Chapter 69

Perhaps because he had come to a realization, Bai Shi found his mood much more cheerful after returning. His enthusiasm for research had significantly increased, and he could now stay in the laboratory all night without any problem. By putting aside personal matters, his research had made great progress over the past few days. Due to an accidental discovery, the number of surviving lab mice had increased after the natural energy-processed drugs replaced the chakra in their bodies as a source of life energy. These surviving lab mice were larger than ordinary ones, more energetic, and most importantly, there had been no sudden deaths so far. According to the instrument readings, this positive growth state could accompany these lab mice throughout their lives. Before their natural lifespan ended, they would not experience sudden death. The processed natural energy could replace the life energy of chakra, allowing life to carry out normal activities. ——Therefore, it was time to start new human experiments. Yes. Bai Shi's ultimate goal was not to change the lab mice. The final stage of this experiment was to be applied to humans. To help Ayame break free from the Caged Bird seal, so she could leave Konoha without being held back by the Hyuga clan. Although the experiments with lab mice were still at an important stage that had not been completed. That was the replacement of chakra with the original natural energy. The natural energy that now replaced the chakra in the lab mice's bodies was processed. However, Bai Shi, who had identified the core of the problem, was extremely confident that he could quickly overcome this stage. The next step was to begin a new round of human experiments. Unlike the experiments involving the fusion of natural energy, this one was fraught with danger. A slight misstep could mean death. Therefore, how to minimize the risk... in other words, Bai Shi's bottom line was to ensure the survival of the test subjects even in the event of failure. This was the primary issue to be resolved. Bai Shi found it strange that, although he did not feel much discomfort when he actively killed, he hesitated when it came to human experiments. This was probably because the feeling of playing with life was also something he detested. But this was the only path Bai Shi knew to true science. Medical science, as well as other types of science, often involved inhumane human experiments, which is how they advanced. The medical ninjutsu in the ninja world was also valued by the villages based on a large number of sacrifices. The emergence of human experiment guidelines was also to slightly comfort the mental state of the executors. No matter how you looked at it, this was about playing with other people's lives. It was a completely different psychological activity from directly taking someone's life. "What's wrong, Lord Bai Shi?" An experimental assistant saw Bai Shi standing by the lab bench, lost in thought, and asked. "Nothing, just thinking about some trivial matters." Bai Shi shook his head. No matter how much he thought, he could not abandon the work he was doing now. Therefore, how to minimize the risk of the next round of human experiments was the most meaningful and valuable thing. Suddenly, he remembered something and looked at the five experimental assistants working in the lab, asking them seriously: "By the way, do you want to become ninjas?" The atmosphere in the lab became silent. After a long time, one of the experimental assistants stammered, "What do you mean by... ninjas?" "Learning ninja skills, like jutsu and such." Bai Shi explained casually. "Can we... do it?" They seemed a bit fearful and lacking in confidence. "Of course. Your current physical condition is better than many active ninjas. Even if you specialize in taijutsu, you can reach the level of a chunin within a few years, or even surpass it." Bai Shi knew where their lack of confidence came from. At the beginning, they were just ordinary bandits, completely untrained and without any ninja skills. Now, after being improved by natural energy, without considering the combat experience and tactics of real ninjas, their taijutsu skills were already not inferior to the standard genin level. Reaching the level of a chunin within a few years, or even higher, was an incredible feat. But natural energy could achieve this. This was the magic of natural energy. The method of absorbing natural energy that he had developed was based on a system suitable for human development, creating another developmental system. Although this system was still in its early stages and had many incomplete aspects, it was enough to benefit people immensely. "What do you think? Are you willing to truly work for me? I can give you a certain amount of freedom and help you live better in this world. Even if you were once ruthless bandits, you must want to protect your parents and children, right?" These words were like knives, deeply rooted in the hearts of the five. One of them had a complicated look on his face, as if recalling some unpleasant past. "We five actually come from the same village. Our homeland is the Land of Rain." "The main battlefield of the previous war?" Bai Shi had heard of the place, a land that rained all year round, known as the 'Crying Country.' Sandwiched between the Fire, Wind, and Earth countries, the life of the people there, Bai Shi could imagine. It was like a living hell. "Yes. A few years ago, the ninjas who came to our village didn't kill us, but they took all our living supplies, food, winter quilts, and even requisitioned our houses..." They lived humbly, struggling to survive. In this world without warmth, everyone was fighting to live. When others took their things, they went to take from those weaker than them. All for survival. "At first, there were more than twenty of us, but sometimes the things we did were too dangerous, and many companions were killed... Actually, there was no real complaint. Everyone was fighting for survival. There was no regret, no sense of justice, just a struggle for survival..." The man's eyes were dim, and his expression was numb. For people who couldn't even afford a decent meal... no, whose country and family were trampled on, survival was already a struggle, and there was no need to blame anyone. Being oppressed by the strong, if you didn't want to die, you had to step on the weak and take their food. Death was just bad luck, not worth complaining about. Living meant continuing to survive until bad luck took you. "This is the current state of the ninja world. It seems the books I showed you were somewhat useful." Hearing Bai Shi's words, the five exchanged bitter smiles. Compared to their initial fear, they now respected him more than they feared him. "What is your decision? I have some matters that I need you to handle for me." "We are willing to serve you." The five bowed to Bai Shi in succession. It was reasonable for them to be so understanding. For survival, for a better life, and for the families suffering in the Land of Rain, if they did not join Bai Shi's camp, they would only continue to be experimental subjects. "Hmm." Bai Shi nodded and continued, "I can stay in Konoha for another month. During this month, I will try to help you build a solid foundation. After that, I will arrange for you to go elsewhere. I have a very important task for you to do." ——Gathering intelligence. Especially in the Land of Ghosts and the Land of Iron. Now he needed to make some plans for the future. In the ninja world, these two countries had never been affected by war and maintained a permanent neutral status. Especially the Land of Ghosts, due to its unique position, was safer, more hidden, and less likely to attract attention. Before leaving Konoha, it was necessary to establish a stable base. Moreover, in the ninja world, being alone was easy to be at a disadvantage. With the natural energy cultivation system in his hands, if he had more time, training chunin-level ninjas was a simple matter. The most important point was that he had a very wealthy friend. In this world, money could solve most problems.