Cell modification was a massive undertaking. Even though the technology for modifying cloned cells was already mature, conducting experiments on the human body still carried significant risks. The greatest danger came from the immune system inactivating the modified cells, as well as rejection between different cells.
However, Orochimaru had no time to dwell on these concerns. He proceeded with the original plan to begin modifying Shin's brain. The next step involved hundreds of specially designed needles, each containing a small amount of Sage Liquid, which pierced through Shin's skull and began injecting slowly.
Watching the flashing lights on the monitor that tracked neuronal activity, he was filled with anxiety. He definitely didn't want to lose a good colleague like Shin.
Only after several key data indicators stabilized did he finally breathe a sigh of relief. He appeared in front of Shin, extended both hands, and placed them on either side of Shin's head.
In the next moment, a large number of chakra nerve threads produced by the Revitalization Technique entered Shin's brain.
These chakra threads not only combed through the neurons in Shin's brain, but also delivered massive amounts of vitality.
Although the Revitalization Technique was an extremely powerful healing jutsu, even capable of bringing someone back from the brink of death, it didn't fall entirely within the realm of medical ninjutsu.
This jutsu was more like an application of chakra in the field of neuroscience. Over the past year, Orochimaru had thoroughly mastered it, and had even collaborated with Shin to improve upon its original design, much to Shin's astonishment.
At this moment, the neural activity in Shin's brain was nothing like that of a normal human. Countless erratic neural signals surged chaotically, marking the most dangerous stage of the experiment.
If the Revitalization Technique wasn't used to stabilize neural conduction, Shin would likely suffer brain death within moments.
Three hours later, just as he was about to collapse from exhaustion, the chakra storage bracelets on both his wrists activated, supplying him with chakra and allowing him to continue the treatment.
By the fifth hour, he finally stopped the Revitalization Technique, dragging his weary body to the control console and pressing a button.
In the next moment, two curved glass doors beneath the operating platform slowly rose, forming a sealed container. Countless streams of green, transparent liquid began to pour in and quickly filled the chamber.
The vast life energy contained in the liquid was continuously absorbed by Shin's body, aiding his evolution.
After finishing everything, Orochimaru collapsed into a chair, utterly drained, his eyes fixed on the screen, constantly monitoring Shin's physical condition.
Fortunately, everything appeared stable for now.
Another 24 hours passed before Shin slowly regained consciousness. However, he found himself completely unable to move.
After using his spiritual energy to examine his internal condition, he felt significantly relieved. It was just that the drugs were too potent and hadn't worn off yet, combined with the slow evolution of his cells, making his body unable to adapt for the moment.
Nothing too serious.
As long as the experiment succeeded, it was worth it. Gradually circulating his chakra, he began expelling the remaining effects of the drugs from his body.
Ten minutes later, the chamber door opened. He slowly and painfully propped himself up into a sitting position.
"How do you feel?" Orochimaru asked with a smile. Having rested for so long, he had already recovered.
At this moment, the way he looked at Shin had changed, like an artist admiring his meticulously crafted masterpiece. The entire procedure was carried out by none other than Orochimaru.
How could he not feel proud?
After carefully sensing every part of his body, a look of wild joy suddenly appeared on Shin's face.
"Hahahahaha!" Shin suddenly clutched his forehead and burst into loud laughter, startling Orochimaru.
After all, this was the first time he had seen Shin so unrestrained. Yet Shin's maniacal laughter seemed endless.
"Hahahahahaha!"
After laughing for a long while, he finally began to calm down, but the excitement on his face could not be concealed no matter what.
"Answer me, can you see now?" Orochimaru waved a hand in front of Shin's eyes and asked, "How do you feel?"
"I feel..." Shin looked at his hands, then glanced at Orochimaru. Activating his Mangekyō Sharingan, he grinned and said, "Better than ever before."
This outcome was something both he and Orochimaru had anticipated before the experiment, so it wasn't unexpected.
Orochimaru smiled again at Shin's words. His gaze toward Shin was burning with intensity, and he unconsciously licked his lips.
Remembering something, Orochimaru reminded him seriously, "Although the experiment was a success, take a look at your medical report. All the data is perfect, but your body is still undergoing fusion and evolution. I hope you refrain from using your strength recklessly for now."
"Don't worry, I know my limits."
Although he couldn't use much power yet, Shin could feel that the strength within him was growing rapidly. A full evolution might take time, but regaining the power he had before he went blind wouldn't take long, two months at most.
Once he fully calmed down, he smiled, and tied the ribbon back over his eyes.
For the following week, he gave himself a complete break, spending the entire time with Tsunade, accompanying her everywhere.
He paid no attention to the strange looks from others or to her half-hearted resistance.
Using himself as an experimental subject was ultimately his fault. And since the first phase of his evolutionary research had concluded, before beginning the second phase, he needed to relax and find inspiration.
Last night, she had scolded him fiercely, and it had taken quite a bit of coaxing to calm her down. It was impossible for her not to feel upset about him experimenting on himself.
So he could only make it up to her through his actions.
When she found out that the key to his experiment was the necklace she had given him, she was utterly shocked.
It was the first time she had heard of a mutated shard of a Chakra Fruit. Perhaps not even her grandfather himself knew what the material of the necklace truly was.
Still, not wanting Tsunade to worry too much about the future, Shin didn't say much more. After all, worrying wouldn't help, it would only ruin the present.
Just as they were lost in their sweet moments together...
The situation in the Land of Whirlpools had become incredibly tense.
Several nations had already formed an alliance, preparing to launch an assault on the Land of Whirlpools. The news had spread throughout the entire shinobi world.
Konoha felt this most acutely.
Lately, ninjas from the Uzumaki clan had been visiting Konoha more frequently, all of them appearing anxious.
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Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen was so troubled he didn't even have the energy to smoke. He sat with his head in his hands, visibly conflicted.
At that moment, Danzō, Koharu, Homura, and Torifu entered the room together.
"The Kumo ninjas left?" Hiruzen asked with a deep frown upon seeing them.
"They just left," Homura replied.
"As of today, all four of the Great Ninja Villages have sent representatives warning Konoha not to interfere with the attack on the Land of Whirlpools. The smaller villages, while hesitant to approach directly, have also put out word, they plan to join the invasion as well. What are your thoughts?" Hiruzen asked the group.
"The Land of Whirlpools has always been Konoha's most loyal ally," Torifu, who usually avoided speaking up, was the first to respond. "We absolutely cannot stand by and do nothing."
At this point, he hadn't yet lost all faith in Hiruzen. He also hadn't reached the point of hiding at home every day, researching food just to stay safe, so he naturally still felt confident enough to speak out.
"Since the Warring States era, the Uzumaki and Senju clans have had a deep friendship. There have always been intermarriages between the two clans, they're inseparable. Mito-sama was once a princess of the Land of Whirlpools. What's more, for many years, the Land of Whirlpools has strongly supported all of Konoha's policies. If we let them fall without lifting a hand, our reputation will suffer enormously. Who would trust us in the future? Who would dare ally with us? Even more outrageous is that the other villages plan to invade the Land of Whirlpools by passing through the Land of Fire. They're attacking our ally and still have the audacity to ask us to step aside. This is blatant provocation."
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200 = +1 bonus chapter
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50+ Advance chapters!
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