Chapter Fifty: The New Version of the Desolation Virus

“What a brilliant idea, Orochimaru,” Tsunade couldn’t help but praise, joy bubbling in her heart. This was their first successful case after so many experiments. Even though the subject had exploded earlier, the blast was contained to the arm; the vital organs and brain remained remarkably stable.

“It seems the serum isn’t sufficient. We’ll need to test the ratio a few more times, and perhaps it’s also related to the cells… Orochimaru, I’ll leave this one to you. If he passes the next round of tests, teach him how to refine chakra and have him attempt Wood Release.”

“If he can master Wood Release, it would be a blessing for the Leaf Village as well…”

Tsunade didn’t finish her sentence; she turned and left, intent on finding Kahn to report the good news and request additional serum for the Desolation Virus.

Once Tsunade was gone, Orochimaru let out a few raspy laughs. Testing Wood Release was a given, but he had no intention of handing this individual over to the Leaf. If the subject truly possessed the Wood Release bloodline, the moment he successfully used it, Orochimaru would kill him.

Their collaboration with Kahn was far from over. Tsunade was far too naive; her approach would only sacrifice Rope Tree’s future.

In human research, Tsunade’s medical ninjutsu was indeed crucial, but her low emotional intelligence forced Orochimaru to handle the aftermath. Otherwise, unforeseen complications could jeopardize their cooperation.

A few days later, Kahn received the news. He didn’t return immediately, but took care of his affairs before heading to the experimental base.

About five days passed before Kahn arrived. He found Orochimaru and Tsunade in the woods outside the underground laboratory, training a subject in ninjutsu.

“You’re finally here—aren’t you a bit slow? Earthstone has already learned ninjutsu in these few days.”

Tsunade, noticing Kahn’s arrival, waved him over with excitement.

As Kahn approached, he saw the subject named Earthstone look at him with a trace of hatred in his eyes, then quickly lower his head. Kahn understood—Earthstone was likely one of the first batch of death row inmates. Kahn himself had appeared during the selection, so the man probably guessed he was the mastermind behind the experiments on prisoners.

Kahn ignored him; death row inmates were destined to die. He tilted his head toward Tsunade. “He’s already begun learning ninjutsu? That’s impressive progress. Is Earthstone a genius?”

“I’m not sure about that. If I had the Byakugan, I could clearly see chakra flow, but I suspect the Desolation Virus has endowed the subject with the Wood Release instinct found in the First Hokage’s cells…”

Orochimaru explained to Kahn, but seeing his confusion, he remembered that their benefactor was only half-versed in both ninjutsu and human research, so he offered a simpler explanation.

“Earthstone spent three days trying to learn the basic Clone Jutsu, but failed. Yet in just one day, he managed to perform Wood Release.”

With Orochimaru’s words, Kahn nodded in understanding. “So, the Wood Release bloodline manifests more as an instinct in him?”

“Exactly. If Wood Release can be reproduced, then Sharingan, Byakugan, Ice Shield, and Kaguya’s bone techniques…”

“Orochimaru!”

Tsunade cut him off sharply. Such matters could not be spoken so openly; if the Uchiha and Hyuga clans heard, they would never let it rest.

Bloodline clans possessed a near-pathological protectiveness over their kekkei genkai—it was the cornerstone of their legacy in the ninja world.

Kahn remarked in surprise, “I see now. I hadn’t expected the Desolation Virus to have such capabilities.”

“The principle seems to be rebirth through destruction. Conventional methods of transplanting bloodlines at the cellular level often lead to self-collapse of the organism, but the Desolation Virus circumvents this. After destruction, it integrates the bloodline into its own…”

“Moreover, before injecting the Desolation Virus serum, we first use the subject’s own cells to cultivate new serum in a vessel alongside the virus and the First Hokage’s cells, which further reduces the risk…”

Tsunade explained to Kahn with enthusiasm. Through her research on the Desolation Virus, she had gained a deeper understanding of bloodline limits. While there was a chance to achieve what Orochimaru suggested, her main concern was restoring Rope Tree’s health.

Kahn smiled, pointing to the subject named Earthstone. “I understand. Truly, you two have worked hard. So, what about this man…”

“I think—”

“All the data and tissue samples have been collected, with thorough records. This information will greatly aid the next experiments. In other words…”

Orochimaru paused, then flicked his wrist. Several snakes as thick as a forearm slid from his sleeve, wrapping around Earthstone. They quickly constricted his neck and waist, killing him instantly.

Orochimaru swiftly formed hand signs, and before Tsunade could react, used Earth Release to crush the subject’s body and bury it deep underground.

Afterward, Orochimaru chuckled, “Alright, Kahn. Earthstone is now buried over ten meters down. In seven days, he’ll be nothing but worthless fertilizer…”

“Hey, Orochimaru, why did you—”

Tsunade’s face was contorted with rage and shock, but before she could finish, Orochimaru placed a hand on her shoulder, cutting off her words.

“Calm down, Tsunade. The experiment isn’t over—they were just death row inmates. Kahn, let’s discuss things inside.”

“Perfect. I’d like to learn more about the Desolation Virus.”

Kahn agreed readily. If the success rate could be assured, he would consider injecting the new serum himself.

Before entering the underground facility, Kahn noticed Tsunade’s lingering distress and tried to comfort her, “Don’t worry so much, Tsunade. I brought you a little gift—I think you’ll like it.”

Orochimaru’s actions had pleased him greatly. From the beginning, he never intended to spare the death row subjects; their fate wouldn’t change simply because the Desolation Virus had succeeded. Even if the experiment was successful, their primary value was always the serum, not the existence of a subject capable of Wood Release.

Tsunade saw only the Wood Release, but failed to see the deeper layer. By comparison, Kahn preferred Orochimaru’s methods.

He cared only for the goal, while Kahn valued results. Their temperaments were similar. When their goals aligned, they were ideal partners, but if their aims diverged, things could get complicated.

Inside the base, Kahn reviewed the experimental process regarding Earthstone.

“Can we try a few more times, Orochimaru? I’d like to be more certain—the current success rate doesn’t give me confidence.”

Orochimaru smiled, “Of course. Rope Tree is my disciple, after all. I wouldn’t trust him with the serum at this stage either.”