Kirigakure - Hidden Mist Village, Underground Base of the Mizukage Building
The underground base, once destroyed during the clash between Madara Uchiha and Gengetsu Hōzuki, had now been rebuilt into a laboratory for the Intelligence Division's research team.
The laboratory was brightly lit, with researchers in white lab coats bustling about, their footsteps hurried and purposeful. At the center of the lab stood a two-person-high glass cultivation tank, where a White Zetsu floated silently in emerald-green cultivation fluid.
Rinjin, now operating under the guise of Inagumaru, the captain of the research team, stood with his hands behind his back before the towering cultivation tank, silently observing.
Behind the White Zetsu, clusters of bone buds wriggled and grew continuously from its spine, piercing through its skin to form irregular bone flowers.
Squinting his eyes at the scene before him, Rinjin's mind raced with analysis.
The White Zetsu originated from the cells of Hashirama Senju.
And Hashirama's cells, true to their reputation as the legendary universal vessel, could not only bear the power of the Sharingan and Rinnegan but even accommodate the Kaguya Clan's Shikotsumyaku (Dead Bone Pulse).
The only pity was that this White Zetsu lacked consciousness and couldn't control the growth of the bones within its body.
However, for Rinjin, this wasn't a problem.
After all, there happened to be a suitable experimental subject at hand—the Third Mizukage.
Gathering his belongings, Rinjin picked up the cultured flesh embedded with a Byakugan and the flesh containing the Shikotsumyaku, leaving the lab for the Mizukage's office on the third floor of the building.
Inside the Mizukage's Office
The Third Mizukage was discussing the impending war among the Lands of Wind, Earth, and Fire with Genshi.
"Lord Mizukage, frontline intelligence reports that the armies of the three nations are gearing up for war along their respective borders. It seems inevitable that a battle will break out."
Hearing this, the Third Mizukage nodded calmly, as if uninterested in the impending conflict.
Seeing this, Genshi sighed inwardly and continued, "Lord Mizukage, this war could present an opportunity for us!"
At this, the Third Mizukage let out a cold laugh. "Are you suggesting we let the three nations fight it out, and once they've worn each other down, we launch a surprise attack on Konoha?"
"Exactly!" Genshi nodded emphatically. "Lord Mizukage, we've been building our strength for precisely such a moment. If we strike Konoha when they're heavily weakened, even if we don't achieve significant gains, we could force the Third Hokage to sign a peace treaty and extract more benefits!"
After hearing Genshi's words, the Third Mizukage shook his head indifferently. "There's no need. We will do what we must."
Genshi opened his mouth to argue but was interrupted by the sound of a knock at the office door. The Third Mizukage turned away from Genshi and coldly said, "Enter."
The next moment, Rinjin stepped in, holding two miniature cultivation containers.
"Lord Mizukage, these are the latest research results from the team. Please take a look."
Placing the containers on the desk, Rinjin carefully retrieved a scroll from his ninja pouch and set it down as well.
The Third Mizukage, ignoring Genshi's attempts to interject, picked up the scroll and quickly unrolled it. Skipping over the detailed experimental reports, his eyes landed on the conclusion at the end.
The scroll detailed the recent achievements of the research team: a Byakugan and a piece of flesh embedded with the Shikotsumyaku.
The conclusion stated that by transplanting the flesh into one's body, one could gain partial access to the Kaguya Clan's kekkei genkai. The same principle applied to the Byakugan.
Fixating on the scroll, the Third Mizukage's greed became increasingly uncontrollable. Originally, his isolationist policies for Kirigakure were merely to fulfill Madara Uchiha's orders. But ever since the research team led by Kisame Hoshigaki was established over two years ago, his ambitions had begun to change.
A daring and audacious idea had taken root in his mind.
His legs, severed at the root by a detestable Konoha ninja, had been replaced by prosthetics provided by his great master, Madara Uchiha. Not only had these prosthetics restored his strength, but the immense physical energy within them had even significantly increased his chakra reserves.
Later, the birth of the research team and the discovery of numerous peculiar research results only solidified his bold aspirations.
He wanted to transform himself!
The Kaguya Clan's Shikotsumyaku was powerful, and he desired it.
The Yuki Clan's Ice Release kekkei genkai was formidable, and he wanted it.
The Byakugan of Konoha's prestigious Hyuga Clan—he wanted that too.
Deep down, he even coveted the Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan and the Wood Release of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju.
He wanted to secretly grow stronger and stun the entire ninja world.
And he was fortunate to have encountered Rinjin.
As the ultimate dream mentor, Rinjin assured him: "Even if you want to collect seven kekkei genkai to summon a dragon, I'll help you!"
Thus, the research team was born.
In the office, the Third Mizukage suppressed his excitement, calmly placing the two cultivation containers into a drawer. Waving his hand at Rinjin and Genshi, he said, "You may leave now. I'm feeling a bit tired and wish to rest."
Obediently, Rinjin nodded and left the office. Genshi, seated on a nearby sofa, opened his mouth as if to speak but ultimately said nothing. Sighing in resignation, he nodded, grabbed his cane, and exited the Mizukage's office.
A Sealed Room Adjacent to the Mizukage's Office
The room had no windows, with a small candle on the center table providing dim light.
In the flickering glow, the deeply wrinkled face of Madara Uchiha bore an expression of disdain. His pale purple Sharingan glimmered with contempt.
"Shikotsumyaku? Byakugan?"
"In the face of the great Uchiha, they are nothing."
The so-called immortality was unimpressive. While it might grant power, those who hadn't experienced the life-and-death struggles of the Warring States period ultimately lacked vision.
What could a mere Third Mizukage accomplish, even if nurtured? He could be discarded at any time.
Staring at the flickering candlelight, Madara sneered and muttered, "Pitiful fool. Lament all you want—a simple genjutsu has left you utterly helpless!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Welcome to visit my Patreon, read the early chapters, and enjoy your reading!
patreon.com/DarkGolds