C 35

The Extremis virus, discovered by Maya, is a theoretical breakthrough in biological research. She has already conducted experiments on plants, laying the groundwork for more ambitious tests. If the human body's biological system is compared to the Internet, Maya's research essentially "hacks" into it, enabling modification on a cellular level. This manipulation bypasses traditional medicines, instead directly altering the body's natural defenses and immune functions. 

Maya recently accepted Killian's proposal to work together on the project. She realized that tackling the Extremis virus alone was proving too complex and that collaboration was essential. Killian, already well-versed in her research, had followed her progress for some time, understanding the potential intricacies of her work. With this foundation of knowledge, he was an ideal collaborator.

However, their partnership hadn't been a long-standing one, and with Killian's team lacking financial backing, the need for investors became urgent. Maya was transparent with Kain, sharing a substantial amount of information about the project. Despite her openness, Kain took her words with a grain of salt, intending to verify them through his own resources.

Kain's Chakra attributes mirrored Kakuzu's, possibly due to prolonged exposure to Kakuzu's energy. Unfortunately, Kakuzu didn't possess the Earth Style stealth technique that Kain wished to learn, though he was assisting in locating a scroll with that technique, albeit for a steep fee of ten million ryo. As Maya finished outlining her work, Kain adopted a thoughtful expression, nodded, and responded, "I'm very interested in this project. I'd like to learn more about it, and if everything aligns, I'm prepared to fund the entire initiative, including facilities and equipment."

Kain paused, then added, "However, I want a 50% stake in the project and 100% oversight of its progress. I've already been admitted to Columbia University with a focus on biology, so I'll be studying this field closely. I'd like to be kept informed as a partner in the research."

Maya responded immediately, "I see, Mr. Kain, that you're a professional in this field. I don't foresee any issues with this arrangement." She turned toward Killian, who nodded in agreement. In truth, Kain's involvement added a sense of stability to their project. Their research was complex and cutting-edge, making it challenging to gain the trust of typical investors. With Kain's initiative and funding, they would no longer need to scramble for support. Though they were ceding a large stake, Kain's offer to provide full sponsorship was an exceptional opportunity. Any more demands might compromise Maya and Killian's enthusiasm for the research.

As for Kain's wish to monitor research progress, that was an understandable request from an investor. It seemed he wanted them to mentor him, providing him with insights into the study as it unfolded. With all parties aligned in their intentions, the remaining negotiations proceeded smoothly.

Killian's team was small, and Kain proposed that they be relocated to his biological research center, already under construction and slated for completion within six months. In the interim, he would secure a temporary lab space and cover team salaries. Without financial security, he knew it would be difficult to keep the team focused and productive.

Finalizing the partnership took more than a month, with negotiations, fine-tuning details, and drafting contracts. Interestingly, Maya and Killian chose different paths in the collaboration. Maya opted to join Kain's biological research center, embracing a more integrated role in his organization. Killian, on the other hand, decided to represent his own team in the collaboration, likely preserving a degree of independence.

Kain didn't mind this arrangement. Killian's motives were somewhat transparent—his resentment toward Tony Stark had likely deepened over time. Once the Extremis virus was refined for human application, Killian would probably be eager to confront Stark, driven by past grievances. Since Killian didn't count his own team members as a priority, Kain felt no responsibility for their fate should things go awry. All he sought was a perfected version of the Extremis virus. This enhancement could neutralize potential adverse reactions from transplanting Hashirama cells, and if the research proved successful, it might even counteract the side effects of other biological augmentations.

Once the contract was signed, Kain allowed Maya and Killian to use the rented lab and covered the costs for additional equipment. Supporting a biological research team was proving more costly than he'd anticipated. Between constructing the research center, purchasing lab equipment, and acquiring materials, he had already spent over a million dollars. Despite this, Kain realized that future expenses would likely increase as the research advanced.

Following his investment in the Extremis project, Kain discreetly assumed a new identity using the Transformation Technique, enabling him to liquidate a collection of jewelry. This transaction yielded around ten million dollars, which he planned to reinvest in the research center.

As Maya and Killian's team settled into the lab, Kain expanded his support staff, recruiting personnel in management, finance, and assistants who would report directly to him. His current income streams—from his pharmaceutical trading company, private hospital, and stock investments—weren't sufficient to sustain the research center's financial needs. And with plans to hire more scientists, he realized he would need to find additional revenue sources. He resolved to push his resources further, capitalizing on his Shadow Clone and Transformation Techniques to undertake riskier ventures and establish his presence in markets previously inaccessible.

"The Extremis project is secured," Kain thought with satisfaction. "Next, I need to contact Orochimaru. His work should be advancing in the years leading up to the Third Shinobi World War. Connecting with him at the right time will be key."

Kain speculated that the Extremis virus could have a complementary effect when combined with Hashirama cells, possibly enhancing each other's benefits. While this was a theory, obtaining samples for testing and research would soon provide concrete data. 

In recent months, Kain had frequently taken time off from his work responsibilities to focus on expanding his operations. He recognized that his burgeoning responsibilities might limit his time for formal study, though he was determined to continue learning. Although Kain wasn't inherently gifted with Chakra, a fact both Aya and Kakuzu had remarked upon, he viewed biological evolution as a pathway to transcend his limitations. The Extremis virus and Hashirama cells represented just the first steps in his journey to becoming an extraordinary figure.

The World Trading System, an interface Kain frequently monitored, was continuously scanning for other accessible worlds. However, he'd only successfully explored one alternate world thus far and hadn't yet fully deciphered the trading rules of the system. If the process required years of waiting, Kain would intensify his efforts within the resources he had, focusing his energies on augmenting his abilities with Hashirama cells and the Extremis virus. Yet he knew these enhancements alone wouldn't guarantee his survival, especially in a world filled with formidable threats.

After securing his current assets, Kain meticulously organized his space backpack, filling it with essentials. Although his preparations were progressing steadily, he couldn't shake the feeling that his backpack, though packed, still lacked something crucial. Kain knew there was much more he needed to gather, learn, and accomplish before he felt fully prepared for the challenges ahead.