Konoha.
Research Building.
"Minister Orochimaru."
"It's been a long time!"
Fugaku Uchiha extended his hand with a smile on his face.
Hyuga Hiashi was not to be outdone and nodded in greeting as well.
Orochimaru was dumbfounded.
These two clan heads from prestigious families with eyes practically growing on top of their heads were actually being so polite to him?
Chiba pulled over a chair, sat down, and crossed his legs.
"Orochimaru."
"I have two research projects for you."
"First, solve the problem of Uchiha Mangekyō Sharingan users going blind from overuse."
At those words.
Fugaku Uchiha's breathing instantly grew rapid.
He stared fixedly at Orochimaru, his gaze burning with fervor.
"Minister Orochimaru."
"As long as you can solve this problem."
"The Uchiha Clan's funds and resources are at your disposal!"
Orochimaru swallowed, his mind racing furiously.
"The Mangekyō's Yin Release Chakra is too immense, putting pressure on the optic nerves..."
"If Wood Style Cells' Yang Release Chakra is introduced to neutralize it, it should be entirely feasible in theory!"
Chiba snapped his fingers.
"Smart."
"I have samples of the most perfect Wood Style Cells here, the kind with no rejection response whatsoever."
Orochimaru abruptly turned his head and stared hard at Chiba.
Perfect Hashirama Cells?
How many babies had died back then just for him to produce a defective specimen like Yamato?
And Chiba actually had perfect samples?
Of course.
Chiba was from the Senju Clan and had awakened Wood Style.
The current Chiba was a new God of Shinobi.
To Chiba, Wood Style Cells were nothing at all.
"Second."
Chiba pointed at Hyuga Hiashi.
"Research the evolution path of the Byakugan."
Hyuga Hiashi trembled all over, nearly dropping to his knees in excitement.
The evolution of the Byakugan!
This was something no one in the Hyuga Clan had