Muzan wasn’t researching his own cells.
This was still the hospital’s laboratory, after all.
The regenerative strength of his cells rivaled Hashirama’s body, and he had no intention of ending up as another guinea pig lying on one of Orochimaru’s operating tables.
Instead, he used a microscope to observe animal cells.
The hospital kept a large collection of cellular samples for research, including a handful of bloodline-limit specimens.
After conducting a series of experiments, Muzan carefully recorded his findings before finally noticing Tsunade leaning over his shoulder.
Especially with her figure…
She certainly lived up to the phrase “blessed with an ample heart.” He coughed awkwardly.
“Tsunade-sama…
is there something you need?” “I’m pleased with the direction of your research.
I left plenty of notes here in Konoha Hospital.
You can go through them whenever you like.” Tsunade was extremely satisfied with his attitude.
Even though Muzan maintained a perfectly expressionless face, she had keenly noticed that his gaze had unconsciously lingered on her for two whole seconds.
Looks like the Strength of a Hundred Seal hadn’t lost its charm after all!
“That said…” She crossed her arms.
“I’m short on someone to run errands.
For the time being, you’ll be the one fetching my sake.” She hated people who acted overly proper.
If he wanted to look, then he should just look.
That only proved how attractive she still was.
She’d almost started worrying the Strength of a Hundred Seal wasn’t working anymore.
If Muzan knew what Tsunade was actually thinking, he’d probably just laugh coldly to himself.
After all, Jiraiya had already risked his life testing that theory once.
Running errands for Tsunade wasn’t without its rewards.
As the founder of modern medical ninjutsu, she gave Muzan countless pointers on techniques like the Mystical Palm Technique.
She also taught him a wealth of medical knowledge that couldn’t be learned anywhere else in the hospital.
She held nothing back.
Although she refused to formally accept him as her disciple, he had essentially become her unofficial student.
His abilities improved at an astonishing pace.
“My cells possess an extremely high level of infectivity.” “Even a shinobi’s body can’t resist them.” To continue his research, Muzan applied for a small laboratory next door and obtained cellular samples from several jonin.
The experiments gradually gave him a much clearer understanding of his own body.
“The stronger the person is, the greater the increase in strength after becoming a demon.” “Of course, unique bloodline limits could produce even more powerful results when combined.” “But…” “There are risks.” He remembered the rabbits he’d experimented on.
Unable to withstand the transformation, their bodies had simply exploded.
“Unfortunately, now isn’t the right time to build my own forces.” “The Third Shinobi World War needs to begin first.” “The greater the chaos…
the greater my opportunity.” After recording his latest results, he carefully sealed all the research documents inside a storage scroll.
“If I remember correctly…” “Today is the shinobi Academy graduation ceremony.” “The Third Hokage specifically asked me to come.” “Looks like he’s finally found me a teacher.” Since Tsunade had refused to take him as a student, the Third Hokage hadn’t immediately assigned him a jonin instructor.
Kakashi’s path, however, hadn’t changed.
During this period, Namikaze Minato had become Kakashi’s teacher, successfully bringing him into the Hokage’s faction.
Today, the shinobi Academy was livelier than ever.
Many students proudly wore the forehead protectors symbolizing Konoha shinobi.
Starting today…
They were officially genin.
“Hey!
Isn’t that Muzan?!” “No way…
it really is him!
Long time no see!” “That guy’s still wearing the same black cloak.
He hasn’t changed at all.” “I hope I end up on the same team as Muzan.
He’s a medical shinobi!
If anyone gets injured during missions, he can treat us.” Getting injured on missions was practically unavoidable for shinobi.
Most could manage basic first aid, but serious injuries meant expensive trips to Konoha Hospital.
Having a medical shinobi on the team saved both time and money.
Naturally, everyone hoped to be assigned alongside Muzan.
Kakashi had been quietly spacing out until he noticed his brother arrive.
A trace of excitement flashed across his face, though his tone remained as unfriendly as ever.
“Nii-san, I thought you’d fallen asleep in your laboratory and were going to miss today’s team assignments.” Ever since becoming a genin, Kakashi had hardly been home.
He spent nearly all his time completing missions, earning merit, and growing stronger.
With the Yellow Flash as his teacher, their squad’s mobility allowed them to travel practically anywhere.
“As if.” “I’ve been looking forward to today for a long time.” “You only came back to the Academy because you had to, didn’t you?” Looking at Kakashi’s perpetually half-lidded eyes, Muzan noticed how much he resembled a seasoned shinobi now.
Every movement remained subtly defensive.
Even inside Konoha, he never relaxed.
Clearly, the past few months had accelerated Kakashi’s growth considerably.
Fortunately, because of Muzan’s interference, their father’s fatal mission had been delayed.
At the very least…
Kakashi hadn’t developed the cold, detached personality he remembered from the future.
Muzan himself was equally curious about who his own instructor would be.
“Pretty much.” “I’m just hoping my teammates won’t drag me down.” “I’m already strong enough as it is.” The words had barely left Kakashi’s mouth when Obito and Rin walked over.
Especially Obito.
He still hadn’t awakened his Sharingan, to the point where he sometimes wondered whether he’d actually been adopted into the Uchiha Clan.
Hearing Kakashi’s smug remark, he immediately fired back.
“Hmph!
A jerk like you probably won’t have any teammates at all.” “Obito, don’t say that…” Just as he was about to continue, Rin interrupted him.
Seeing her expression, Obito reluctantly swallowed the rest of his complaints.
Still…
Jealousy burned inside him.
Once he awakened his Sharingan…
He’d definitely make Kakashi pay.
“Maybe the two of you will end up on the same team.” The moment Muzan said it, both Obito and Kakashi answered in perfect unison.
“No way!” “As if I’d ever team up with him!” Kakashi scoffed.
“He’d only lower the squad’s overall level.
I’m not letting dead weight make us fail a mission.” “Bastard!” Obito shot back.
“You’re the one who’ll get your teammates killed!
I’d rather team up with a ghost than with you!” While the two argued, a tall figure entered the classroom.
Muzan immediately sensed the man’s strength.
A jonin.
Looks like Konoha placed considerable importance on this graduating class.
“Uchiha Tenka, Haruno Kiyo, Ito Tsuki.” “You three, come with me.” As the first instructor called out names, one team after another was summoned by their assigned leaders.
“Hatake Kakashi.” “Uchiha Obito.” “Nohara Rin.” A warm, gentle voice echoed through the classroom.
Combined with that unmistakable head of golden hair, it immediately drew everyone’s attention.
“My apologies for keeping you all waiting.” “It’s the Yellow Flash!” “Minato-sama is personally leading our team!” “I get to stay with Rin…” “But why does Kakashi have to be on it too?!” Obito stammered in excitement as he looked at his idol.
The Yellow Flash had already become so feared that every major shinobi village had standing orders allowing their shinobi to abandon missions immediately upon encountering him.
Among the younger generation…
He stood at the very top.
“Tch.” “You think I’m happy about being teamed up with you?” “You…!” Watching the two glare at each other, Muzan suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
At that very moment…
A hoarse voice sounded behind him…