The atmosphere in the office had grown subtly tense.
After several rounds of verbal sparring, probing, and negotiation,
"Colonel, I think we can work together.
The Osborn Group has always been deeply interested in the unexplored field of genetics."
Harry finally held out his hand.
"That's good, Mr. Osborn. I need your technology to analyze the secrets of these... 'aberrations.'
Then we can eliminate this threat at its source.
As agreed, I'll provide all the mutant DNA samples I've collected over the years..."
Stryker gripped Harry's hand tightly and spoke through gritted teeth.
The kid across from him was young, but he was certainly a skilled negotiator.
Still, there was no choice. He was the only one who currently had the technology to carry out targeted gene editing...
"Deal."
Harry smiled and nodded.
Eliminate them? No. Analyze and control them...
After seeing Stryker off, Harry stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the bustling city of New York.
The DNA sample library Stryker had provided was beyond measure.
But Osborn's technology alone wasn't enough to analyze these [X-Genes], which contained supernatural power.
Fortunately... he could draw on resources from two other worlds...
The mutant genetic map from the Marvel World.
The principles of Bio-Computers from the EVA World.
The genetic modification technology of the Kryonaut World.
Knowledge from different worlds began to converge...
With the resources and experimental equipment of the Cronos Organization, Makishima Gaku began analyzing the mutant genetic map. He soon made some initial breakthroughs.
For instance, while reverse-engineering the genes of the Alpha-level mutant Black King, Sebastian Shaw, he discovered a cellular structure that greatly increased the energy capacity of Zoanthropes.
These results earned him some recognition within the Cronos Organization and a greater share of its resources.
He used those resources to continue testing and refining the theories from the other two worlds.
He also synced his new insights and breakthroughs to the Shared Space, which in turn pushed Harry and Zhang Qi's research forward.
Drawing on the top resources and knowledge of villainous organizations from different worlds, their theoretical framework was taking shape and improving at an unprecedented pace.
Watching Harry, Zhang Qi, and Makishima Gaku enthusiastically discussing one advanced theory and technical term after another,
Orochimaru, Zhuge Qing, and Reed Hayrick could only watch silently from the sidelines.
It wasn't that they didn't want to join in. They genuinely couldn't get a word in!
Their worlds either lacked super-beings like Angels, Zoalords, and Mutants, leaving no foundation for developing biotechnology (as in Under One Person World); had different technological priorities (as in Assassin's Creed); or had some biological research, but lacked systematic scientific knowledge and advanced equipment to support it (as in the Naruto World).
It was like three struggling students watching three top students discuss Olympiad problems. They were itching to join in.
"Tsk, Bio-Computers... gene editing... I'm so jealous."
Zhuge Qing muttered to himself. His world had no super-beings, so biotechnology couldn't advance.
Reed Hayrick was even more helpless. He was still being used as a guinea pig by Abstergo Industries, and could only be studied by others. He had no chance to do the studying.
Naruto World, Konoha.
The pale light of dawn filtered through the window, illuminating the somewhat spartan laboratory.
Orochimaru sat up from the workbench and rubbed his throbbing temples.
He looked around at the research equipment he'd cobbled together, then compared it to the vast resources and cutting-edge equipment Harry and the others had at their disposal—resources that could span entire corporations and organizations...
Sometimes the gap between people was greater than the gap between people and dogs.
Still, the corner of Orochimaru's mouth curled into a faint smile.
His world had an advantage the others couldn't match.
That was... Chakra!
This mysterious energy system held limitless potential.
He pulled two dark-brown pills from his Ninja Tool Pouch, popped them into his mouth, and crunched them down.
[Improved Military Ration Pill]. It worked wonders, rapidly restoring stamina and Chakra. It was one of his recent small achievements.
Ever since he'd set up this laboratory and recruited Tsunade and Hiruko to form a "study group," more than half a year had passed.
Hiruko had good talent but still lacked systematic knowledge of biology, so he was working hard to learn.
Tsunade, on the other hand, was exceptionally gifted and came from a distinguished family. With Orochimaru's help, she had already developed two highly practical Medical Ninjutsu, leaving the village's medical ninja astounded.
As for Orochimaru, after setting up the laboratory, he'd focused on improving practical little inventions like Military Ration Pills and Explosive Tags.
He had to produce some visible results first. Only then would the old men among the village leadership recognize his value and direct more resources his way.
After all, in this world, many precious things couldn't be bought with money alone.
After straightening his clothes, Orochimaru left the laboratory.
On the way, he ran into Hiruko, who was carrying a large pile of documents.
"Orochimaru... sir."
Seeing him, Hiruko stopped at once and bowed respectfully.
The bow sent the scrolls in his arms tumbling to the ground...
Orochimaru shook his head at the sight and helped Hiruko pick up the scrolls.
Ever since Orochimaru had casually saved him half a year ago, the kid had been like this.
"Yes, it's important to build a solid foundation. Don't rush."
After gathering the scrolls, Orochimaru nodded and offered some casual encouragement.
"Yes! Lord Orochimaru!"
Hiruko replied excitedly, then headed toward Konoha Hospital.
Watching Hiruko walk away, Orochimaru said no more and headed straight for Training Ground 3.
Before he even got close, he heard Tsunade's loud voice.
"Orochimaru! Come look! I've found that Chakra's effect on cell activity seems to have a threshold..."
When Tsunade saw Orochimaru, her eyes lit up and she rushed over excitedly, holding a scroll covered in incomprehensible scribbles.
Beside her, Jiraiya looked utterly miserable, scratching his white hair. He couldn't understand a word his two teammates were saying, but not understanding made him feel embarrassed.
In the end, he could only nod along one moment and furrow his brow the next, managing his expressions so well that his acting was worthy of an award.
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched Jiraiya's performance, the corner of his mouth twitching.
Even he, a Professor of Ninjutsu, struggled to follow what Orochimaru and Tsunade were discussing. There was no way that kid Jiraiya could understand it.
What a troublesome trio.
Thinking of his three students, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a wave of emotion. Tsunade and Orochimaru went without saying, and even Jiraiya had received guidance from the Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku.
Raising these three students well was no small responsibility for him as their teacher...
"Orochimaru."
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath and cleared his throat.
At the Third Hokage's words, the discussion stopped abruptly. Orochimaru and Tsunade turned to look, and Jiraiya immediately straightened up.
"After discussing it, the Council of Elders approved your request..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Orochimaru, his expression turning serious.
Orochimaru's head snapped up, his eyes flashing!
It was here!
The resources he'd been waiting more than half a year for were finally coming!
"You may now consult the [Scroll of Sealing] left behind by the Second."
Before you continue