Chapter 160: Mayuri Kurotsuchi's Desire
Looking at the excited Mayuri, Satoru fell into thought.
I haven't even fired my shot yet, how come you're already down?
Doesn't this disrespect my status as a CPU master?
Though confused, he quickly adjusted his demeanor.
Under Mayuri's gaze, he snorted and lifted his chin:
"Serve me? There are at least eight hundred, if not a thousand, people in the Soul Society who want to serve me. What makes you special?"
Without hesitation, Mayuri declared: "The bomb that almost blew you up before—I made it!"
Satoru: "?"
Mentioning this was a mistake—it made him want to kick Mayuri.
Planting a bomb inside an assassin's body? What kind of twisted move was that?
If not for his sharp intuition and immediate decision to flee, things could have ended badly!
Mayuri seemed completely oblivious to Satoru's expression as he exclaimed with near-fanaticism, "Satoru, have you already mastered Captain Hikifune's Gigai technology?"
"Of course. I'm one of the top three intellects in the Soul Society—how could something like that stump me?"
Mayuri didn't doubt Satoru's boast in the slightest.
Kirio's Gigai technology was an incredibly complex undertaking.
Even an ordinary Shinigami, even with Kirio's full guidance, would find it difficult to fully grasp.
Not long ago, Mayuri had heard from other captured prisoners that Satoru had defeated Kōga Kuchiki.
Upon hearing this, he immediately concluded that Satoru must have mastered Gigai technology.
After all, at Satoru's age, no matter how much of a genius he was, it was unlikely he'd waste time studying mental isolation techniques.
Defeating Kōga meant Satoru had a trump card—something that could defend against Muramasa's power.
Connecting this with Satoru's earlier nighttime infiltration of the 12th Division, Mayuri quickly reached his conclusion.
It was highly probable that the power Satoru used to defend against Muramasa was the very Gigai technology developed by Kirio!
Now, with Satoru's personal confirmation, his excitement soared even higher.
If Kirio were here, she'd probably give him a sympathetic look.
Satoru's mastery of Gigai… wasn't like how ordinary people comprehended the power of the soul, synchronized its frequency, and assimilated the Gigai's power as their own.
The way this guy mastered Gigai was more like pigment contaminating clear water—just by being in proximity, they blended together imperceptibly.
Seeing that Satoru didn't seem particularly interested in his allegiance, Mayuri hurriedly continued:
"Not just bombs… I'm also quite accomplished in various pharmaceutical fields!"
"Hypnotics, anesthetics—even drugs that influence thoughts and memories… I can develop them all!"
"And I'm highly skilled in bio-modification technology, including human modification!"
"I've heard you often fight beyond your limits and end up covered in injuries? I have a Flesh Mending Agent that can rapidly regenerate lost body parts, though it does consume some of your lifespan potential…"
Under Satoru's gaze, Mayuri tirelessly promoted his various skills and abilities.
Outwardly, Satoru showed little reaction, but inwardly, he was practically ready to enshrine Mayuri.
Truly worthy of being the "God of Science"—what era was this, and he already possessed so many core technologies?
Compared to him, that young Kisuke still lacked depth.
Just as Mayuri was about to continue, Satoru coughed and cut him off.
"What do you plan to do once you're out of here?"
At this question, Mayuri sprang to his feet:
"Create life!"
"My research has hit a standstill… Even if I waste another thousand years in my current fields, there won't be any breakthrough progress."
"My only goal now is to create new life!"
"Originally, I held little hope because this goal seemed too distant—until Captain Hikifune developed Gigai technology!"
"Unfortunately, even though I worked diligently and hard in the 12th Division, Captain Hikifune always refused to let me study Gigai technology with the excuse, 'Your current state isn't sufficient to enter this field yet'..."
"Fortunately, Satoru, I still have you!"
"With your mastery of Gigai technology, combined with my development capabilities, we can definitely create the perfect lifeform!"
"I beg of you, this is the greatest goal of my life. As long as you're willing to help me, I'll do anything!"
Satoru suddenly understood.
If he remembered correctly, Mayuri's lieutenant, Nemu Kurotsuchi, seemed to be an artificial lifeform he developed.
He never expected that Mayuri's greatest life goal was actually creating humans.
Truly fitting for a scientist - in a certain sense, it was quite romantic.
If it were him, he wouldn't waste time researching how to create humans through scientific means.
Couldn't he just find Suì-Fēng to make one?
But speaking of Nemu Kurotsuchi...
Satoru thought back.
To be honest, she was very much his type.
If Mayuri could really create Nemu, it would indeed be a good thing.
Under Mayuri's expectant gaze, he pondered for a long time.
"Mayuri Kurotsuchi, what if I said I accept your service, but your service is only to me personally, not to the Gotei 13, not to the Seireitei. Would you agree?"
Mayuri looked puzzled. "Isn't that obvious? I only serve you, not those you serve."
Acceptable, very Japanese thinking.
Satoru nodded.
"Then, there's one final question."
"To ensure your loyalty, I need to use my Zanpakutō's ability to place a shadow fragment in your brain."
"If you betray me, I'll activate the shadow's power, instantly scrambling your brain."
"Are you willing to pay such a price?"
Hearing this, Mayuri showed a conflicted expression.
"Does it have to be the brain?"
"My brain is extremely precious. If possible, I don't want it to suffer the slightest damage."
"What about the heart? You can place your power in any organ of my body!"
Satoru chuckled. "With your technology, couldn't you replace internal organs whenever you want?"
Mayuri sighed.
Indeed, this guy understood quite well, even though he didn't seem like the research type.
To reassure Mayuri, Satoru casually said, "Don't worry, I've experimented on my own brain. When the power isn't activated, the shadow is formless and intangible, causing no harm whatsoever."
In truth, he had never conducted such experiments.
Leaving a shadow in the brain as a timed explosive was impossible.
Unless he maintained his ability constantly while targeting Mayuri, just like when he bound his own bones previously, it couldn't be done.
He only said this to confirm the other's determination.
Hearing this, Mayuri looked at him with some surprise.
This guy... was truly insane.
He actually dared to experiment on his own brain?
No wonder he could master Gigai power - in a certain sense, their styles were quite compatible.
Although having his brain held at gunpoint put him under pressure, after long contemplation for the sake of obtaining Satoru's help, he finally nodded firmly:
"Understood, I agree!"
He had great confidence in his own value.
No one would be willing to casually kill off a scientist as brilliant as him.
Once Satoru found him increasingly indispensable and relied on him more, he would gain even greater support from him.
His dream was right ahead!