Sound Village, laboratory.
"Yao-kun, let's begin now!" Orochimaru stood to one side.
A total of twelve people had gathered in the laboratory. What had originally been a fairly spacious room now felt somewhat crowded.
Tayuya had already undergone the cell transplant, but according to her, she had come to keep an eye on Karin and prevent her from getting any improper ideas.
Feng Yao nodded. "Mm. Who wants to go first?"
The group exchanged glances before Neji stepped forward first. He wanted power. Back in Konoha, he had once been considered a genius, but in the monster-filled Sound Village, Neji did not feel particularly outstanding. He wanted to grow stronger, to change himself, and to change the fate of the branch family.
"Then let's begin. I'll first transplant Yao-kun's cells and Hashirama Cells into you to improve your physical abilities and recovery. That will give you a greater chance of surviving the Cursed Seal afterward," Orochimaru said calmly.
"Yes." Neji lay down on the operating table.
There were no problems with this step. It had already been tested, so they were confident.
After the successful transplant, Neji's chakra had clearly increased considerably. Having become compatible with Hashirama Cells, with enough training...
He could also use the First Hokage's Wood Release. Of course, that depended on talent as well, and Feng Yao did not want Neji to neglect the essentials for the trivial.
"This power... Is this the power of Lord Hashirama, the God of Shinobi?"
Neji could hardly believe the changes in the chakra within his body.
Orochimaru corrected him, "More accurately, it was Yao-kun's power that helped you. Otherwise, with your abilities, you would not have been able to control Hashirama Cells."
"Thank you, Lord Feng Yao." Neji turned and bowed to Feng Yao. The increase in strength made