"Certainly!" Tsunade nodded with pride. "It took over half a month, but I finally completed it. Come inspect it later—if it meets your standards, we'll begin research today."
"I can't wait!" Ren Takashi grinned.
He had waited days for this moment. Tsunade, eager to escape her financial woes, was just as motivated—particularly in researching life-restoring potions that could help prolong Mito's life.
After breakfast, Ren Takashi left a Shadow Clone to continue sealing studies with Mito, while his real body followed Tsunade next door.
"This is it," Tsunade said, gesturing toward a large courtyard. "The surface-level structures are minimal. Most of the real work happens underground."
She led him into a secure entry sealed by a barrier. Inside was a vast basement, over a thousand square meters with five-meter ceilings. The space was well-lit, divided into work zones, with advanced research instruments installed throughout.
"How is it?" Tsunade asked, arms crossed.
"It's excellent," Ren Takashi said, visibly impressed. "You really thought this through."
He examined the surrounding seals. "This barrier… Master Mito's work?"
"You caught that?" Tsunade chuckled. "Yes, it's her Five Elements Sealing Barrier. I heard you created it and taught it to her?"
Ren Takashi nodded. "Some creatures in the ninja world—like one I call White Zetsu—can slip past ordinary barriers. This one stops them cold."
Tsunade blinked. "White Zetsu?"
"I'll show you eventually. They have unique properties—perfect for future research."
"Well then, shall we start today?"
"Yes," Ren Takashi agreed. "Let's begin with nutritional medicine. It's simple and has a massive market."
Tsunade laughed. "Good, because the lab is nearly broke."
They worked the entire day using their real bodies, combining Ren Takashi's dual-life experience with Huxia medicine, Senju-Uchiha medicinal knowledge, and Tsunade's medical expertise.
By day's end, they had already made major progress.
"At this rate, we'll finish developing the full set of nutritional potions within half a month," Ren Takashi said, wiping his brow.
Tsunade nodded, amazed. "You're beyond talented. Everything you touch seems divinely guided."
They cleaned up the lab and emerged to find Kushina waiting.
"Brother Ren Takashi! Sister Tsunade! Grandma says it's time for dinner!"
The three walked to Mito's home, where Mito and Nawaki were already seated.
"You're late," Mito chided, though gently. "Don't neglect your health for work."
"Yes, ma'am," they echoed and sat down.
"How's the research?" Mito asked.
"Very well," Ren Takashi said. "We're focusing on nutritional pills. They replenish nutrients rapidly, have no side effects, and can even replace meals to a degree."
Mito's eyes widened. "Isn't that a perfect Bingliang Pill?"
"Better," Tsunade said. "More digestible. Ten times faster at cell nutrient restoration."
Mito gasped. "That could restore a ninja's stamina in minutes."
"This will be strategic," Ren Takashi said. "But it only restores physical energy, not much mental stamina."
He added that spiritual recovery pills were also in development.
"What's the cost?" Mito asked.
"Too early to say," Ren Takashi replied.
"Then keep it secret until the formula is done," Mito warned. "This kind of breakthrough could shake the entire ninja world. You must protect it."
"Yes," they both replied.
Mito turned to Nawaki and Kushina. "Not a word, especially you, Nawaki. You need a seal."
Ren Takashi chuckled. "You just want me to contract with Nawaki and teach him martial arts, don't you?"
Mito smiled apologetically. "He needs protection. His position is dangerous, and his talent isn't enough."
"No problem," Ren Takashi agreed.
He formed a contract seal, sent it to Nawaki, and under everyone's guidance, Nawaki completed it.
Ren Takashi then taught him Huxia martial arts, chakra refinement, circulation, and meditation techniques.
"Thank you," Mito and Tsunade said.
"We're family," Ren Takashi said with a smile.
Nawaki, absorbing everything, began a new chapter of growth that night.
Author's Note: Ren Takashi's web of influence spreads—one seal, one ally at a time. The research begins, and revolution brews below the surface!