Resolve to Devote Oneself to Science

Eight in the evening.

The research institute was quiet.

At this hour, the vast place had long since emptied out, making it the perfect place for them to get to work.

Anko was puzzled. Why all the secrecy just to do an experiment?

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

"You've been studying hard these past few days. It's time to relax a little. I want to show you something different. Do you remember what I told you? To follow Lord Orochimaru, you must be prepared to devote yourself to science."

Anko didn't understand. "What do you want me to do?"

"I have a research project that requires your cooperation. Would you be willing to help?" Akashi gave her a friendly smile.

It was a real surprise that Akashi had invited her.

Until now, she'd only been given minor tasks. Neither Orochimaru nor Akashi had let her get hands-on with any real experiments. She was actually quite interested in all those bottles and jars, but after she broke an alcohol lamp, her internship had been extended indefinitely.

Part of it was Orochimaru's caution. The other part was that she lacked the knowledge needed for this line of work.

But had the sun risen in the west today?

Anko said eagerly, "Of course I'm willing. What are we researching?"

"Your body."

"(O_o)??"

"Don't look so surprised. Do you want to get stronger? Do you want to advance to jonin quickly? Do you want to earn Lord Orochimaru's praise?"

"I do."

"If you want to get stronger, you have to understand yourself and push past your limits. You can't do it alone, so I'll help you. This is a necessary step to unlock your potential. It's for your own good." Akashi's voice was so persuasive it was hard to refuse.

"B-but you're going to study my body? How?" Anko asked timidly.

Akashi's sunny smile was reflected in her eyes, yet for some reason, a chill ran through her.

Something about this just felt weird.

"It's simple. Just lie down, and leave the rest to me." Akashi sounded confident and carefree. "There's no one else in the institute, so we can work without interruptions."

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

The private laboratory's equipment was strictly controlled. Apart from Orochimaru, only Akashi, as his assistant, was allowed to use it.

The various analytical instruments and computers were all set up, ready for the experiment to begin.

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

The snow-white bed linen was clean and tidy. Cold metal instruments sat nearby, but despite being in a laboratory, there were no strange smells. A few beautiful lilies had even been placed on the long table.

"Are you ready?" Akashi wore a white coat, and he had already put on a mask, protective goggles, and sterilized gloves.

"I guess."

"Relax. We're just collecting some basic data."

What was science? Science was an orderly system of knowledge based on testable explanations and predictions about the form, structure, and other aspects of objective things. It was knowledge that had been systematized and formalized.

It was incorrect to apply the scientific framework of any other worldview to the Shinobi World. Each specific problem had to be analyzed on its own terms.

The Shinobi World's technological development was strange to begin with.

But one thing never changed.

Science was based on facts and research.

That required a great many experiments and samples, and people who were prepared to devote themselves to science.

Anko was an excellent sample. She was certainly devoted.

"Don't move around later, or you might get hurt by accident."

"Okay." Anko was a little scared, but also a little excited. A blush spread across her cheeks. "Um... this is my first time."

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

He had always assisted Orochimaru with his research. This was indeed his first time conducting an experiment on a human by himself. But everything had to be tried at least once. And if things went wrong with Anko, it wouldn't matter, right? She'd surely forgive him.

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

"C-can I still change my mind?"

"Don't worry. I've studied under Lord Orochimaru."

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

The gleaming needle caught the light, its tip shining brightly.

Anko's heart pounded.

"It's all right. The needle's small. Just bear with it," Akashi reassured her. "I'll be as quick as I can."

Anko wasn't entirely convinced.

Though the serious look on Akashi's face was reassuring, something still felt off. But she'd already agreed, and now it seemed there was no way to back out.

Akashi drew two tubes of blood. He sent one sample to the analyzer.

He kept the other separate, in case it was needed later.

Anko frowned and tensed up. "Is it in?"

"It's over."

"It's over?"

"Yeah. Quick, wasn't it?" Akashi smiled. "It didn't hurt at all, did it?"

"I didn't feel a thing." Anko looked surprised.

Akashi said confidently, "Didn't I tell you there was nothing to worry about? Now, let's try the equipment over here."

"What's this one?"

Usually carefree, Anko had grown cautious.

Akashi worked the complicated controls, shifting his gaze between the screen and Anko. "The sensors will record detailed data about your body on the computer. Then we just analyze it."

Under his guidance, Anko was "fully equipped."

The patches felt cool, and there was something pleasant about them against her skin. Only then did Anko relax.

She chose to trust Akashi.

Several tubes were attached to her, and a few long needles pierced her acupoints. It didn't hurt much. The computer connected behind her had already started working, collecting data about her body.

The computer screen flickered.

Akashi looked at the data on the screen. The analysis came back with just one word.

Ordinary.

Her physical measurements were all a little above average. Her chakra reserves were moderate, on par with a ninja of her age and skill level.

Mitaraishi Anko really was quite ordinary.

Why had Orochimaru chosen her?

Orochimaru had extremely high standards when it came to selecting people. Those without a Kekkei Genkai or anything else special were, at most, pawns.

Yet Anko had been treated entirely differently.

Not only had she become his direct disciple, but she would also receive the Heaven Cursed Seal in the near future. The only other person to enjoy such a privilege would be Sasuke, years later.

Only Orochimaru himself knew the answer to that question.

Unlike Lady Tsunade, a mature ninja with ample assets, Anko was still growing. Her bones hadn't fully developed, and she had plenty of room to improve. Perhaps she might even undergo a complete transformation one day.

Akashi smiled faintly.

Aside from analyzing Anko's physical condition and collecting a few cell samples, he hadn't conducted any destructive experiments. In the end, he was just getting some practice.

Everything he'd done today was preparation for more in-depth work in the future.

I'll be counting on your cooperation from now on, too.

Akashi looked at Anko and thought to himself.