Qian Ye pinched the Black Crystal between his fingers and felt a faint suction against his fingertips.
Orochimaru strode forward, flicking his pale tongue over the corners of his cracked lips.
"Let me see that."
His raspy voice carried an urgency he could not conceal.
With a casual toss, Qian Ye dropped the black crystal into Orochimaru's hands.
Orochimaru caught it securely, closed his eyes, and probed it with his chakra.
A few seconds later, his golden, serpentine eyes snapped open.
"Incredible. Nothing short of a miracle of creation."
Even the fingers supporting the crystal trembled slightly.
"There are none of the five elemental affinities of ordinary chakra inside this, only yin-yang release chakra and a higher life essence that defies all conventional understanding."
"This must be an Essence Crystal formed when Black Zetsu's tissue fused with Hashirama cells inside the test subject."
"The First Hokage's cells possess extraordinary vitality, but their invasive properties are far too aggressive. An ordinary person would certainly die from a transplant."
"But using this crystal as a neutralizing agent could drastically reduce the violent rejection caused by Hashirama cells."
Orochimaru raised his head and gazed at Qian Ye with feverish eyes.
"Qian Ye, give me three days."
"Within three days, I will formulate an improved Type-Zero Drug for you."
"By then, the success rate for ordinary ninja integrating Hashirama cells will increase severalfold at the very least."
Qian Ye leaned against the shattered stone wall and straightened the collar of his black coat.
"Teacher Orochimaru, all I want is the final result."
"Once the drug is ready, the usual arrangement applies. The South District's corps gets the lion's share. Do whatever you like with the rest."
Orochimaru chuckled softly.
"Deal."
Qian Ye stayed no longer. He turned and entered the tunnel with Bullet.
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