If the live test subject was 'Upper Moon Five,' the experiment naturally couldn't be conducted in the secret laboratory beneath the hospital.
Thus, Tsunade's research team scouted a suitable cave near the village. Over two days, they deepened and hollowed out the cave, expanding its space and reinforcing the inner rock walls, transforming it into a prison chamber for 'Upper Moon Five.'
Subsequently, various instruments and equipment were brought in.
Given 'Upper Moon Five's' formidable strength, this live test wasn't just attended by the entire research team. The Third Hokage, the Elder Council, and other village leaders also set aside their duties to be present at the site.
Additionally, for safety, the sealing team and barrier team were on standby outside the cave.
Glancing at the Third Hokage and other village leaders on the temporary viewing platform, the research team members were visibly eager.
The potion team, in particular, was brimming with excitement, eager to shine in front of the Hokage.
As the experiment's overseer, Tsunade was busy unsealing and restraining 'Upper Moon Five.'
Poof.
With a surge of white smoke, 'Upper Moon Five's' massive form appeared at the center of the cave.
"You damned shinobi!"
Once unsealed, 'Upper Moon Five' quickly regained consciousness thanks to its robust physique and roared at the crowd.
But just as it prepared to unleash its might and devour the medical shinobi surrounding it, it realized its body was tightly bound by chains inscribed with sealing techniques. No matter how it struggled, it couldn't break free.
On the temporary viewing platform.
The sound of 'Upper Moon Five' tugging at the chains echoed with a clatter, and the Hidden Leaf leaders on the platform wore grave expressions.
"As expected, its eyes have markings…"
"Such enormous size and strength—it's hard to believe it's a flesh-and-blood creature!"
"They say even decapitation can be instantly regenerated! Not even the First Hokage had such recovery abilities!"
Seeing 'Upper Moon Five,' the leaders on the platform began whispering among themselves.
At that moment, Koharu Utatane leaned toward the Third Hokage and asked, "Has 'Upper Moon Five' been interrogated?"
The Third replied solemnly, "The intelligence team conducted an interrogation earlier, but we haven't obtained any useful information yet."
Koharu frowned. "Why not try genjutsu interrogation?"
The Third shook his head. "Its bioelectricity is extremely strong. The village's genjutsu specialists have tried, but it's very difficult to trap it in genjutsu. Even if they succeed, maintaining the genjutsu long enough to extract useful information from its mind is nearly impossible."
As was customary for shinobi, capturing an enemy alive—or even just recovering their corpse—prompted thorough study.
After successfully capturing 'Upper Moon Five,' the village immediately began interrogations.
However, the results were dismal. Ordinary physical torture was like scratching an itch for a demon of 'Upper Moon Five's' caliber.
The village then attempted genjutsu interrogation, but the results were equally unsatisfactory.
A demon's powerful flesh granted it bioelectricity far surpassing normal creatures, and bioelectricity was a natural counter to genjutsu. Shinobi, when realizing they were under genjutsu, often used pain to stimulate themselves and break free—an application of bioelectricity.
Thus, genjutsu from ordinary specialists was ineffective against 'Upper Moon Five.' Only elite genjutsu users like Kurenai Yuhi could briefly trap it, but since it quickly broke free, genjutsu interrogation was unfeasible.
The village also had Yakumo of the Kurama clan try.
With Yakumo's genjutsu prowess and her Koryugan's ability to suppress a demon's flesh power, extracting information wouldn't have been difficult.
However, Yakumo knew that everything about demons, including their memories, was a form of pollution to the shinobi world. On Shinji's advice, she deliberately held back during the genjutsu interrogation, yielding no information.
As a result, the village's interrogation of 'Upper Moon Five' had stalled.
With all preparations complete, the live test soon began.
Tsunade double-checked every detail, including the sealing and barrier teams on standby for emergencies. Confirming everything was in order, she announced, "Begin the experiment!"
Shizune immediately operated the equipment, preparing to inject 'Upper Moon Five' with the Type II aging potion.
Meanwhile, on the viewing platform, a potion team shinobi explained to the Third Hokage and other leaders, "Hokage-sama, what we're injecting into 'Upper Moon Five' is the newly developed Type II aging potion. Its effects are extremely potent. In the last live test, the subject codenamed 'Monster' lasted only five minutes before its body disintegrated!"
Though they had read Tsunade's report, the thought that even a demon's resilient body couldn't withstand five minutes piqued the leaders' interest in the potion.
Shick.
At that moment, an extended injection device finally delivered the Type II aging potion into 'Upper Moon Five's' body.
Tsunade ordered, "All teams, stay alert and report data promptly!"
The research team members focused intently, eyes glued to their instruments. They weren't worried, as they had full confidence in the potion's efficacy.
Roar!
Suddenly, 'Upper Moon Five' let out a furious bellow!
Its massive frame grew even more agitated, pulling the chains binding it with a creak, creak, as if they might snap.
On the viewing platform, the potion team shinobi continued explaining, "Hokage-sama, see, the aging potion is already taking effect!"
The Third frowned slightly. "Is this temporary prison secure?"
The potion team shinobi smiled. "Please rest assured. For safety, we've reinforced the chains' strength, and we had no issues controlling 'Monster' before, so—"
Boom!
Before he could finish, a massive explosion echoed through the chamber!
The leaders on the platform stood in unison, staring in shock and uncertainty at the central experimental area.
The potion team shinobi, who had been explaining, turned toward the sound, his face paling as he muttered, "This… how is this possible!?"