Conversation on Hokage Cliff

"However, Chief, although this serum has been diluted, its activity still far exceeds what an ordinary person can withstand. And after injection, it won't grant Wood Style—at most, it will enhance cellular activity. When the benefits are so disproportionate to the risks, calling it poison would be more appropriate. So this old man presumptuously asks: who does the Chief intend to use it on?" Elder Shui asked as he handed over the serum.

Shin glanced at him, put it away along with the box, and said flatly, "There are things you shouldn't ask about if you aren't supposed to know."

That single sentence broke Elder Shui out in a cold sweat. He hurriedly lowered his head and said no more.

Shin did not pursue the matter further. Instead, he looked at Otsutsuki Hufu inside the nutrient chamber. There was still no change in him as he floated silently in the green nutrient solution.

"I heard from Koromo that he reacted when you used chakra to stimulate him?" Shin asked softly. Naturally, "he" referred to Otsutsuki Hufu. Elder Shui quickly answered, "Yes. During our last experiment, Subject Zero was extraordinarily sensitive to chakra and even began showing signs of life again. However, that was after the patterned white eye had been transplanted into him. We later tried stimulating him with chakra again, but there was no similar response. And because Lady Koromo called a halt to the project, we have not conducted a second experiment until now."

Shin nodded. "Very good. This kind of experiment does need to be handled cautiously. Starting today, this will be designated Experiment Zero. From now on, only I have the authority to activate it. Understood?"

"Yes!" Elder Shui promptly replied.

Afterward, Shin offered them a few words of encouragement and acknowledged their achievements before leaving