Animal Gene Modification

After hearing Vegapunk's words, Orochimaru frowned slightly. He did not know whether the other man was making wild claims or truly had the confidence to back them up.

Even if he had researched it before, completing Human Body Modification in half a month was still far too shocking, wasn't it?

Vegapunk did not explain Orochimaru's doubts verbally. The moment he entered the laboratory, he immediately got to work.

Electron microscopes, gene culture dishes, high-speed centrifuges...

It had to be said that Orochimaru had put considerable effort into his research equipment. Many of these items were priceless and unavailable on the market; only someone like Orochimaru could have the connections to acquire them.

Vegapunk now understood why Orochimaru had gone to establish a ninja village. With the way money flowed away like water, how could an ordinary lone wolf possibly afford it?

In truth, Vegapunk did not know that this Secret Base had been established under Orochimaru's direction back when he was still in Konohagakure. Many of the instruments had been purchased directly by Konohagakure.

Later, the entire Research Base had been "scrapped" for certain special reasons, eventually becoming Orochimaru's private laboratory. Naturally, its facilities were top-tier. After all, this had been the Research Base of Konoha, the number one ninja village in the Ninja World.

Selecting suitable experimental animals to extract genes, severing gene fragments, conducting targeted recultivation... Vegapunk's every movement flowed as smoothly as clouds and water. Whenever equipment was lacking, or when something simply could not be done by equipment alone, he decisively used his Magnetic Field Ability and Electric Current Ability to assemble all manner of advanced instruments on the spot, or directly interfered with the process using his Magnetic Field Ability.

Standing nearby, Orochimaru's gaze was gradually drawn to Vegapunk. A faint fanaticism and admiration even appeared in his eyes. Soon, when Vegapunk finally stopped, only several beakers containing different liquids remained.

"It will need some time to culture. The Test Subjects will also need to prepare their bodies. In about half a month, they can be injected with Gene Modification Fluid."

Vegapunk glanced at Orochimaru and spoke calmly.

"Incredible. So genes can be grafted in this way? And through this method, it seems possible to add a set of genes to the gene chain through chimerism. If I am not mistaken, this genetic chimerism should be controllable by the Test Subject, correct?"

Vegapunk smiled at Orochimaru's words. "Correct. Test Subjects injected with the gene culture fluid will possess three different forms: beast form, human form, and human-beast form."

"After gaining the special advantages, tenacious vitality, and physical strength of those animals, they will not lose human flexibility. Their appearance will not change in their normal state either, so it will not affect their daily lives. That is roughly what this genetic drug can achieve."

"Still, I did not expect you to understand my experiment just now. As far as I know, most Human Body Modification Experiments of this kind in this world merely use Chakra to offset the body's rejection response, then carry out crude grafting."

"Those people barely possess even a basic understanding of genes, much less the ability to comprehend more complex gene grafting and genetic chimerism. It seems your research runs far deeper than that of ordinary researchers."

Orochimaru let out a long breath and said with some admiration, "The truly frightening one should be you. I can only barely understand your procedures. As for the exact principles, or how to balance the genes of different species, I am completely lost right now."

"Do you want to learn? I can teach you."

Vegapunk looked at Orochimaru as though he were a big fish that had jumped into the pot of its own accord, and asked with a beaming smile.

Hearing this, Orochimaru's expression shifted uncertainly. In the end, he lowered his head. "Please teach me, Dr. Vegapunk!"

For Orochimaru, whose goal was to acquire all the ninjutsu and knowledge in the world, although he knew that agreeing would reduce his status in their partnership to that of an assistant, he could not possibly refuse the temptation of approaching the ultimate mysteries of the human body.

Half a month later, on the coast of Sea Country.

Vegapunk stood atop a small hill overlooking the shore. Below, several Ninja under Orochimaru took out a box and opened it. As cold air slowly spilled from within, several syringes filled with green liquid lay quietly inside.

Standing beside Vegapunk, Orochimaru licked the corner of his lips. His eyes shone with fanaticism as he looked at the Gene Modification Fluid.

"Can we finally see the actual results? Doctor, I have a feeling that your invention will transform the entire world!"

From his initial reluctance, to being tempted by Vegapunk's vast store of knowledge, and finally being completely won over by Vegapunk's abilities, Orochimaru now addressed Vegapunk as Doctor with utmost respect.

A genius researcher like Orochimaru might not be conquered by strength, but he would yield to true wisdom!

"We still do not know how effective it will be. Let them try it first."

Vegapunk shook his head and spoke.

"These three are Gene Modification Fluid derived from the Great White Shark, Leatherback Sea Turtle, and Blue-Ringed Octopus, respectively. As for the last one, it was created using the genes of that Three-Headed Serpent from last time. In theory, Gene Modification Fluid derived from a Ninja Beast-level serpent should provide far greater enhancement than ordinary animals. Naturally, it is also much more dangerous."

"After receiving this Gene Modification Fluid, you should theoretically gain the ability to transform between human form, beast form, and half-beast form. At the same time, your physique will undergo a certain leap, and your strength should improve by at least one level."

"Gene Modification Fluid from Ninja Beasts has better effects, but even ordinary Gene Modification Fluid has roughly a one-in-ten chance of failure. Failure may lead to a series of consequences, such as disfigurement or growing extra limbs."

"As for Gene Modification Fluid from Ninja Beasts, the failure rate is as high as seventy percent. And failure means death."

As Vegapunk explained, the Ninja below all revealed fanatical expressions. Those who could become Ninja—especially Ninja under Orochimaru—were hardly afraid of death. After all, the mortality rate of Orochimaru's experiments was far higher than that of Vegapunk's.

Vegapunk's experiments had a one-in-ten failure rate, while Orochimaru's experiments probably had only a one-in-ten survival rate. The fact that they did not fear even experiments with such a mortality rate showed just how fanatical these Ninja were in their pursuit of strength.