Chapter 56: Young Yashida

During his stay in Wakanda, Warren had a general understanding that their technology was indeed developed through the use of vibranium. After some intentional guidance from Warren, their conversation shifted towards the Hulk, as that incident occurred after the meeting between Prince T'Challa and Warren.

They discussed human enhancement technology, which led to the topic of completing the Super Soldier Serum at the Wasington Laboratory. Warren pointed out the drawback of drastic personality changes caused by the serum and suggested the need for improvement to avoid potential trouble if it were to be widely used.

"Even without this drawback, it wouldn't be possible to mass-produce the serum. Do you know how much power is required for a single enhancement? Initially, when Captain America used the Super Soldier Serum, an entire city had to supply the electricity. Although technology has advanced since then, each enhancement still costs millions of dollars in electricity," Warren explained.

Even Wakanda's wealthy king couldn't help but frown at the expensive cost.

"That's indeed costly."

"If there were a potion that could be consumed for enhancement, it would be much better. Otherwise, even with this drawback fixed, the Super Soldier Serum would still not be practical," Warren suggested.

"Hmm."

The king agreed without saying much. In Wakanda, there was a special plant known as the Heart-Shaped Herb, which had always been under the control of the royal family. In T'Challa's view, the Super Soldier Serum was far inferior to the Heart-Shaped Herb. By consuming the herb's juice and undergoing a ritual, one could obtain enhanced physicality and strength beyond that of an ordinary person. The convenience of the Heart-Shaped Herb and the Super Soldier Serum were simply incomparable.

Warren was aware of Wakanda's Heart-Shaped Herb, but Prince T'Challa didn't show off his family's possession. He could either take it slow or wait until the Asano and Banner technologies progressed to the point where they no longer cared about the Heart-Shaped Herb.

Since the final objective of his visit to Wakanda, acquiring the Heart-Shaped Herb, couldn't be achieved, Warren had to temporarily give up and proceed to his next destination: Japan.

...

"You're here."

Yashida lay on a high-tech hospital bed, struggling to turn and look at Warren.

"Your condition doesn't seem great," Warren straightforwardly remarked.

"Doctor Ophelia, give us some privacy for a conversation," Yashida told the female doctor beside him.

The doctor removed her mask, revealing a beautiful face. "You have a maximum of fifteen minutes, and try not to get too excited."

She glanced deeply at Warren before leaving, showing a strong sense of curiosity.

Ignoring the woman, Warren took a seat on the nearby chair.

"Youth is truly a blessing," Yashida sighed.

The older one becomes, the more they care, especially when they still can't let go of such a vast family legacy.

"I can help you find a solution to regain your youth," Warren offered.

"Really?!"

Even though he could barely move and was confined to his bed, Yashida sat up, his withered hands tightly grasping Warren's, holding onto this lifeline.

"It seems your research hasn't made much progress. So, the things I've prepared for you can be put to good use," Warren stated.

"What are they?"

"You know that I have successfully replicated the Super Soldier Serum used by Captain America, right?"

"Yes, I know, but everyone tells me that with my current body, I wouldn't be able to withstand the serum's enhancement."

Yashida had already received this information, but even battle-hardened soldiers cried out for their parents when undergoing the painful process of enhancement. With his frail body, it was impossible for him to withstand such a test. That's what everyone told him.

"But in the past, people have attempted to mimic the Super Soldier Serum. Although it wasn't as effective as the one Captain America used, it greatly enhanced physical abilities and extended lifespans. Moreover, it could be administered through intravenous infusion, gently enhancing the human body," Warren explained.

Yashida's eyes immediately brightened. While such a substance did exist, it was highly classified by certain organizations and would never be given to him.

"After we successfully created the Super Soldier Serum, the usefulness of this substance diminished. So, I obtained it from an organization through some bargaining."

"Whatever the cost, as long as Yashida can obtain it," he promptly replied, very willing.

Warren nodded in satisfaction. "Then I won't hold back. Overwatch wants to establish a branch in Japan, and we need your help for that."

"That... It's difficult. Even if I'm willing to pay a huge price for it, the chances of success are slim."

"If the Japanese branch of Overwatch is only nominally affiliated with Overwatch but actually under your control, it becomes much easier. However, this way, it seems there isn't much benefit for you, sir."

Yashida was puzzled. "Don't be fixated on immediate benefits; greater difficulties lie ahead of us."

"What do you mean?"

Warren leaned closer, speaking in a lowered voice. "In the future, Earth will face an alien invasion. I need you to gather all the mutant combat power in Japan. Once the war starts, Overwatch will be the force that resists the invasion."

"What? Aliens?" Yashida completely forgot about the doctor's words and became shocked by the good news and the big secret.

Unbeknownst to him, an invisible force had already begun to affect his mind.

As he had just been excited and grabbed onto Warren, one condition had already been fulfilled. Now, with his emotions in turmoil, reality would burst, his spirit would shatter, and he would be exiled from this world.

Twist your beliefs.

"Yes, I have seen the future with my own eyes!"

Golden light radiated from Warren's eyes, filling Yashida's vision.

The stunning special effects of an epic prop made their dazzling appearance. The spiritual connection between the two activated as Warren twisted Yashida's beliefs. At the same time, Yashida saw the blinding light that Warren's Evil Eye unleashed, a light that ordinary people could not perceive.

The scene was so stunning it could make one's graphics card explode, dazzling to the point that his brain started to lag. The whole world began to drop frames.

Wings of light unfolded behind Yashida. In his eyes, Warren had transformed into a magnificent and divine being, an exalted existence. From that moment on, he would be the only one worthy of worship and belief.

Bathed in the sacred light of this angel, his frail body began to exude vitality, slow but steady. He slowly stood up, then kneeled down on the ground.

...

Warren removed the syringe that was stuck in Yashida's body and thought to himself, "Twisting beliefs has a particularly good effect on the elderly and infirm."

The mind of an elderly person, burdened with age and illness, had a weakening effect on the spirit. So, with just a few words, Warren had turned Yashida into his follower, and their level of belief surpassed that of both Garrett and Stern from the beginning.

Belief would gradually take root, and Warren wasn't sure if there was a way to reverse it, but he wouldn't let anyone know what he had done to these people.

"Our relationship should remain the same as before. Never show any abnormal behavior in front of others," Warren instructed as he helped Yashida up.

"Understood."

When Yashida stood up, his appearance had completely changed. He had gone from a face covered in age spots, skinny as a skeleton, to a young man similar to Warren.

"Now, go and resolve your identity issue. We can't have subordinates not recognizing you by mistake," Warren smiled.

"I will handle it."

"Well then, I'll take my leave. Come find me at the hotel tomorrow."

Warren left and returned to the hotel where he and his subordinates were staying. His subordinates still had to deal with the business of the hair growth and hair dye products previously handed over to Yashida, so he could enjoy himself here for a few days.

With his youth restored, Yashida stepped out of the hospital room and immediately attracted everyone's attention. A middle-aged man who resembled him noticed the commotion, and even though he was wearing protective clothing, he walked over with a frown and coldly exclaimed, "Bastard child? Have they brought you here too?"

Looking at his inadequate son, Yashida walked over and examined the clothes he was wearing, saying, "Practicing swordsmanship? Let me give you some guidance then, Nobukatsu."

He picked up a wooden sword, held it in both hands, and despite still wearing his patient gown, assumed a stance.

The female doctor who had witnessed the scene earlier frowned slightly when she saw the young Yashida, then showed a surprised expression. She took a sip of tea and calmly watched the performance unfold.

"You're going to guide me? How arrogant!"

Looking at the young man in front of him, who bore an uncanny resemblance to his father in his youth and spoke with the same tone, Yashida Nobukatsu's anger surged. His father's life was coming to an end, yet how could he let someone else have a share of the inheritance?

After all, to inherit the family business, he had already engaged his own daughter to someone else!