Thanks to White Zetsu, the money-sending child, for his outstanding contributions to my research experiments, and also thanks to Old Man Madara for cultivating White Zetsu with Hashirama cells, which allowed me to discover the Wood Release gene and the Sage Body gene so quickly.
However, Ling temporarily did not dare to tamper with her own genes, as a genetic defect could be disastrous, and she was not like Orochimaru who liked to frequently change bodies.
Therefore, to complete her grand scientific research, Ling began a comprehensive genetic sequencing of her own and Hashirama's chromosomes, to understand all the traits expressed by the gene sets in both Hashirama's and her own chromosomes.
This project, even in the scientifically advanced previous life, would require multiple countries to cooperate and take decades to complete.
At first, Ling also thought this would be her lifelong endeavor, but then, out of boredom, Ling compared her own gene sequence with Hashirama's gene sequence.
Amazing! Ling discovered that she actually possessed more than a quarter of Senju bloodline, and after comparing the Uchiha and Senju genes, the two were completely of the same lineage.
It was just that the dominant genes of Senju Hashirama were partially expressed as recessive genes on the Uchiha chromosomes, while the dominant genes of Uchiha were partially expressed as recessive genes on the Senju chromosomes.
Well, although Ling knew that both Senju and Uchiha originated from Otsutsuki Hagoromo, she did not expect that the only difference between the two clans' genes was one of dominance and recessiveness.
After Ling obtained Uzumaki Kushina's hair follicles, Ling also discovered that when the dominant genes of the Uzumaki Clan combined with the dominant genes of Senju and Uchiha, they became fully dominant on the entire chromosome.
Ling found that although she was only a hybrid, her dominant genes still surpassed those of ordinary Uchiha, and Ling discovered that her chromosomal genes did not differ much from those of Senju, Uchiha, and Uzumaki.
So, why bother with gene sequencing? Just find a way to make the recessive genes express dominantly, and perhaps she could even revert to an Ōtsutsuki.
Unfortunately, making recessive genes express dominantly is not simple; some recessive genes can be stimulated into dominant expression by ashura material from Hashirama cells, but many others are stubborn.
However, there is a way: Ling can swap the dominant genes of the Senju and Uzumaki Clans with her own recessive genes.
As long as a fully dominant cell is created, then this Ōtsutsuki cell can infect other cells, gradually transforming them into fully dominant cells. (Second setting)
During this process, she would also need to inject catalysts of various clans' extraordinary substances to gradually revert her entire being, which could then aid the evolution of the Sharingan and the awakening of Sage Body and Wood Release, promoting this regression evolution. (Second setting, somewhat whimsical)
Perhaps she could even become an Ōtsutsuki with horns on her head. Although she disliked the Ōtsutsuki, it did not prevent Ling from wanting to become an Ōtsutsuki.
Ling does not intend to rely on genetic technology to master Wood Release and Sage Body, as that might be risky. Ling plans to achieve this gradually through her own research into Wood Release and Sage Mode.
Ling has already discovered that only a Bloodline Limit achieved by combining Chakra nature transformations of three types with the power of 'I think so' can alter one's own genes and then be inherited. (Second setting)
This process also involves three steps: first, in vitro fusion of Chakra natures; after stabilization, in vivo fusion of Bloodline Chakra; finally, allowing one's body to be infected by Bloodline Chakra to form the corresponding genetic sequence for that Bloodline. (Second setting)
Senju Hashirama's Wood Release was not something he researched, but inherited. All Senju have the genes for Wood Release and Sage Body, but because Hashirama was the reincarnation of Ashura Chakra, the Ashura Chakra activated these two gene sets, allowing Senju Hashirama to possess Wood Release and Sage Body. (Second setting)
Uchiha also have the genes for Wood Release and Sage Body, but they are more difficult to express. The dominant gene of the Sharingan seems to suppress the expression of the Wood Release and Sage Body genes through Doujutsu, and vice versa.
Ōnoki's Dust Release Bloodline Limit is unable to be inherited for two reasons: first, the wind, fire, and earth nature transformations that compose Dust Release have not reached the level of three nature transformations; second, Dust Release Chakra is too dangerous, and Ōnoki dares not synthesize it internally, so he cannot use Dust Release Chakra to infect his body and evolve the corresponding inheritable genes.
Checking the time, it was already deep into the night. Ling had no choice but to stop her research, tidy up the laboratory, and prepare for sleep. Although Natural Energy could restore some mental energy, it was best not to stay up late at such a young age.
The next morning, Ling changed into her Anbu uniform, put on her mask, and slung Ame no Habakiri on her back. Sensing the Flying Thunder God Mark near the Hokage Rock, she instantly vanished from her spot.
"This use of the Flying Thunder God Technique was even faster. My perception of spatial fluctuations and weak points has become quicker."
Ling stood on a large tree beneath the Hokage Rock, mentally summarizing her experience with the Flying Thunder God and contemplating how to adjust and improve it next time.
Ling's Flying Thunder God Mark pattern was specially designed: a cat's paw print composed of intricate Sealing Technique runes, inspired by the prints left on wooden boards after Yunyan's wet paws.
Ling felt that the cat's paw print would be less easily discovered, as cat paw prints are quite common, unlike Minato's 'Shinobi Love' sword and the Second Hokage's sloppy symmetrical design.
Ever since Ling acquired the Flying Thunder God Technique, her timing for clocking in has become increasingly precise, arriving at the Hokage Office exactly at the appointed time.
At this moment, besides the Third Hokage, there were three other people present. One of the Chakra signatures was clearly Shisui's, while she did not recognize the other two.
"Alright, Ling, be a bit quicker next time. Don't cut it so close." The Third Hokage was quite helpless. Although his young disciple's habit of arriving just in time was harmless, it was indeed annoying.
"Oh, sensei, I wasn't late. This is just my little hobby. After all, you wouldn't want me to be a gambler, a lecher, or someone who likes human experimentation, right?"
Ling's unrepentant demeanor made the Third Hokage even more helpless, and he could only resort to a tactical smoke.
"For this mission, you will need to conceal your Anbu identities. Uchiha Ling will be the captain. You will participate in the Chunin Exams held in the Hidden Rain Village. Along the way, you will escort the examinees with Jonin Minato Namikaze. During the exam, try your best to protect the Konoha participating teams. After completing this mission, you will follow Jonin Minato Namikaze's arrangements for a secret mission."
"Yes." Ling and the three others, including Shisui, immediately replied, and then they were sent off by the Third Hokage.
They needed to change out of their Anbu gear and into casual clothes to wait for Minato Namikaze at the Konoha Main Gate, then escort the examinees to the Land of Rain. Of course, they were also examinees.
The weakest of the four had at least Elite Chunin level strength, so they quickly used Body Flicker Technique to return home and prepare.
Ling had little to prepare; most of her belongings were stored in the toad's mouth. All her experimental materials and equipment from various clans had backups, so she didn't need to worry about her home being raided.
With a Flying Thunder God, she returned home to change clothes, then instantly moved to the Konoha Main Gate, waiting for Minato and Shisui to arrive.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"