Chapter 376: Testing

In terms of combat, Ye Zi placed more importance on the Sharingan. However, acquiring a sufficient number of either Sharingan or Byakugan was no easy task.

Clones had their drawbacks, but they also had advantages. Since they possessed Hashirama cells, they could likely amplify the effects of transplanted eyes.

Among the three Byakugan they had, one had been taken from Ao of the Mist. Transplanting it into a human was possible, and the loyalty of the children in the base could be guaranteed.

However, considering the children's current capabilities, it would be wasteful, to put it bluntly, to transplant such valuable eyes to them. On the other hand, Kimimaro seemed like a suitable candidate. Having either the Byakugan or Sharingan would significantly enhance his taijutsu, but he was still too young.

"By the way, what's the success rate for implanting Hashirama cells now?" Ye Zi suddenly asked. If the success rate had improved, he could consider implanting the cells into the children to enhance their strength.

Nanako shook her head. "Still below fifty percent."

A success rate below fifty percent typically wasn't enough to proceed with large-scale implementation. However, even at forty or thirty percent, this success rate was already considered high for this technology.

It was sheer luck that both Nanako and Kotoe survived their own Hashirama cell implants back then.

"Less than fifty percent..." Ye Zi frowned slightly. If the success rate exceeded fifty percent, he might have considered deploying the technology.

Since that wasn't the case, there wasn't much he could do.

"The issue with the clones' deficiencies is yours to resolve. I'll try to get some Sharingan for you," Ye Zi said, shifting the topic.

Coming from Ye Zi, obtaining the highly sought-after Sharingan sounded effortless, as if it were an easily available commodity.

Every major ninja village possessed substantial resources, knowledge, and expertise, fully aware of the power of the Sharingan and Byakugan.

If they managed to acquire Sharingan or Byakugan, not only could they analyze their abilities and extract valuable intelligence, but they could also transplant them into their own members to bolster their power.

The difficulty wasn't in the transplantation technique, which was relatively simple, but in acquiring the eyes themselves.

Otherwise, Ao wouldn't have been the only one among the Mist ninja to possess a Byakugan.

"Alright," Nanako agreed before asking, "Do you want to take a look at the Byakugan clones?"

Ye Zi considered it and nodded. "Sure."

The clones with transplanted Byakugan were housed in a special room that Nanako had prepared specifically for demonstration purposes. It was clear who they were meant to be demonstrated to.

Leading Ye Zi to the room, Nanako opened the door, revealing a space filled with various obstacles.

The room was large and spacious, with numerous barriers made from different materials—earthen walls, wooden walls, stone walls, iron walls, and steel walls. Each wall was marked with a number.

Three clones with Byakugan sat silently on chairs against the wall near the door, expressionless.

Ye Zi's gaze shifted from the many obstacle walls to the Byakugan clones sitting by the wall.

Their appearance and physique resembled White Zetsu, pale and featureless. However, their right eyes had been replaced with the Byakugan of the Hyūga clan, showing pure white irises devoid of pupils.

"I've placed chakra-stimulating substances behind each wall," Nanako explained as she walked to a wall near the clones. Embedded in the wall was a control panel with numerous levers.

"From here, I can remotely activate the chakra signatures. The clones use their Byakugan to locate the chakra behind the walls. The numbers on the walls are used to verify their accuracy," Nanako added.

The intricate setup was specifically designed to test the Byakugan clones' abilities.

"Let's begin," Ye Zi said, looking at the clones with curiosity. He also had chakra-sensing abilities of his own.

Nanako nodded and ordered Clone #1 to begin the test.

The Byakugan clone closest to Ye Zi stood up without any expression.

Clones were the perfect weapons for war: devoid of complex human emotions, unwavering in their obedience, fearless of death, and not requiring food or logistical support.

Such entities were ideal for deployment in warfare. As long as their power could be enhanced, they would become a formidable force, giving enemies a significant headache.

This was one of Ye Zi's trump cards.

Nanako randomly selected five levers and pulled them.

Activating his chakra-sensing ability, Ye Zi immediately detected chakra fluctuations emanating from behind the walls numbered "2," "16," "28," "37," and "46."

"2, 16, 28, 37, 46," the clone promptly reported the numbers with precision, using its Byakugan.

Nanako continued the test, pulling switches at random. The clone consistently reported the correct numbers with incredible speed, pinpointing the locations the moment the chakra was activated.

Nanako then tested the other two clones. The results were identical.

The tests left Ye Zi satisfied with the results.

Afterward, the two left the testing room, leaving the Byakugan clones behind. Since they didn't require food, they could simply be left there.

As they walked down the hallway, Ye Zi began thinking about how to acquire Sharingan and Byakugan. On one hand, he wanted to quickly enhance his own power. On the other, he sought to strengthen his trump cards.

The Edo Tensei technique was already prepared. Now, he needed to focus on improving the combat capabilities of the clones.

Their footsteps echoed softly in the corridor. Neither spoke as they walked in silence.

As Nanako walked, she occasionally glanced at Ye Zi's side profile, lost in thought. Moments like this were rare.

Most of her time was spent in the laboratory, while Ye Zi was often away, rarely staying at the base. Even when he was around, their interactions revolved around experiments, and their conversations were always about work.

Thinking back, the last time she went outside was during the relocation of the base. Since then, she had been confined to the underground facility, immersed in endless experiments.

At some point, her desire for the outside world began to fade. She had devoted herself entirely to her research. If not for the occasional trinkets brought back by those who ventured outside, she would have been entirely cut off from the world.

At this moment, she suddenly longed for Ye Zi to accompany her on a walk outside.

Even though the Land of Earth was a barren and desolate place, with no crystal-clear lakes, azure skies, lush green trees and vibrant flowers. As long as he was by her side, that would be enough.

Nanako hesitated for a long time before finally making up her mind. She opened her mouth, about to ask Ye Zi to go for a walk with her.

But just then, Ye Zi snapped out of his thoughts and abruptly stopped walking. "Nanako, you go ahead. I won't be coming with you," he said.

They had been heading toward the laboratory, but since Ye Zi had already gotten the information he needed, he decided there was no point in going any further.

He wanted to make use of every second either training or planning how to acquire the Uchiha clan's Sharingan. However, such plans required proper intelligence.

Hearing Ye Zi's words, Nanako swallowed her request, her disappointment surging within her. Yet, she managed to maintain a composed smile and replied, "Alright."

"Thank you for your hard work," Ye Zi said without noticing anything amiss. After a brief farewell, he turned and walked away.

Nanako watched as his figure disappeared around the corner of the corridor. Letting out a sigh of disappointment, she felt her heart sink.

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Currently on Chapter 431 - Everyone Gathers Together