NARUTO: Ninja World Scientific Revolution

Chapter 28: CHAPTER 28 - Borrowing Money for Research



After obtaining the key to the Konoha Hospital's laboratory, Hyuga Mirai didn't linger with Tsunade, politely excusing himself and leaving right away. He was then guided to the lab by Dr. Nakano.

"Mirai-kun, the equipment here is quite valuable, so please be very careful while conducting your experiments," Dr. Nakano reminded as he patted Mirai on the shoulder before leaving. "Though I don't fully understand what you and Tsunade-sama were discussing earlier, with your talent, I'm sure you'll succeed."

Mirai smiled and nodded, replying, "Thank you for your kind words, Dr. Nakano."

Once Dr. Nakano left, Mirai entered the lab alone. The space was quite spacious and filled with many precious pieces of equipment. On the left, there were two rows of cabinets stocked with numerous materials, and the laboratory seemed unused for quite some time.

Using his Byakugan, Mirai carefully scanned the surroundings to ensure there were no surveillance devices before feeling at ease. "If it's all brand new, then this is a huge win."

Mirai chuckled inwardly. The Konoha Hospital had been built less than ten years ago, and shortly after its completion, Tsunade's boyfriend died in the war, leaving her with a severe fear of blood. Apart from Tsunade, almost no one used the research facilities, which worked out in Mirai's favor. After all, much of the equipment had been purchased by Tsunade herself, making it a treasure trove of sorts.

"Byakugan gene research and analysis of Yang Release Chakra can be done simultaneously... I wonder if Orochimaru would be interested in genetic cell research; maybe I can test the waters," Mirai mused. He needed to produce tangible results to demonstrate his value to those in power, so he could secure continued investment. Otherwise, the laboratory wouldn't just be available to him without cause. Even at Konoha Hospital, only senior-level physicians had the right to request such facilities. Mirai had only gained access to it because his team had captured a Iwa ninja, which gave him this opportunity.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu."

*Boom!*

Mirai created two clones. His strength had grown significantly, and this time, it wasn't for training. Since Shadow Clones could last a long time, he created two for assistance.

"Let's begin by calibrating the equipment, then we can start," the main body of Mirai instructed. The clones nodded and each set off to handle their tasks.

Although the technological development in the ninja world was somewhat skewed, the medical equipment was still advanced. While it couldn't compare to the world of [One Punch Man], it was sufficient for Mirai's needs—for now. After calibrating the equipment, he began his research. 

Some materials were unavailable in the lab, so Mirai sent a clone to purchase them from outside. Research was extremely tedious, especially considering the differences between human cells from the [One Punch Man] world and those from the ninja world. These differences required Mirai to repeatedly experiment and test in order to find a bridge between the two. 

Akimichi Fuu had given Mirai an extended break of half a month without any missions. As for training, it was up to the individual. The team had taken on many tasks recently, starting with a C-rank mission, which they followed up with several months of similar work. Ultimately, they completed an A-rank mission by capturing an Iwa ninja.

After gaining access to the lab, Mirai essentially went into seclusion. Without his coordination, his teammates, Hyuga Kiyo and Kurenai Yuhi, hadn't met up either. One was training in the main branch of the Hyuga clan using the Gentle Fist style, while the other was training Genjutsu with her father. 

Mirai had also inherited knowledge from Dr. Genus, which greatly helped with his understanding of the abnormalities in cells. After much thought and experimentation, he found a solution.

"The molecular structure of the cell genes has altered, but the traces of this change disappear once the cells die. Could this be the effect of the Caged Bird?" Mirai thought deeply as he tested his own cells' genetic makeup. After repeated testing, he finally identified the unusual phenomenon. 

"The samples are too few... Looks like I'll need some cell samples from Kiyo."

His clone spoke up, "Master, we're also running low on materials. Many materials can't bear Yang Release Chakra. I need special Chakra-infused paper."

Mirai sighed at the news. "Chakra-infused paper isn't cheap. Looks like being a researcher is really expensive."

In just three days, he had completely spent all his savings. Apart from money for food, Mirai was essentially broke. 

Though his clone had made some progress, it was still lacking in knowledge about sealing techniques. Without further advancements in material experimentation, it was unlikely that any significant progress would be made. 

At this point, the longest time Yang Release Chakra could stay on paper was only two minutes, after which it would dissipate. In order to show something semi-finished to the Hyuga clan or the Third Hokage, he needed to extend the time to at least four minutes to secure advanced sealing techniques.

"You guys document the experiments here. I'm going to borrow some money."

Mirai left the Konoha Hospital laboratory. He knew many people in Konoha, but only two could possibly lend him money: Hyuga Kiyo and Kurenai Yuhi. Dr. Nakano could also lend him money, but he had a family, so he wasn't considered.

Kurenai Yuhi's chances of lending him money were higher, so Mirai decided to visit her first. Upon arriving, he was met with surprise and delight, as she hadn't expected him.

"Kurenai, I won't come in, but I need to ask a favor," Mirai said, lowering his voice awkwardly. "Can you lend me some money? I really need a lot right now, but I'll repay you later."

Though Kurenai was curious about the reason Mirai needed to borrow money, she agreed. Between her childhood savings and mission earnings, she had even asked her father, Yuhi Shinzu, for some additional funds. In the end, she handed Mirai almost a million ryo.

After leaving Kurenai's house, Mirai went back to the Hyuga clan grounds and explained his situation to Kiyo. Although Kiyo was unhappy that Mirai had disappeared for several days, after scolding him, he still lent him a sum of money.

With the money in hand, Mirai went out to purchase more materials for his experiments. Then, he returned to the laboratory and handed everything to his clone, resuming his day and night experiments.

This time, when leaving the lab, Mirai didn't obtain any cell samples from Kiyo. It was simply too awkward to ask without a good reason. 

Blood or hair? Asking randomly might make others think he was offending the main family, and at best, he would be scolded. At worst, Kiyo might even misinterpret him as a pervert. 

There would be other opportunities—after all, it would be easy to trick a child with the right circumstances.

Mirai continued his experiments for seven more days. During this time, Dr. Nakano visited a few times, but seeing how busy Mirai was, he simply left without disturbing him.

By the time he had nearly exhausted the two million ryo worth of materials, Mirai's clone finally brought him some good news.

(End of Chapter)


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