After discussing the details of the cooperation, Simu used the excuse that Orochimaru's laboratory equipment was insufficient to take the Hashirama cells and all the remaining experimental subjects provided by Danzo Shimura back to his own stronghold.
Orochimaru originally wanted to observe how Simu conducted his research, but unfortunately, he was barred from the door.
For Simu, research results could be shared, but the research process was off-limits. Furthermore, once he returned to his laboratory, he simply tossed the Hashirama cells obtained from Orochimaru into the Blood Pool to begin genetic analysis. Even if Orochimaru stood by to watch, he wouldn't be able to understand a thing.
Unlike other experiments, the Hashirama cells erupted with powerful vitality upon entering the Blood Pool. They began frantically absorbing nutrients from the pool to accelerate their division. In less than half an hour, the sample had grown from the size of a fist to the size of a basketball.
Such a terrifying growth rate.
Simu used his eyes to record the various changes occurring in the Hashirama cells during the experiment.
As his spiritual power continued to rise, his entire being functioned like a supercomputer, far more efficient than the computers in Orochimaru's base. He could easily record these data points after a single glance and store them permanently in his mind.
With the frantic growth of the Hashirama cells, Simu had to manipulate the Blood Pool to cut off the nutrient supply. Otherwise, given the nourishment provided by the pool, this mass of cells would be enough to occupy the entire stronghold in just a few days.
This terrifying speed of division and frantic proliferation reminded Simu of cancer cells from his previous life. By comparison, cancer cells were like little brothers in front of Hashirama cells. After all, Hashirama cells could maintain powerful vitality even in the air, and their invasiveness toward the human body was far more violent.
If it can plunder nutrients, what about chakra?
Simu extended a finger, and a pale blue spark of chakra shot from his fingertip, landing on the fleshy sphere formed by the Hashirama cells. In an instant, the chakra Simu released was completely swallowed by the cells.
It absorbs not just nutrients, but even chakra.
After some thought, Simu took out another scroll. Upon undoing the seal, a surge of violent red chakra instantly poured out, filling the entire laboratory with a terrifying sense of pressure. This was a portion of chakra he had sliced off from the One-Tail before it was sealed.
Simu wanted to see how the chakra-absorbing Hashirama cells would react to the violent chakra of a Tailed Beast. The result surprised him. When he brought a portion of the Tailed Beast chakra close to the Hashirama cells, the violent sensation that was so strong just a moment ago vanished instantly.
The irritable Tailed Beast chakra was like a deflated balloon in front of the Hashirama cells. Upon contact, it was easily absorbed, and the mass of cells grew slightly larger again.
It has a very strong suppressive effect on Tailed Beast chakra.
Simu silently noted this point. It was truly worthy of being the cells of the God of Shinobi; even after so many generations of division, they still maintained such a fearsome presence.
Next is...
Simu raised his hand again. A flash of lightning shot from his fingertip, cutting off a corner of the fleshy sphere like a sharp blade.
This time, the cutting was smooth and fluid. The situation where Simu's ninjutsu was absorbed did not occur.
In other words, the Hashirama cells can absorb nutrients and raw chakra, but they cannot absorb various substances converted from chakra?
Following this, Simu tested other ninjutsu, such as earth spears summoned by Earth Style, water blades from Water Style, and wind blades. All of them caused damage to the Hashirama cells.
Although the wounds disappeared in a very short time due to the cells' powerful vitality, it was enough to prove Simu's hypothesis: Hashirama cells can only absorb chakra, not ninjutsu.
Out of interest in the Hashirama cells and a desire for the power of the God of Shinobi, Simu temporarily halted research on other projects and concentrated most of his processing power on analyzing the Hashirama cells.
While Simu carried out his research day and night, Danzo Shimura, thousands of miles away, received a message from Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru wants Hashirama's original cells?"
Danzo Shimura frowned slightly. Due to the cells' powerful proliferation ability, there could be as many as desired as long as enough nutrients were provided. However, original cells from the source were quite rare. After all, one couldn't use Hashirama Senju's entire body for experiments. As the First Hokage of the Hidden Leaf, he had to be left with some dignity. Consequently, the original cells were precious.
Standing next to Danzo Shimura, Tatsuma Aburame lowered his head. "Yes, Lord Danzo. Orochimaru said that only the original cells contain the true power of Wood Style and can create a genuine Wood Style user."
After hesitating for a moment, Danzo Shimura waved his hand, deciding to support Orochimaru's research.
"Then send a portion of the original cells to Orochimaru. Remember, tell him that if he fails again this time, I will reconsider our cooperation."
"Yes, Lord Danzo."
Tatsuma Aburame quickly disappeared from the spot with the order.
Danzo Shimura touched his eye and arm, which were already wrapped in bandages. A sharp glint flashed in his remaining left eye. If Orochimaru hadn't successfully crafted this arm for him, he wouldn't have been so generous with the original cells.
Having begun the preliminary study of Wood Style, Danzo Shimura knew very well how much power this Kekkei Genkai contained. If Orochimaru's research succeeded and he possessed a Wood Style ninja force, then the Hokage seat would be within reach!
With such fervent emotions, Danzo Shimura walked toward the Hokage building with his cane. Today was the monthly meeting of the Hidden Leaf high-level officials. Unsurprisingly, as soon as he entered the office, he received concern from his old friends.
"Danzo, what is this?"
Koharu Utatane looked at Danzo Shimura's bandaged left hand and left eye, voicing her question. Danzo Shimura's reaction was quite flat.
"It was merely an insignificant battle."
He certainly wouldn't tell these people that he had already obtained the power of the Sharingan and Wood Style.
Conversely, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at him deeply and asked, "Are you alright?"
Danzo Shimura shook his head. "Just some overconfident fools trying to assassinate me and shake the Root of the Hidden Leaf."
With one sentence, he casually summarized his encounter while expressing his central role and importance to the Hidden Leaf. This was the art of speaking.