Chapter 59 — Hashirama Cells
"What an astonishing discovery, Hokage-sama!"
As Senju Morin approached, another researcher hurried forward, unable to conceal the excitement in his voice.
"Through cellular-level analysis, we can confirm that their bodies do indeed contain extremely faint traces of a unique bloodline characteristic. It may very well be—as the rumors suggest—descended from the Sage of Six Paths."
"Whatever its true nature, it grants their cells far superior energy conductivity and stability compared to ordinary shinobi."
He quickly operated the nearby console and displayed comparative data in rapid succession before Morin.
"Please look here—this is how a normal shinobi's cells react under chakra surge impact. And this is the response from the Gold and Silver Brothers' cells."
"Notice the difference. Their cellular structure remains significantly more stable. Their tolerance threshold for chakra is dozens of times higher."
The researcher then pointed to microscopic imaging displayed on another screen.
"What's even more remarkable is their adaptability to Nine-Tails chakra."
"We detected extremely high concentrations of Nine-Tails chakra residue within their cellular samples. Yet instead of being eroded or destroyed, the cells exhibit a peculiar form of symbiotic equilibrium."
"It appears their cellular structure underwent mutation—allowing them, to a certain extent, to restrain, even adapt to violent Tailed Beast chakra, converting it into their own power."
Morin studied the eerie cellular imagery in silence.
A flicker of realization crossed his eyes.
So that was the key—how the Gold and Silver Brothers had devoured the Nine-Tails' flesh and survived, not only escaping death but even obtaining a fragment of its power.
"So the crucial factor isn't merely endurance," Morin said slowly, "but a unique mechanism of restraint and conversion?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" the researcher replied eagerly. "It's like a natural, bloodline-based 'inferior jinchūriki' model. If we can unravel the secrets of this cellular structure, then perhaps—"
"The matter of jinchūriki can wait."
Morin suddenly placed a firm hand on the man's shoulder, cutting him off mid-sentence.
"Have you considered this instead?"
"If the Gold and Silver Brothers' cells can withstand and regulate even the far more violent chakra of the Nine-Tails…"
He paused, gaze sharpening.
"Then could they adapt to the First Hokage's cells?"
The researcher froze.
"Adapt… to Lord First's cells?"
The researcher froze for a moment. After thinking rapidly through the implications, his eyes lit up with even greater excitement.
"That's right… why didn't I think of that?"
"The fundamental issue behind Lord First's cellular erosion is also uncontrolled, overwhelming energy. If this restraint mechanism works…"
"Begin the experiment immediately," Senju Morin ordered.
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
With a single command from the Hokage, the entire laboratory sprang into motion.
Two researchers extracted samples from the prepared materials. After a series of practiced, precise operations, they quickly produced two transparent tubes containing fused cellular solutions.
Another technician brought in a young deer and efficiently secured it onto an empty examination platform.
When the two cellular solutions were simultaneously injected into the animal's body, the air in the laboratory seemed to freeze. Every pair of eyes fixed on the scene with anticipation.
The deer soon began struggling violently, letting out hoarse, desperate cries as if enduring unbearable agony.
The researchers showed no visible reaction. They were accustomed to such scenes. Calmly, they began timing the process.
Around the three-to-four-minute mark, the experimental subject—infused with diluted Hashirama cells and tissue derived from the Gold and Silver Brothers—gradually quieted. The cries weakened.
Then, after several uncontrolled convulsions, the animal lost all signs of life.
"Six minutes and thirteen seconds."
The lead researcher stopped the timer and immediately recorded the new data.
"Failure."
Morin announced it evenly, unsurprised.
He had never expected smooth success. Experiments involving Hashirama's cells were notoriously difficult. A sudden inspiration or a single attempt would never suffice.
The lead researcher stepped forward, gloved hands pointing toward a specific section of the dissected specimen.
"Hokage-sama, please observe here…"
After carefully peeling back the outer layer of fur, he revealed tissue beneath that had not fully transformed into wood. It still retained the appearance of living flesh.
"Unlike previous subjects that died purely from complete woodification, this one shows only partial wooden transformation. The primary cause of death appears to be systemic collapse resulting from energy conflict between the two cell types."
"The results support your hypothesis. The unique properties of the Gold and Silver Brothers' cells did significantly suppress the woodification process. Our new challenge is how to harmonize the energy conflict between the two."
Morin nodded.
"Continue researching methods to suppress the First Hokage's cellular aggression. You may also experiment with combining the Gold and Silver Brothers' cells with lower-activity Hashirama cells. Test different ratios."
"You have ample time. Optimize gradually. Funding, materials, and equipment are not an issue."
The recent war had not only solved the laboratory's financial constraints—it had also provided abundant experimental materials.
Beyond the top-tier specimens like the Gold and Silver Brothers, Morin had brought back numerous Cloud shinobi corpses from the battlefield.
The lead researcher inhaled deeply before speaking again.
"Hokage-sama, the research funds are indeed sufficient. Our equipment is excellent. However… we lack a sufficient number of suitable live test subjects."
Perhaps worried that Morin might misunderstand, he stepped closer and lowered his voice.
"Our current animal subjects lack the life-tier and chakra capacity necessary to support high-level fusion experiments."
"We require… subjects closer to shinobi—living organisms possessing chakra circulatory systems. Only then can we observe authentic cellular reactions within a chakra environment, especially in regard to adaptation to Lord First's cells."
He deliberately avoided saying the word outright.
But everyone in the laboratory understood what he meant.
The previously energized atmosphere froze instantly. Silence descended, broken only by the faint hum of machinery and the heavy breathing of those present.
"The matter of subjects… I will handle it."
Morin's voice remained calm, as though nothing in the discussion disturbed him in the slightest.
"You will continue the research. Leave the rest to me."
"Additionally, from today onward, laboratory security will be elevated to the highest level. ANBU will provide twenty-four-hour protection. All experimental records are to be classified as top secret."
With that, Morin turned and walked toward the exit.
He did not look back as he left the hidden laboratory behind.
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