Kankuro looked at the gleaming metallic prosthetic components in the room, suppressed his nervousness and anticipation, and lay down on the modification table.
As the instrument was activated, the robotic arm slowly extended and began to perform precise modifications on his body.
Hoshino's prosthetic body design for Kankuro was extremely ambitious.
The rest of the plan is similar to Hoshino's own, replacing most of his bones with a specially modified Shikotsumyaku material.
The improved Shikotsumyaku not only inherited its original incomparably hard properties, but Hoshino also incorporated special metallic elements, further enhancing its strength and making it capable of easily withstanding powerful attacks.
At the same time, it can also instantly eject sharp bone spurs from the surface of the body according to Kankuro's will.
Whether used for close-quarters defense or offensive operations, it poses a significant threat to the enemy.
Regarding the Chakra system, Hoshino chose Swift Release.
Of course, if Kankuro doesn't like it, there are nearly ten other Kekkei for him to choose from.
For example, Ice Release, Explosion Release, Scorch Release, Boil Release, even Magnet Release... would all work, but Kankuro followed Hoshino's advice and chose Swift Release.
He trusted Hoshino's judgment, and the extreme speed brought by Swift Release could perfectly complement the close-combat advantage of the Shikotsumyaku.
During the transformation process, Kankuro felt his body undergoing unprecedented changes.
Every bone replacement was accompanied by excruciating pain, as if countless steel needles were piercing the entire body at the same time.
But as the Swift Release Chakra system began to integrate into his body, he felt a surge of heat coursing through him, causing his heart to race and his mind to become exceptionally sharp.
As the modification progressed, other parts of the prosthetic body also gradually took shape.
To enhance its mid-to-long-range attack capabilities, Hoshino also added a wide variety of weapon modules to this cybernetic body.
The prosthetic arms are equipped with miniature Chakra guns that compress Chakra and convert it into energy projectiles, enabling precise strikes against enemies at mid-range.
The shoulders are also equipped with retractable missile launchers, which are also powered by Chakra.
Not only is it incredibly powerful, but it can also lock onto targets with a prosthetic eye and track and attack with verbal commands, making it impossible for enemies to defend against.
Time ticked by, second by second.
The sounds of metal scraping and the buzzing of Chakra flowed intertwined in the confined space, Kankuro's consciousness was gradually consumed by the excruciating pain and burning sensation brought about by the modification.
In his final moments of lucid awareness, he witnessed a robotic arm embedding a core module covered in runes into his chest cavity.
Then the world was plunged into a chaotic white light, and my body was like being swept into a never-ending sandstorm, with every inch of my flesh being dismantled and rebuilt.
In the desert, twenty miles away from Sunagakure, Hoshino and Gaara stood side by side.
The moonlight shone on their shoulders, casting long shadows that overlapped with the outlines of the undulating sand dunes in the distance.
Gaara spoke up, "I've made up my mind. Shukaku shouldn't remain trapped inside me. It's time to set it free."
Hoshino turned to look at him and asked, "Are you sure? The process of removing the Tailed Beast is closer to death than modifying a prosthetic body."
The close entanglement between the power of the Tailed Beast and their hosts has long been an inescapable death curse.
At least in the known history of the Shinobi World, there has never been a case of a Jinchūriki surviving after having their Tailed Beast removed.
Each forced separation means the end of the Jinchūriki's life.
Gaara nodded seriously. "I promised to set it free. The suffering Shukaku has endured all these years shouldn't be borne by it alone."
As soon as he finished speaking, Gaara Chakra.
"Kid, don't force yourself. You've waited all these years, a little more time won't make a difference."
Shukaku's phantom emerged from it, and the sand grains coalesced in the moonlight into a familiar tanuki face, but the violence in its eyes was gone.
"This is not a forced request."
Gaara reached out and touched the illusory figure. "You taught me what loneliness is, and you made me understand that I carry more than just a curse."
He then turned to Hoshino and reassured her, "Don't worry, I won't risk my life. If it really doesn't work, I trust you'll stop it in time."
Just then, a plume of purplish-black smoke exploded without warning not far from the three of them.
As the smoke cleared, Orochimaru slowly walked out, his appearance somewhat the same as before.
The black robe was embroidered with golden vine patterns, and the fabric swayed gently with each step, revealing the subtle patterns beneath the hem.
The once pale, paper-like panel now gleamed with a healthy sheen, and her long black hair was tied back with a scarlet ribbon at the end.
Those signature vertical pupils were still cold, but his every move exuded a newfound composure and authority, truly giving him the air of a leader.
"Heh, I didn't expect the Minister of the Inspection Department to have such courage."
"Removing Tailed Beast is no trivial matter, but since it's your decision, I'd like to see if you can create a miracle never before seen in the Shinobi World."
Orochimaru glanced at Gaara and Hoshino, and said with a smile.
"That's why we specifically invited you here; it's to ensure the separation process goes perfectly."
Hoshino nodded to Orochimaru.
To safely remove the Tailed Beast without sacrificing one's life, the help of Orochimaru, a scientific genius, would certainly be indispensable.
"Interesting, it seems you were prepared?"
Hoshino didn't answer directly, but instead raised his hand and waved it, and a facility appeared on the ground.
At the same time, a holographic projection unfolds on the sand, displaying a sophisticated design diagram of Chakra diversion device.
"This is the latest 'life support system' developed by the Scientific Research Department."
"The principle is simple: at the moment the Tailed Beast is separated, this device temporarily takes over Gaara's vital signs and simulates the flow of the Tailed Beast Chakra to prevent his body from collapsing due to the sudden loss of the Tailed Beast."
The greatest contributor to this facility was Shinnō.
Forbidden Medical Technique: Body Revitalization and Body Shedding, combined with the Dark Chakra of the Zero-Tails.
It can not only reverse the cells in the body and achieve instant rejuvenation, but also transform physical damage into regenerative enhancement, thus enabling the practitioner to obtain the ultimate physical body.
After improvements, the Scientific Research Department transformed it into a controllable life support method.
Kankuro's full-body cybernetic modification incorporated a miniature version of this system, ensuring that his body would not collapse due to Chakra overexertion during high-intensity combat.
After all, Kankuro doesn't have Kikaichū to provide a continuous energy boost.
"A good idea, but the complexity of Tailed Beast Chakra far exceeds that of ordinary Ninjutsu, and mechanical simulation alone is unlikely to completely replace it."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, carefully examining the design projected on the screen.
That's why I need your help.
Hoshino looked directly at Orochimaru, "Your ' Living Corpse Reincarnation ' demonstrates unparalleled research into the soul and body, and coupled with your understanding of Sealing Jutsu, you should be able to correct the system's flaws."
" Living Corpse Reincarnation... You even know about that? Hoshino -kun, I'm getting more and more curious about you!"
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly, a startling smile curving his lips.