Chapter 82: The Second Stage of the Chunin Exams

Hashirama's cells are one of the most powerful hacks in this world, practically brimming with unique characteristics. In the series, they stand out, but Aoba felt that there was still much about them that hadn't been fully explored.

The most intriguing aspect for him was the crazy regenerative power and the chakra stored within these cells, which gave him a new idea.

Living weapons do exist in this world, with White Zetsu being a prime example. The Samehada could also be considered one; it's a living entity. So, he wondered: could Hashirama's cells be used to create similar living weapons?

When these cells are outside a human body and kept in a nutrient solution, they remain active but do not multiply uncontrollably. This led him to realize that Hashirama's cells could potentially be controlled.

With careful management of chakra and nutrient solution injection, as well as support from sealing techniques, it might be possible to artificially control the growth process and even the form of these cells.

Another remarkable property of Hashirama's cells is their capacity to hold vast amounts of chakra. These two traits gave Aoba his first concept: could he create a unique kind of chakra battery?

This project was something that the Root division hadn't touched on. As he saw it, due to the turbulent history of the world, there wasn't enough time for cumulative development of many advanced technologies.

In the past, such living weapons only functioned as part of a human body, but he wanted to exploit the regenerative power and growth potential of Hashirama's cells to develop something self-sustaining. Eventually, he might be able to use them to create a chakra cannon of sorts—capable of launching chakra-based blasts or even fully-formed jutsu if integrated with set techniques.

These advanced ideas were for later stages, though. The basis for it all was the living chakra battery he was working on now.

Aoba had become so absorbed in this project that he didn't even realize the first stage of the exams had ended.

"Man, I thought for sure Aoba-sensei would be here to treat us to a barbecue," Naruto complained. His finances were much better now thanks to Aoba's support, but a full-on barbecue feast still wasn't feasible for him.

Karin had a good guess about why Aoba hadn't shown up, suspecting he was probably neck-deep in one of his unusual experiments.

There was no time to confront him about it, though; the second stage of the exams was starting. This one would be far more brutal than the first.

All three of them had seen blood before, having fought bandits and other enemies during the Land of Waves mission. However, this was the first time they would be fighting fellow genin of similar age.

"Sorry, sorry, I was delayed by something," Aoba said, arriving just in time.

"Huh, that's terrible, Sensei! All the other teachers were here. This is unacceptable; you owe us a barbecue!" Naruto jumped at the opportunity to guilt Aoba into treating them. Aoba, surprisingly, agreed right away.

"Alright, if you can pass the second stage of the exams, then I'll treat you all to an unlimited feast at the barbecue restaurant."

Now that money wasn't a concern for Aoba, a barbecue was easy to afford. However, there were a few reminders he needed to give them before they entered the exams.

"Alright, listen up. There are a few things I need you to remember."

Aoba took a serious tone, and the three genin paid close attention.

"With your current skills, you're far from the weakest participants in these exams. If luck is on your side, you should be able to pass. But remember this—the goal is to gather both scroll types and reach the target point as quickly as possible, not to engage in endless fights. Don't lose sight of that."

Aoba did worry that the butterfly effect might lead his team to cross paths with Gaara's group.

Their abilities had improved by leaps and bounds compared to the original Team 7. If they did encounter Gaara's team, the fight might turn serious fast. If Shukaku was provoked into emerging, the consequences could be huge.

The exam grounds were close to Konoha, and a single Tailed Beast Bomb from Shukaku could turn Aoba's efforts over the years into nothing.

"And stay away from those Grass-nin," Aoba added, glancing at a group of Grass-nin who were clearly eyeing the competition. Karin had already noticed them, her face showing barely contained anger.

Originally, Aoba had planned to warn his team to avoid any close encounters with the Grass-nin, since in the original story, Orochimaru had disguised himself as one of them.

However, after a bit of thought, he decided to drop that advice. Orochimaru had agreed not to harm Karin, but his interest in Sasuke was probably unavoidable.

Aoba had initially considered stopping Orochimaru from targeting Sasuke, but a different idea was forming in his mind.

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Currently on Chapter 122 - A Century of Education