Chapter 192: The Two-Tails’ Cells
"Nagato, bring me that solution," Tsunade instructed as she focused on her work in the hospital's laboratory.
The finger used for the experiment on Hashirama's cells had shown increased stability after extensive observation. Tsunade had also recently discussed with Fugaku the plan to use death row inmates as test subjects for further research.
As a Medical-nin, Tsunade didn't shy away from human experimentation, particularly when the subjects were dangerous criminals. Orochimaru, of course, wouldn't hesitate—he'd simply say, "More." Still, for the sake of appearances and some degree of humanitarian caution, it was best to keep such work under wraps.
"Okay," Nagato replied obediently, fetching the solution from the side table.
"Sensei, is this what Seven-Tails cells look like?" he asked curiously, peering at the thin, translucent specimen in the petri dish as he handed it to Tsunade.
"These are cells taken from Chōmei's wings," Tsunade explained while carefully adding the culture fluid. "When cultivated, they grow in this form."
"So how long will it take to develop this into something usable?" Nagato asked, his curiosity evident. He seemed as intrigued by this as he was by the mysteries of his own eyes.
"It's probably going to take a very long time," Tsunade said after a moment's thought. Cultivating Tailed Beast cells wasn't particularly difficult, but accelerating their growth posed a significant challenge. In the original work, Orochimaru had needed nearly twenty years to grow the Eight-Tails cells into a massive pair of horns.
"Sensei..." Nagato began to ask another question, but their conversation was interrupted by the sudden creak of the door opening.
"Nagato is here today as well," came a familiar, gloomy voice. Orochimaru entered the lab, his presence unmistakable.
"Lord Orochimaru," Nagato greeted him softly, his voice tinged with apprehension. Despite his obedience, he was clearly uneasy around Orochimaru.