The Resolve to Sacrifice for Science

Eight o'clock in the evening.

The laboratory was deathly quiet.

At this hour, the vast space was long since deserted, making it the perfect place for them to tinker around.

Anko was deeply puzzled; why did they have to be so secretive about conducting an experiment?

Under the bright lights, the two of them were surrounded by stacks of reports and experimental equipment.

"You've been studying very hard these days, and it's time to relax. I want to involve you in something different. Do you remember what I said? To follow Lord Orochimaru, one must possess the resolve to sacrifice oneself for science."

Anko was confused: "What do you need me to do?"

"I have a study here that requires your cooperation. I wonder if you're willing?" Akashi revealed a friendly smile.

It was truly unexpected for Akashi to take the initiative to invite her.

Previously, she had only ever handled trivial tasks. Neither Orochimaru nor Akashi would let her touch the actual experiments. Although she was quite interested in those bottles and jars, her internship period had been indefinitely extended ever since she broke an alcohol lamp.

For one, Orochimaru was cautious; for another, her knowledge base was too poor, making her ill-suited for this line of work.

But had the sun risen from the west today?

Anko said happily: "Of course I'm willing. What are we studying?"

"Studying your body."

"(O_o)??"

"Don't make that surprised face. Do you want to become stronger? Do you want to quickly promote to Jonin? Do you want to earn the praise of Lord Orochimaru?"

"I do!"

"Since you want to become stronger, you must understand yourself and break through your limits. If you can't do it, I will help you. This is a necessary step to deeply develop your potential; it's for your own good." Akashi's tone was filled with temptation, making it hard to refuse.

"But... but studying my body? How are we going to do that?" Anko shrank back timidly.

Her eyes reflected Akashi's sunny smile, yet she felt an inexplicable chill.

She had a strange feeling about this.

"It's very simple. You just need to lie down, and leave the rest to me." Akashi looked confident and said nonchalantly, "There are no outsiders in the laboratory, which is perfect for us to stretch our legs."

Anko was still hesitating when Akashi grabbed her and headed straight for the operating table.

The equipment in the private laboratory was strictly managed; apart from Orochimaru, only Akashi, as his assistant, was permitted to use it.

Various analytical instruments and computers were arranged and ready, waiting only for them to begin.

Under Akashi's persuasion and encouragement, Anko obediently lay down.

The snow-white bed sheet was neat and clean, flanked by cold metal instruments. Although it was a laboratory, there were no strange odors, and a few beautiful lilies were placed on the long table.

"Are you ready?" Akashi was already wearing his white coat, mask, goggles, and sterilized gloves.

"I suppose so."

"Just relax. It's only some simple data collection."

What is science? Science is an orderly system of knowledge based on verifiable explanations and predictions about the form, organization, and nature of objective things; it is knowledge that has been systematized and formulated.

Applying scientific systems from any other worldview to the ninja world is incorrect; specific problems must be analyzed specifically.

The technology tree of the ninja world itself is quite strange.

But one thing remains constant.

Science is based on facts and research.

To that end, a large number of experiments and samples are required, and one must possess the resolve to sacrifice oneself for science.

Anko was a very good sample, and she had plenty of resolve.

"Don't move around later, so you don't get hurt by accident."

"Mm." Anko was a little scared, yet also a little excited, a blush appearing on her cheeks. "Um... this is my first time."

Akashi's tone was firm: "Don't worry, it's my first time too."

In the past, he had only assisted Orochimaru with research; operating human experiments independently was indeed a first. But one must try everything eventually. As for Anko, it wouldn't matter if she got broken, right? She would surely forgive him.

Akashi took a deep breath: "Let's begin."

"Can I... can I change my mind now?"

"Don't worry, I've learned from Lord Orochimaru."

Akashi decided to start by checking Anko's physical condition, beginning with a blood draw.

The silver needle reflected a cold light, flashing brilliantly.

Anko's heart was thumping wildly.

"It's fine, the needle isn't big. Just bear with it for a moment." Akashi comforted her, "I'll try to be as quick as possible."

Anko was half-doubting, half-believing.

Although Akashi's serious expression was reassuring, something still felt off. Yet, since she had already agreed, it seemed impossible to refuse now.

Akashi drew two blood samples, sending one into the analyzer.

The other was kept aside for future needs.

Anko frowned, her body tensed with nervousness: "Is it in?"

"It's already finished."

"Finished?"

"Yes, quick, isn't it?" Akashi smiled. "Didn't feel a thing, did you?"

"I didn't feel anything at all." Anko was somewhat surprised.

Akashi said confidently: "Didn't I tell you? It's no problem. Next, let's try the equipment over here."

"What is this now?"

The usually boisterous Anko had become cautious.

Akashi operated the complex buttons, his gaze shifting between the screen and Anko: "The sensors will record detailed body data into the computer, and then we'll just analyze it."

Under his guidance, Anko became "fully equipped."

The patches felt cool, and the moment they touched her skin, it was actually quite comfortable, which finally put Anko at ease.

She chose to trust Akashi.

Many tubes were connected to her body, and even when some long needles pierced her acupoints, it didn't hurt much; the computer connected behind her had already begun to work, collecting her physical data.

The computer screen flickered.

Akashi looked at the data on the screen, and the analysis result was only two words.

Ordinary.

Every physical value was just a little bit above the average line, and her chakra volume was moderate, consistent with a ninja of her age and strength level.

Anko Mitarashi was, indeed, quite average.

How, then, did she catch the eye of Orochimaru?

One had to know that Orochimaru's standards for selecting individuals were extremely high; those without a Kekkei Genkai or any unique traits were, at most, mere pawns.

Yet, Anko's treatment was completely different.

Not only did she become an inner disciple, but she would also receive the Heaven Cursed Seal in the near future—an honor that only Sasuke would possess years later.

The answer to this question was likely something only Orochimaru himself knew.

Unlike a mature ninja like Lady Tsunade, who possessed both depth and experience, Anko was still growing, her bones not yet fully developed, leaving plenty of room for improvement; perhaps she might even undergo a complete transformation in the future.

Akashi smiled slightly.

Beyond analyzing Anko's physical constitution and obtaining some cell samples, he had performed no destructive experiments; when it came down to it, this was just practice.

Everything today was preparation for more in-depth work in the future.

I'll be needing your full cooperation from here on out.

Akashi looked at Anko, thinking to himself.