บท 261: Chapter 261: Tatsuma's Disease
"Can we finally proceed with the surgery? I feel like I'm going to get bedsores if I lie down any longer."
At Konoha Hospital, Dan Kato heaved a long sigh of relief upon hearing that his surgery was finally scheduled. He looked at the petri dish beside him, knowing that this kidney would soon be transplanted into his body.
Initially, Dan Kato was somewhat fearful of the surgery, even though Tatsuma had assured him that the new kidney was cultivated from his own kidney cells. Despite this, it still felt a bit odd. After the kidney was prepared for transplantation, three weeks had passed—three whole weeks of mostly lying in bed, being extremely careful even when turning over, and needing to maneuver around a large petri dish just to go to the bathroom.
Continuing to live like this, Dan Kato felt like he was on the verge of going crazy. Even the strongest willpower couldn't withstand such a life.
Tatsuma and Tsunade had been back for over a week. Originally, Dan thought he would have to wait longer until Tatsuma fully recovered from his injuries. Hearing that he could have surgery so soon, Dan Kato was moved to the point of tears. Tatsuma was such a kind young man; despite being seriously injured, he thought of Dan instead of focusing on his own recovery.
"Don't worry, the tests show that your body has almost no rejection reaction to the kidney. Any slight inflammation is due to the insertion channel, not the kidney itself. The upcoming surgery is quite simple. You know how an appendectomy works, right? That's where they make a small incision to remove the appendix. In your case, they'll make a small incision to place the kidney inside. It's a minor surgery."
Tatsuma spoke reassuringly, and Dan Kato smiled cooperatively, though he didn't believe it was that simple. Over the past twenty days, he had been used as a case study countless times. Doctors and medical interns from the hospital, along with Tsunade and the medical ninjas in training, had all observed his condition.
Even the editors of some renowned medical journals had personally inquired about the details, their serious expressions making Dan Kato realize just how unique his case was. If it were just a minor surgery, why would so many people be interested in studying it?
However, Dan Kato didn't want to expose Tatsuma's white lie; after all, Tatsuma was trying to ensure he had a positive mindset going into the surgery.
Tsunade was also busy in the room when suddenly all three of them turned their attention to the doorway. Orochimaru stood there holding a stack of papers.
"Orochimaru-sama, are you here to visit Dan Kato as well?" Tatsuma asked. Since Dan Kato was the first human subject of their research, Tatsuma assumed Orochimaru wanted to follow up promptly.
Orochimaru shook his head and said, "I am fully aware of Dan's condition. This surgery is destined to succeed. What I want to discuss now is a matter concerning you, Tatsuma."
"Concerning me?" Tatsuma frowned, looking puzzled. Orochimaru nodded and then turned to Dan Kato, saying, "Dan, do you mind resting alone for a moment?"
Dan Kato quickly realized that the discussion might be related to Tatsuma's previous injuries. He hastily said, "Tatsuma, Tsunade, you both go ahead. I could use some rest to prepare for tomorrow's surgery."
"Alright," Tsunade nodded and left the room with the equally puzzled Tatsuma.
In recent times, Orochimaru had become quite familiar with Konoha Hospital, and he easily found an available consultation room. He entered, followed by Tatsuma and Tsunade, and then locked the door behind them.
Seeing Orochimaru's serious expression, Tsunade grew anxious. Although she had examined Tatsuma several times and found nothing wrong—indeed, he seemed healthier every day—she knew that Orochimaru and Tatsuma had developed many medical devices together. Orochimaru might have discovered something she had missed.
Orochimaru placed the documents he was holding on the table and pushed them toward Tsunade and Tatsuma. He said, "Tatsuma, you now have the opportunity to name a cancer after yourself."
"Cancer?!" Tatsuma exclaimed in shock.
Tsunade, initially planning to let Tatsuma review the documents first due to his expertise in analyzing data and images, quickly grabbed the documents herself upon hearing the mention of cancer. Normally, Tatsuma would take the lead in reviewing such technical materials, but Tsunade couldn't wait.
As she went through the documents, Tsunade found the content within her understanding, not involving cutting-edge technologies. Despite her agitation, she could easily comprehend the material. As she continued reading, her expression darkened. The data and images indicated that Tatsuma had cells with properties similar to cancer cells which were rapidly proliferating in his body.
Unlike typical cancer cells that concentrate in specific areas, these "cancer" cells in Tatsuma's body were widespread, present in his blood, muscles, skin, and even hair.
Sitting next to Tsunade, Tatsuma also reviewed the documents as she did. However, his expression remained calm, even showing some impatience at Tsunade's slower pace in reading.
Tsunade was reading through the documents slowly, focusing intently on the key points on each page, which took her some time. Finally, she finished reading but remained silent with a serious expression. Orochimaru then looked at the still-calm Tatsuma and asked, "Tatsuma, do you have any thoughts?"
Tatsuma responded, "No particular thoughts. This likely isn't cancer in the conventional sense. I think you, Orochimaru-sama, have reached the same conclusion?"
"Indeed, these are the most unusual 'cancer' cells I've ever seen. They don't seem to be causing harm," Orochimaru replied.
Tsunade looked up and asked, "What do you mean?"
Tatsuma continued, "These cells are different from regular cancer cells. While they share many characteristics with cancer cells, they also possess functions that cancer cells do not. Cancer cells typically can't perform the functions of the cells they replace. However, the cells in my body..."
Tatsuma flipped through the documents, showing several pages to Tsunade. He then explained, "Even though these cells are proliferating in my body, my bodily functions have not deteriorated. In fact, some functions have actually improved."
Tatsuma continued, "In other words, these cells are replacing my functional cells, and because they share some characteristics with cancer cells, they are actually performing better. I've noticed that my strength and chakra have been gradually increasing lately, which I believe is a positive effect of these cells. Simply put, while cancer cells destroy the body, these cells seem to be aiding it."
"In a sense, that's correct," Orochimaru added. "However, these cells have been in your body for a short time, so we lack extensive sample data. If there are any potential harms, we can't clearly identify or address them at this stage."
Seeing Tsunade's furrowed brow—a sign of her concern that Orochimaru knew well from years of acquaintance—he quickly reassured her, "But it's not an urgent issue. For now, Tatsuma's own immune system seems to be regulating the growth of these cells. Based on our calculations, these cells will likely replace Tatsuma's entire body in about thirty years. By then, his body will consist almost entirely of these cells. However, this timeframe gives us plenty of opportunity for further research."
Tsunade sighed in relief, but then Orochimaru delivered another piece of bad news: "However, this is just an estimate based on Tatsuma's current physical condition. If Tatsuma experiences injuries, illnesses, or anything that weakens his body, these cells could proliferate more rapidly, accelerating the replacement of his normal cells."
Tsunade's expression darkened again, frustrated by Orochimaru's alternating good and bad news. She wondered what the real situation was.
Tatsuma pursed his lips, considering the implications. As a ninja, he was bound to get injured, and he had also developed some techniques harmful to the body and wanted to learn others that required sacrificing health for greater damage. These actions could speed up the growth of these unknown cells. Although these cells currently seemed to replace the functions of normal cells, the future was uncertain.
Looking at Orochimaru, Tatsuma asked, "Orochimaru-sama, have you compared these cells with the Hashirama Cells from the First Hokage?"
"Hashirama Cells" was a term they used during previous research, which Tsunade also knew, so she didn't feel offended. Orochimaru nodded and said, "There are some similarities in their unparalleled vitality and the ability to assimilate other cells. However, the genetic information differs significantly. There aren't many matching loci beyond the usual genetic markers."
Tsunade, realizing something, looked at Tatsuma. Orochimaru noticed this exchange, sensing that there might be information he wasn't aware of, but he didn't press for details and continued watching Tatsuma.
After a moment of contemplation, Tatsuma spoke, "My recent recovery wasn't just due to the Slug Sage's help. There was also a strange energy from a special tree."
"A tree?" Orochimaru's eyes narrowed as he thought, then brightened with realization. His snake-like eyes fixed on Tatsuma as he asked, "Do you think the First Hokage might have also gained similar energy? Did you bring the tree back?"
Tatsuma shook his head, saying, "Even the Slug Sage only managed to preserve a small piece of it. After the energy was depleted, that piece of the tree disintegrated and lost any potential for study."
"I see," Orochimaru said, a hint of regret on his face. Then, as if struck by a thought, he asked tentatively, "Have you tried using Wood Release, Tatsuma?"
Tsunade also looked at Tatsuma, curious. Although Tatsuma hadn't shown any signs of it before, over the past week, she wasn't sure if he had tried it privately. Tatsuma frowned and said, "I did try, but I wasn't successful. I'm not sure if it's a matter of proportions or if I simply lack the talent."
As he spoke, Tatsuma began channeling his chakra, gathering earth-natured chakra in his left hand and water-natured chakra in his right hand. He brought his hands together, forming the Ram seal. The chakra merged and dissipated without any result.
"That's too bad," Orochimaru observed for a moment before shaking his head. "I'll continue researching your cells, comparing them with the Hashirama Cells. Even if we can't help you learn Wood Release, we might be able to isolate the genetic markers responsible for it by eliminating non-wood release traits in the Hashirama Cells."
With that, Orochimaru gathered up the documents and opened the door, signaling the end of their discussion for the day. There was still too little information to draw any definitive conclusions.
As Orochimaru stepped out of the room, he remembered something and turned back, asking, "By the way, have you decided on a name?"
Before Tatsuma could answer, a hospital bed was wheeled down the hallway. Lying on it, covered in blood and injuries, was Minato. His previously closed eyes opened, and he asked, "Name?"
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