Subordinates

"Then I suppose this counts as a success."

This experiment used ten test subjects in total. Aside from the first two who died, the remaining eight all survived.

However, except for the last two, the other six all developed varying snake-like traits. Though they were not obvious, they were enough to prove that Hyuga Mirai’s experiment carried certain risks and was far from perfect.

Although those who developed snake-like traits could also absorb Natural Energy, they retained many characteristics of snakes, such as swallowing food whole and growing scales. In short, they no longer looked very human.

It was only during the final two human experiments that Hyuga Mirai managed to avoid all the drawbacks, merely altering the functions and traits of certain organs.

Hyuga Mirai asked the eight survivors, "What are your plans? Will you choose to work for me, or leave this place?"

After exchanging glances, they made their decision together without much thought. "We are willing to follow you, sir."

They were either wandering ninja or Samurai who knew some Chakra, all purchased by Android 18 through bounties posted at the Underground Money Exchange. After being brought here, few had held out hope of surviving or escaping. They had never expected Hyuga Mirai to take them in as subordinates.

They had believed the road ahead was a dead end, only for a path to survival to appear. Naturally, they would seize this opportunity with all their might.

"Since you’ve all agreed, I’ll need to place a safeguard on you to ensure you won’t betray me."

None of them objected. In truth, they had no right to choose.

Soul Cursed Seal!

A whirlpool-like Curse Mark appeared on each of the eight people’s heads in succession.

Using the principles of the Caged Bird Seal as a foundation, Hyuga Mirai sealed his Sage Chakra into their brains. This was the first layer of insurance he had made. As for the second, he planned to have Android 18 prepare it. Just like Nohara Rin, they would also have Micro-bombs implanted in their bodies, though they did not need to be as powerful as the one in Nohara Rin.

"Although you now have the ability to absorb Natural Energy, your own strength is far too lacking. I’ll prepare ninjutsu and instructors for you. Once you’ve improved your strength, we’ll discuss the rest."

Even with Natural Energy enhancing their physiques, these people could at best barely trade one-for-one with an ordinary Chunin. Their foundations were too poor; sending them out to do work would be sending them to their deaths.

As for a teacher, aside from Orochimaru, Hyuga Mirai could not think of anyone more suitable to instruct them.

After six of them had been injected with Ichikishimahime’s Cell Modification Serum, they had all developed snake-like traits. If Orochimaru saw them, he might even feel a certain affinity toward them.

However, Orochimaru was currently traveling through the Ninja World. Hyuga Mirai could first send them to Orochimaru’s new base and have Shin teach them some basic training and ninjutsu. Hyuga Mirai did not have much time for that sort of thing.

After sending those people away, Hyuga Mirai prepared to perform organ modifications on himself.

This time, he had absolute confidence before attempting it on his own body.

A while later, once the modification experiment was over, Hyuga Mirai sat up from the operating table.

"It seems the burden on my internal organs has lessened. I can feel a very distinct sense of hunger…"

Hyuga Mirai examined his body. Every figure matched what he had calculated before the modification, without any major deviation.

"Then let’s try absorbing Natural Energy."

Hyuga Mirai then sat down where he was and directly began absorbing Natural Energy.

The moment he started, Hyuga Mirai felt his digestive system rapidly begin to work. After entering his body, the Natural Energy was swiftly digested by his stomach. As it passed through his digestive system, it gradually transformed into Natural Energy that belonged to Hyuga Mirai himself, slowly being absorbed by every part of his body.

"It works. Compared to my digestive system, though, the absorption rate of Natural Energy is a little slow. It might also be related to the concentration of Natural Energy in the surrounding area."

His body had indeed improved. After absorbing the digested Natural Energy, he felt his fatigue vanish completely, and his energy increased considerably.

Hyuga Mirai considered it. Now that he had another path to increasing his strength, he could consider making a trip to Rouran after his journey to the moon.

Konoha

"Auntie, is Kurenai home?"

When Yuhi Kurenai’s Mother saw that the person outside was Sarutobi Asuma, who had been visiting often these past few days, she opened the door and said politely, "It’s Asuma. I’m sorry, but Kurenai went out to train with her father early this morning. Normally, they won’t be back until close to sunset."

"I see. Then I won’t disturb you, Auntie." Asuma apologized awkwardly before leaving and returning home.

He had not seen Yuhi Kurenai for a long time. When Asuma first heard the news about Hyuga Mirai, he had been furious, believing that Hyuga Mirai had let Kurenai’s feelings down.

Later, seeing Yuhi Kurenai in such a despondent state, Asuma wanted to persuade her not to remain so depressed.

But he had come to see Yuhi Kurenai many times without encountering her once. It was still early morning, not long after daybreak, and Yuhi Kurenai had already gone out to train with her father.

I can’t keep wasting time like this either.

Seeing Yuhi Kurenai training diligently every day while he wasted his time, Sarutobi Asuma silently made up his mind. He immediately sped up and ran home, intending to stop his father before he left for the Hokage Tower and ask him to train with him.

Asuma had begun to feel somewhat dissatisfied with Sarutobi Hiruzen as well. Since he had stepped down, why was he still busy handling affairs all day? Couldn’t he train with his own son instead?

Kakashi had also risen early. The Anbu had strict requirements regarding time, but lately, he had been somewhat absent-minded while carrying out missions.

That defeat at Hyuga Mirai’s hands had nearly become Kakashi’s nightmare.

The improved Lightning Release Chidori had been caught in someone’s hand so effortlessly for the first time. If Kakashi wanted to escape this shadow, he needed to further improve Chidori and then defeat Hyuga Mirai.

He had always presented a harmless image to everyone, yet beneath that kind face lay such immense strength.

Only Kakashi, who had fought Hyuga Mirai, understood just how terrifying his power was.

He had been called a genius since childhood, yet even Kakashi could not imagine how someone at that age could possess strength nearly equal to a Hokage.

"Father…"

Kakashi went to the quiet room and opened the storage room where his father kept his Ninja Blades. As one of Konoha’s few master swordsmen, Hatake Sakumo naturally could not have possessed only one Chakra short sword.

If the Sharingan’s insight was of great help to Chidori, then it would be even more helpful for swordsmanship. If he could not improve Chidori in the short term, perhaps he could take another direction.

Namikaze Minato, as Kakashi’s teacher, also knew something of Kakashi’s recent condition. However, he still bore the responsibilities of the Hokage, so he could only give Kakashi some appropriate care within the limits of his authority.

For example, assigning him an easier mission.

Other than that, Namikaze Minato had little else he could do to help Kakashi. Neither the Flying Thunder God Technique nor the Rasengan suited him.

Moreover, a Hokage had no ordinary amount of work to handle. Even with Shikaku and the Third Hokage helping him, Namikaze Minato still spent five or six hours every day dealing with official duties.

Although Konoha appeared to directly govern only one village, several of its departments had duties that extended across the entire Land of Fire.

For example, military affairs, diplomacy, intelligence gathering, and so on.

"Then, as we agreed, the deposit for this batch of orders will be delivered to the Hundred Herbs Company before tomorrow."

Namikaze Minato spoke with a smile to the person before him, but his infectious smile did not elicit the same response. The other person’s expression did not change in the slightest, remaining as still as stagnant water.

"I understand, Lord Hokage. The Hundred Herbs Company will strictly carry out the terms of the contract."

After saying that, Nineteen rose to take his leave and departed from the Hokage Tower.

After Nineteen left, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the two Advisors, and Danzo came together to the Hokage’s Office.

"Third Hokage, Advisors, Elder Danzo, has something happened?"

For all four of them to come looking for him at once, something serious must have happened. Thinking this, Namikaze Minato immediately asked with a solemn expression.

"Ahem, Minato, it’s nothing important." Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed lightly, then lowered his gaze slightly. "We merely came to ask why you are reducing Root’s funding."

"Just for this…"

Although Namikaze Minato was relieved upon hearing that, he also felt that the Third Hokage was making a mountain out of a molehill. He had even brought both Advisors here just to ask about Root’s funding.

"Root’s accidental killing of the Finance Minister during the war should have been a misunderstanding, and Danzo has already been punished for it. Konoha still needs Root’s strength at present. If you reduce Root’s funding now, Minato, then Konoha’s power abroad may be weakened."

Utatane Koharu spoke up to explain on Danzo’s behalf.

"Even so, Root’s required funding is already nearly on par with the Anbu’s. Konoha is currently rebuilding after the war, and the funds approved by Daimyo Manor are extremely tight. Furthermore, I know nothing about Root’s numbers, missions, or reports. Isn’t it only natural to reduce its funding?"

Namikaze Minato explained calmly. His words left both Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura speechless.

Sarutobi Hiruzen slowly said, "What you say makes sense, Minato, but if Root’s strength is reduced, then the Anbu will need to be expanded."

"Third Hokage, I do not intend to weaken Root’s strength either. But Elder Danzo needs to complete certain missions before I can continue allocating funds to Root."

Namikaze Minato spoke up. He had also understood that with these four joining forces to approach him, Root’s funding could no longer be cut.

"Investigate the whereabouts of Orochimaru and Hyuga Mirai. Ninja from the Hyuga Branch Family will assist with this mission. Root must give me an answer on this matter as soon as possible."