Chapter 290 : Experiments and New Experiments!!!

Through this experiment, Kazuhiko not only demonstrated that Chakra can indeed be replaced by another type of energy, but also revealed that different forms of energy can sustain life functions. 

This replacement energy was derived from natural sources, raising intriguing questions about its potential.

While it's unclear if only natural energy can produce this effect or if other forms of energy could be used as substitutes, the entire ninja world relies heavily on Chakra and natural energy. There's no need to consider other sources at this point.

The experiment successfully achieved Kazuhiko's initial goal, proving the role of natural energy in the body. However, it also revealed an inconsistency: the varying reactions among several mice in the experiment.

Some mice, after being injected with natural energy, seemed fine initially but later died. Others experienced remarkable changes, like increased body size, strength, and speed. 

This variability puzzled Kazuhiko, pointing to a deeper complexity in how natural energy affects living organisms.

Using specially treated natural energy, combined with a hint of life-giving saltwater, provided an alternative source of energy to Chakra, enabling life activities even without Chakra. The experiment was undeniably successful, but it left behind an important question: why the varied reactions among the mice?

In his contemplation, Kazuhiko recalled something Tsunade once said: "I'm tired of eating..." This simple phrase seemed to hold the key to understanding the problem. 

He realized that maybe the core issue was related to the amount of energy being consumed or expended.

"Why are you eating so much?" Kazuhiko asked himself, pondering the link between energy consumption and the body's ability to process it. 

Tsunade, sensing his deep thought, responded naturally: "Of course, if you eat too much, you can't handle it; you'll overextend yourself."

This made Kazuhiko pause in surprise—"Why didn't I think of it?" It seemed like the breakthrough he needed to explore the energy consumption and its effect on stability in the experiment.

Kazuhiko turned around suddenly, embracing Tsunade with delight, leaning in with excitement.

After a few moments, both Tsunade and Kazuhiko came back to their senses, and Kazuhiko realized his earlier mistake. It turned out he had fallen into what he called a "cognitive block," a state where he was so absorbed in his thoughts that he ignored basic principles.

Tsunade's two timely reminders were exactly what Kazuhiko needed to bring him back on track.

"If you overeat, you'll eventually reach a point where you simply can't eat anymore," Tsunade said.

It clicked for Kazuhiko. The laboratory mice that had been injected with natural energy became lethargic because they had too much of it in their bodies, more than they could handle.

These mice weren't capable of processing the excess natural energy, which ultimately led them to "crash," one after the other. Overconsumption can lead to lethargy, and in extreme cases, even death.

This explained why the two mice that were still alive and well were the ones whose bodies could endure the natural energy injected into them. 

Not only were they healthy, but they were also stronger, faster, and even had more bite force than the others. If they returned to their colony, they would be the strongest among their peers.

However, in the world of experiments, answering one question often leads to more. Now that Kazuhiko understood the impact of excess natural energy, a new question arose.

"How is it that the natural energy I controlled was the same, yet there were such varied outcomes?" he wondered.

The inconsistency puzzled Kazuhiko. If he wanted to understand the root cause, he'd need to conduct more experiments.

"Could it be that I controlled the dosage of natural energy differently, or perhaps these mice had varying levels of tolerance for it?" 

With this question lingering in his mind, Kazuhiko turned his attention to the small, live specimen beside him.

He glanced at his Rinnegan, the deep purple patterns swirling within his pupils, as if seeking answers from the mysterious energy coursing through him.

Even Sage Katsuyu's clone, with a lifespan stretching thousands of years, felt a sense of unease at this moment, something it hadn't experienced in a long time.

But soon, it suppressed that feeling, knowing that Kazuhiko didn't harbor any ill intentions towards it.

"Is something the matter, Kazuhiko-sama? Is there anything I can do to help?" asked the Little slug trying to sound calm despite its earlier sense of danger.

Kazuhiko nodded in affirmation. For a new experiment he was conducting with mice, he needed the help of Little slugs.

"Do you want me to watch over the test mice again? No problem, Kazuhiko-sama. I'm just staying in the Shikkotsu Forest anyway," replied the Little slug, her two antennae gently swaying. She didn't mind helping Kazuhiko with his experiments.

Though observing the mice seemed like a tedious and dull task, the Little slug found it quite suitable. After all, she spent all her time in the Shikkotsu Forest, and such a slow-paced, meticulous job that required patience and attention to detail was right up her alley.

She appreciated having something to occupy her time. It was the same reason she had created a "fountain of life"—out of sheer boredom. 

The need for activity and a sense of purpose drove her to engage in Kazuhiko's experiments, and she relished the chance to do something different from her usual routine.

Instead of taking notes, the Little slug relied entirely on her memory, recording every detail in her mind. This task gave her something to focus on during the long stretches of monotony, which she found incredibly valuable.

Working with Kazuhiko's experiments was enjoyable for her, especially since it was her first time assisting her contractor in such a manner.

But when she offered to continue observing the test mice, Kazuhiko shook his head.

His answer surprised her, and she tilted her head in confusion as she listened. "No, this time," he explained, "I need you to observe me."

"Observe you, Kazuhiko-sama?" she asked, perplexed.