Steady radiation energy emerged from the meteorite. Under Uchiha Yū's precise guidance, that mass of purple energy enveloped the other man. The test subject soon showed symptoms of radiation exposure, though there were only some burns on his skin.
There was no danger to his life, which meant their experiment had been partially verified.
At the side, Orochimaru quickly completed the Curse Mark. The instant it was branded onto the man's body, it absorbed the radiation energy brought by the meteorite and stored it within. One black tomoe after another appeared along the man's neck.
Uchiha Yū, acting as the experiment's assistant, stared fixedly at the expanding black tomoe, which resembled tattoos. At the same time, seeing the temperature on the instruments steadily rise, he interrupted Orochimaru before he could continue. Noticing the other man's displeasure, he explained:
"It has only partially succeeded. This is the first-stage ability."
"He is an extremely valuable test subject. Before we know whether the next experiment will succeed, we need to preserve his life."
"After all, experiments involve a certain amount of luck. I have no intention of gambling on my luck next time."
He did everything with the utmost rationality, not out of kindness. Combined with his understanding of Curse Marks, Uchiha Yū could confirm that this was a successful case.
The body was still suffering damage from the radiation, but it could endure for quite a long time. Just as the two had guessed, it had not undergone the next stage of Sage Transformation.
Watching the test subject begin to struggle on the operating table, Orochimaru injected him with a sedative again. His tightly furrowed brow finally relaxed, and there was a hint of pleasure in his voice.
"Developing Curse Marks is indeed difficult. Now that the direction has been determined, the