"What a good idea, Orochimaru."
Tsunade couldn't help but praise him, her heart filled with joy. This was the first successful example of their experiments after so long.
Even though the experimental subject had just exploded, it was limited to the arm, leaving important parts such as the internal organs and brain intact.
"It seems that the serum is not enough," she continued thoughtfully.
"The injection ratio needs to be tested a few more times. This might have something to do with the cells. Orochimaru, this subject is now in your hands. If he passes the next test, teach him how to refine Chakra and try to learn Wood Style ninjutsu."
"If he can learn Wood Style, that would be a significant advantage for Konoha," she replied with interest.
Before Orochimaru could finish his thought, Tsunade left to report the good news to Kain and to request additional Extremis virus serum.
Once she was gone, Orochimaru let out a low chuckle. While testing for Wood Style was a certainty, he had no intention of handing this subject over to Konoha.
If the experimental subject could indeed utilize Wood Style, Orochimaru would ensure he met a swift end. Tsunade was a bit too naive in her beliefs; her eagerness would ultimately jeopardize Nawaki's future.
Although Tsunade's medical ninjutsu was invaluable for advancing their research on the human body, her lack of emotional intelligence put them at risk.
Orochimaru would have to manage the fallout, or their cooperation could become problematic.
A few days later, Kain received the update but did not rush back immediately. Instead, he finished his business nearby before heading to the experimental base.
About five days later, when he finally arrived, he found Orochimaru and Tsunade training a person in ninjutsu in the woods outside the underground laboratory.
"You're late, Mr. Tushi has been learning ninjutsu these past few days," Tsunade said happily as she waved him over.
As Kain approached, he noticed Mr. Tushi looking at him with a hint of hatred in his eyes before quickly lowering his gaze.
Kain understood that he was likely one of the first death row prisoners, and he had probably figured out who was behind the experiments involving death row inmates.
However, Kain chose to ignore those feelings. After all, if he was a death row inmate, he would ultimately face death.
Turning to Tsunade, Kain asked, "Has he started learning ninjutsu? The progress seems impressive. Is Mr. Tushi a genius?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Tsunade replied, contemplating the situation.
"If he had white eyes, he might be able to see the flow of Chakra clearly, but I think the Extremis virus has given this experimental subject a natural instinct for Wood Style from the First Hokage's cells."
Orochimaru elaborated, "Mr. Tushi spent three days attempting the simpler Clone Technique without success but managed to use Wood Style ninjutsu in just one day."
Kain nodded, beginning to understand. "So the Wood Style bloodline tendency appears to be instinctive for him?"
"Exactly. If Wood Style can be replicated, then so can Sharingan, Byakugan, Ice Style, and even Dead Bone Pulse," Orochimaru stated with excitement.
Tsunade interjected, her voice sharp, "Orochimaru! You can't speak about that so openly. If the Uchiha and Hyuga clans hear about this, it will certainly lead to war."
Bloodline clans have an obsessive desire to protect their unique abilities, which are foundational to their family legacy in the ninja world.
Kain was taken aback. "I didn't realize Extremis had this capability."
"The principle is that it allows for a new life to emerge amidst destruction," Orochimaru explained.
"If a bloodline is transplanted at the cellular level using conventional methods, it often leads to the collapse of the living organism. However, the Extremis virus circumvents this issue. After the destruction, it integrates with one's own cells."
Tsunade continued, "Before injecting the Extremis virus serum, the test subject's cells are cultured along with the Extremis virus and Hokage cells to create a new serum. This reduces the associated risks."
Her enthusiasm for the research was evident as she shared her insights with Kain. She had gained a deeper understanding of the bloodline limits through her studies of the Extremis virus.
Yet, what she truly wanted now was to help Nawaki recover.
Kain smiled and pointed to the experimental subject named Tushi. "I see. Given these advancements, you two have worked incredibly hard. But about this person…"
"The data and blood samples have been collected, and the records are quite thorough. With this information, we can greatly assist the next experiment. In other words..." Orochimaru paused dramatically.
He then waved his hand, and several pythons, as thick as forearms, slithered out of his sleeves. They wrapped around the experimental body known as Tushi, constricting around his neck and waist.
In a swift motion, Orochimaru formed seals and, to Tsunade's surprise, unleashed Earth Style ninjutsu, crushing the body of the test subject and burying him deep underground.
After finishing this grim task, Orochimaru chuckled. "Alright, Mr. Kain, Mr. Tushi is now buried over ten meters deep. I believe he will become nutrient-rich soil in about seven days."
"Orochimaru, why did you—" Tsunade began, shocked by the suddenness of Orochimaru's actions. But he cut her off, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Calm down, Tsunade. The experiment isn't over. They are merely death row prisoners. Mr. Kain, let's go inside and talk."
"It just so happens that I want to know more about the Extremis virus," Kain replied readily. If they could ensure a high success rate, he would consider injecting the new version of the Extremis virus serum.
Before entering the underground experimental base, Kain noticed Tsunade's hesitance and said, "Don't dwell on it too much, Tsunade. I brought you a token of condolence. I believe you'll appreciate it."
Orochimaru's decisive actions had won Kain's admiration. He had never intended to let the death row experimental subjects go.
His plan would remain unchanged regardless of the Extremis virus's success; even if the experiments succeeded, their worth remained the same. The real value had always been in the Extremis virus serum, not in a subject who could replicate Wood Style bloodline techniques.
Tsunade was only seeing the surface benefits of the Wood Style without recognizing the deeper implications. In contrast, Kain preferred Orochimaru's pragmatic approach.
While Orochimaru cared about achieving his goals, Kain valued results above all else. The two shared a similar mindset; when their goals aligned, they could be excellent partners, though their relationship might falter if their aims diverged.
Upon reaching the experimental base, Kain observed the testing process of the Tushi experimental body.
"Could you try a few more times? Orochimaru, I hope for a little more safety. The current success rate isn't reassuring."
Orochimaru smiled knowingly. "Of course. After all, Nawaki is also my disciple, and I won't feel comfortable injecting him with the serum until we improve the results."
…
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