Sometimes the most dangerous power in the ninja world begins as a desperate attempt to save a life.
While focusing on Kimimaro, Souma also kept part of his perception fixed on the Raikage's movements.
The Fourth Raikage was hot-tempered, but he was far from foolish.
His behavior yesterday and today made it obvious—
He was gathering intelligence about Konoha.
Souma didn't mind.
In fact—
He hoped the Raikage would learn something.
Kumogakure's strength came from two main sources.
First, the Land of Lightning valued martial power and invested heavily in its village. Even with harsh terrain, Kumogakure had fought its way to prominence.
Second—
The overwhelming strength passed down through generations of Raikage.
Konoha was different.
Its relationship with the Fire Daimyō had never been particularly close.
Financial support from the capital only formed a small part of Konoha's economy.
Most of the village's growth came from its own development.
That independence had always made many nobles uneasy.
However—
In recent months, thanks to Souma's efforts, Konoha's ties with Kyoto's noble circles had grown significantly closer.
Funds flowing into the village had increased rapidly.
Konoha now had no shortage of operational capital.
And after more than a decade of recovery, its population had begun to rebound.
Simply put—
Kumogakure's development potential was limited.
Konoha's potential was still enormous.
Even if both villages adopted similar strategies, Konoha would eventually surpass Kumogakure.
And in truth—
Many of Konoha's methods couldn't be copied at all.
For example—
Ninja beasts.
Among the nobles of the Land of Fire, owning a ninja beast had become extremely fashionable.
Every aristocrat took pride in possessing one that was both beautiful and useful.
Having such a companion immediately elevated their status.
Souma had merely suggested a marketing concept inspired by diamonds.
After that, Sakuraba Sadataki began promoting the idea within noble circles.
The results had been spectacular.
As for the medicinal trade—
Lower-tier medicinal bath packs and soldier pills were also extremely popular among the aristocracy.
All it took was slightly improving the flavor, adding beneficial herbs—
And combining that with clever marketing.
The nobles happily opened their wallets.
To Souma, the strategy wasn't impressive.
They were just tricks used by countless merchants in his previous life.
But in the ninja world—
They worked perfectly.
After a series of coordinated efforts, nobles began flocking to Konoha.
The bustling scenes from earlier weeks were the direct result.
Of course—
Sakuraba Sadataki's outstanding performance had genuinely surprised Souma.
Much of the wealth she earned eventually flowed toward the Hidden Sound Village.
As for Kumogakure—
Trying to replicate these systems would be nearly impossible.
If the Raikage wanted true growth, he would have to find Kumogakure's own unique path.
Souma continued monitoring the Raikage while quietly planning how to extract advantages from their negotiations.
Half an hour later—
A messenger arrived.
"Lord Souma. Lady Tsunade asks you to come."
"Understood."
Inside the ANBU laboratory.
When Souma entered, Tsunade had already prepared everything.
In front of her, a mass of white flesh was sealed within a complex barrier.
It was cultivated from Hashirama cells.
Beside it stood a surgical bed.
Medical instruments were arranged neatly nearby.
Tsunade was pulling on surgical gloves.
"Before the procedure," she said, "we'll record your physical data. If you're uncomfortable with that—"
"No need."
Kimimaro answered calmly.
"I'm already used to such things."
"Data doesn't matter. Even if you wanted to transplant Shikotsumyaku from me, I wouldn't mind."
"As long as you're not afraid of inheriting the same bloodline disease."
"Very well."
Tsunade nodded.
"Lie face down first. We'll deal with the Curse Mark on your chest."
Although she had already reviewed Kimimaro's medical records dozens of times, Tsunade still conducted a full examination using both instruments and sensory techniques.
Souma, meanwhile, focused on the Hashirama cells.
These had clearly been cultivated from Danzō's arm.
Alongside Hashirama's power, another strange chakra signature lingered within them.
Still—
They were sufficient for creating the first version of the new Curse Mark.
Souma carefully extracted a portion and began synchronizing his chakra with its energy.
Kimimaro lay calmly on the bed.
Under the effects of a medical technique, he soon fell asleep.
"Let's begin," Tsunade said.
Souma nodded.
"We'll implant the Curse Mark first and observe his condition afterward."
He paused before adding,
"If this experiment succeeds…"
"I think you should consider receiving this new Curse Mark as well."
Tsunade fell silent.
The idea was tempting.
A Curse Mark constructed from Hashirama cells might not match a true Sage Body—
But it would still be far better than her current state.
Right now she couldn't even sense natural energy.
Yet transplanting her grandfather's cells…
The thought unsettled her.
Souma spoke again.
"You may think its primary function is enabling Sage Chakra."
"But the real reason I recommend it is life force replenishment."
Both of them understood the true nature of the Strength of a Hundred Technique.
It accelerated cell division to achieve instantaneous healing.
But cells had limits.
Even Hashirama Senju—
Had died young.
Tsunade's vitality was far below Hashirama's.
Without his cells, her lifespan would inevitably shorten.
And beyond that—
Sage Mode itself was incredibly powerful.
Soon, assisted by ANBU medical specialists, the surgery began.
Barrier layers were constructed around Kimimaro.
The first step—
Cell implantation.
Hashirama cells were inserted into Kimimaro's chest.
Immediately they began spreading, devouring surrounding tissue at an astonishing rate.
However—
When they reached the bone structure…
"They stopped," Tsunade said, surprised.
"Your theory was correct."
"Shikotsumyaku can indeed resist my grandfather's cells."
"Let's finish forming the Curse Mark," Souma said quickly.
"We can't allow the spread to continue."
"Agreed."
In the next moment—
Both of them injected chakra simultaneously.
Within seconds, the spreading cells halted.
The white tissue began compressing inward.
Gradually—
It shrank back toward Kimimaro's neck.
Finally, it condensed into a single mark.
And refused to shrink any further.
The chakra contained within it was simply too powerful.
Not only Hashirama's energy—
But also the influence of Orochimaru's Earth Curse Mark.
Once devoured by Hashirama cells, the Curse Mark's feedback had accelerated the spread dramatically.
Even so—
Shikotsumyaku had managed to suppress it.
That alone demonstrated the terrifying strength of Kimimaro's bloodline.
Especially when he entered Curse Mark state.
In that form, his body was likely burning its vitality every second.
It was no wonder he had developed a bloodline disease.
"Should we extract some of the excess?" Tsunade asked.
"It's fine."
Souma raised a hand.
"Let me summon kikaichū."
Half an hour later—
Souma and Tsunade stepped out of the laboratory.
They leaned against the hallway wall.
Tsunade glanced back at the door.
Her expression was complicated.
Relief.
And sadness.
"For the first time… my grandfather's cells were used to save someone."
She sighed softly.
"Honestly, I'm impressed you came up with such an idea."
Souma shook his head.
"It's nothing."
"Just a refinement of Orochimaru's research."
Then he sighed.
Orochimaru's experiments had caused countless deaths.
And tragically—
Many of Konoha's senior officials had originally approved those projects.
Even the Third Hokage had agreed at first.
Only when the casualties grew too high did they shut everything down.
Tsunade clearly disliked that history.
Still—
She smiled faintly.
"Not bad."
"Let's observe him for a few days."
"If it fails, we'll replace the cells with yours."
"They won't match my grandfather's power—but they might buy him time."
Souma nodded.
That had always been his backup plan.
His own body contained a partially developed Sage Body.
Once strengthened, it possessed considerable vitality.
But it would only treat the symptoms.
Not the cause.
Still—
If the Hashirama-based Curse Mark succeeded…
It meant Souma could eventually grant Tsunade and Sasuke even more advanced Curse Mark abilities.
As for Kakashi—
Souma suspected his physique might not withstand such power.
Tsunade stretched.
"Let's go."
"That Raikage has been waiting long enough."
"He must be getting impatient."
Souma chuckled.
"He's not actually impatient."
"He may look reckless, but the Fourth Raikage has his own kind of intelligence."
"He's probably gathering information about Konoha right now."
Tsunade nodded.
"The Raikage is bold… and clever."
Then she summarized yesterday's negotiations.
The core problem was simple.
The Raikage refused to compromise on ninjutsu exchanges.
Souma narrowed his eyes.
"Then let me talk to him."
"You?"
Tsunade studied him carefully.
Then shook her head.
"Better not."
"What if you injure him?"
"He might demand compensation from us."
"Pfft—!"
Souma nearly sprayed water everywhere.
He turned his head just in time.
"You sound more confident than I am!"
Tsunade laughed.
"You defeated Killer B."
"The Raikage is strong—but he's still weaker than a fully transformed Jinchūriki."
Souma considered the comparison.
"If I fight him without Sage Mode or breathing activation techniques… it would be difficult to gain the upper hand quickly."
The Raikage truly was powerful.
Without Sage Mode, relying solely on taijutsu and swordsmanship—
Souma was slightly inferior.
Of course—
If the fight dragged on, he still believed he could win.
But once Sage Mode was activated—
The Raikage would stand no chance.
Souma then revealed his real plan.
"I want Guy-sensei to fight him."
"Guy?"
"His chakra armor training has improved recently."
"He can maintain it below the Sixth Gate now."
"That should be enough."
"A demonstration?" Tsunade asked.
Souma nodded.
The Raikage refused to exchange ninjutsu because he hadn't seen the value yet.
Once the benefits became clear—
He would reconsider.
But if Konoha pushed too aggressively, negotiations would turn disadvantageous.
Tsunade understood the political balance far better than Souma.
So he didn't interfere further.
Still—
This surgery had produced another important outcome.
The compatibility data between Kimimaro and Hashirama cells.
That information would be extremely valuable for Neji's future.
Souma had not forgotten his promise.
He intended to give Neji a truly extraordinary gift.
Shikotsumyaku.
Hashirama cells.
Even if Neji sealed his Byakugan someday—
Those two powers alone would make him one of the strongest shinobi alive.
When that day came…
"Don't bully the young because they're poor?"
Souma chuckled.
That was merely the beginning of a true genius's story.
Considering Neji's current personality—
He probably wouldn't return to the Hyuga clan.
More likely, he would remain in the Hidden Sound Village.
Or quietly continue serving Konoha in his own way.
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