Chapter 162: Kakashi! Codename: Wolverine

"Adamantium metal?"

"What is that?" Kakashi was stunned.

This was the first time he had heard such a name. Just pronouncing it felt strange and foreign.

"Hmm…" Hyuga Satoru pondered for a moment. "You can think of it as an indestructible alloy. Even S-rank jutsus should be unable to destroy it."

"Is that so…" Kakashi furrowed his brows, still looking puzzled.

Hyuga Satoru glanced at him. Strictly speaking, the adamantium he had created differed somewhat from the one in the X-Men universe. However, they shared a similar trait: indestructibility.

In the world of mutants, adamantium is a synthetic alloy made from various metals. It is almost impossible to destroy and has good biocompatibility.

Though Hyuga Satoru did not know the exact formula for adamantium, it didn't hinder his research. With his mastery over electromagnetic forces, manipulating metals was easy.

Developing adamantium was part of his effort to enhance his combat capabilities further. He currently controls three types of metals.

The first was the magnetic fluid metal derived from the Executioner's Blade. It had the characteristic of growing by absorbing blood and had been with him the longest. The amount he had now was substantial, always entwined around his skin beneath his clothes, ready to transform into weapons at a moment's notice. Compared to extracting metal from the ground, it was much faster and significantly more potent.

The second type was a special nano-material metal. This metal retained the properties of both nano-materials and metal, being the primary material for creating Zero. It had many unique abilities.

The third type was classified as other metals. These metals varied in properties but weren't particularly outstanding.

Adamantium metal, which Satoru had developed, was the fourth type of metal. It had a singular characteristic: hardness. Absolute hardness. Its ultra-high strength, combined with Satoru's electromagnetic abilities, made it nearly indestructible.

After many failed experiments with various metal alloys, Satoru finally developed adamantium. He remembered another strong metal, vibranium, which was the primary material for Captain America's shield. Vibranium originated from meteorites, and in the mutant world, some types of adamantium also contained vibranium. Satoru planned to research vibranium in the future.

Exhaling, he brought his thoughts back and looked at Kakashi.

"I plan to inject adamantium metal into your bones. You can then freely manipulate this metal for combat. It's like awakening a unique Kekkei Genkai."

"Of course, there are risks involved."

Kakashi gasped. Injecting metal into his bones? What a far-fetched idea. But the thought of gaining tremendous power made him hesitate.

"What is the success rate?" Kakashi asked, biting his lip.

"If you do it now, less than thirty per cent," Satoru replied calmly.

"Thirty per cent?" Kakashi fell silent. The odds were too low.

"You said 'now'… What does that mean?"

"It means you need a preliminary modification first," Satoru explained. "Adamantium metal is not easy to endure. Without sufficient regenerative ability, its terrifying properties will destroy you instantly."

"However, the cells of the First Hokage contain special regenerative factors. I can transplant them into you, which might allow you to withstand this power."

Kakashi took a deep breath. "Is that so…" Transplanting the First Hokage's cells, as Danzo did… He was tempted. If successful, he would gain immense power.

Satoru's eyes gleamed. Actually, Kakashi might endure the adamantium without the First Hokage's cells. Compared to Wolverine, Kakashi had two significant advantages. One was chakra. The chakra in the ninja world was extraordinary. Using chakra to protect the metal might help him endure the procedure. The second advantage was Satoru himself. His absolute control over metal was like a super cheat code. Any anomaly could be corrected, ensuring the experiment went as planned.

Connecting the adamantium to Kakashi's muscle nerves during solidification would make it easy for him to control. However, without the regenerative capabilities of the First Hokage's cells, Kakashi's combat power would be significantly reduced. Moreover, the bacteria carried by the metal could harm his body.

"Have you decided?" Satoru asked, looking at Kakashi.

"Let's do it!" Kakashi replied firmly.

"Good."

Satoru had already prepared the First Hokage's cells. Since the goal was regeneration, the wood-release genes were considered impurities and removed, significantly reducing conflicts and side effects. Unlike Danzo and Orochimaru, who aimed for wood-release and faced many setbacks, Satoru quickly overcame the relatively mild regenerative genes.

A pale yellow liquid was injected into Kakashi's body. This genetic fluid carried the healing DNA of the First Hokage, which immediately started to modify Kakashi's cells. The residual fluid transformed into healing factors and flowed through his bloodstream.

Time passed, and there were no signs of rejection. Satoru ran his fingers over Kakashi's arm, creating a small cut that healed rapidly.

"Impressive," Satoru thought, narrowing his eyes. Kakashi was indeed a true genius, not just in terms of training but also genetically. His genes were highly adaptable to modifications with minimal rejection. One Sharingan was a waste for him.

Could Blue's exceptional resilience be a side effect of this adaptability? Satoru didn't delve deeper into this thought and began the adamantium injection process.

Kakashi lay naked in the tank. Numerous metal needles, controlled by Satoru's electromagnetic force, pierced his skin and entered his bones. Liquid adamantium flowed through special tubes into his body.

Because of Satoru's electromagnetic abilities, the adamantium did not need to be melted but was directly broken down into liquid. To push Kakashi to his limits, Satoru secretly heated the metal using an electromagnetic furnace, replicating Wolverine's injection process as perfectly as possible.

As the scorching metal entered Kakashi's body, he screamed in pain, water flooding into his mouth and nose. If not for Satoru's control over the metal restraining him, Kakashi might have instinctively destroyed the tank in his struggle.

"Hang in there, Kakashi. If you can endure this, you will gain immense power!" Satoru's voice echoed in his ears.

Kakashi continued to struggle. The combined agony of suffocation and physical torment blurred his consciousness.

"Remember your father. Have you forgotten how he died?"

Kakashi inhaled a mouthful of water, and a hazy image of his father smiling appeared in his mind. That day, like any other, he brought breakfast to his father's room. Opening the door…

Clang! The tray fell to the floor.

His pupils trembled. He saw his father use the White Fang's short blade to cut open his own abdomen, lying lifeless on the floor.

The blade that had killed countless enemies for Konoha claimed its master's life.

Kakashi felt the world spinning.

"Dad…" In the tank, he stopped struggling—a tear dissolved into the water.

"Did he fail?" Satoru murmured, sensing Kakashi's weak biofield.

The lab fell silent, with no movement from Kakashi. Tiny bubbles on his skin floated to the surface. Satoru stared intently at Kakashi in the tank.

In the next second, the faint biofield surged with strength.

Whoosh!

Kakashi clenched his fists and shot out three sharp metal claws, quickly cutting through the restraints. He sat up, gasping for air.

Slowly, he raised his fists, staring at them in confusion. Six sharp claws gleamed coldly.

"Very good," Satoru's amused voice came from behind. "From today, you'll join Root as my right-hand man. Your codename…"

"Wolverine!"