Orochimaru's team had first improved the stabilizers for kunai and shuriken, as well as the trigger precision of Explosive Tags, earning the favor and cooperation of the War Readiness Department.
Now, their main focus was "exploring the possibilities of integrating chakra with basic materials science."
The cement formula Kumoi had provided was only a starting point. Orochimaru's team was trying to figure out how to stably integrate the properties of different types of chakra—
such as the stability of Earth Release chakra and the conductive properties of Lightning Release chakra—into building materials and even simple ninja tools,
in hopes of developing "chakra composite materials" with special functions like enhanced defense and energy sensing.
The forward-thinking nature and potential value of this research had attracted a large number of gifted students interested in the principles of ninjutsu and "creation,"
making Orochimaru's science group and Tsunade's medical group known as the campus "twin stars," with countless admirers.
"Hey, Orochimaru, quit tinkering! We agreed to go try the new extra-large bowl challenge at Ichiraku Ramen today!"
Jiraiya's loud voice rang out. He draped an arm over Uchiha Gen's shoulder, looking eager to get started.
Jiraiya was considerably taller and more muscular than he'd been five years ago, and he always wore a sunny—or perhaps a little goofy—smile.
Though his theory grades still hovered around the middle of the class, his talent for ninjutsu practice and Taijutsu had become increasingly apparent.
More importantly, his unconventional way of thinking had produced a curious synergy with Uchiha Gen's solid foundation in ninjutsu theory and exquisite chakra control.
Gen's Sharingan had yet to awaken, but his talent had already begun to show.
The "Ninjutsu Discussion Conference" they had founded was later renamed the "Ninjutsu Diversification Research Society" at Kumoi's suggestion.
They refused to be constrained by existing