Now that's what I call a real expert showing their stuff. First, there was no shortage of test subjects. Second, Serpent Master's place already had every kind of literature and documentation available for reference. Anya's achievements from the Wood Release Experiment had already been recorded here.
After seeing the one-meter-thick research summary, Anya regretted not leaving earlier. She had spent far too long in Konoha. If she had come sooner and they had researched together, progress wouldn't have been so slow.
Fortunately, her research into the Third Raikage's cells had led to mastery of the Lightning Blade Art, so her time hadn't been completely wasted.
Once she dove into research mode, time stopped meaning anything. It was as if she and Serpent Master had returned to those days in Konoha when Anya was locked in a prison cell. The difference this time was that no one could disturb them. There was no need to worry about outside interference, so they could research without hesitation.
Of course, during this time, Anya still used the Message Hawk to send intelligence reports to Konoha several times, occasionally informing Minato which hideouts she had destroyed and using the clues found inside to track down Orochimaru's next location.
In Konoha, Minato, upon seeing Anya's messages, felt somewhat worried. He tried persuading her several times to return.
However, absorbed in her research, Anya naturally said no. This place was far superior to Konoha. Moreover, Serpent Master's vast knowledge reserves had no equal. No matter how difficult the problem, he could always provide answers or suggestions.
Anya's understanding of Hashirama's Essence kept deepening. She gradually grasped some of its principles and could even conduct experiments.
This lab had been practically monopolized by Anya for the long term.
Orochimaru had too many of his own experiments to focus on Wood Release. Although he found it interesting, he didn't consider it essential to complete. Most of the time, he stayed in the innermost chamber.
One day, Anya called Orochimaru out.
"So, have you decided how to start the experiment?" Orochimaru asked, his voice filled with expectation.
Anya nodded and said, "Thanks, Uncle. Without you, I wouldn't have figured out its mysteries so quickly, but I still lack confidence."
Orochimaru replied, "I understand. Don't worry, I'll be here to document every step and all the data from your experiments."
Inside a container already filled with green liquid, numerous Hashirama's Essence cells swam. For Anya to control these cells for her own use, she needed to use the chakra energy within her body to control them. These cells strongly resisted being controlled and could easily cause serious harm to her body.
Once failing to use chakra to suppress the rejection nature of Hashirama's Essence cells, the transplanted parts would need to be cut off immediately or death would soon follow.
Luckily, Anya pulled through thanks to her quick reflexes last time; otherwise, she would have suffered severe injuries.
Moreover, precisely because of the unique rejection properties carried by Hashirama's Essence cells, they could survive—like cancer cells from a past life. They also secretly harbored a devouring nature. This was a discovery only recently made during their research. Some test subjects weren't actually incapable of carrying the cells; instead, their lives were devoured and taken by the cells themselves.
This may also indirectly explain why the First Hokage, Hashirama, died far too young—each use drained his life force, like a living cost for wielding such power.
Anya pressed her right hand onto the vessel as her powerful chakra surged forth in arcs of lightning, firmly suppressing the cells within the green liquid. With her other hand, she tossed an experimental subject into it.
The restrained Hashirama's Cells slowly seeped into the subject's body. Under Anya's control, the subject's face twisted in pain—its once-human flesh began to turn woody. Soon, thick branches burst from its limbs, and the subject quickly withered, as if all life had been sucked out.
Orochimaru frowned slightly. Looks like another failure.
But Anya smirked lightly and drew her sword. Streams of blood dripped from the blade into the vessel.
The blood flowed through the branches and into the subject. The wooden body thrashed violently, letting out guttural, mindless roars. Two mighty forces could clearly be felt tearing at it from within.
Anya knew this was the critical moment. She placed both hands firmly on the vessel, pouring every bit of her chakra into it without restraint. The subject started shifting back and forth—alternating between bark-like wood and human flesh.
Caught between the two forces, the test subject could no longer hold on. Its soul shattered first, and its body also began to mutate, swelling in places.
Orochimaru's eyes flickered. He sighed and said, "It's going to self-destruct. Let it go."
"No, it isn't over yet," Anya replied sharply, her expression hardening. "Division Technique—go!"
A jet-black soul entered the subject. Now guided by this new consciousness, the flesh began functioning independently. The information obtained from Orochimaru took effect—the subject formed hand seals, channeling the highly active Hashirama's Cells within.
[Wood Release: Great Wooden Pillar Technique]
[Wood Release: Piercing Root Technique]
[Wood Release: Brutal Serpent Wood Technique]
Three consecutive Wood Release techniques surged forth, completely calming the wild, unstable cellular energy inside. Anya's own cells gained dominance. With external chakra support and the guiding force of the soul, the subject gradually returned to normalcy—its branches vanished, its skin turned pure white, and when it opened its eyes, it revealed the Three-Comma Sharingan state.
Success.
This subject had fully survived, possessing both Wood Release abilities and the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan. However, its original soul had perished, making it completely controlled by Anya—as nothing more than a replacement for herself.
"Clap clap clap…" Orochimaru flicked his tongue and licked his lips, his voice laced with awe. "Perfect! You should've come earlier, Anya. If we two work together, we can control all power under heaven."
Anya began familiarizing herself with this brand new subject. Visually, it resembled the White Zetsu seen in the anime—except for one thing: the eyes. This was a body equipped with the Sharingan.
However, despite combining the powers of both the Senju and Uchiha Clans, the subject showed no sign of the Myriad Phenomena. Anya felt somewhat disappointed.
Yet that disappointment quickly faded as she controlled the subject to activate the Sharingan's abilities. She discovered that the drain on her system was far less than when using her original body.
Unfortunately, unlocking the Mangekyo Sharingan wasn't possible yet. Otherwise, her main body could use Sword Art while this clone employed the Sharingan's temporal dojutsu. That kind of power... unthinkable.
Anya continued testing this successful test subject's abilities and quickly identified another skill: [Henka no Jutsu].
His [Henka no Jutsu] was practically divine. He could perfectly replicate the original in every aspect—whether it was chakra nature, scent, or appearance—with 100% accuracy. Even Orochimaru standing beside him couldn't tell the real from the fake.
"Not quite perfect yet, but it's a solid start," Anya smiled. "Looks like this experiment is finally starting to move forward. Thank you, Uncle Orochimaru."
"We still have plenty of time," Orochimaru said casually as he pulled out a scroll. "Here, this scroll is for you. Someone is looking for you."
After receiving the scroll and reading it, Anya's expression changed. "Uncle Orochimaru, I need to head back to Konoha for a bit."
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