"I was too careless," Mizuki thought bitterly. "That superiority feeling of a reincarnator clouded my judgment. The difference between possessing chakra and lacking chakra is simply too vast. Their reactions to the life-saving pills are completely different. Looking at all these grotesque creatures floating in the culture fluids, I should have realized this earlier."
In any world, for any creature, the evolutionary path from lower to higher forms generally follows similar patterns. The developmental stages of an embryo reveal much about this process.
If the reptilian traits exhibited by Mizuki's original cultured cell samples could still be considered reasonable, then the current appearances were downright inexplicable. Limbs had clearly grown into claw-like appendages. The abstract head shapes with gaping mouths full of razor-sharp teeth were particularly unsettling. Examining the cultures derived from Zabuza's, Haku's, Sasuke's, and Naruto's blood samples, if one overlooked their long tails, they might appear vaguely human with recognizable heads, faces, and limbs. But these samples showed unmistakable aquatic characteristics - gill structures typical of fish or amphibians. One even displayed delicate scales. Others had sprouted double horns atop their heads. Cracks appearing on foreheads suggested the imminent development of a Third Eye precursor. Perhaps these traits would eventually fade or become hidden over time, but their present manifestations were already chilling.
All these samples originated from old, low-vitality blood or hair cells completely devoid of consciousness or mental energy. Without natural chakra production ability, the effects of the life-saving pill manifested fully. While double horns and Third Eyes might be explained as inherited traits from the Otsutsuki Clan in Naruto's and Sasuke's cases, the transformations in Zabuza's and Haku's samples raised serious questions. Were these changes gradually acquired through chakra usage? Or were they caused by artificial modifications? Could it be that humanity itself carried deep genetic secrets within its hereditary history? That remained unclear.
Looking at the monster developed from his own hair sample, without intervention, transforming into a bestial humanoid seemed almost certain. In the original storyline, Mizuki's second-stage transformation took the form of a tiger shape - but that likely resulted from more than just the cursed seal and pill combination.
Recalling the Sound Four's and Kimimaro's second-stage transformations - growing horns, tails, claws, or even spider-like features - those lacking sufficient bodily potential wouldn't survive the cursed seal's activation. No wonder so many didn't survive. Even the inferior mutation version of Sage Mode proved beyond most ninja's capacity. Without powerful ancestral genes granting exceptional genetic potential, such formidable techniques were simply never meant for ordinary people.
"If that's the case," he mused, "then the application of life-saving pills requires complete reconsideration."
Using them merely as healing agents constitutes a terrible waste.
Mizuki mused inwardly, "Letting them develop unchecked like this just won't do. With the right chakra stimulation, who knows what unexpected potential could surface~"
These flesh masses lacked souls and spiritual energy. They were practically incapable of producing chakra on their own. It was nearly impossible for them to develop something like a Kekkei Genkai. Such good fortune wouldn't come so easily. Otherwise, Danzo would have already created an army of Sharingan-bearing clones long ago. Who else would get first dibs? Even if they had such potential, without suitable chakra activation, those abilities would remain as distant as clouds in the sky—visible but unattainable.
"Further experiments are still needed to gather data. It will take time to refine effective methodologies." Mizuki divided some samples and appropriately injected them with a bit of chakra and culture fluids before packing everything away.
"It's getting late. Let's go to bed early. Looks like I need to establish a laboratory as soon as possible~" After finishing his preparations, Mizuki, whose health wasn't great, went upstairs to sleep. Soon after, he drifted into a peaceful slumber.
...
The next morning bright and early, Tsubaki arrived with breakfast. After finishing their meal, she pushed his wheelchair outside to go for a walk. The weather was quite pleasant during these late spring mornings. For someone like Mizuki, who'd been confined to bed for a long time, going out to soak up some sunshine was incredibly refreshing.
"Tsubaki, let's take a stroll toward the Ninja Academy."
"You mean to visit Iruka?"
"Might as well have a look while we're there."
Mizuki and Tsubaki moved slowly along, wandering and chatting as they walked. It took them quite a while before finally arriving at the Ninja Academy.
"It's been a while since I've been here. How long has it been for you, Tsubaki?"
"Don't remember. Look, isn't that Iruka over there?"
Indeed, Iruka was giving an outdoor training class with his students.
"Only he'd enjoy doing something like this without getting bored of it," Mizuki said with a wry smile.
"Iruka saw us. He's waving. Should we go say hi?"
"Yeah." Mizuki pushed himself out of the wheelchair and slowly stood up.
"You're not fully recovered yet. Let me support you over there," Tsubaki offered.
"No thanks. I can handle this much movement." Appearing helpless in front of Iruka and his students felt too embarrassing.
Before they got close, they heard Iruka saying with annoying cheerfulness, "Everyone, look at Mizuki over there with that pale face? He was seriously injured on his last mission. See? Being a ninja isn't simple at all. Otherwise, you'll end up just like him."
"Iruka! You made me sound like a bad example. Did you even ask me about this?" Mizuki complained bitterly.
"And I'm sorry, Mizuki. I slipped up without thinking. Force of habit really."
Nearby, Konohamaru asked with obvious interest, "Mizuki, are missions really dangerous? Tell us about it. Was it cool or what?"
Konohamaru's question immediately drew enthusiastic reactions from the other students.
"That's still a little too much for you to understand right now. First, practice diligently and build your skills. Then you'll become real ninjas capable of completing various important missions for our village. Alright everyone, let's do some free training for now, then take a break."
"Yes sir!" The disappointed students noisily scattered off.
"Mizuki, it's unusual to see you at the Ninja Academy this time of day. What brings you here?"
"Just thought I'd drop by. It's been a while," Mizuki replied casually. "You're still the same old Iruka. Haven't changed much at all."
"Not that long has passed. What could I possibly change? Didn't we see each other yesterday?"
"I meant you as a teacher molding your students."
"Really? Haha, truthfully, I'm not sure if I'm doing it well enough," Iruka chuckled. "But since Naruto and the others graduated, I haven't seen them in a while. I wonder how they're doing. I hope their Squad Leaders are properly guiding them."
"Oh well," Mizuki sighed, "you really don't need to worry about that. They've become excellent ninja already. Perhaps even stronger than you, Iruka."
"That can't be true, haha." Iruka assumed Mizuki was joking. "Have you seen them yourself?"
"Mm, heard something about them during one mission." Mizuki intentionally avoided mentioning he had just met them on his last mission. If Iruka found out that Naruto, just a Genin, had taken part in such a high-stakes mission—one where even Mizuki nearly died—who knows if his heart could take it?
"Hmm, I wonder whether that Naruto kid is causing trouble for others," Iruka said uncomfortably.
"Though he's a mischievous little brat, he's already an official ninja. You'll probably see them soon enough."
"That would be great."
"Iruka, I won't interrupt your class any longer. I've got things to do, so I'll take my leave now." Mizuki prepared to depart after having observed sufficiently.
After turning around and walking out the main gate of the Ninja Academy, Mizuki cast one last glance at Iruka, who was happily playing with his students. Then he got into his wheelchair and left with Chiharu Tsubaki.
"Looking at these brats, I can already see their futures laid out before them," Mizuki mused like a sage witnessing the harsh reality of this rigidly hierarchical world. "Lineage determines one's potential. Talent dictates growth rate. Perseverance defines the height of achievement. Resources establish hierarchy and status. Only wisdom can truly reshape destiny." Sometimes, Mizuki even wished he knew less—perhaps living as a nobody surviving day by day wouldn't be so bad after all. Yet fate had already entangled him too deeply; as an anomaly within the world's natural order, escaping was no longer an option. Besides, deep down, he wasn't really the kind of person content with mediocrity. If he hadn't known, it would be one thing. But now that he did, he might as well do what he truly wanted to do.
"Tsubaki, let's find a place to have lunch first, then head back early. It's almost noon, and it's getting hot outside."
"If it's too hot, we can go home early. I'll cook lunch—eating out is a bit expensive."
"That works. There's still plenty of food at home. We can just have something simple."
After returning home and finishing lunch, while both Mizuki and Tsubaki were resting, Tsubaki suddenly spoke up hesitantly: "Um... Mizuki, what do you think about opening a flower shop? I mentioned it briefly before."
"Hmm? Why bring this up all of a sudden?"
"A while ago, I started a nursery near the cabin in the back mountain."
"Oh right, I remember. It's your own property anyway. So what about it?"
"I've grown some flowers, and they're about to bloom. I thought I could open a small shop and sell them when they're ready."
"That's great, right? So what's the issue?"
With a relieved sigh, Tsubaki said, "I was afraid you might object. I've already found a few great spots. Want to check them out together?"
"Alright." Mizuki nodded. "But you still have your job, and I'm not really familiar with this. Who'll manage the flower shop?"
"We can look after it ourselves when we have time. Otherwise, we can hire someone."
"Okay then. Have you talked to the property owner? When are we going to check it out?"
"Three days from now."
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>