanding.
Changing the topic, Kain pulled out a university-level biology assignment and casually offered it to the team. "Anyone want to help me complete a biology report? I've already studied the content, but I'd rather not spend time writing it."
One of the researchers stepped forward, looked at the paper, and replied, "$2,000."
"Done," Kain replied, handing over the cash. "I need it by tomorrow morning." With that, he leaned over the experimental data, studying the latest round of results. Despite his busy schedule, Kain had been carefully following the Extremis virus project, understanding its principles and mechanisms. In the past year, he had acquired two tubes of the serum and access to a full set of experimental data, fueling his determination to become stronger through this technology.
After reviewing the data, he left the center, somewhat disappointed by the limited progress since his last visit. At Columbia University, where Kain was enrolled, he had quickly gained a reputation as the "most elusive student." Except for mandatory classes, he would often arrange substitutes to attend on his behalf, keeping a low profile as he juggled numerous responsibilities.
His pharmaceutical wholesale company was growing rapidly, expanding into the markets of Mexico, South America, Australia, and Southeast Asia within just two years. Revenue was projected to surpass $100 million this year alone, yet competition from other pharmaceutical wholesalers was increasing. To maintain his edge, Kain knew he would eventually need to develop his own products. For now, however, he planned to maximize his profits from the current market, reinvesting in the Extremis virus project as part of his long-term strategy.
Thanks to his business acumen and stringent cost management, Kain's personal wealth continued to grow. With assets totaling around $700 million and nearly two tons of gold, his patience with the Extremis project was finite, but the financial investment was manageable.
To safeguard his operations, he had moved into a larger, more secure residence with a basement that he converted into a hidden safe room. This safe room provided a place to retreat whenever he needed to shift between worlds, maintaining his anonymity and security from agencies like the IRS, FBI, or even S.H.I.E.L.D., which could potentially take an interest in his activities.
Reflecting on his plans, Kain decided it was time to approach Tsunade about the Extremis virus and some unique treatments for terminal illnesses. He had maintained a good relationship with her, learning about her family circumstances from Kushina. Nawaki's recovery, he knew, would pique her interest in the virus's potential. Kain had also brought along samples and data on various diseases, hoping to leverage her medical expertise.
With that plan settled, Kain finalized his tasks in the Marvel world. He assigned a substitute to manage his affairs and replenished his supplies before shifting his focus back to the ninja world.
In the next moment, he arrived there, ready to continue his work.
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