For the researchers, there are only two things in the world that can bring them the utmost joy,
First, being able to freely study the projects they're passionate about, without having to worry about resources, restrictions, or costs.
Second, achieving a breakthrough in their research.
In Ryosuke's research institute, as long as they had talent, worked hard, and had a little bit of luck, both of these could be achieved.
You could say the dopamine levels of this group were through the roof every single day. Compared to that kind of joy, women, wealth, and power were all things they couldn't care less about.
But...
No matter how stimulating dopamine was, humans still had limits. The brain needed rest.
Some days ago, Sasuke had brought back Shinnō's memories, leading to the formation of a new aerospace project team in the institute. To push forward this new project, they had to temporarily pull personnel from other departments.
That would've been fine, if the very same day the White Snake Sage hadn't sent over his "gift", a thousand years' worth of memory fragments, dumped straight into the database. Sorting through that alone took them an entire week.
Now, the Hidan research lab had already applied the White Snake Sage's knowledge onto Hidan's ashes. After working nonstop for over a week, everyone finally managed to catch a short breath.
Hearing that Ryosuke was returning, they planned to ride the wave of excitement, go out for a meal, get a massage, sing some songs, relax a bit, and unwind.
But then…
Seeing the grayish exhaustion in everyone's eyes, Ryosuke handed Hidan's body to Aoda's Blue Snake to store in the warehouse, and then said to the team, "Since everything's settled, take the night off."
According to plan, a few people stayed behind for night duty, while the rest went out for the gathering.
But what was supposed to be a cheerful and relaxing atmosphere felt oddly lifeless. Everyone seemed distracted and sluggish, their minds wandering somewhere far away.
When it came time for karaoke, someone came to Ryosuke asking for leave, saying something had come up at home. Once the first did, another followed, and within minutes, the group had completely dispersed.
After Sasuke delivered Shinnō's discs, he had stayed behind at the institute to help construct a sterile, no, chakra-free, experimental environment.
Since Samui had returned to Kumogakure for work, he temporarily took over managing the institute.
Now, seeing the researchers leaving one by one, Sasuke held his juice, remembering how rational, quiet, and focused they usually were. He frowned.
"Are they just not used to lively atmospheres?"
Ryosuke gave Sasuke a strange look. "You don't actually think researchers are all stiff and dull types, do you?"
"Eh?"
Sasuke glanced left and right, confirming no researchers were nearby, and whispered, "Aren't they?"
Ryosuke shook his head.
In his previous life, he'd come from a science background, and after graduation, he'd worked in a technical field.
Sure, people in labs might look dull, that's just because their brains were running at high speed. They didn't have the extra "mental RAM" to manage facial expressions or conversation.
But once they stepped out of the lab…
The men were flirty and funny, and the women were wild and witty.
Watching the researchers' backs as they walked away, Ryosuke smiled faintly. "They're just itching for more."
How exactly had Hidan fused multiple Kekkei Genkai?
What secrets were hidden in his memories and jutsu recordings?
Could those secrets push current experiments forward, break through their bottlenecks?
Just thinking about those questions made the researchers restless. Food lost its taste; their minds kept drifting back to the lab.
Half an hour later, the same researchers who had left for "personal reasons" reappeared in front of the institute.
They exchanged knowing looks and suppressed smiles. As they pushed open the door, they were met with a sight, the front desk was stacked high with all sorts of snacks and drinks.
One researcher walked over, dug through the pile, and found a small note. On it were just four words,
"Take some rest."
They didn't need to ask. They all knew Ryosulke had written it. Sharing a look, they each picked out a snack or drink they liked and went back into their respective labs.
———
After leaving Gaara with Sasuke and Sakura to arrange his accommodations, Ryosuke walked alone to an open field about ten kilometers from the institute.
He had given the researchers two months to militarize their current technologies, to make sure some could be applied in real combat.
Since the researchers were working around the clock, Ryosuke naturally couldn't slack off either.
From the Ghost Space, he took out an iron ball.
Lesson 2 required ignoring rotation, keeping the spin on the skin.
That went against Ryosuke's absolute control over his body. In the end, he only managed to master it by combining Rasengan, Mind Transfer Jutsu, and Hayato's physical training.
Lesson 3: "Believe in the rotation. Just believe, that's all!"
It required absolute spiritual faith in the Golden Spin.
Like a lone swordsman ambushed by enemy forces, with no one to rely on but the blade in his hand. Only through complete trust and focus could one step into Lesson 3's realm.
But where could Ryosuke find such a desperate situation?
Even if he were in one, was The World's time stop not enough? Was Killer Queen's Bites the Dust useless now?
Because he had so many Stand abilities, Ryosuke always had multiple options in battle. His fighting style depended on adapting his powers to the situation and the opponent.
He was too strong, he never truly faced despair.
He had too many choices, he couldn't completely believe in the power of the Spin.
'Lesson 2's barrier was physical.'
'Lesson 3's barrier… is mental.'
'I want to know how to overcome it.'
Ryosuke closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"White Snake."
The White Snake appeared upon being summoned.
As the Stand of Life and Death, it naturally understood Ryosuke's intention, to write down the techniques for mastering the Golden Spin, then have the White Snake extract his memory and construct illusions, creating a series of battles within the mental realm.
Without his memories, Ryosuke wouldn't be able to summon Stands or use Ripple energy. The illusions would hold none of his innate powers.
All he could rely on… was the iron ball in his hand.
He would use those artificial illusions to force himself into true desperation, and fully master Lesson 3.
"Not worth it," the White Snake said. "You really gotta go this far?
Let's just say, what if some idiot takes advantage of you while your memories are extracted? Like, swish, " it gestured.
"What if they steal your memory disc right from under me?"
The White Snake clapped its hands.
"Then you're screwed! Can't you think of a safer way?"
Ryosuke shook his head.
"Leaving danger for the present, rather than the future, that's the safest path."
He had to keep growing stronger.
The battle at the Loulan Ruins had already proved one thing,
Each Akatsuki member had their own specialty, and the synergy of their unique abilities was no less powerful than his multiple Stands combined.
"I can't lose. If I lose…"
Ryosuke sat cross-legged, thinking of those who walked beside him, his eyes filled with resolve.
"…there will be no turning back."
The White Snake shrugged. "You're the boss. You call the shots."
It gently tapped Ryosuke's forehead. A memory disc slowly slid out. Ryosuke relaxed his mind, and his consciousness sank into the illusion realm crafted by the White Snake.
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