NARUTO: Ninja World Scientific Revolution

The Sand ninja were coming in full force. The Third Kazekage had just gone missing, and then the Third Raikage, leading a small elite unit, launched a surprise attack. Although they were repelled by the newly appointed Fourth Kazekage, the event had left everyone seething with frustration. On top of that, Chiyo, a Sand elder summoned to assist, harbored deep animosity towards Konoha.

Within Konoha, there were only a handful of people capable of handling the situation with the Sand ninja. Orochimaru was the best candidate. Known as one of the legendary Sannin, his strength was renowned, and he had participated in the Second Shinobi World War. During the conflict in the Land of Rain, his performance as the deputy commander had been outstanding, causing the Sand ninja significant losses. Sending Orochimaru to the border to deal with the Sand invasion was the best decision. 

However, Orochimaru was not exactly enthusiastic. He had just purchased a set of research equipment, and his cloning experiments were making progress. Was he really supposed to leave all that behind and go to the frontlines? Had it not been for the unanimous recommendation from the entire Konoha leadership, including the Third Hokage and the Elder Council, he would have come up with an excuse to decline and perhaps even recommended Jiraiya, that fool, to take his place.

"Truly worthy of Orochimaru-sama, to have created a clone embryo in such a short time using cloning technology," Hyuga Mirai commented seriously, observing the experiment's parameters. This would be very useful when he started his own experiments in the future. 

"That's thanks to your suggestion, Mirai-kun," Orochimaru said with a proud smile. "I only thought to use Hashirama's cell sequence as a catalyst for growth after you pointed it out. In just two years, the clone body will be complete." The pleasure of receiving praise from someone who understood his research was a rare treat for Orochimaru. 

"Once the body has grown, I can use sealing techniques to seal the Yin chakra into the clone, essentially creating a true physical shadow clone. With a bit of training, it will be comparable to an elite Shinobi in battle." Hyuga Mirai remarked enviously. He hadn't asked how much money Orochimaru had spent, but judging by the equipment, it was clear that Orochimaru had likely exhausted all his savings. 

Mirai tilted his head and asked, "Orochimaru-sama, you're heading to the battlefield soon. What will happen to your research here?"

"Let Shin watch over it for now. It'll be a good opportunity for him to learn some basics," Orochimaru thought for a moment before responding. Normally, no matter how urgent, Orochimaru would find a way to avoid missions. But he could not refuse the serious threat posed by the Sand ninja. 

"I had originally planned to have him test the transplantation of Hashirama's cells, but now that you've provided such useful advice, he can serve as my assistant instead. Although he's not very qualified yet, he's capable of watching over the test subjects." Orochimaru was referring to the surviving test subjects from his Hashirama cell experiments. Two of them had undergone a complete fusion of Hashirama's cells, and Orochimaru planned to take them on as his subordinates. The third, who had awakened the Wood Release bloodline, would be handed over to Danzo. After all, much of Orochimaru's research funding came from Danzo's support.

"That person who awakened the Wood Release is unlikely to restore the power Hashirama once had. Still, it should be enough to fool Danzo. Maybe he'll even give me more funding after seeing it," Orochimaru mused, while Hyuga Mirai's advice to use the most useless material to gain funding was a classic tactic for dealing with outsiders who couldn't see the true value of research. 

The two continued discussing gene research, with Hyuga Mirai even entertaining the idea of creating a monstrous summoning beast. Unfortunately, the only material he had access to was the snake from Ryūchi Cave. In the ninja world, the best material for creating such beasts was the tailed beasts or the body of the Ten-Tails. 

"Need materials from the tailed beasts?" Orochimaru smirked. "Mirai-kun, you always come up with brilliant ideas. If you need tailed beast materials, I can supply some. I just recently acquired the horn of the Eight-Tails. Though I haven't made much progress in researching tailed beast cells, if you're interested, I can provide it."

Mirai took the cue and responded, "I'll make sure to provide you with a full copy of the experimental parameters. I never imagined you could acquire the Eight-Tails' horn. I'm truly amazed."

Orochimaru laughed, "Compared to your ideas and talents, it's your work that is truly impressive." 

The Eight-Tails' horn wasn't located in the current lab, and Konoha Hospital lacked the facilities to culture tailed beast cells. Mirai's idea of creating a monstrous summoning beast was feasible, but it lacked the necessary research equipment, laboratory, and materials. 

'Looks like I'll need to make a big profit during the Third Shinobi World War,' Hyuga Mirai and Orochimaru both thought, knowing that research required immense funds. Despite Orochimaru's current success, if Mirai were to ask for a million, Orochimaru would probably change the subject. 

The costs of cultivating a clone embryo were astronomical, often running into the tens of thousands of ryo daily. Without Danzo's support, Orochimaru would not have been able to proceed with the next steps after purchasing the equipment.

After leaving Orochimaru's lab, Hyuga Mirai felt a sense of satisfaction. Every time he exchanged knowledge, he got what he wanted from Orochimaru. But from another perspective, Orochimaru had profited too. Knowledge was something that couldn't easily be measured by money, especially in abundance.

The next day, Hyuga Mirai checked his ninja tool pouch and left his house, heading toward the Hokage Building with the Hyuga clan. By the time everyone had gathered, he counted about five hundred ninja in the first wave heading to Kikyo City. Fortunately, the streets in front of the Hokage Building were large, or else such a crowd couldn't have fit.

At the front of the group was Orochimaru, followed by various clan leaders and high-ranking ninjas. As soon as everyone had assembled, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with the Elder Council, appeared on the Hokage Building's balcony to address the ninjas about to depart for the frontlines, delivering an inspiring speech.

"As long as there are leaves fluttering, the fire will never die." 

(End of Chapter)