Chapter 141: Another New Member Joins the Group!

In the chat group:

Uchiha Madara: "Looks like the Senju clan is on the verge of extinction."

Namikaze Minato: "Tsunade is unlikely to give up on resurrecting her lover or finding someone else. If this continues, the Senju clan really faces the risk of complete annihilation."

Senju Tobirama: "How can this happen? Group leader, please talk to her for us! Tell her the Senju clan cannot disappear. At least... not before the Uchiha clan!"

Lucas: "I'll try!"

Lucas looked at the relieved Tsunade and spoke with a serious expression, "Tsunade, did you know that I have the ability to communicate with spirits? My Wood Style and Water Style techniques come from your grandfather and granduncle."

Tsunade's eyes widened in surprise. "I've heard rumors... Are they true?"

Lucas nodded. "It's true. Both your grandfather and granduncle can see you through me. They asked me to tell you... the Senju clan must not perish."

Tsunade froze for a moment, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I... I'll consider it."

Seeing her reaction, Jiraiya quickly jumped in with a grin, "Tsunade, how about a drink together?"

Tsunade shot him a blank look. "Forget it. You're a busy man. I wouldn't want to interrupt your 'research.'"

With that, she turned and walked away without hesitation.

Jiraiya could only chuckle dryly. He had always had feelings for Tsunade, and she knew it. But his antics had long worn down her patience.

Over the years, while searching for the Child of Prophecy and Orochimaru, Jiraiya never stopped gathering... inspiration for his novels.

To sum up his life in one phrase: The ninja world lost contact with him.

Jiraiya, facing the amused gazes of those around him, scratched his head awkwardly. "Uh... Haven't seen Nagato and Konan for a while... I should check in on them!"

In the chat group:

Senju Tobirama: "So... Jiraiya is interested in Tsunade?"

Senju Hashirama: "If Jiraiya's feelings for Tsunade are anything like Obito's feelings for Rin... that's something to consider."

Lucas: "You're overthinking! Jiraiya might be a simp, but he's nowhere near as infatuated as Obito."

Uchiha Madara: "Hah! I get it! Jiraiya's like his apprentice Nagato. What he truly loves... is Orochimaru, right?"

Lucas: "Maybe!"

Senju Tobirama: "No way! Orochimaru is still alive. Jiraiya wouldn't..."

Lucas: "Let me share a secret. Orochimaru practices a forbidden technique called Living Corpse Reincarnation. He turned himself into the White Snake Sage. This technique allows him to steal other bodies to extend his life... and chase immortality."

Doflamingo: "Fufufufu~ Immortality? The ninja world sure has some fascinating tricks!"

Lucas: "Not so fast! Orochimaru's technique isn't perfect. Each body transfer damages his soul. Over time, his soul will wither and vanish. It's immortality... with a catch."

Howard Stark: "Wait... If he can switch bodies... does that mean he could become... a woman?"

Senju Hashirama: "…"

Senju Tobirama: "…"

Gengetsu Hōzuki: "Pfft...! Young people these days really know how to play!"

Uchiha Madara: "So that's it! Tsunade probably rejected Jiraiya because she knew Orochimaru could 'switch teams' at any time!"

Senju Tobirama: "Nonsense!"

Namikaze Minato: "That's not it. Tsunade-sama rejected Jiraiya-sensei... mostly because... well, he can't keep his hands to himself."

Senju Tobirama: "What do you mean?"

Namikaze Minato: "Um... well... Jiraiya-sensei is... a novelist. And for 'inspiration,' he... uh... often... visits women's bathhouses..."

Lucas: "Yup! Been at it since he was seven or eight. A true... pioneer."

Howard Stark: "Seven or eight? The man discovered the mysteries of yin and yang before puberty?! Talented indeed!"

Lucas: "In the ninja world, people mature early. Totally normal!"

Senju Tobirama: "No wonder Tsunade rejected him. This man is not worthy of becoming the Senju family's son-in-law!"

Lucas: "Heh... Good luck with that. Tsunade loses every gamble. She's already hundreds of millions in debt. Who's got the nerve to marry her?"

Senju Tobirama: "…"

Uchiha Madara: "Pfft! Loses every gamble... just like Senju Hashirama!"

Senju Tobirama: "Brother! You taught her this, didn't you?!"

Senju Hashirama: "Eheheh... Well... I didn't expect her to inherit that talent from me…"

Lucas: "Relax! Worst case... I'll step up."

Senju Tobirama: "What?! You serious? She's decades older than you!"

Lucas: "So what? Age means nothing. I've already solved the problem of longevity. I can even keep her young forever."

Senju Hashirama: "You little punk! I trusted you as the group leader, and here you are... hitting on my granddaughter?!"

Lucas: "Don't act like you're losing out here! Think about it! I'm the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki. I carry Indra and Ashura's chakra. Plus... I basically started with your powers, Senju Hashirama!"

Senju Hashirama: "…"

Senju Hashirama: "I feel... deeply offended!"

Outside world:

After Tsunade and Jiraiya left, Orochimaru turned to Lucas and asked, "Lord Lucas, why did you ask me to research Senju Hashirama's cells? Surely, something like that holds no value for you anymore?"

Lucas chuckled. "You're right. Those cells are worthless to me... but they hold value for the world. What I seek isn't for me alone—but help for the entire ninja world."

Orochimaru's eyes glinted with curiosity. "I see… That does make sense. There's hardly anything in this world that could improve your strength. So, your pursuit is to change the world itself. But why choose me for this task?"

Orochimaru was genuinely intrigued. Lucas had granted him an entire Konoha Research Institute—fully equipped with materials, cutting-edge tools, and skilled personnel. Such generosity begged an answer.

Lucas smirked. "Don't underestimate yourself, Orochimaru!"

"There are many strong people in the ninja world—each attaining power through their own path.

Some trust their bloodline.

Some trust their talent.

Some trust their hard work.

But you... you trust in science!"

Lucas's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Orochimaru, you are a rare scientific genius! I—no—the entire world needs your talent in science!"

"Even someone like Senju Hashirama—his power dies with him. But the power of science? It can be passed down like a legacy!"

Orochimaru's cold heart stirred with excitement, a rare surge of passion filling his chest. A sudden, almost reckless urge ignited within him—to die for this confidant.

Not even his former teacher, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had ever understood his pursuit of science. Yet here was someone who truly did!

In the chat group:

Senju Tobirama: "Group leader, aren't you putting Orochimaru on a pedestal a bit too high? I don't think my scientific research talent is any less than his!"

Lucas: "Specialization matters, Tobirama. Your research focus has always been ninjutsu. Orochimaru's research, however, covers a much broader scope."

Senju Tobirama: "Such as?"

Lucas: "For example... his research on bloodline limits has reached the edge of unlocking the lineage factor. If he continues, he could even create... artificial humans. Do you believe that?"

Senju Tobirama: "Artificial humans?! Incredible! But still… I refuse to lose to him! Summon me, and I'll show you!"

Clearly, Lucas's high praise for Orochimaru had irked Tobirama, stirring his competitive spirit.

Senju Tobirama: "My research has focused on ninjutsu, but only because I was limited by the knowledge of my time. Howard Stark had never studied biotechnology before, but with his scientific talent, he achieved a leap forward in that field! Why should I be any different?"

Lucas: "Heh… You want a chance to prove yourself? Fine—wish granted!"

Outside world:

Lucas raised his hand and summoned a White Zetsu from the ground. Moments later, a glowing seal formed—and with a flash, Senju Tobirama appeared directly inside the Hokage's office.

Orochimaru's eyes widened in surprise. "This is… the Second Hokage?!"

The legendary shinobi stood there in the flesh—his sharp eyes sweeping the room, landing on Orochimaru with a calculating gaze.

Lucas smiled faintly. "Didn't I tell you before? The First and Second Hokage can observe the outside world through me.

Tobirama thinks he's a scientific genius too. So, he decided to step out… and prove it."

Lucas shrugged casually, as if this absurd scenario was nothing special.

Orochimaru, catching on quickly, chuckled. "I see… To have the honor of collaborating with the Second Hokage himself... It's a privilege. Truly, he is both my senior and mentor on the path of science."

Inside the Research Institute:

Tobirama, already scanning the research notes, spoke up:

"Senju Hashirama's cells originate from the Divine Tree's bloodline. In essence, they are a product of the Divine Tree's energy altering life within the womb—before birth.

That transformation was a success. It passes down through generations, allowing the user to develop unique abilities."

He turned to the White Zetsu sample. "But Zetsu… comes from an external transformation—Divine Tree energy injected into an already-born human. That process was... a failure.

The result? Creatures with no consciousness and no proper physiological structures."

Lucas nodded. "That's exactly what I want you to research, Tobirama.

I need you to extract the essence from Hashirama's cells—strip away their aggressive nature and isolate the elements that can modify human genes.

The goal? A genetic medicine.

One that grants the user Sage Body and Wood Style without the need for strong spiritual suppression."

Tobirama's eyes flashed with excitement. "A genetic serum? Ingenious!"

Lucas continued, "Direct injection of Hashirama's cells causes rejection because they are too invasive. So, why not break them down—remove their aggression—and keep only what transforms the user's body?

I know it's difficult, but I want you to try."

Raising his hand, Lucas summoned a massive Wood Style root system. "This is the Birth of the Trees Technique. It releases energy that can transform ordinary people into White Zetsu.

Konoha has plenty of death row prisoners. Use them for experimental observation."

His voice remained calm but firm. "If you succeed in creating this Sage Body serum, the human body's weaknesses in the ninja world can finally be overcome.

And if you fail? No problem. Just take the research to the Pirate World and collaborate with their biological scientists."

Lucas added casually, his tone as if discussing tomorrow's weather. He didn't even bother hiding his ability to travel between worlds.

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, catching the key phrase immediately: "Pirate World?"

Lucas smirked. "You'll find out... soon enough."

He offered no further explanation. Without proof, it was better to let curiosity build.

Suddenly, the chat group rang with a flurry of notifications:

[Ding! Tokiomi Tohsaka has joined the chat group!]

[Ding! Lancelot has joined the chat group!]

[Ding! Irisviel has joined the chat group!]

[Ding! Kariya Matou has joined the chat group!]

[Ding! The Mutant Black King – Sebastian Shaw has joined the chat group!]

Lucas: "Oh? New faces already?"

Pirate King Roger: "Damn! More newcomers? we haven't even finished exploring the ninja world yet!"

Senju Tobirama: "Hmph. Not a problem! Your adventure in the ninja world doesn't stop you from watching other worlds through the chat group."

Lucas: "Heh… A whole lineup, huh? Looks like they just finished a Holy Grail War. This is gonna be interesting…"

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