104
The underground base wasn't very large. After walking for only a few minutes, Hiruko led Aizen to a hidden chamber.
The room resembled the lab above, but in its center stood a massive, liquid-filled cultivation tank containing a light brown fluid. Within the tank, a tangle of root-like objects could be faintly discerned.
"This is?!" Aizen's eyes narrowed in surprise.
"Many years ago, in my quest to break through the limitations of my own talent, I delved into ancient history and discovered the birthplace of the Ninja. There, I stumbled upon this."
Hiruko recounted the origin of the object in the tank, his eyes mirroring the same excitement he had felt upon its discovery.
Throughout the thousand-year history of the ninja world, countless individuals had coveted kekkei genkai or sought to combine multiple bloodline limits. Biomodification experiments had been conducted endlessly, but no one had ever truly succeeded in creating a power capable of perfectly absorbing other bloodlines.
Even those who managed to overcome genetic rejection through cell transplants only gained a weakened version of the desired power.
Orochimaru, hailed as a genius scientist, could only acquire the innate abilities of others by taking over their bodies, not by truly stealing their bloodlines.
As for the fusion of kekkei genkai.
Aizen knew that in the original story, Shin Uchiha, a fanatic admirer of the Uchiha clan, possessed a body capable of merging various bloodline powers without conflict. He was a potential candidate for Aizen's Hōgyoku project.
However, now that a superior option had presented itself, Shin was no longer necessary.
"The scent emanating from this object is very similar to that of Senju Ryuken after he was infused with Hashirama Senju's cells. Coupled with its discovery at the Ninja's birthplace." Aizen's eyes sparkled with excitement. "If I'm not mistaken, this must be a fragment of the root from the God Tree!"
Only the God Tree, the source of all chakra, could accommodate all kinds of kekkei genkai, as all chakra and bloodlines originated from it.
Although this root fragment had lost its chakra, leaving behind a withered husk, it was still a genuine Six Paths-level substance. It could not only house various chakras but also carried the advanced genes of the Ōtsutsuki clan.
Using this as the main ingredient for the Hōgyoku was simply perfect.
Today's discovery had far exceeded Aizen's expectations. It was truly remarkable.
"I extracted a portion of the root and developed the theory for the Chimera Technique. I've even cultivated and produced the prototype of the technique! This object is no longer of much use to me. Aizen, if you desire it, I can give it all to you."
Hiruko carefully considered his words, offering the valuable artifact to Aizen, though he felt a pang of reluctance. However, he was in no position to refuse.
Aizen, upon hearing this, returned to his senses and looked at Hiruko with a half-smile. Hiruko, in turn, met Aizen's gaze with trepidation.
"Yes, you're quite intelligent. But I trust you haven't forgotten my initial words," Aizen said, his eyes filled with an unreadable expression.
Hiruko's face paled, his emotions flickering across his features.
Finally, he asked with a mix of desperation and hope, "Can you truly. help me attain power like yours?"
He meant the power of the Kage level.
Despite his confidence in the Chimera Technique, Hiruko knew the path ahead was fraught with difficulties. In the original story, it took him many years to fully realize his plan. After all, this was something no one had truly accomplished in thousands of years.
Even with the luck of obtaining the God Tree root and this unique opportunity, the journey was still filled with challenges.
"Of course. The power of a mere Kage is nothing. Don't forget, to a certain extent, you and I are the same. But I seek power beyond the Kage level!"
Aizen's lips curled into a sinister smile, his voice oozing confidence.
Hiruko was taken aback. He looked at Aizen with renewed trust and recognition. Indeed, they were, in a sense, kindred spirits.
"Very well, then I, Hiruko, swear my allegiance to you, Aizen, from this day forward! As long as you give me the power I seek, I will do anything for you!" Hiruko declared, straightening his posture.
He understood that Aizen could have easily killed him and taken the God Tree root without offering any conditions. Refusal would only lead to his demise.
Moreover, deep down, Hiruko felt a connection with Aizen, making it easier to accept his leadership.
"Very good. I look forward to your performance," Aizen nodded with a smile.
A strange light flickered in his eyes. From the initial Reiatsu suppression to Hiruko's eventual pledge of allegiance, everything had been part of Aizen's meticulously planned scheme.
From the very beginning, Aizen had a firm grasp on Hiruko's psychology, manipulating him step by step to achieve his goal.
"What do you need me to do next, Aizen?" Hiruko eagerly asked, ready to obey.
"You don't need to do anything yet. If you can quickly complete the Chimera Technique with my help and increase your strength, then I may have some tasks for you."
Aizen's eyes gleamed with a peculiar light.
While Hiruko possessed great value as a medical ninja, Aizen did have certain experiments he wanted him to assist with. However, those experiments were highly risky and involved human subjects.
Orochimaru had faced consequences for such practices, and Hiruko was no exception.
Upon hearing this, Hiruko understood his limitations and couldn't offer immediate assistance to Aizen. He laughed awkwardly.
In the days that followed, Aizen transported the God Tree root to his secret laboratory, where he began researching and creating a Hōgyoku prototype.
Hiruko continued his work as usual, showing no signs of anything amiss. Aizen wasn't concerned about betrayal. After all, if Hiruko's actions were exposed, Konoha would be the first to pursue him.
With this arrangement, Aizen's life seemed to be back on track.
However, everything changed with an order from Hiruzen Sarutobi.