Inside one of the laboratories, the one labeled BODY on the door, three of Noah's clones were closely observing a holographic simulation suspended in the air.
The main model displayed a precise and detailed representation of Noah's original body, slowly rotating on its axis, with tissues, muscles, and bones exposed like movable layers.
To the left, an independent projection revealed a complex 3D recreation of his chakra circulatory system: a serpentine network of glowing channels pulsing with a faint bluish light.
To the right, another holographic image displayed his blood system, where the heart housed a bright magical core that beat in sync with the organ's electrical impulses. With each contraction, the core released pulses of pure mana, infusing the blood and distributing that arcane energy throughout the body.
One of the clones leaned over his console, his fingers dancing precisely over the keyboard. With a soft beep, the system responded, and a new projection emerged in front of them. Three brains floated suspended in the air, slowly spinning. The central one, larger and brighter, was Noah's brain. On either side, slightly dimmer, were standard shinobi and wizard brains, taken from the lab's accumulated records.
The clone extended a hand and, with a smooth gesture, dragged the shinobi and wizard projections toward the center. He zoomed in and ordered the structures to be overlaid. The system responded instantly, highlighting subtle neurological differences: specific areas of the frontal lobe and synaptic connections varied, but overall, both configurations were 85% to 90% similar.
However, when those two brains were overlaid with Noah's, the contrast was immediate and stark. The computer interface began emitting analysis signals as it projected comparison lines, highlighting expanded brain areas, additional neural networks, and an abnormally high synaptic density. Noah's right hemisphere, in particular, showed disproportionate development, with zones nonexistent in the other two brains.
"Beginning differential analysis," announced the system's digital voice.
A violet glow emerged from inside Noah's brain, as if an energetic mist stirred within. It was a form of pure mental energy, distinct from both chakra and mana, radiating from a modified central gland.
This mental energy was the result of Noah's brain mutating after coming into contact with the Crucible from the world of Chronicle. In turn, this energy was responsible for Noah's psychic abilities.
While the computer continued highlighting differences in Noah's brain, one of the clones frowned and stepped away from the brain projection, turning toward the holographic model of the circulatory system.
"The magical core is still a vulnerability," he said aloud. "It's too exposed inside the heart. Once the main body merges with a magical bloodline, that bloodline will bring its own energy signature. If both energies share a single circulation system, we could have a problem."
The second clone looked up from his monitor with interest.
"Are you suggesting the core could become unstable?"
"Exactly. If the bloodline's magical energy interacts with the current core, it could modify it—or even reject it. In the worst-case scenario, that could trigger magical feedback or progressive degeneration."
The third clone, who had been absorbed in the brain overlays, let out a sigh.
"Then we need a parallel circulation system. One that can handle independent energy flows without interference."
"Like mana veins?" asked the second clone.
"Exactly…" the third agreed, then shook his head, disappointed. "We already considered that. A world with structures like mana veins could allow that kind of adaptation, but… none come to mind that we currently have access to."
The first clone narrowed his eyes in thought.
"I just thought of a world we might be able to access—though it's a shame we can't travel there until the main body fully recovers its mana."
"The good thing about constantly draining the core's mana is that it replenishes and stores mana faster each time. We just have to wait, at most, one year."
As the other clones continued debating, the third clone raised his voice.
"I think I just had a crazy idea."
"You have something in mind?" asked the first.
The third nodded.
"Once we finish the list of priority worlds to visit, we should go to a cultivation world. One where the concept of the Dantian exists. There we could not only study meridian systems more complex than a shinobi's, but also incorporate the Dantian as a secondary energy center."
"You want to fuse it with the chakra system?" inquired the second clone, intrigued.
"Exactly. If we combine the Dantian with the meridian system and reinforce it with Jūgo's Kekkei Genkai, we could create a hybrid structure that absorbs natural energy directly into the Dantian," explained the third clone. "That way, the main body would have a separate reserve of natural energy, allowing stable, continuous use of Sage Mode without the typical drawbacks: petrification, overload, or physical exhaustion."
The first clone began typing rapidly, opening a new planning section.
---
While his shadow clones were immersed in research, Noah's real body left the laboratory and stepped out into the outside world.
That year, he didn't even bother attending classes, as he had no interest in studying under the scrutiny of Dolores Umbridge, the new Headmistress of Hogwarts after Dumbledore fled the Ministry of Magic.
After gazing deeply at the full moon in the sky, Noah exhaled heavily and was about to vanish when suddenly a meme from his past life came to mind, disturbing his concentration.
An absurd and disturbingly funny image formed in his head.
He imagined Harry Potter, with his teenage martyr face and morally indignant frown, sitting in Dolores Umbridge's office. The walls were covered in that sickly bright pink, lined with plates of kittens softly meowing. At the center, Umbridge smiled with that fake sweetness that only made her presence even more unbearable.
But what truly distorted the scene was the music. A song by The Weeknd played in the background. The kind of melody one would put on to set the mood before having sex.
Harry pressed the magical quill against his skin, reluctantly writing "I must not tell lies," as red ink—his own blood—began to seep from his hand. And still, the scene couldn't be taken seriously with that slow, sensual rhythm flooding the air.
Harry turned to his right and Dolores approached, standing in front of him. They stared at each other while the music continued its slow beat.
"Do you have something to say, Mr. Potter?" she asked.
Harry responded a bit nervously, though without looking away.
"N-no... nothing."
Dolores crouched down to meet his gaze and spoke in a whisper, her fake sweet smile in place.
"Exactly. Because deep down... you know you deserve to be punished. Don't you, Mr. Potter?"
Harry grew uncomfortable and looked away.
Noah shuddered and covered his face with his hand.
(AN: For those unfamiliar with this meme, look up "the music makes the difference" on YouTube along with the name of a movie and you'll understand what I mean.)
"What the hell is wrong with me?" Noah muttered, unable to suppress a laugh.
And yet, he couldn't stop thinking about that ridiculous scene.
"I guess the music really does make the difference."
Taking a deep breath, he refocused, and this time vanished in a swirl of green leaves, leaving behind a loud burst of laughter.
---
Meanwhile.
Number 12 Grimmauld Place, the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, was full of people that night.
Key members of the resistance against Voldemort had gathered around the meeting table, their expressions serious and troubled. The news of the Dark Lord's return was an open secret among them, but the Ministry of Magic kept stubbornly denying it, making their efforts more difficult.
"We can't keep waiting for the Ministry to come to its senses," said Minerva McGonagall firmly as she adjusted her robes.
"Fudge is more concerned with his reputation than with the safety of the wizarding world."
"I agree," nodded Kingsley Shacklebolt, crossing his arms.
"I've heard rumors at the Ministry that they're trying to discredit Dumbledore and Harry. If they succeed in making people think they're lying, it'll be even harder to organize a resistance."
"And meanwhile, Voldemort continues operating from the shadows," muttered Tonks, her hair shifting to a frustrated reddish hue.
"We know he's been recruiting, but we don't know exactly whom he's managed to sway."
"What we do know is that his Death Eaters are active," growled Moody in his usual gruff tone.
"I've been tracking some suspicious movements in Knockturn Alley, but without solid proof, we can't act."
"The Ministry's denial not only leaves us vulnerable, it also gives Voldemort time to grow stronger," added Arthur Weasley with a worried look.
"The misinformation they're spreading is working. People are starting to doubt."
Dumbledore, who had remained silent until then, finally spoke in a calm but meaningful voice:
"We must prepare for the inevitable. We cannot allow fear to paralyze us. Strengthen your contacts, gather information, and above all, be ready to act when the time comes. Voldemort has learned from his mistakes, and he will not underestimate his enemies this time."
Silence took over the room for a few seconds until Lupin cleared his throat and got everyone's attention.
"There's something else we need to discuss," he said gravely.