C 43

Yakushi Nono's talent for learning has been exceptional. Over the past year, she has mastered all the medical knowledge Mirai imparted, and even learned two medical ninjutsu techniques. While her practical experience is still limited, she has essentially absorbed all the skills Mirai could offer her. To continue improving, however, Nono would need further training at Konoha Hospital, as Mirai's medical repertoire includes only two ninjutsu techniques.

Kain was very pleased with Nono's progress and considered recommending her to study under Tsunade. Although Nono has already been assigned to a team, Tsunade's influence within Konoha makes it easy for her to request a Genin for special training. This arrangement could also help Nono avoid becoming entangled with Danzo, as he would be unlikely to interfere directly with Tsunade. If Danzo attempted to take Nono from Tsunade, her notoriously fierce temper would almost certainly lead her to fight back.

While Kain pondered these ideas, Tsunade arrived at his place, though she seemed to be in an unusually foul mood. Her expression wasn't one of disappointment but of genuine anger, which struck Kain as odd. He couldn't resist teasing her: "What happened, Tsunade? Did you run into a dog on the way?"

His lighthearted question elicited a chuckle from Tsunade. She took a sip of the iced lemon tea he handed her, then sighed. Thinking back, the behavior of Hiruzen and the others indeed felt like an unpleasant encounter. Although Tsunade didn't relish thinking about them this way, their actions had been frustratingly greedy.

"I wanted to discuss our cooperation," Tsunade began hesitantly. Although she had come to terms with asking for help, she found it hard to express her frustrations. Just before coming over, she'd reviewed the Senju family's remaining assets and realized that most of their wealth was tied up in property or her grandfather's research notes. Apart from a few valuable items, there wasn't much left that could be liquidated easily. The modest funds they had would be insufficient to cover the necessary equipment costs.

Kain noticed her hesitation and quipped, "Tsunade, I don't think I've ever seen you look so bashful. Are you saying you've agreed to collaborate but don't have much to bring to the table?"

"Not exactly," Tsunade replied, slightly flustered. She quickly explained the reaction she'd encountered from Sarutobi Hiruzen and his advisors. Although she softened her account, Kain could easily pick up on their underlying avarice.

"Keep your family's possessions safe," Kain said, sounding determined. "I'll handle the research equipment and the acquisition of test subjects. I can purchase condemned prisoners from various regions in the Land of Fire for a fair price. It shouldn't cost much."

Kain calculated the likely expenses. In the ninja world, life was sometimes tragically undervalued. Depending on supply, prisoners might cost no more than 50,000 ryo each. Regarding equipment, Kain planned to bring advanced instruments from elsewhere to use in their experiments. The serum, however, was another matter. "The serum for the Extremis virus is extraordinarily precious," he emphasized. "Even if we succeed, I'll only be able to provide you with a small amount. The cost to produce just one vial is close to 100 million ryo. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even consider sharing it."

Tsunade immediately assured him, "I understand. I'll make it clear to them." She knew that if Kain backed out, her brother Nawaki's dream of becoming a ninja would be all but shattered.

With the basics settled, Tsunade and Kain discussed logistics. They agreed the laboratory should be established outside the village, but not so far as to impede Tsunade's obligations at Konoha Hospital. The facility would need to be discreet since transporting human subjects could be unsettling for villagers. Once a site was chosen, Tsunade would recruit Earth Style ninjas to construct the base, while Kain would procure the necessary equipment and prisoners. They planned to test the compatibility of the Extremis virus with Hashirama cells once everything was in place.

Although the serum was limited, Kain would provide Tsunade with small amounts periodically to maintain Konoha's interest in the project. Keeping this serum valuable and scarce would discourage the village from attempting to replicate it independently.

Tsunade left Kain's house feeling cautiously optimistic. She knew that accessing Hashirama cells would be relatively simple; her second grandfather had sealed a batch away after his own unsuccessful research. Securing Earth Style ninjas, however, could be more challenging. She considered asking Orochimaru, one of Konoha's most talented ninjas. Given their friendship, he would likely be willing to help her with the construction.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen was devising his own plans. Utatane Koharu, concerned about Konoha's long-term defense, questioned Hiruzen's intentions. "Hiruzen, are you sure this strategy is safe? Master Mito's health is deteriorating, and if anything were to happen to Kushina, we might lose our next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

"Don't worry," Hiruzen replied with calculated confidence. "I've stationed additional Anbu around the village and tightened security along the borders, especially the one leading to the Land of Lightning. There's no way they'll escape."

This plan was partly Danzo's idea. He saw an opportunity to test Kain's intentions without implicating Konoha directly. By using Cloud Shinobi's spies as a cover, Konoha could learn more about Kain's medical research without taking any direct action. Danzo argued that if anything went wrong, Cloud Shinobi could bear the blame, while Konoha would remain uninvolved. Hiruzen liked this approach, seeing it as a low-risk way to deepen Kushina's loyalty to the village and potentially uncover valuable information.

Satisfied with the arrangements, Kain returned to his work, delegating tasks to prepare for the upcoming experiments. That afternoon, however, Kushina made an unexpected visit. Kain had assumed she would be busy with her new team, so he was surprised but glad to see her.

After offering her tea, he asked, "How was your first day as a ninja?"

Kushina rolled her eyes and sighed. "Honestly, it was kind of boring. We introduced ourselves and then had a 'practice exercise.' Our leader, a Jōnin, has this idea about teamwork. He's making us prove ourselves before officially acknowledging our team."

Kain chuckled, "Sounds like your leader is committed to developing your teamwork."

Before Kain could continue, they heard someone shouting from outside. "Is the boss here? I want to buy something."

Kushina, excited to help, jumped up. "I'll take care of it!" She ran toward the door, only for Kain to grab her collar and pull her back.

"Stay here," he said with a hint of seriousness. "I'll go see what they want."

Kain had shut the shop for the evening, so anyone entering uninvited was unusual. This wasn't the pharmacy, and most customers wouldn't be so eager for dessert at this hour.

As he went to the front, Kain mentally prepared himself for an unusual encounter. He sensed that this day's events might be only the beginning of a much larger plot involving Tsunade, Kushina, and himself. With various interests and schemes swirling around Konoha, he knew he'd have to stay alert.

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