If you don't have talent for ninjutsu, research it. If you don't have strength, seize it through technology. With his "Golden Finger" cheat, Hiruko had rapidly ascended, his power now brushing against the very ceiling of this world.
However, the road to becoming even stronger was an expensive one.
Name: Hiruko
Template: Singed, the Mad Chemist (47% Integration)
New World: None
Research Projects: > * Sage Body - Weakened Version (Implemented)
Life Serum: Type I, II, and IIIBody Modification ArtsProsthetic Augmentation TechCellular Tissue Cloning ProjectToxicology
Hiruko's current strength had already crossed the threshold of "Quasi-Kage," capable of erupting with Kage-level power for short bursts. Singed's [Q] skill allowed him to unleash a volatile cocktail of every lethal toxin he had ever engineered.
This included infamous substances from his previous life—cyanide, dioxin, sarin gas, and VX nerve agents—mixed with the unique biological poisons of the Ninja World. The result was a nearly incurable miasma. Hiruko had used this move to pit-trap countless enemies, earning him the title "King of Ten Thousand Venoms." To avoid turning the landscape into a permanent wasteland, he had to manually siphon the toxins back up after every use.
In this new life, Hiruko had zero interest in the Hokage seat. He pursued only two things: eternal life and worldly pleasures.
To keep the "Old Foxes" of Konoha at ease, he intentionally played up a persona of being a degenerate lecher. As long as they thought he was motivated by wine and women, they were more than happy to open their wallets and fund his research.
As for the Singed template, Hiruko admitted he wasn't quite as insane as the original Mad Chemist. His progress was steady but relatively slow because, at the end of the day, he wasn't a true sociopath—he still had a bottom line.
He had discovered, however, that there were two ways to increase his integration: raising his combat power or producing major scientific breakthroughs.
Hiruko casually handed a bottle of Life One to Danzo. "I've compressed the production cost to its absolute limit," he said softly. "Even using toxins to suppress the cellular rejection, it's still difficult to turn a civilian directly into a ninja. However, this will instantly grant a Genin the combat prowess of a Chunin. The price, of course, is a ten-year reduction in lifespan."
A glint of pure greed flashed in Danzo's eyes. "What's the cost?"
"About 10,000 Ryo per bottle. If we move to mass production, I can probably get it down to 5,000 or 6,000," Hiruko answered honestly.
"Excellent! Brilliant work! I knew I could count on you!" Danzo praised him lavishly, before his expression soured at the thought of a certain someone. "That bastard Orochimaru... he's been bleeding me dry for funding, yet his results are pathetic compared to yours!"
In Danzo's eyes, Hiruko was honest and reliable. He wore his vices on his sleeve and had no political ambitions. As a veteran of the Root organization, Hiruko had earned Danzo's rare trust.
Of course, if Hiruko hadn't been so powerful, Danzo would have long ago slapped a "Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal" on him like a dog leash. But when you're strong enough, you get to skip the leash.
Danzo clutched the crystalline bottle of Life One, his face glowing with uncontainable joy. But just as his excitement peaked—
Shu!
A black silhouette flickered like a ghost, appearing directly in front of them. The ANBU operative blocked their path and spoke with a solemn tone: "Lord Hiruko, Lord Danzo. The Hokage has summoned you both immediately."
The ANBU member knelt on one knee, showing Hiruko extreme respect. He knew that it was this man who had developed the advanced weaponry and prosthetic limbs that allowed veterans—maimed in the war—to stand again and support their families.
Because of Hiruko, Konoha had secured victory in the Third Shinobi World War far more easily. To the rank-and-file, this man was a hero who supported the peace of Konoha from the shadows.
Danzo huffed and stormed off, clearly enraged by the Third Hokage's "interception." He was likely heading off to play their usual game of 'I regret it, but I'm the Hokage.'
Hiruko glanced at the ANBU member, frowning slightly. "I understand. I'm coming."
He grumbled inwardly. He had no idea what the old man Sarutobi wanted this time. Compared to Danzo—who was "stupidly" rich and easy to fleece—Hiruko found the Third Hokage a much bigger headache. Sarutobi was a master of "painting cakes"—giving flowery speeches about the future to trick people into working for free.
As a scientist, Hiruko needed a constant stream of gold. Danzo, despite being narrow-minded, arrogant, and prone to burning bridges, was actually willing to spend money. The Shimura Clan was practically going bankrupt funding Root, and Danzo made sure Hiruko's demands were met—providing funds, test subjects, and forbidden scrolls. In fact, most of Hiruko's knowledge of Sealing Jutsu came from Danzo's "payments."
Hiruko's "boss" in his previous life had been just like the Third: always talking about "dreams" and "ambition" but never mentioning a salary. Hiruko had literally died from overwork in a lab for a measly 5,000-6,000 RMB a month.
Sarutobi was the same. He would brainwash you with the "Will of Fire," encouraging you to sacrifice yourself for the glory of Konoha. But the moment you asked for a paycheck? He'd give you a verbal commendation and a pat on the back. For a native-born ninja, that might be enough. But for a man who had already worked himself to death once? Not a chance.
After the two left, in a secret chamber a thousand meters beneath the base...
A massive glass vat stood in the center of the room, filled with murky green fluid. Bubbles rose slowly with a faint glug-glug sound.
A red-haired woman struggled to open her eyes. She caught a glimpse of a young boy inside the tank before she was dragged back into a genjutsu, the deep sorrow in her gaze lingering long after her eyes closed.