"So, how did the modification experiments go?"
Dan asked in a calm, inquisitive tone as he looked at Hoshi and Fenrik among the children gathered around him in the main hall. His return from his long isolation had finally given him the opportunity to review all the projects and research efforts his children had been working on during his absence, and Hoshi and Fenrik's project was among the most important matters he wished to follow up on personally after being away for so long.
In truth, Dan was capable of knowing every detail that occurred within the family base, and even throughout the entire continent or rather, the entire planet within the range of his network. He even knew the exact location of that filthy extraterrestrial insect, Isshiki Ōtsutsuki, but he intended to leave him alive as a sharpening stone for his future plans.
Even so, Dan maintained his network only for monitoring genuine threats that might arise. As for all other details, his computer-like mind simply stored them as archived information and ignored them afterward, since he did not particularly enjoy that style of constant surveillance.
Hoshi replied with enthusiasm despite her attempt to maintain her usual composure.
"We succeeded, Father, and we've reached a very high level of stability."
Her words were brief, but they carried confidence. It was not the confidence of recklessness or unfounded optimism.
Dan held his chin for a moment as his eyes moved between Hoshi and Fenrik while evaluating the results. Then he spoke in a firm and clear tone.
"Then begin the implementation as planned."
Fenrik answered immediately, excitement obvious in both his voice and gestures.
"Yes, Father. We were only waiting for your approval before starting the modification procedures."
This approval was exactly what they had been waiting for all this time. They had completed all theoretical and practical preparations, verified the results, and all that remained was their father's final authorization to move from limited experimentation into large-scale application.
Dan continued with his usual precision when giving instructions.
"First, begin the genetic modifications on the Guardians of the Sacred Dragon Forest and all family retainers who operate outside the base."
This first step was perfectly logical according to Dan's plans. He intended for the Guardians of the Sacred Dragon Forest to continue their duties for many centuries to come, while the external retainers were those most frequently deployed throughout the outside world.
Dan fell silent for a moment before turning toward Leon.
"The members of the Lone Wolf Squad should be divided into small groups and sent one after another to the laboratory that Fenrik will establish on the outskirts of the forest for the modifications."
Leon's eyes brightened with happiness as he heard the instruction.
"Yes, Father."
Originally, the idea of finding a way to increase the strength of his Lone Wolf followers had been Leon's suggestion. His father had approved it because it fit into a far larger plan whose goals extended far beyond merely rewarding outstanding warriors.
Over the years, Leon had developed a deep attachment to the members of his squad of battle-crazed warriors whom he had personally trained. He had watched each of them grow and improve under his direct guidance. He had witnessed their absolute loyalty, their performance during the Uchiha-Senju War, and their relentless efforts in hunting dangerous criminals.
These men had become more than soldiers who followed his orders. They had become something closer to a family he had built for himself.
He did not want to watch them die of old age after everything they had done for him and for the Walt Family. Extending their lifespans and increasing their strength had never been merely a military strategy. It was his own way of repaying a portion of the debt he felt toward those who had stood beside him for years and who had fought and would continue to fight for him without hesitation.
Dan then turned toward Fenrik and said,
"Fenrik, from now on you will be responsible for the genetic modification procedures and the organ transplantation operations."
A clear expression of happiness appeared on Fenrik's face.
"As you command, Father."
Dan continued.
"However, it would be best if you selected several intelligent teenagers from the orphan training program and trained them to assist you."
This instruction carried two purposes simultaneously.
The first was purely practical. A project of this magnitude would require a specialized team capable of assisting Fenrik in managing operations involving large numbers of people over many years. One person or even two could not handle everything alone.
The second purpose was a natural extension of the family's long-standing policy of using the orphan training program to discover talented individuals early and guide them toward paths that benefited both the family and the gifted individuals themselves.
"Understood, Father."
His agreement came quickly because he knew perfectly well that he would need help with such an enormous undertaking. He intended to delve deeper and deeper into research in these fields, especially biology, which he found increasingly fascinating with every breakthrough he achieved. Advanced research required others to handle many of the practical and administrative responsibilities.
Dan continued in a serious tone.
"Remember to implant protective seals in everyone you choose."
This was a point on which no compromise could ever be tolerated. Anyone granted access to knowledge touching the family's secrets even a small fraction of it had to be protected by seals that ensured such information could never leak.
Even members of the family themselves carried various forms of protection. The same requirement naturally applied to teenagers from the orphan program regardless of their intelligence or loyalty.
This time Fenrik answered seriously.
"Yes, Father. I will."
Then Dan turned toward his eldest son and daughter, Sam and Sophia, and smiled calmly as he prepared to move on to another subject . something concerning the older generation of his children, those who had already reached a high level of strength and maturity.
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