CHAPTER 24

c24 - The Female Race Is About to Rise!

Radiation could cause unpredictable genetic mutations, and 99% of those mutations were detrimental. However, if the radiation affected organisms with strong vitality, large numbers, and simple structures—like insects—the result could be… fascinating.

Most of the insects would perish, but a few would undergo genetic mutations, adapting and evolving in ways previously unseen.

Shibi Aburame was now facing such an anomaly, and even with his vast knowledge of insects, he found himself at a loss.

"…Insects that can expand rapidly?"

"Yes. In their base form, they are indistinguishable from ordinary kikaichū, but when they absorb chakra, they enter a frenzied state, endlessly consuming more and expanding in size—up to a hundred times their original form."

Inside the camp, Shibi adjusted his dark sunglasses and sighed. As a member of the Aburame clan, the only ninja clan in the world specializing in insect-based combat, he had cultivated countless species of kikaichū. Yet, the parasites he had nurtured for years had never exhibited such an unnatural transformation.

Shibi observed Yuuji's frown.

'Could it be that prolonged exposure to his unique chakra—what others call his "poison"—has triggered this mutation?'

Yuuji had always described his ability as a form of toxic chakra, but Shibi had long suspected it was something far more complex.

"Sensei, I'd like to examine this peculiar insect," Yuuji said.

Shibi extended his index finger, revealing a tiny kikaichū, no larger than a grain of rice. It moved like any ordinary parasite.

Yuuji channeled his chakra toward it.

In an instant, the insect went berserk, lunging at Yuuji's hand and frantically consuming his chakra. As it fed, its body swelled at an astonishing rate, growing to the size of a clenched fist.

"I see… This is the result of exposure to my abilities." Yuuji studied the kikaichū carefully. "Shibi-sensei, are you certain you've never encountered a strain like this before?"

"Absolutely. I have cultivated over a hundred unique insect species, yet none have exhibited this behavior."

Yuuji nodded, his thoughts racing. This insect seemed eerily familiar…

'Wait. Isn't this similar to… the Giant Kikaichū?'

The same colossal insects that, years later, would become the Aburame clan's trump card in the Fourth Shinobi World War—capable of overwhelming and consuming the Ten-Tails' clones from the inside out.

Yuuji recalled the sight of enormous Ten-Tails' fragments collapsing, torn apart by massive black kikaichū swarming through their flesh.

'So these creatures weren't naturally occurring… but the result of radiation-induced mutation?'

"If cultivated correctly, they could be a potent counter to enemy summons." Yuuji turned toward Shibi. "Sensei, this might compensate for one of your clan's weaknesses."

He tightened his grip on the enlarged kikaichū.

The insect hissed violently, its mandibles clicking as it tried to bite off Yuuji's fingers.

A faint light flickered behind Shibi's sunglasses. "Are you suggesting… that if their size and numbers increase enough, and if I can find a method to control them…?"

For a moment, Shibi's usually calm demeanor cracked. His breath quickened, his heart pounded.

'Could the Aburame clan finally develop a technique powerful enough to battle tailed beasts?'

Tailed beasts—monstrous creatures formed from pure chakra, feared even by Kage-level shinobi. Their immense size alone made them terrifying opponents, and only a handful of people possessed direct countermeasures against them.

But if these insects could be refined and multiplied…

"A large-scale counter to summons…"

Shibi, usually reserved, could barely suppress his excitement. He turned his gaze toward Yuuji.

"I understand now. You truly are a shinobi full of surprises." He lowered his voice. "When we return to the village, you must visit my home. We need to discuss this further."

"It would be an honor, Shibi-sensei."

Yuuji smiled, returning the giant kikaichū to Shibi before stepping out of the tent.

He gazed up at the overcast sky.

"This went better than expected," he murmured. "Using this mutated species—or even further evolutions that may arise—as a bargaining chip… tying the Aburame clan to my side… That's an opportunity worth seizing."

Bugs were one of the fastest-evolving organisms in nature, mutating at an incredible rate. Far faster than humans.

Outside the tent.

"Yuuji-san, what are you plotting?" Kazue Uchiha stood with her arms crossed, casually brushing back her raven-black hair. She gave him a sly smile.

'This guy evolves just as fast as those insects of his…'

"No secret plots," Yuuji replied smoothly. "Just discussing a new mission. It all depends on Shibi-sensei's decision now."

He wasn't worried about betrayal. The Aburame clan's survival was at stake. This wasn't just about power—it was about legacy. No matter what, Shibi wouldn't let the Hokage interfere with the Aburame's secret techniques.

Even if the Hokage grew suspicious, he wouldn't dare act against them. Not when clans like the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi would stand against such interference.

"Looks like my path just widened again…"

"Huh? What did you say, Yuuji-san?"

"Nothing." Yuuji smirked.

Guy, standing beside them, scratched his head in confusion.

---

Western Front Base Camp

Tsunade, the nominal commander of the Western Front, leaned back after finalizing another set of mission assignments. Stretching her arms, she let out a sigh.

Just as she was about to relax—

Her instincts flared.

In a blur, she was on her feet, muscles tense, already preparing for combat.

"Oh? What the hell—? Shibi, you brat, when did you get here? Why didn't you announce yourself?"

Tsunade exhaled sharply, relaxing.

"…."

Yuuji, Kazue, and Guy exchanged glances.

They had been standing there for nearly five minutes.

Shibi, as composed as ever, adjusted his sunglasses and extended a scroll. "Mission report. The heads of two Iwa special jōnin and one jōnin."

"Oh? As expected of you, Shibi. With you on the battlefield, my workload lightens considerably." Tsunade nodded approvingly and slumped back into her chair, causing it to groan under her weight.

"…."

Shibi lowered his head slightly, his voice steady.

"Tsunade-sama, you misunderstand. I personally eliminated only the jōnin. The two special jōnin were taken down… by them."

Tsunade blinked.

"…What?"

Shibi remained silent.

Tsunade stared at the three young shinobi standing before her.

"They're barely past Academy age! Are you seriously telling me that these brats—"

Shibi cut her off. "Tsunade-sama, you know me. I do not exaggerate."

Tsunade leaned forward, frowning.

Her sharp eyes landed on Yuuji.

"You three…"

Shibi, unreadable as ever, spoke again.

"My subordinates… are remarkable. True geniuses."

For once, Tsunade had nothing to say.