Chapter 139: The Wood Release Experiment Begins!

Chapter 139: The Wood Release Experiment Begins!

Inside the Wood Release Research Lab.

“All ninjas who have volunteered, please draw a number. Based on the number you draw, you will be injected with different doses of Wood Release cells...”

“This experiment will be conducted in seven batches! The number of participants in each batch will vary. We will record data in real time and make adjustments as needed. Keep in mind that everyone’s data will differ...”

The masked ANBU ninja relayed the information coldly. Upon hearing this, the group of brave ninjas, willing to sacrifice themselves for Konoha, nodded resolutely one by one.

However, Tsunade, who was in charge of conducting the final Wood Release experiment, sat silently behind the glass in the laboratory.

“There’s still time to back out if you regret it now!”

Tsunade’s cold voice echoed, and behind her stood seven sturdy members of the Senju clan, each with a look of unwavering determination.

“We are willing to participate!”

“Tsunade-sama, we’ve already drawn our numbers. Isn’t it true that the later the batch, the higher the success rate?”

Seven batches! Each batch corresponded to one of the seven Jonin from the Senju clan participating in the Wood Release experiment.

Looking at the seven clan members standing steadfast, Tsunade’s expression became complicated. Even though sacrifices had to be made, they were still her clan members.

In truth, they had done nothing significantly wrong. They were merely clinging to the glory of the once-mighty Senju clan, desperate to restore its greatness.

“Tsunade-sama, we just want to ask—are the odds of success really that low?”

Having already stepped into the lab, they had made up their minds. Naturally, someone voiced the doubts that lingered in their hearts.

Looking at her clan members, Tsunade let out a long, weary sigh and shook her head. “The time is too short. The power of bloodline limits has been researched before in the shinobi world, even by my granduncle. Why do you think that a mere two years of research could surpass all our predecessors?”

Under Tsunade’s self-deprecating smile, one middle-aged Senju Jonin spoke with a firm tone:

“No! We don’t believe that two years of research will surpass the work of the past. But we do believe in the legacy left behind by the Second Hokage and countless predecessors. We believe in your medical ninjutsu, Tsunade-sama!

So, what we’re betting on isn’t just these two years—it’s on the foundation built upon the hard work of generations before us!”

The legacy of the Senju clan and the research of the Second Hokage—all of it was accumulated experience passed down through countless generations.

Seeing the confidence of her clan members, Tsunade fell silent. After a long pause, she spoke softly: “You’re not wrong. But the time is still too short. For the Wood Release cells to show significant progress, at least three to five more years would be needed. And that’s just for progress, not success. Your chances of surviving this experiment are less than one percent!”

Tsunade spoke bluntly, revealing the brutal truth of the data. However, the seven participants smiled in response.

“Tsunade-sama, the power of bloodlines has always been referred to as forbidden for a reason. We are prepared for this.”

Watching these stubbornly determined clan members who were ready to face whatever came, Tsunade sighed and shook her head. This was her final attempt to dissuade them.

It’s hard to save those destined for death.

As night fell, in the sealed room, one by one, Konoha ninjas took a deep breath and stepped into the secret chamber.

Meanwhile, above them, behind the large observation glass, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo Shimura from Root, along with Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, looked solemnly at the experiment below.

“Let’s hope for a successful case. We’ve invested too much into these two years.”

While Homura and Koharu expressed a sliver of hope, Danzo responded coldly: “Failure is to be expected. What’s important is to observe the data from both the Senju and regular ninjas. These numerous failures will be the treasures that guide future research.”

Danzo’s obsession with Wood Release research ran deep. What’s a few deaths, after all? In the shinobi world, people die every day.

Sacrifice is merely a step toward success. Without it, success is impossible.

“Begin!”

At the command, medical ninjas started injecting varying doses of the experimental formula into the participants in the chamber below.

Time passed second by second. Some began writhing in agony, others let out anguished screams, while a few tried to resist the pain with sheer willpower.

“Ahhh!”

A bloodcurdling scream tore through the air as one Konoha ninja failed. Half of his body, injected with Wood Release cells, turned pale and instantly burst apart, transforming into a massive, horrifying tree.

“Wo... Wood Release!”

When the enormous tree appeared, Danzo’s eyes widened in shock. Wood Release had truly reappeared!

Even if it was just a fleeting moment, it was proof enough. As long as the hurdles could be overcome, Wood Release would eventually emerge.

Sarutobi Hiruzen and the other two elders, Homura and Koharu, were equally stunned. Wood Release—this long-buried memory had resurfaced.

“Wood Release cells have lost control, consuming the subject’s chakra and transforming into a tree. Dosage used was... Time... Blood analysis...”

“Subject No. 3 failed! Absorbed by the tree...”

“Subject No. 6...”

As the night wore on and dawn broke over Konoha, the Third Hokage’s expression grew increasingly grim.

“Failure. Complete failure. Not even the Senju Jonin survived.”

“Where’s Tsunade? Where did she go at such a critical moment?”

Furious at the total failure of the plan, Danzo slammed the table. However, an ANBU ninja respectfully reported:

“Tsunade-sama said that this experiment was nothing more than a slaughter. She has left. Here is the experiment report and the collected data she left behind...”

As Danzo prepared to retort, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed heavily and waved him off. “That’s enough, Danzo. This is just who Tsunade is. Besides, the research has already reached this stage. Her presence or absence doesn’t change much. The adjustments can be handled by the team below...”

The Wood Release experiment continued, involving not only Konoha volunteers but also numerous spies captured by Root and ANBU.

The seven batches of e

xperiments would stretch on for months before this blood-soaked endeavor reached its conclusion.

...