After the shinobi academy let out at noon, Uchiha Shinji and Yakumo headed together to the hospital's laboratory.
The successful capture of two demons, including 'Upper Moon Five,' had increased the research team's live test subjects to three.
With an abundance of test subjects, live testing of the Type II aging potion was naturally added to the agenda.
After some discussion within the team, Tsunade decided to conduct the live test of the Type II aging potion on the demon originally in the lab, codenamed 'Monster.'
The research team had long prepared an experimental plan, so once Tsunade gave the go-ahead, it took only an hour to complete all preparations for the live test.
"'Monster' vitals are stable…"
"Type II aging potion preparation complete…"
"All monitoring equipment ready…"
As team members reported in rapid succession, the atmosphere in the laboratory grew tense.
The demon, restrained at the center of the lab, was fitted with a muzzle, no longer able to roar or curse. Its eyes were filled with terror.
Glancing at the team members in their positions, Tsunade's gaze settled on the demon. With a wave of her hand, she commanded, "Begin the experiment!"
Without hesitation, Shizune operated the equipment, injecting the Type II aging potion into the demon at the lab's center.
Instantly, the demon's body began trembling uncontrollably.
Tsunade shouted, "Report the data!"
"'Monster's' vital signs are changing…"
"Cell division rate is skyrocketing—1800%, 2800%, 3900%—oh no, the rate's increasing too fast, exceeding the equipment's detection limits!"
"'Monster's' surface is showing signs of ulceration, with widespread cell necrosis. Nutrient circulation can't keep up with cell division!"
"'Monster's' breathing is rapid, strength is surging, and the restraints are reaching their stress limit!"
Urgent reports echoed through the laboratory.
The restrained demon's eyes were now blood-red, its body swollen, its surface cycling between ulceration and regeneration, accompanied by a pungent, acidic steam.
Its violent struggles caused several cracks in the restraints.
Tsunade frowned slightly.
Clearly, she had noticed that while the Type II aging potion stimulated the demon's cell division, it also temporarily boosted its explosive power—a potential hazard!
Suppressing this thought for now, Tsunade ordered, "Activate Plan B!"
"Yes!"
Quickly, two team members operated the equipment, adding two more restraints, firmly binding the thrashing demon once again.
Time ticked by. About ten minutes later, with a boom, the demon at the lab's center exploded without warning, turning into a pool of blood.
The research team members were stunned, their faces filled with shock and uncertainty.
As they stared at the blood and debris, the remains turned to ash under their watchful eyes, vanishing without a trace.
"The… the monster's dead?!"
The team exchanged glances, then broke into expressions of joy.
The test subject 'Monster,' injected with the Type II aging potion, had exploded and disintegrated in just five minutes.
This result undoubtedly marked a resounding success for the Type II aging potion.
"We did it!"
"Amazing!"
"We've finally lived up to the village's expectations!"
In that moment, the research team erupted in cheers and celebration.
Shinji didn't dampen their spirits and joined in.
He knew the Type II aging potion might work on ordinary demons but was utterly ineffective against 'Upper Moon Two.' However, he couldn't tell the team this, so he had to wait for them to hit a wall with 'Upper Moon Five.'
Moments later, at Tsunade's direction, the team began compiling and summarizing the experimental data.
With the data in hand, Tsunade headed to the Hokage Building to report the results to the Third Hokage, while Shinji reported to Koharu Utatane.
"I didn't expect Tsunade to develop a drug to counter the 'Upper Moons' so quickly…"
Koharu let out a quiet sigh.
Tsunade's string of stellar achievements in addressing the 'Upper Moon' issue had further bolstered her already high standing in the village.
This, undoubtedly, put immense pressure on the Elder Council.
Shinji said, "We haven't tested the drug on a true 'Upper Moon' yet, so the effectiveness of the Type II aging potion can't be fully confirmed."
Koharu raised an eyebrow. "You mean the drug's efficacy is still uncertain?"
Shinji's eyes flickered. "Only after conducting a live test on 'Upper Moon Five' can we confirm whether the Type II aging potion is truly effective!"
Koharu nodded thoughtfully.
Leaving Koharu's office, Shinji's lips curled slightly.
Tsunade's recent successes—capturing 'Upper Moon Five' and developing the Type II aging potion—had made the Elder Council feel threatened. Shinji capitalized on this, nudging the Council to pressure Tsunade into conducting the live test on 'Upper Moon Five' sooner.
He worried that this test's success might slow the team's efforts to optimize and upgrade the aging potion, something Shinji couldn't accept.
The next day, Tsunade gathered the research team and announced the plan to conduct a live test of the Type II aging potion on 'Upper Moon Five.'
Hearing this, the medical shinobi of the potion team were puzzled. "Lady Tsunade, we haven't fully analyzed the data from the last experiment. Isn't it a bit rushed to test 'Upper Moon Five' now?"
Tsunade said helplessly, "This is the Elder Council's decision. They want to ensure our drug works on true 'Upper Moons,' so they're urging us to test it on 'Upper Moon Five' as soon as possible. Alright, everyone, let's push a bit harder. Once this live test succeeds, I'll request commendations from the Third for all of you!"
"The Elder Council, really? They don't even understand how powerful the Type II aging potion is!"
"Exactly! As long as 'Upper Moon Five' is still flesh and blood, there's no way it can resist our aging potion!"
"The Council doesn't trust our potion team at all!"
The potion team's shinobi grumbled, unafraid of the Elder Council under Tsunade's protection as Hidden Leaf's princess.