Chapter 24: Competing Lineages
Chapter 24: Competing Lineages
"I was too careless." Mizuki scolded himself. "The superiority complex of a transmigrator clouded my judgment. The difference between a body with chakra and one without it is far greater than I realized. The effects of the Omni-Healing Serum are completely different depending on this factor. Just looking at the strange, mutated organisms in the cultivation liquid… I should have realized this sooner."
No matter which world, the evolutionary path from lower to higher life forms tends to follow similar patterns. The development of an embryo roughly recapitulates this process.
If Mizuki's previous cell cultures merely displayed reptilian traits, that would still be within expectations. But now? The four limbs had developed into sharp claws, and the abstract head structure now had a horrifying fanged mouth.
Even more unsettling were the samples cultivated from Zabuza, Haku, Sasuke, and Naruto's blood.
Some looked vaguely humanoid, albeit with long tails, while others displayed fish-like or amphibian gills. One even grew fine scales.
And those over there… horns sprouting from the head was one thing, but some samples had cracks on their foreheads—potential signs of a third eye!
These mutations might naturally fade over time, getting suppressed by dominant genes, but just their current appearance was already enough to send chills down Mizuki's spine.
These were all derived from dead blood samples or hair follicles, with no spiritual energy and barely any chakra presence. Thus, the Omni-Healing Serum revealed its effects in full force.
"If Naruto and Sasuke's mutations involve horns and a third eye, it can be explained by their Otsutsuki lineage. But Zabuza and Haku… that's a more serious issue."
Is it because constant use of chakra alters a ninja's genetic expression over generations?
Was it due to artificial modifications?
Or… did humanity itself in this world carry deep genetic secrets?
Mizuki clenched his fists.
His own hair sample had mutated into a beast-like entity. If left unchecked, it would soon become a humanoid monster.
He thought of his original fate—his Cursed Seal transformation resembling a tiger.
"So it wasn't just the Cursed Seal and the serum… my own genes were already predisposed to this."
Mizuki's expression darkened further.
The Sound Four and Kimimaro's transformations also fit this pattern—horns, tails, claws, even a spider-like form.
"No wonder so few people survive the Cursed Seal."
It's not just about willpower—your body needs enough genetic potential to support the transformation. Even a flawed version of Sage Mode isn't something an ordinary person can withstand.
"Without a strong ancestral bloodline, high-level power-ups are nothing but a death trap."
A realization struck him.
"If that's the case, then the Omni-Healing Serum's true potential isn't just healing… I've been wasting it by using it as a mere recovery drug."
If used properly, it could awaken latent bloodline traits.
"If I introduce specific chakra types during activation, maybe I can guide the mutations… and get some unexpected results."
The flesh samples he cultivated had no souls, no spiritual energy, and almost no chakra processing ability.
Thus, even if they had bloodline potential, it would remain dormant.
Otherwise, Danzo would have mass-produced Sharingan users long ago.
"Even if these samples have the genetic potential for Kekkei Genkai, without proper chakra activation, it's just a pipe dream."
This required further experimentation.
Mizuki separated a few samples, injected a small amount of chakra, and then sealed them away for observation.
"I need a proper lab."
With that, Mizuki lay down and quickly fell asleep.
---
The Next Morning
Kochou arrived early with breakfast.
After eating, she took Mizuki out for a walk.
The late spring morning was pleasant, with clear skies and a gentle breeze.
For someone who had been bedridden for so long, getting some sunlight felt incredibly refreshing.
"Kochou, let's head towards the Ninja Academy."
"Want to see Iruka?"
"Yeah, might as well."
They took their time, strolling leisurely until they reached the Academy.
"It's been a while since I've been here," Mizuki said. "What about you, Kochou?"
"I don't remember. Oh! Is that Iruka over there?"
Iruka was outside, instructing a group of students.
"Only he would have the patience for this," Mizuki smirked.
"Look, he saw us! He's waving—want to go over?"
Mizuki pushed himself out of the wheelchair and stood up slowly.
"Mizuki, you're still weak—let me help you."
"I got this," Mizuki insisted. "No way I'm looking weak in front of a bunch of kids."
As they approached, they could hear Iruka's lecture:
"See that pale, frail-looking man over there? That's Mizuki-sensei. He went on a dangerous mission and got severely injured. This is why you need to train hard, or you'll end up like him!"
Mizuki's face twitched.
"Iruka, did you just use me as a cautionary tale without my permission?"
Iruka grinned sheepishly. "Oops—force of habit."
Nearby, Konohamaru looked intrigued.
"Mizuki-sensei! Was the mission really dangerous? Tell us about it! Was it cool?!"
The other students immediately cheered in excitement.
"It's too early for you kids to hear about that," Iruka said. "Focus on training first. Alright, take a break!"
The students grumbled but scattered.
"Mizuki, what brings you here today?"
"Nothing much. Just checking in—haven't been here in a while," Mizuki said casually. "You're still the same, huh?"
"Haven't changed much," Iruka chuckled. "We just saw each other yesterday, after all."
"I meant your teaching style."
"Ahh, that… Well, I just do my best," Iruka admitted. "I wonder how Naruto and the others are doing now. Hope their sensei is teaching them well."
Mizuki sighed.
"You don't need to worry about them. They're already good ninjas—they might even be stronger than you now."
Iruka laughed. "You're joking, right?"
Mizuki didn't answer.
He had seen them firsthand.
He knew they were growing into monsters.
"I should get going, Iruka," Mizuki said. "Take care."
As Mizuki and Kochou left, he took one last look at Iruka, still playing with the students.
"Looking at these kids… it's like seeing their futures already."
Bloodline determines potential.
Talent determines growth speed.
Willpower determines ultimate limits.
Resources determine hierarchy and status.
Only wisdom can truly change one's fate.
Sometimes, Mizuki wished he could remain ignorant.
But he knew too much.
"Even if I wanted to be a simple, lazy nobody… fate has already entangled me in too many things."
He sighed.
"Kochou, let's eat lunch first, then go home. It's getting hot."
"Let's just eat at home. Restaurants are too expensive."
"Fine—just make something simple."
---
Back at home, after lunch, Kochou hesitated before speaking.
"Mizuki… remember when I mentioned opening a flower shop?"
"Yeah?"
"I already started a nursery at my old cabin in the forest."
"That's fine, but who's going to manage the shop?"
"If we're busy, we'll hire someone."
"Alright. When are we checking out locations?"
"In three days."
"Sounds good."
A flower shop in a ninja village?
With all the upcoming fights, injuries, and deaths…
It would definitely be profitable.
---
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