CH 41

Chapter 41: Collaborating with Tsunade

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“Well, it’s rare for you to come to me for help. What do you need?”

Tsunade said as she poured herself a drink and downed it in one go. She had been busy at the Konoha hospital all day and was glad to have a chance to relax in the evening.

After finishing her drink, Tsunade asked, “Is someone causing you trouble?”

“Not really, but I have a favor to ask. Your medical ninjutsu is the best among all the people I know.”

Cain took out detailed information on several incurable diseases from his backpack, including some case histories, and handed them to Tsunade.

“Can you develop a cure for these diseases?”

Tsunade didn’t say anything but took the information from Cain and began to read it carefully.

After nearly half an hour, Tsunade rubbed her temples and closed her eyes to think. She had been busy all day at work and hadn’t had much rest before diving into the documents.

“It’s not difficult to cure them, but I can’t guarantee that I can develop a medicine that can cure them. I need to do some experiments. However, the first two diseases shouldn’t be too difficult. I remember my great-uncle had done some research in this area, so I need to find some references.”

“The Second Hokage also studied medical ninjutsu?”

Cain was slightly surprised after hearing Tsunade’s words. He hadn’t expected the Second Hokage to have researched cancer and hypertension, which was quite unexpected.

“It’s not medical ninjutsu, but it’s similar to the diseases you brought up.” Tsunade didn’t want to talk more about it, so she changed the subject: “However, I’ve been working on developing medical ninjutsu lately, so this might have to wait for a while.”

“Is it because of your brother?”

Cain asked. This matter had slowly spread throughout Konoha over the past year, and many people were discussing how Tsunade’s brother couldn’t become a ninja. This was the most common news brought back by Nono Yakushi.

“I didn’t expect you, who’s often not in Konoha, to know about this.”

Tsunade’s mood worsened when the topic came up. She poured herself a few more drinks. The more depressed Nawaki was at home, the more she wanted to develop regenerative medical ninjutsu as soon as possible. Otherwise, even their grandmother Mito couldn’t console him, as the impact of not being able to become a ninja was too great.

“The second thing I wanted to discuss with you is related to Nawaki not being able to become a ninja. Stop drinking for now, or you won’t be able to read clearly later.”

After hearing Cain’s words, Tsunade reluctantly put down her drink. She believed she could handle her alcohol but obediently listened when she heard that the next matter was related to Nawaki.

“Take a look at this. I have a team working on a project that, if successful, can help a person regenerate, even if they’ve lost an arm or a leg.”

Cain handed Tsunade the information about the Extremis Virus while speaking. With her understanding of human organs and tissues, she should be able to comprehend them easily.

“What is this?”

Tsunade was soon absorbed in the content. The information included the development and concept of the Extremis Virus. Cain had even annotated explanations for some algorithms he thought Tsunade might not understand, explaining the technical terms in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

There were also experimental data, which was the part Tsunade valued the most.

Tsunade read the information very carefully, taking a full two hours. Most of the customers in the izakaya had left, and only their private room was still open. However, since this was Cain’s place, it didn’t matter.

“So you’ve already done experiments on mice. I guess the next step is human trials, right?”

After reading the information, Tsunade thought to herself, unsure of what to say about human experimentation. At least her great-uncle had conducted the most human experiments, but when it came to doing it herself, Tsunade felt some resistance. However, thinking of Nawaki, she realized she could overcome her reluctance.

“An amazing experiment. As of now, it completely surpasses the medical ninjutsu I’ve mastered and even has some similarities with the regenerative ninjutsu I’m researching.”

After reading about the Extremis Virus, Tsunade gave it a high evaluation. Her brown eyes shone brightly as she stared at Cain and asked, “You want to collaborate with me, right? To research the perfect Extremis Virus together…”

“That’s right, I do have that plan. Its effects are not only for repairing the body but also for enhancing human limits. If we can research the perfect Extremis Virus, it would also greatly benefit me.”

Cain didn’t hide his intentions. He wanted to research the Extremis Virus, and it was also the hope for curing Nawaki. For Nawaki’s sake, Tsunade could slow down the medical system’s reform and naturally couldn’t refuse Cain’s invitation.

If the Extremis Virus could be thoroughly researched, Nawaki could not only become a ninja again but also become even stronger.

The experimental data Cain provided on the Extremis Virus showed that the difficulty of the experiment lay in the subject’s self-regulation. Whether it was plants or animals in the experiment, their self-regulation couldn’t keep up with humans. If humans couldn’t do it either, they would have to find a way to enhance human metabolism and prevent bioelectric overload.

It didn’t take long for Tsunade to start thinking about the Extremis Virus experiment. Coincidentally, she had just thought of her great-uncle’s human experiments. After reading about the Extremis Virus, the first thing Tsunade thought of was her grandfather’s cells.

Her great-uncle had researched many of his grandfather’s cells during his lifetime, leaving behind a lot of related data stored in the Senju Clan’s archives. Tsunade had seen it once before but hadn’t given it much thought.

Now, recalling it, her grandfather’s cells seemed to be able to make up for the risks of the Extremis Virus in the experiment. Cell erosion could increase the fusion of the Extremis Virus while enhancing human metabolism and organ functions.

Was this a coincidence?

Tsunade bit her thumb, slightly frowning as she thought to herself. Her brother’s recovery was within reach, and all it would take was a few more experiments. However, using her grandfather’s cells for research… should she go back and ask Mito?

“Tsunade!”

Cain’s shout brought Tsunade back from her thoughts. “What do you think? Do you want to collaborate?”

“I need to go back and ask before I can give an answer, but I think Mito will agree.”

Tsunade pinched her brow; having read documents all day and then for a long time in the evening, plus having had a few drinks, she was already feeling dizzy.

“In that case, I’ll wait for your good news, Tsunade.”

Cain could see that Tsunade was already tempted, just with some concerns. However, if Uzumaki Mito agreed, Tsunade’s concerns would instantly vanish.

“Are you leaving? It is late, and I haven’t had dinner yet.”

Tsunade got up somewhat dazedly and said. But when she reached the door, she saw Cain holding a food box, saying, “Here’s some packed food and drinks for you to take home and enjoy slowly. Today, Kushina also brought home a big cake, so I guess she’ll save you some. That’s it; I’m going back first.”

With that, Cain left.

When Tsunade walked out of the izakaya with the food box, the cold wind sobered her up a bit.

Looking at the food box in her hand and the sound of clinking bottles inside, Tsunade couldn’t help but purse her lips and think, “This guy, he’s quite good at taking care of people.”