"As expected, fluctuations have occurred." Hoshino quickly adjusted the system parameters, "Increase the output of Zero-Tails Chakra, enhance the effects of the forbidden medical technique, and stabilize the system's energy core."
As he spoke, he precisely operated the instrument, each movement fluid and decisive, showing no concern whatsoever that Gaara would suffer serious consequences.
As the saying goes, you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket.
While the life support system is of paramount importance, Hoshino still prepared a second option: prosthetic body modification.
Given Orochimaru's original personality, we had to be wary of him, even though he had made changes at this point.
Fortunately, with the close cooperation of Hoshino and Orochimaru, the life support system gradually stabilized.
Shukaku's Chakra remained volatile, but under the system's suppression, the extraction process, though difficult, was progressing steadily.
The runes on the surface of the hull resumed their regular flashing, the Zero-Tails Chakra in the conduit flowed steadily again, and Gaara's vital signs also stabilized.
Hoshino kept a close eye on all the data, not daring to relax for a moment.
Orochimaru was also fully focused, assisting the system in better dealing with the impact of the Tailed Beast Chakra.
The long hours passed slowly in the tense atmosphere.
After an unknown amount of time, Shukaku's figure completely separated from Gaara's body.
roar--
Shukaku let out a deafening roar, filled with the exhilaration of regaining its freedom. It then adjusted its massive size, becoming as tall as a human, and looked at Gaara with tense eyes.
" Gaara won't get hurt!"
"Of course not!" Hoshino laughed.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Gaara slowly opened his eyes and found himself in a hospital room.
Temari, who was standing by the bedside, turned from worry to joy, " Gaara, you're awake!"
Gaara looked at Temari, his lips barely moving, "What am I...?"
At that moment, the ward door was gently pushed open, Kankuro walked in.
He looked energetic, and his prosthetic body was no different from that of an ordinary person. If you didn't look closely, you wouldn't be able to tell that he had undergone full-body prosthetic modification.
Kankuro walked to the bedside and said with a smile, "It's good that you're awake, it's good that you're awake."
Gaara nodded slightly, then, as if suddenly remembering something, asked urgently, "Where's Shukaku? Was the separation successful?"
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a small figure leaped from the window in the corner of the room—it was Shukaku.
It is now only the size of a palm and looks quite cute, a far cry from its former huge and violent appearance.
Shukaku lightly leaped onto Gaara's bedside, tilted its head, and looked at him playfully, saying, "Hey, kid, I'm here!"
Gaara looked at the petite Shukaku in front of him and smiled, " Shukaku, you're actually quite cute like this!"
Upon hearing this, Shukaku turned its head away haughtily, but its tail swayed slightly without its own apprehension.
"Hmph, don't try to fool me with that. But since you just woke up, I'll let it slide."
Temari said seriously, "Although it's very cute now, in the villagers' eyes, Shukaku used to be the embodiment of disaster, so everyone still has some fear of it."
Gaara frowned slightly, as if he was about to say something.
Kankuro explained, "However, the Information Department has already drafted a plan to Shukaku the future mascot of the Reform Society, which is also for the sake of advancing subsequent plans."
"A mascot? I, the strongest Tailed Beast, don't want to be a mascot!"
Upon hearing this, Shukaku's eyes widened in surprise.
At that moment, the ward door was pushed open again, Hoshino walked in.
Hearing Shukaku's words, he smiled and explained, " Shukaku, this mascot, is a symbol that brings good luck and joy to everyone."
"Think about it, if you became the mascot, everyone would like you and give you lots of delicious food. It would be much better than being feared by everyone before."
Shukaku's eyes lit up. "So much delicious food? Really?"
But then she quickly narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "But why do I feel like you're just trying to comfort me?"
Hoshino smiled wryly. "Of course it's true. And if you become the mascot, we're even planning to create a brand new department for you."
He even emphasized at the end, "You're the boss!"
Upon hearing this, Shukaku's eyes gleamed with curiosity and suspicion as he paced back and forth by the bedside, muttering to himself.
"Being the boss? That sounds interesting."
"But I still don't quite understand. Just because I'm the mascot, you're going to create a new department for me. Is there some other reason behind this?"
Hoshino patiently explained, " Shukaku, think about it. Sunagakure has been through so much; everyone needs a new hope and a new symbol."
"This new department was established around you, responsible for protecting the village's cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs. You have absolute authority within it and can do whatever you want."
Gaara chimed in, " Shukaku, this is a great opportunity for everyone to see you in a new light. You are no longer a sealed Tailed Beast, but a partner who can bring happiness to everyone."
Shukaku scratched its head, thought for a moment, and said, "Well... alright, I'll reluctantly give this mascot and what it's like to be the boss."
"But let me make this clear: if it's not fun, or if anyone dares to disobey me, I won't be so polite!"
Hoshino and the others exchanged smiles, knowing that Shukaku had agreed.
" Gaara, you should get some rest," Hoshino said. "I'm going to the Land of Demons next. My Shadow Clone will be managing departmental affairs for me during this time. Just contact them if you need anything."
Gaara nodded gently. "Alright! Hoshino, be careful out there."
Don't worry!
After giving a few more instructions, Hoshino left the ward and headed towards the Land of Demons with his men.
The Land of Demons has always been shrouded in mystery and has had little interaction with the Sunagakure.
Even with the current drastic changes in the Shinobi World, they still maintain their original style and do not have much contact with the outside world.
In the Shinobi World, besides the Land of Iron and the Land of Rain, the Land of Demons is the third permanently neutral country. It was not affected by the three Shinobi World Wars and has long maintained a detached attitude from the world.
As a core leader of the Reform Society.
Hoshino's identity is special, and every move he makes is related to the status and image of Sunagakure in the Shinobi World, so it is naturally not appropriate for him to go there secretly.
Therefore, yesterday, the Reform Society formally submitted its entry application to the Land of Demons under the guise of academic exchange and regional cooperation.
Surprisingly, the Land of Demons approved the application in just half a day and even attached a brief reply welcoming the Reform Society representative to visit.
One day later.
Hoshino and his group stepped into the border of the Land of Demons, twenty cybernetic ninjas from the Armed Forces Department spread out in a fan shape to protect them.
Border crossing.
Several guards, dressed in black robes with strange totems carved on their bronze masks, raised their hands to signal Hoshino and the others to stop.
"Produce the documents."