Undoubtedly, Riku, as an experimental subject, had become even more perfect in Orochimaru's eyes. He now had nearly a 50% chance of ensuring the success of the Hashirama cell fusion experiment!
Don't underestimate 50%—though it's only half, it's already incredibly high. Ordinary Kekkei Genkai ninja wouldn't even have a 1% chance. Orochimaru had even experimented with the Uchiha clan in the past, but the results were still disappointing. Even Uchiha who had awakened their Three-Tomoe Sharingan couldn't escape turning into trees.
This had wasted a pair of Danzo's Sharingan, which truly pained him. After that, Orochimaru never used Uchiha subjects again, so he naturally couldn't discover that the compatibility between the Uchiha Clan and Senju Clan far exceeded that of the Hyuga and Senju clans.
If Riku hadn't appeared, Orochimaru would probably have abandoned research on Hashirama cells altogether. Just like in the original timeline, he would have devoted himself entirely to developing his forbidden techniques for immortality. But now, everything had changed.
This transmigrator, Riku, was about to flap his tiny wings and stir a hurricane across the ninja world.
"Riku, don't worry. I am fully confident in this experiment. You can trust me!" Orochimaru said, his tone unusually gentle.
Riku curled his lips slightly in secret. Trust him? He'd rather rely on his golden finger. Looking at his less than 100,000 free experience points and his Byakugan, which was only Lv4, he felt there was still hope.
Byakugan was an A-rank skill. Unlike previous levels, the experience required to upgrade no longer increased arithmetically—it increased geometrically. To break through from Lv4 Byakugan required 12,800 experience points, and the next level would likely need 25,600, and so on. Even if he used all his free experience points, he couldn't max it out.
But perhaps maxing it out wasn't necessary. The further he leveled, the greater the bloodline enhancements he would gain from each Byakugan upgrade.
"After this experiment, if you survive, you might obtain the legendary Wood Release Power. That power could open up even more possibilities!" Orochimaru continued, trying to strengthen Riku's resolve. A strong will seemed to slightly affect the outcome of experiments—an insight Orochimaru had learned from countless previous trials.
"Alright, Lord Orochimaru. Let's start quickly. There isn't much time; dawn is almost here," Riku said subtly, though his nervousness remained.
"Don't worry. The experiment will be over very quickly. Efficiency is guaranteed!"
"Lie down, my perfect experimental subject!" Orochimaru said as he uncharacteristically donned a white lab coat, meticulously sterilizing all equipment.
He picked up the diluted Hashirama cells and slowly injected them into Riku's body. Though the experiment sounded grand, with terms like bloodline fusion and transplantation, the crucial step was surprisingly simple: an injection.
From there, everything depended on Riku's luck. Endure it, and he'd rise meteoric-ally; fail, and Orochimaru's lab would gain another potted plant.
"Hoshimi-kun, don't disappoint me!"
As the diluted Hashirama cells entered his body, Riku felt a faint prick and then his head grew heavy. Just as sleep threatened to take him, an agonizing fire surged through him. It was as if molten lava was tearing through his organs and meridians.
"Ahhh!!!"
Beast-like roars echoed through the laboratory, yet the observers remained indifferent. Clearly, they had witnessed this many times before.
Orochimaru stood by, pen and paper in hand, recording Riku's reactions. No matter what happened, this was precious experimental data.
After roaring for a while, Riku suddenly fell silent. The grotesque veins and reddened skin, however, revealed that the chaos inside him was far from over.
The Hashirama cells, or more precisely, the diluted cells, were like a swarm of phage beasts, devouring his normal cells and growing stronger. Their vitality was astonishing.
Where the Hashirama cells invaded, lignification began. But Riku's body instinctively resisted, sending chakra to strengthen his own cells. Still, Hashirama cells contained near-ultimate Yang Release Power. Even with an increased bloodline concentration, matching their strength was almost impossible.
Despite his efforts, his cells crumbled at every touch, and the pain was like a beast tearing at his flesh and nerves.
In desperation, Riku allocated a large portion of his free experience points to the Byakugan skill.
"Hold on! I can't die here!!!"
Dōjutsu: Byakugan (A) Lv4 → Lv5!
Dōjutsu: Byakugan (A) Lv5 → Lv6!
Dōjutsu: Byakugan (A) Lv6 → Lv7!
Three prompts appeared almost simultaneously. A mystical force surged through Riku, wildly transforming his bloodline. Under this energy, the pain vanished instantly, replaced by a soothing warmth, as if soaking in a hot spring.
Riku's cells, like ravenous beasts, absorbed this energy, growing rapidly. Yet the power of free experience points had limits, and once exhausted, it could no longer enhance him.
Still, Lv7 Byakugan seemed to break a barrier, transforming Riku's cells into ones with refined Yin Release Power. Though not as powerful as the Yang Release within the Hashirama cells, his body no longer crumbled under their assault.
The lignification abruptly stopped, drawing Orochimaru's sharp attention. Excitement flickered in his cold pupils.
"Indeed, this kid is special. He managed to resist the erosion of Hashirama cells. The hardest step is complete. Now, let's see how much power he can absorb. That depends entirely on his luck!"
The other experimenters stared at the unremarkable Hyuga clan member in astonishment. Perhaps a miracle was unfolding. Yet, some silently pondered: the First Hokage's power is uncontrollable by Orochimaru—it belongs to the village and the Hokage. Maybe they should be warned.
But their thoughts could not affect the events within Riku's body.
The Hashirama cells pressed on, trying to integrate, while Riku's body, reinforced by Byakugan, fought back. His Yin-enhanced cells resisted erosion more effectively, giving him a fighting chance.
Pain still surged, but his consciousness remained intact. Using a mixture of willpower and skill, Riku forced the cells to synchronize with the invading Hashirama cells. Slowly, he began to absorb their power.
Orochimaru's excitement grew. "Remarkable… he isn't merely surviving. He's adapting! If he succeeds, the potential of Wood Release might manifest in full!"
The lab remained silent, save for Riku's groans and the faint hum of active equipment. Every scientist present knew the risk: this power could either create a legendary ninja or a lifeless husk.
Riku gritted his teeth, summoning the last reserves of his free experience points. His Byakugan's expansion allowed him to endure the seemingly impossible. The Hashirama cells' Yang Release still sought dominance, but the Yin-enhanced cells fought back, creating a delicate balance inside his body.
Minutes passed like hours, and slowly, Riku's bloodline began to merge with the Hashirama cells. It wasn't perfect—nor was it fully stable—but it was happening.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with a rare spark of excitement. "This is unprecedented… the potential of this kid surpasses any expectation. If he stabilizes the fusion, he could wield powers beyond the Hokage!"
The other observers exchanged glances, a mixture of awe and fear evident on their faces. No one could deny the truth: a miracle was unfolding before them.
Riku, exhausted but determined, pushed further. He could feel the power of the First Hokage coursing into him. His Byakugan levels had broken limits, and the once-feeble body now held the potential to wield legendary abilities.
The experiment, dangerous and terrifying, was reaching its climax. And in that lab, under Orochimaru's watchful gaze, a new force—part Hyuga, part Senju, and fully Riku—was born.
FOR MORE CHAPTERS
patreon.com/Johnybairstow