Outside the Hidden Leaf Village, in a secluded laboratory, an atmosphere of intense focus filled the air.
Kimimaro and Neji Hyūga lay side by side on sleek medical tables, each adjusting the minute details of their bodies in pursuit of physical perfection.
Soon, they would undergo the final adaptation and unlock new heights of strength.
By fusing the Byakugan with the Shikotsumyaku, their abilities would ascend to unimaginable levels.
At the edge of the room, Toshi monitored every heartbeat and chakra fluctuation.
His vigilant gaze ensured that, when the time came to transplant Byakugan and Shikotsumyaku cells, no weakness would disrupt the procedure.
A sudden voice cut through the silence. "Toshi, how's the curse‑seal research going? You promised me seals that absorb different chakra natures!"
Deidara emerged from the shadows, eyes alight with impatience and hope.
He had heard from Genya about Toshi's groundbreaking work—seals capable of drawing in nature transformations previously beyond reach.
His clay creations were nearly perfected; all that remained was the power to harness any chakra he desired.
"Be patient," Toshi replied with a dismissive glance, clearly irritated by his persistent neighbor.
Though both were researchers, their fields diverged sharply.
Deidara delved into clay art, while Toshi's domain lay in biology and cursed seals.
They rarely crossed paths—until Deidara caught wind of the promise that seals could absorb every chakra nature.
Since then, he had clung to Toshi like a shadow.
"How long must I wait? I have to challenge Genya next!" Deidara pressed. His confidence brimmed; if he could absorb all chakra natures, surely he could surpass Genya's mastery.
Even if victory eluded him, he vowed to stand shoulder to shoulder with Genya.
"Let's wait a few more years. The current curse seal technology isn't mature yet!" Toshi said flatly, dodging the question.
Right now, he couldn't even alter the Caged Bird Cursed Seal.
Although he had learned some curse seal techniques from Orochimaru, most of his focus was on modifying the Caged Bird curse seal.
Before, there were no test subjects to experiment on. But now, with a few members of the Hyuga branch family as test subjects, he believed results would come soon!
"Tch—Genya, are you lying to me? If I had known, I would've kicked you all out earlier!" Deidara's lips curled into a slight sneer as he listened to Toshi's words.
"Who do you want to kick out? Who's made you angry?" Genya's lazy voice came from nearby right after Deidara finished complaining.
"Genya, you're here!" Deidara turned toward the voice and saw Genya arriving with Hikari not far away, a lazy smile on his face.
He said, "Genya, you told me there was a curse seal that could enhance chakra attributes, but Toshi still hasn't researched it? Are you lying to me?"
He was clearly upset. That curse seal was exactly what he needed to be perfect!
As an artist, how could he allow imperfection to exist on himself?
"Curse seals can't be rushed. Toshi's current focus is the Caged Bird curse seal. Once he masters that, he'll study your curse seal," Genya added, defending Toshi.
Otherwise, Toshi might really end up being bothered by Deidara nonstop!
For now, removing the Caged Bird curse seal was the most important thing.
Neji had already been marked for assassination by the Hyuga main family.
If Neji went out and encountered members of the main family again, death was inevitable!
So they needed Toshi to remove the Caged Bird curse seal as soon as possible!
"But Toshi said it will take years!" Deidara complained.
"Isn't that normal? How many years did you spend researching your clay bombs? Besides, the most perfect curse seals take the longest to develop!"
Even now, Deidara's personality was still a bit childish. Genya coaxed him gently, saying, "All waiting is worth it."
"Alright, this time I'll listen to you," Deidara finally nodded helplessly.
He warned one last time, "I'll give Toshi some more time. But if he still doesn't research that curse seal, don't blame me for kicking him out!"
From Deidara's perspective, this cave was entrusted to him by Genya.
As for Toshi and the others, they were just staying here temporarily.
Their usual relationship was fairly good, but Toshi had recently annoyed him.
After grumbling a bit, Deidara went back to continue researching his clay.
Only then did Toshi sigh softly and slowly say, "Genya… what brings you here?"
Genya nodded and asked, "How are Neji and Kimimaro's bodies? Can they be injected with medicine and have their eyes transplanted?"
"Their current condition is perfect, always ready," Toshi replied, then led Genya and the others into the secure laboratory.
Inside, Kimimaro and Neji were sitting cross-legged, meditating and regulating their chakra.
Seeing Genya arrive, they understood what was coming.
They both nodded at Genya with relieved smiles on their faces.
"Sensei, how about the Byakugan? Has it been cultivated yet?" Hikari asked, noticing their good condition before focusing her gaze on Kimimaro.
So far, Hikari had only done one eye transplant, which had perfectly fused with Shisui.
No one knew how this time with Kimimaro would turn out.
"I personally tested it. Kimimaro's own Kekkei Genkai matches well with the Hyuga clan's Byakugan. Trying to cultivate the eye outside first might backfire. So, it's best to take the eyeball directly from a Hyuga's eyes when transplanting," Toshi explained in detail.
It was transplanting doujutsu with Kekkei Genkai —and only his own disciple had succeded.
This time, he wanted to observe closely.
"Is everything ready?" Hikari asked Kimimaro again, her eyes serious.
"Ready long ago. I have actually been looking forward to the Byakugan's power!" Kimimaro smiled warmly and kindly.
Since leaving Orochimaru, he and Jugo had gone on missions together.
He was no longer the shy and weak man he once was, but a graceful and handsome gentleman.
Only in appearance was he slightly behind Genya.
"Then let's begin!" Genya snapped his fingers once he saw everyone prepared.
At that moment, Jugo appeared, carrying a Hyuga clan member in his huge hands.
Given Jugo's massive size now, the Hyuga he held looked like a tiny chick.
"Let me go! Let me go! I am Hyuga Choryū, son of the Eighth Elder of the main Hyuga family!" Choryū struggled, but he still stared defiantly at Uchiha Genya and shouted,
"Uchiha Genya, if you really take my eyes, then you will never be at peace with the Hyuga main family. My father and all Hyuga clan members will never forgive you!"
He continued to struggle fiercely, roaring with anger.
But now, his fate was already sealed.
Everyone present looked at him as if he were just an object.
In the end, despair crept into his heart.
Suddenly, he caught sight of a figure behind him.
"Neji... are you just going to watch me be humiliated like this?"
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