Chapter Thirty-Eight: Two Years Later

“How’s the progress? Any new breakthroughs with the Desolation Virus?”
Karn arrived at the biological research center that had been established for over a year now. At present, only the Desolation Virus project team was based here. Karn had been working to attract other researchers, but so far, his efforts had been fruitless.
Nevertheless, over the past year, he had managed to fill all the management and logistics positions at the center—more than enough, in fact.
“It’s not ideal at the moment. Experiments on plants and animals have yielded too little data. We need to conduct human trials to obtain more substantial results.”
Killian rubbed his temples and spoke calmly; he was particularly eager to proceed to human experimentation. The data from plant trials couldn’t be perfectly extrapolated to the mouse experiments—there were too many variables.
Similarly, the data and experience gleaned from mice might not be applicable to humans. In the end, they would have to conduct human trials.
“Killian, don’t be like this.”
Maya shook her head and raised her voice, completely refuting Killian’s opinion. “Human experimentation at this stage is tantamount to murder. The failure rate is nearly ninety percent. If we can’t achieve a breakthrough soon, there’s no need to risk human trials.”
Killian retorted without backing down, “Maya, the next breakthrough might be waiting for us in human experimentation!”
He turned to Karn and said, “Boss, if we don’t proceed to human trials, it could be years before we make any progress. Our experiments are missing a crucial step; without it, we can’t move forward.”
“Killian…”
“No more arguments. Let’s proceed with human trials. I’ll apply for IRB review. Ms. Maya, this application will take about three months. If you can’t make a breakthrough in that time, we’ll follow Mr. Killian’s suggestion.”
Karn interrupted their quarrel and made his decision. It had been over a year, and the Desolation Virus project had burned through nearly forty million dollars—funded entirely by the pharmaceutical wholesale company’s revenues. But Karn’s patience was wearing thin.
Maya fell silent at Karn’s words; she knew the lack of progress lately had made everyone impatient, even herself. Still, the Desolation Virus’s high failure rate meant that human trials would almost certainly result in death—she was vehemently opposed to such a course.
Karn’s mention of the IRB was more acceptable to her. At least those experiments would require volunteers, fully informed and compensated for risking their lives. This way, the burden on her conscience would be lighter.

The cost was enormous, though; a single volunteer could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and recruitment was difficult. They often had to turn to impoverished areas to find participants willing to sell their lives.
If the IRB volunteers proved insufficient, other methods would need to be considered. Once human trials commenced, this project would truly become a money pit.
Still, Karn couldn’t rely entirely on one team. There were two masters of human research in the Shinobi World; perhaps they could be persuaded to join the effort.
“I have something important to take care of next. Does anyone want to help their boss finish a biology report? I’ve learned all the material, but I don’t want to waste time writing it.”
Karn produced a university biology assignment. Everyone here had backgrounds in biology; completing such work would be effortless.
Someone walked over, took the assignment, and said, “Two thousand dollars.”
“Have it ready by tomorrow morning.”
Karn handed over the money, then leaned in to examine the latest experimental data on the Desolation Virus. His mind was sharp, and his capacity for learning was strong. The virus represented his hope for advancement, so he strove to keep up with Maya and Killian’s research and studies.
After a year of diligent study, Karn had come to understand the principles and mechanisms of the Desolation Virus. He possessed two vials of its serum and all the experimental data; as the boss, it was easy for him to acquire such things.
After a while, Karn left. Compared to his last visit, there hadn’t been much progress.
…
Although Karn had successfully entered Columbia University, he was already known among his classmates as the most mysterious figure. Aside from essential courses, Karn would always find someone to substitute for him whenever possible.
He had too many things going on: matters in the Shinobi World, the pharmaceutical wholesale company, the securities firm he co-owned with Connor, and dealing with large quantities of jewelry in Hell’s Kitchen.
Fortunately, Karn could use Shadow Clone and Transformation techniques. Otherwise, bringing in large batches of jewelry repeatedly would surely attract unwanted attention.
The pharmaceutical wholesale company was Karn’s fastest-growing enterprise. In just two years, it had opened markets in Mexico, South America, Australia, and Southeast Asia, steadily expanding its reach.

This year’s revenue was projected to exceed one hundred million dollars. Other pharmaceutical wholesalers had begun to pay attention to the overseas market, and signs of competition with Karn were emerging. That was the reason behind his desire to develop new drugs.
Sooner or later, the market would be consolidated. Karn intended to earn as much as possible, then develop and sell new medicines, transforming from a middleman into a supplier.
Although he had invested heavily in the biological research center, Karn’s personal assets continued to soar. He now had at least seven hundred million dollars and nearly two tons of gold. This was the fruit of just over a year’s work—slower, perhaps, but steady and secure.
Neither the IRS nor the FBI, nor S.H.I.E.L.D., had come looking for Karn.
A year ago, Karn had moved to a new residence, much larger than his previous home, with a spacious basement. He converted the basement into a safehouse, using it as a hiding place whenever he traveled to the Shinobi World.
“It’s about time I asked Tsunade to research the Desolation Virus and develop some cures for terminal illnesses. I hope she won’t disappoint me.”
Karn thought decisively. His relationship with Tsunade had become quite amicable, and he had learned of Nawaki’s condition from Kushina. If he could promise to restore Nawaki to health, Tsunade would surely be interested in the Desolation Virus.
Karn had also brought samples and detailed data for several terminal illnesses. He had made inquiries in the Shinobi World, discovering that such diseases existed, though they were rare among ninjas—few lived to an age when they might develop them, so Tsunade paid little attention.
Still, with the lure of a mission commission and the Desolation Virus, Tsunade was likely to agree.
Next, Karn dealt with affairs in the Marvel Universe, arranged for substitutes for his classes as usual, handled all company matters, and stocked his spatial backpack before preparing to cross over.
In the next instant, Karn arrived in the Shinobi World.