Chapter 27: Ishihara: I Dare You to Resist! Link with Mei Terumi!

Chapter 27: Ishihara: I Dare You to Resist! Link with Mei Terumi!

"We can now begin the next phase of research," Ishihara calmly stated.

Orochimaru followed his gaze, which landed on Mei Terumi, and a sinister smile crept across his face.

"Indeed, we have the perfect material for research. When do you plan to start?"

Mei Terumi shuddered under their gaze. "What do you want to do?"

"I need to conduct research on bloodline limit next," Ishihara said calmly. "And you happen to meet the criteria for my research."

Mei Terumi's eyes widened in shock, and she blurted out, "So, you want to study me?!"

Seriously... While she knew the statement was true, it sounded so awkward.

Ishihara looked at Mei Terumi, exasperated. "Enough with the nonsense. Let's begin."

Mei Terumi crossed her arms, wary. "Can I refuse? If you let me go, I'll pretend I didn't see anything, and my clan will reward you well."

Ishihara smirked. "Do you think you can just leave after learning so many secrets?"

Mei Terumi's heart sank. She had suspected this might happen, but hearing it confirmed made her feel a deep sense of despair.

She had already witnessed Ishihara's power and talent and didn't think she had any chance of escaping. After a moment of silence, she asked, "What do I need to do for you to let me go?"

She knew that her absence could destabilize the entire Hidden Mist Village if prolonged, so she needed to return as soon as possible.

"If you cooperate with my research and allow me to place a seal on you, you can leave."

Cooperate with the research? Mei Terumi recalled the scene where Ishihara studied the Byakugan. Every detail, from its appearance to its structure, down to the cellular level, was thoroughly examined.

If she were to be studied, wouldn't that mean she'd have no secrets left from Ishihara? It would be more humiliating than being stripped naked!

"No! It's too humiliating!" Mei Terumi cried out, her face turning bright red.

Ishihara sneered, "You're in no position to resist."

Still severely injured, Mei Terumi could barely move, let alone fight back. Ishihara approached her, lightly slicing her hand, allowing a drop of blood to form. He then infused it with chakra and pressed it against her neck while she watched anxiously.

A hum echoed as Mei Terumi shuddered, collapsing to the ground as excruciating pain overwhelmed her.

"Aah! What have you done to me?" she screamed, her voice raspy from pain.

"I just conducted a small experiment. Don't disappoint me," Ishihara said, looking at her with anticipation.

He had placed the Heavenly Demon Tattoo on Mei Terumi, curious to see if anyone could withstand his power. If she could, she might accompany him for a long time, sparing him the loneliness of eternal life—something he did not desire.

"If you make it through, the benefits will exceed your wildest dreams," Ishihara added calmly.

Orochimaru's pupils shrank. He didn't expect Ishihara to think so highly of Mei Terumi, and a complex mix of emotions filled him.

"Are you going to teach her the method for immortality?" Orochimaru asked.

"No, but other secret techniques will suffice," Ishihara replied, causing Orochimaru to relax. The method for immortality was too valuable to give away lightly.

"Immortality?!" Mei Terumi, still writhing in pain, was stunned upon hearing the word. For a moment, it felt as if her pain had vanished. Immortality had been sought after in the ninja world for thousands of years, but she had never heard of anyone achieving it. Now, it seemed Ishihara had found a way!

Although he didn't intend to give it to her, she knew that as long as she stayed, there might be a chance to obtain it.

Only one thought remained in Mei Terumi's mind: *Endure!* No matter what, she had to endure. The temptation of immortality was irresistible, and she still had a village to save, not to mention that man she had yet to deal with. There was still so much left to do—she couldn't give up now!

Time passed slowly, with only Mei Terumi's pained cries echoing through the quiet base.

"Stop! You'll die if this continues," Ishihara said, taking a deep breath.

"No, I… can!" Mei Terumi gritted her teeth and growled, the same exchange repeating countless times. But each time, she managed to persevere.

Suddenly, Mei Terumi let out a heart-wrenching scream, writhing in agony on the ground. Ishihara watched calmly, but his hands involuntarily clenched tighter.

"This is the final rejection reaction. If you get through it, you'll have succeeded."

Mei Terumi didn't respond, completely consumed by the pain that seemed to tear her apart. Her voice had gone hoarse, and her strength was drained, leaving her limp on the ground. A mysterious transformation was occurring within her body.

It was unclear how much time had passed when Mei Terumi's body finally fell still.

"She did it!" Ishihara exclaimed in joy, more excited than if he had created a new secret technique. Turning to Orochimaru, he said, "In the future, our path to immortality will have one more companion."

Orochimaru nodded, surprised by the willpower Mei Terumi had displayed.

"I… made it," Mei Terumi croaked.

"Congratulations! Now, don't resist my chakra," Ishihara said with a smile. He then used the Life Link technique to connect his chakra with hers.

A hum filled the air as the terrifyingly powerful and life-filled chakra surged into Mei Terumi's body. Her injuries began to heal at a visible rate, and soon, they were all gone.

"My wounds… they're healed?" she asked, looking at her body in disbelief.

"Yes, your body has completely recovered and is healthier than ever," Ishihara replied. "Now, don't resist and cooperate with me for the research."

As Mei Terumi tried to stand, she stumbled and gave Ishihara a resentful look.

Could you at least be a bit more human? I just went through such an ordeal, and now you want to use me as a research subject again?