bookpower 71. Two Years Later and Hinome’s Breakthrough
71. Two Years Later and Hinome’s Breakthrough
71. Two Years Later and Hinome’s Breakthrough
Another two years had swiftly passed by, and thirteen-year-old Hikari Hyuga stood casually outside one medical trial room's imposing glass wall inside of his personal large residence while glancing inside expressionless.
Inside, now fifteen-year-old Hinome Hyuga, clad in the emblematic white medical coat of a researcher, was meticulously observing a total of five Side Branch members they previously performed certain experiments on.
Hinome, with her analytical gaze, moved from one clan member to the next one, taking biological samples, employing an array of medical equipment for inspections, and conducting interviews with cold professionalism.
As the last of the subjects left the room, Hinome began to review the amassed paper data, her eyes scanning for patterns and anomalies with a scientist's rigor. It was then, in this moment of focus, that Hikari stepped inside, his entrance silent but his presence undeniable.
"Hikari... After this final check-up and assessment, it can be said that our patented procedure is truly empirically proven to work now...", Hinome began, her voice echoing with a blend of triumph and seriousness.
"This small group of Side Branch members truly didn't experience any significant side effects and truly accepted those various foreign cell types into their bodies and assimilated them almost perfectly. These individuals all physically and mentally acclimated well since the last procedure of the series was performed a month ago.",
As Hinome turned around to face Hikari, her previous stern and analytical look of indifference softened, and became more gentle unconsciously.
"I'm relieved now. This is truly a great achievement, Hinome; you should be proud of yourself. You are probably the only one currently in the world capable of performing that kind of procedure. Next... it is just about finding the right kind of 'material' for transplantation then, and it is my job...",
Hikari's words trailed off slightly as he allowed himself a small, sincere smile, a rare occurrence for him.
He then took a seat opposite Hinome, indicating his readiness to delve into the details of her final assessment. His attention turned towards the data that lay between them, as he read it.
Over the last year especially, Hikari, thanks to his status and relationship with the Patriarch, got the green light to run some secret tests on many Side Branch members under his care.
Hinome was mainly in charge of these experiments. Hikari helped out as much as he could, but his understanding of the science stuff was pretty basic in comparison to her as Hinome, on the other hand, was all about science and medicine.
She didn't get distracted by other things like Hikari, who had a lot on his plate. However, that didn't mean Hikari didn't grasp some key concepts allowing him to understand fundamental key concepts from her research.
At the start, things didn't go smoothly. Some of the Side Branch members got hurt, and there were even a few who didn't make it. Scary injuries and weird changes were happening to people. But Hinome and Hikari didn't give up.
They kept looking at what went wrong each time and learned from it. Hinome worked hard to make the experiments safer and more efficient, now finally mastering them on the level that they both deemed most optimal and satisfactory.
The process essentially started with Hinome mastering the critical techniques of spotting and selecting the most suitable cells from an individual. Using her Byakugan's unique microscopic vision, she could observe and choose cells with unparalleled precision.
This vision, combined with her adept use of Yang Release and meticulous chakra control, allowed her to nurture and then modify these cells from the 'inside'.
She was able to strip them of any potentially harmful individual characteristics that could lead to adverse reactions upon transplantation, while carefully preserving their inherent vitality and potential for enhancement if present, or other 'positive' characteristics.
This intricate procedure transitioned into actual transplantation experiments on mice during the first year, and by the second year, the process had progressed to human trials, where Hinome refined and perfected her methods based on the learnings from the initial phase.
The procedure was carried out in two critical steps: targeted injection and systematic injection. Targeted injection was the initial phase, where specific areas or systems within the body were addressed.
For localized enhancement (e.g., an arm), chakra could be used to create a concentrated area where foreign cells were more densely integrated, providing specific enhancements like increased strength or durability in that limb.
"Of course, I remember them. I'm actually quite excited to explore and experiment with that type of cellular material...", Hinome's expression brightened into a subtle smile, her curiosity evidently piqued by the materials Hikari had mentioned.
The cellular materials from the God of Shinobi himself, along with those from that distant clan that Hikari speculated might share an ancient genetic connection with the Hyuga, held vast experimental promise.
The prospect of integrating such extraordinary cellular material into their bodies was not just fascinating but tantalizing. Hinome mused over the potential abilities and enhancements that could emerge from such experiments.
The thought of what sparks of innovation and power they might unlock together fueled her scientific passion and deepened her resolve to push the boundaries of their research further.
"Well, I hope I won't disappoint you. That step is crucial for enhancing our strength as shinobi further. For now, just concentrate on refining your microscopic vision, ensuring you can comfortably observe details at the DNA level and prepare to step into that area gradually as well. But, please take a break first, you've earned it...", He spoke, his tone softer than usual.
As Hikari mulled over their conversation, a new consideration suddenly dawned on him, 'But now that I think about it, I'm still uncertain about having those cells injected into myself later, should I successfully acquire them, or whether it's better to wait until Hinome achieves proficiency with genetic-level body manipulation before opting for that procedure instead.',
'Injecting cells from Hashirama or the Kaguya clan, which I plan to secure somehow soon, raises questions. Specifically, could their introduction complicate my potential to achieve Tenseigan later through genetic manipulation, due to the infusion of more diverse genetic material into my body? My understanding of these intricacies is virtually nonexistent...',
'If the material were from someone of Toneri's clan on the Moon, it might even be beneficial. But I'm uncertain about other cells...', He continued to ponder, 'Given the significant progress I've made with natural energy, and the horizons that should be about to be unlocked there, I don't feel a pressing need for power enhancement for now.',
'I likely won't face any major obstacles for personal strength improvement in the few coming years. However, for Hinome, gaining strength is absolutely critical right now. In a world that's becoming increasingly perilous, both within the walls of Konoha and beyond, ensuring she can defend herself is paramount.',
'She is, without a doubt, my most valuable ally. Currently, her combat capabilities are essentially at a Jonin level, which is objectively insufficient... And she would become the Elite Jonin after mastering that new combined nature release that she was slow in mastering in thanks to this research taking her time.',
However, their contemplative silence was abruptly interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps echoing through the residence.
Instinctively, they activated their Byakugan, scanning the approaching presence with precision. Recognizing the figure as one of Hikari's personal assistants, they deactivated their Byakugan and exchanged a knowing look before stepping outside to meet him.
The assistant, a young male from the side branch, stood at attention, offering a respectful salute, "Third Elder-sama, Hinome-sama, I apologize for my intrusion...", He began, catching his breath from the rush.
"However, an attendant has been sent from the Patriarch's Estate. It seems an urgent Elder Council meeting has been announced, and all Elders are summoned to attend right now...",
His words, delivered with a mix of urgency and deference, hinted at the gravity of the situation.
Both Hikari and Hinome both turned serious as they understood the significance of such a summon; the Elder Council meeting declared on such short, even immediate notice, certainly pertained to matters of the utmost fundamental importance and urgency for the entire clan.
"Don't worry, Hinome, if nothing out of the ordinary arose, then this is likely related to what we've been discussing recently. It seems that the Third Great Ninja War is on the verge of officially starting...", Hikari stated, his gaze shifting from Hinome to the attendant, hints of soberness and resolves in his eyes.
"Return to your residence for now. I'll call you as soon as I return from the meeting; we have something else to discuss then.",
With that said to the slightly worried Hinome, he nodded to both of them, signaling an end to the conversation through that way.
Hikari then turned and walked towards the estate's exit, his steps carrying a sense of urgency that was uncharacteristic of his usual, more stoic kind of state and demeanor.
Unbeknownst to him, his fists were slightly clenched at his sides—a subtle indication of the emotions brewing within him. Whether it was excitement or apprehension that tightened his grip, it remained unseen by the others. This small detail underscored the weight of the moment, reflecting the tension and uncertainty that came with the impending conflict.