Special Experimental Subjects

"Vital signs are normal... all functions are normal... development is good... receptor cell activity is also steadily increasing..."

"In this way, with just a little training, these bodies will be able to possess Chakra reserves approaching those of Chunin from birth..."

In the underground research base of the Land of Rice Fields, Kabuto Yakushi looked at the experimental subjects in the culture medium in front of him, who looked like boys and girls of twelve or thirteen years old. A sharp light reflected off his bright glasses.

"Thus, in about six months, these experimental samples will be ready..."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, glancing at the test subjects in the container whose faces were calm and seemed to be in a deep sleep, but his gaze couldn't help but fall on Kabuto Yakushi, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

'This child is a genius too...'

Since Kato Osamu was sent here by Kabuto Yakushi, his talent in biological research and experimentation has gradually become apparent. Now, he is capable of handling things independently and has become Orochimaru's most capable assistant.

"They possess Hashirama Cells and White Zetsu Cells; these clones can mature in a short time. Kato- kun also has a method for soul transfer..."

"I can roughly guess what Kato- kun is thinking..."

Orochimaru turned around, a smile in his eyes, and looked at Kato Osamu, who was standing quietly to the side.

"Not only that..."

"Orochimaru- sensei's Vanishing Facial Copy Technique is also an ingenious idea. I improved it by adjusting the facial bones and muscle texture, and using the power of Yin–Yang Release to completely solidify this change, thus achieving a true 'makeover'..."

"I've renamed this secret technique -- the Revitalized Facial Copy Technique."

As he spoke, Kato Osamu gently clasped his hands together. The clone in front of him trembled slightly, and it seemed as if flesh and blood were constantly moving beneath its face. The three of them watched the clone's constantly changing face quietly until it gradually stabilized.

"Oh? This is..."

The experimental subject before them suddenly transformed into the appearance of a middle-aged man, with sharp features, but his eyes remained tightly closed.

"A small experiment..." With a slight smile, Kato Osamu placed his hand on the side of the container, quietly shutting down the life support system inside. As the pale green solution slowly descended, the container chamber slowly opened.

"Kabuto, place the experimental subject on the lab table..."

"It's secured..."

After giving the order, Kato Osamu slowly closed his eyes, his thoughts sinking into his Sea of Consciousness, as if preparing for something. Orochimaru's eyes flashed with a thoughtful look, but he did not speak.

The endless, dark space was empty, no longer as magnificent as before. The once-standing spirit giant had vanished without a trace, leaving only a long, black sword hanging high in the dome.

Kato Osamu's mind was immersed in the moment, searching for something. Suddenly, a ball of dark blue light appeared, wandering in the empty space. However, it seemed to be drawn by an invisible hand, gradually condensing into a tight, dense blue sphere of light, and then suddenly disappeared into the dark space.

"The power of Yin–Yang Release is indeed profound..."

Kato Osamu suddenly opened his eyes, slowly raised his right hand, and a ball of dark blue light lay quietly in his hand, floating in the air.

As if summoned by something, it kept moving in a certain direction, trying to break free from the restraints in Kato Osamu's palm.

"This is... a complete soul?!"

Orochimaru's eyes held a hint of surprise. Although his tone was questioning, he was certain that after studying Soul Secret Techniques for so many years, he was already familiar with the aura of the soul. He just couldn't understand how Kato Osamu had managed to do it.

Imprisoning a complete soul—in his memory, only the Grim Shinigami summoned by the Dead Demon Consuming Seal could do such a thing.

"It all started with a chance interest..."

Feeling the struggle of the soul in his hand, the slight resistance as the invisible summoning power countered his restraints, a glint flashed in Kato Osamu's eyes.

'Pure Land...'

"Teacher, we're ready!"

Kabuto's eyes held a mixture of shock and bewilderment. Despite his exceptional talent in biotechnology, such advanced techniques still left him somewhat perplexed. However, this did not prevent him from looking at Kato Osamu with even more reverence and fervor.

"Hmm..." With a slight smile on her lips, Kato Osamu slowly walked to the experimental table. The experimental subject in front of her had the body of a boy, but the face of a middle-aged man.

Slowly, Kato brought the ball of soul light in his hand closer to the test subject's body, and wisps of eerie light began to merge into the test subject's mind under Kato Osamu's manipulation.

Until the ball of soul light in his hand completely disappeared, the experimental subject's entire body began to slowly emit a faint, shimmering glow. It seemed that his soul was being drawn by some force, wanting to break free from the constraints of this physical body!

"Town!"

With a soft shout, Kato Osamu channeled countless runic chains from his palm to the test subject's entire body, locking all the eerie light tightly within the subject's form. After a moment, the soul light, which had been completely integrated into the test subject, began to subside after struggling in vain, and the eerie light emanating from the test subject's body gradually dissipated...

"Kabuto, record all data and maintain its vital signs..."

"Then..."

"Waiting for him to wake up!"

"Yes!"

With a look of reverence, Kabuto Yakushi worked swiftly, meticulously recording the various data on the monitor. Today, he had broadened his horizons and seemed to have glimpsed the most advanced and groundbreaking experiment in the Shinobi World, one that was closest to the essence of the world. A burning fire seemed to be ignited in his heart.

"Xu-jun, you always manage to bring me some kind of surprise..."

It wasn't just some secret information; the very methods of manipulating souls like Kato Osamu's, and the existence of Yin–Yang Release, had already brought Orochimaru considerable gains, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his face.

Although he couldn't do these methods, in the process of delving into certain research, sometimes, perspective is everything.

"When the test subject awakens, there might be an even bigger surprise. I hope Orochimaru- sensei won't be afraid..."

Kato Osamu chuckled lightly, a hint of mockery in his eyes. Orochimaru didn't seem to care about Kato Osamu's tone, but appeared even more excited. The successful Living Corpse Reincarnation had fulfilled Orochimaru's long-held obsession, albeit not perfectly.

But now, something even more wondrous seems to be happening...

"I have a pretty good idea what it is..."

Orochimaru and Kato Osamu gently licked their lips, their gazes both fixed on the door of a dusty laboratory in the distance. They exchanged a knowing smile, an unspoken understanding that made time seem to rewind to years ago, to the days spent researching the Living Corpse Reincarnation in the Konoha laboratory...