Ichiraku Ramen and Explosion Release Testing

While Kakashi was displaying his incredible Kamui with Explosion Release during a mission, Shuichi secretly sneaked into Orochimaru's Laboratory during his free time.

"Teacher, are the materials ready?"

Orochimaru smiled calmly and handed him three syringes filled with slightly different colored liquids. "That's about it. Because of limited materials, we can't refine the cultivation process further. Danzo is also in a hurry, and the samples will be implanted into experimental subjects soon."

Shuichi took them and examined them. These three First Hokage Gene Fluid were mostly transparent, with only minor differences, and could be divided into three levels: strong, medium, and weak.

The most potent method almost completely preserves the characteristics of the First Hokage Cells. If one can successfully withstand it, the effect will naturally be the most powerful, but it is conceivable that the process carries a very high risk.

The remaining mid-range and low-range varieties are different; they can be described as a new breed resulting from a hybrid of the First Hokage and White Zetsu Genes.

Orochimaru first implanted the First Hokage Cells into White Zetsu's body, fused them with his years of research, and then extracted new Genes fluid from them, perhaps to the same extent as Tobi.

These two grades of products are easier for test subjects to tolerate, but their power is inevitably less than the original version.

"Knowing you as I do, you definitely won't use this on yourself, so it'll be used more for experiments," Orochimaru said softly. "The next few months might be quite busy, so I'll leave Anko to you."

Wood Release is Ninjutsu used to quell chaos, and the activity of the First Hokage Cells is also closely related to the path to immortality. For the research that is about to begin, all the data is of great reference value, and he needs to monitor the changes in each experimental subject at all times.

"... Alright, given her carefree personality, it's relatively easy to fool her." Shuichi casually agreed.

As Orochimaru said, he would not inject the First Hokage Gene Fluid into himself because there are fundamental differences between Genes, flesh and blood, and chakra.

Because Shuichi has been tracking the research on the First Hokage Cells in recent years and has learned a lot about the past experimental processes, coupled with information from the original work, he has long decided to fuse the First Hokage's flesh and blood directly with his own body in the future.

Extracting Genes fluid and then implanting it into the body is a new technology resulting from technological advancements, but in terms of effectiveness, it is not as good as crudely stuffing it into the body like with freckles.

Because what Shuichi and he needed was Asura Chakra and Yang Release, and only flesh and blood could preserve Hashirama chakra produced after the union of soul and body.

Genes alteration cannot achieve this effect. Yamato is a complete success. Although his strength exceeds that of Elite Jonin, he has not broken through the upper limit of an ordinary ninja. He only has more Wood Release techniques and a lot more chakra, which is not very useful to Shuichi.

"By the way, how's the little thing I asked you to make last time coming along?"

Before leaving, Shuichi suddenly remembered something, something he had almost forgotten about due to being somewhat busy lately.

Orochimaru: "Hmm... it seems to be in the third drawer of the cabinet on the left."

"Found it." Shuichi took out a cloth bag and put it in his pocket. "I'll go first, you continue with your work."

In the summer of the 51st year of Konoha, the village was in good condition, and most of the Anbu Ninja's overseas missions were progressing smoothly.

After reporting his team's mission at the Hokage Building, Kakashi quickly learned that he would be serving as the chief examiner for the Chunin Ninja Exams.

He'd barely stepped downstairs, feeling a bit listless, when Shuichi blocked his way at the door and dragged him away without a word. "Hey, Kakashi, a new ramen shop recently opened in the village. I hear it's really good. Let's go try it. It's on me today."

"I remember you didn't seem to like noodles much, why the sudden change of taste today?" Kakashi scratched his head in confusion, but since Shuichi was treating, he figured he might as well go.

"It's not that I hate it, I just don't particularly like it. It's fine to eat it occasionally." Shuichi walked ahead with his hands behind his head. "After dinner, let's spar for a bit. Let me see how well you've mastered your Explosion Release technique."

"... Alright!" Whoever pays is the boss, and we just had a real battle recently, so it's good to get some more practice.

The two quickly arrived at a certain place in the center of the village, where an ordinary wooden shop came into view, with the four characters "Ichiraku Ramen" printed on the half-length curtain.

As a well-known landmark in the original work, Shuichi was also curious about this shop, so she decided to give it a try and see if the ramen had any chakra-enhancing effects.

"Boss, a large bowl of Pork Miso Chashu Ramen!"

As soon as he entered, Shuichi called out familiarly. Since it wasn't mealtime yet, there weren't many people in the room, only a Konoha Ninja wearing a vest.

"Shuichi, Kakashi?" Sanada Tomohisa, who was engrossed in eating his noodles, suddenly looked up in surprise. "Long time no see! I didn't expect you two to be here together."

"Long time no see, Teacher Tomohisa. No, I should call you Director Tomohisa now!" Shuichi teased in a relaxed tone upon seeing an acquaintance.

"Haha, this is all thanks to the Lord Hokage's trust and to all of you outstanding students!" Sanada Tomohisa couldn't hide his smile; he had been promoted after nurturing so many promising talents. "Since it's such a coincidence, then your share is on me. Don't be shy."

Kakashi: "... Thank you Teacher Tomohisa."

"What a coincidence! "Kakashi looked at him suspiciously, making Shuichi a little embarrassed. However, he swore that this was really an accident; how could he possibly be short of money for a few bowls of ramen?

"Oh, by the way, I have a few tickets for the Third Phase of the Chunin Exams." Shuichi pulled out a few pieces of paper. "We don't need them anyway, so you can have them."

Sanada Tomohisa a little surprised, but considering that Shuichi and Kakashi certainly didn't need these things right now, he readily accepted. "Thank you so much. This is a good opportunity to let the new teachers at the school see them."

"I heard that Shisui and Anko will be attending, so it's going to be a grand feast..."

After eating several bowls of ramen, Shuichi rated it as slightly above average, not so delicious as to be addictive. He guessed that only people who really love ramen would frequent this place.

After saying goodbye to Sanada Tomohisa, Shuichi led Kakashi on a leisurely stroll to a grove of trees outside the village. The fight between two ninjas proficient in Explosion Release and Lightning Release would be quite a spectacle, and he wouldn't allow the flowers and plants in his Villa to be mercilessly destroyed.

"Then let's begin!"

After digesting their thoughts, the two, now ready, quickly began to spar. This was their umpteenth time exchanging blows, and the sounds of fists and feet colliding echoed throughout the arena.

These Taijutsu exercises, used merely as a warm-up, would surely amaze anyone who witnessed them. The agile and refined moves were like impeccable works of art, while also possessing immense power.

"Clap clap!" Kakashi's left hook was caught by Shuichi's palm, and he quickly raised his other arm to block the side kick.

Before reaching a stalemate, the two simultaneously withdrew and retreated, performing a series of somersaults to create distance between themselves.

"Warm-up complete, let's test your Explosion Release strength!"