Looking at the test subject in the culture tank, Hiruko's pale face first showed a hint of joy, which was immediately replaced by regret: "It's a pity—the bodies of Kinkaku and Ginkaku are already dead. Although their cells still maintain a considerable degree of activity, a cellular transplant is ultimately inferior to the effect achieved by the original body."
"What we are currently using is a cell solution that has been repeatedly diluted. Even so, we still have to worry about the power spiraling out of control."
"If we could experiment with their living bodies, directly transplanting a chunk of the First Hokage-sama's flesh onto those monstrous brothers—given their physique, perhaps they truly could withstand this powerful strength."
Hearing this, Senju Mori couldn't help but shake his head and laugh: "Kinkaku and Ginkaku were powerful individuals who could kill the Second Hokage. Forget capturing them alive; obtaining these two corpses is already considered good luck."
Hiruko clearly understood the reasoning and could only shrug helplessly.
Frankly speaking, Senju Mori was already quite satisfied with these experimental results.
The greater the manifestation of Hashirama's characteristics while maintaining stability, the stronger the inherited power is.
After all, Wood Release itself is a power based on the cellular level.
Someone like Yamato, who shows almost none of Hashirama's characteristics, naturally cannot unleash the true power of Wood Release.
"Wake him up. Let me see the power of the newly born Wood Release."
Looking at the subject, whose body had stopped changing and whose vital signs were gradually stabilizing, Senju Mori instructed.
"Yes!"
The surrounding researchers immediately moved, transferring the culture tank containing the subject into a specialized observation room with transparent walls.
They then operated the corresponding instruments, withdrawing the various tubes that had been continuously injecting anesthetics and sedatives from the subject's body.
"Hokage-sama, this is the room we specifically use to test the subject's abilities."
"It was built using high-strength synthetic materials and reinforced with Sealing Jutsu. Even a modified subject would not be able to break out quickly."
Senju Mori nodded silently, continuing to watch the scene before him.
The subject who received the cell injection had become a genuine little monster. After being released from the suppression of the drugs, his powerful regenerative abilities and physical fitness quickly restored his consciousness.
"Urghhh—"
The newly awakened subject instantly felt the intense pain caused by the body modification. His entire body convulsed uncontrollably, and he let out a miserable, inhuman howl from deep within his throat.
However, as the figures in white coats appeared in his line of sight, the subject's pain quickly ignited into rage, and he immediately charged forward, swinging his fists.
"You damn bastards! What exactly did you do to my body?!"
Although he hadn't mastered any Wood Release Ninjutsu yet, the uncontrollable powerful force within his body surged out directly, accompanying his intense emotional fluctuations.
Twisted branches grew frantically from his right shoulder, tightly wrapping around his entire right arm in the blink of an eye.
"Boom!"
The impact of the immense force made the entire transparent wall tremble, but the researchers present showed no surprise. Instead, they picked up their clipboards and began recording.
"Speed shows no significant change. Strength is increased compared to the previous subject. Subject's performance may be influenced by emotional fluctuations—"
Soon, another unmodified subject was awakened and directly released into the room.
The Wood Release subject didn't even intentionally attack; the wildly growing branches spread out like venomous snakes, completely piercing the other person's body. A large amount of fresh blood instantly stained the floor red.
"Haven't you tried teaching them Wood Release Ninjutsu?"
Senju Mori suddenly asked at this moment.
A nearby researcher shook his head, explaining awkwardly: "Hokage-sama, that would be too dangerous."
"The modified subject's base abilities are already terrifying. If they were to also master systematic Wood Release Ninjutsu, should they lose control, it could cause irreparable and severe damage to the surrounding experimental equipment."
"Never mind, I'll do it myself."
Senju Mori did not trouble the researcher; instead, he directly unlocked the seal, pushed the door open, and entered the room designated for the test subject.
At this point, the anger and pain on the Wood Release subject's face had gradually faded. Looking at the other subject he had killed so easily, his expression shifted to one of pleasant surprise and excitement.
He stroked his pale right arm, a vicious curve spreading across his lips, and he couldn't help but sneer: "Hmph! Another one coming in to die?"
"I don't know what you did to me, but this is truly a powerful strength. Just let me—"
"Settle down."
Senju Mori didn't give him a chance to continue rambling. Several pale golden Chakra Chains flew out directly, binding him tightly like spiritual snakes emerging from a hole.
At the same time, dark Sealing Formula instantly crawled onto his face, cutting off his unfinished words.
The subject, who had been arrogant just a second ago, instantly became a powerless lab rat again.
Meanwhile, Senju Mori began his own testing without delay.
He first reached out his right hand and gently touched the branches growing out of the subject's body, and indeed felt a sensation of his Chakra being suppressed and absorbed.
Then, under the subject's increasingly terrified gaze, Senju Mori took out various tools and tested them on him one by one.
Blood tests, physical activity tests, bone density tests, cell activity and division rate tests—
After a round of inspection, Senju Mori quickly reached a relatively accurate conclusion.
The Wood Release subject created by Hiruko inherited cellular power from the First Hokage that was far stronger than what the future Yamato and the modified Danzo possessed, roughly equivalent in strength to Obito in his half-White Zetsu state.
After all, Yamato relied completely on his own physique to adapt to the Wood Release cells from a young age, while Danzo used Sealing Jutsu and an arm full of Sharingan to forcibly suppress the erosive capabilities of Wood Release.
The only difference was that the carrier Obito used to contain the First Hokage's cells was the other half of his White Zetsu body.
The subject created by Hiruko, however, relied on the cells of Kinkaku and Ginkaku to strengthen his own stability, thereby gaining the ability to handle higher concentrations of Hashirama cells.
Senju Mori turned and walked out of the subject's room.
After instructing the surrounding researchers to retrieve the half-dead subject, he called Hiruko over and asked: "Have you ever considered using these two types of cells on yourself?"
Under Hiruko's somewhat surprised gaze, Senju Mori continued: "You should understand that the First Hokage's cells can grant an individual powerful vitality and regenerative ability, while Kinkaku and Ginkaku's cells can stabilize that power."
"Your body suffers from congenital deficiencies; you are often sick and chronically weak. This might improve your current condition."
"Don't worry about other issues. This is scientific body modification. As long as you don't use comrades from the Village as experimental material, it won't be considered anything shady."
"As Hokage, I can grant you full authority to use these experimental results and technologies."
Hiruko, however, shook his head with a wry smile, explaining: "Teacher, I naturally know my own physical condition."
"The cells of the First Hokage-sama certainly have a high probability of improving my condition, but given my current physical state, I probably wouldn't survive long enough for the modification to be completed; my body would collapse first."
"If I were to undergo body modification, I would need to find a more gentle method."
"A more gentle method—"
Senju Mori nodded slightly and asked thoughtfully, "Do you have any leads now?"
"Yes, Teacher."
Hiruko suddenly raised his head, his face filled with excitement.
Unprecedented fervent light burst forth from his dull, grayish-white eyes.
"I think if I could create a Ninjutsu—"