"Self-poisoning?" Shibi blinked, momentarily stunned by the suggestion. But after just a second of silence, his mind began piecing it together.
"You're talking about triggering the kikaichū's adaptive evolution?"
"Exactly," Garou nodded, voice calm. "If a host is intentionally exposed to the toxin in a controlled way, the next generation of kikaichū may inherit resistance or even develop immunity. Over successive breeding, their biology might naturally optimize to combat that specific toxin."
Shibi lowered his head in thought, murmuring to himself, "Of course… why didn't I consider that?"
Garou continued, "Whoever engineered the toxin clearly understands the Aburame clan's biology. I don't think it's a coincidence."
"If I had to guess… either Sand Village or… well." He trailed off deliberately, not naming names, but the implication was clear.
Shibi caught it immediately.
Orochimaru.
That man was a master of poisons, genetic manipulation, and forbidden experimentation. If anyone was capable of designing a toxin that could bypass or exploit the kikaichū, it would be him.
"If the kikaichū do evolve resistance, then we wouldn't even need an antidote," Shibi mused.
"True, but until then, it's still wise to continue researching a remedy. You could try diluting the toxin and introducing it in microdoses to encourage gradual immunity," Garou advised.
He didn't mind helping the Aburame clan.
In fact, he welcomed it. Most people found their insect-based techniques disturbing, but in the right hands, they were powerful and reliable allies, especially in recon, espionage, and now perhaps even medicine.
And the potential for insect-based medical innovation was an untapped goldmine.
Garou's eyes glimmered as new ideas surfaced.
Shibi stood there silently, as if weighing something in his mind. He opened his mouth a few times, trying to form the right words.
Finally, he asked, "Garou… do you have experience working with insects?"
"Not directly," Garou replied honestly, "but I've always been fascinated by your kikaichū. Especially the detoxifying types. If trained properly, they could be repurposed for broader medical applications."
"Medical…?" Shibi echoed, puzzled.
Kikaichū designed to absorb poisons were standard within the Aburame clan, essential tools for survival and missions alike. But what Garou was suggesting clearly went beyond that.
"Have you ever tried raising kikaichū that could store chakra temporarily?" Garou asked.
Shibi considered the question. "No… not yet."
But he already understood where this conversation was going.
"You mean they'd store medical chakra, then be inserted into the body to heal wounds internally?"
"Exactly. Sometimes a blade can't reach a deep or delicate wound without causing more harm. But insects could treat injuries from within."
Garou's tone was casual, as if he were describing a basic field technique. But to Shibi, the idea was revolutionary.
"…If they're microscopic enough, they wouldn't even need incisions," Garou added.
Shibi's eyes widened slightly. Such kikaichū did exist within their clan, specifically under a branch line known as the Aburame Shihei bloodline. Their insects were naturally smaller than the standard strain and capable of traversing tight spaces, including human veins and tissues.
"But we lack medical ninjutsu expertise…" Shibi said hesitantly.
"So do I," Garou shrugged. "But as long as you understand the basic principles and coordinate with someone who does know how to use medical chakra, you don't need to be a medic ninja. Besides, who still relies on traditional healing alone these days?"
Shibi had never considered the possibility.
Yet here was a child, barely thirteen years old, outlining the foundational theory of medical bio-insect augmentation like it was a D-rank mission.
'No wonder Lord Danzo recommended this kid.'
Shibi found himself speechless. His thoughts spun in every direction, trying to catch up.
After a long silence, Shibi finally exhaled. "What a pity."
"Hm? What's the matter?" Garou asked.
"Ah, nothing. I was just thinking… it's a pity you're so young. If you were a few years older, I'd ask you to personally mentor my son."
Shibi's voice carried an odd mix of admiration and frustration.
Thirteen.
At that age, even the most brilliant genin were still rough around the edges. Promoting Garou to Special Jonin or more would draw unnecessary attention or even resentment. In times of peace, ranks came with scrutiny.
It would do more harm than good.
Garou bowed slightly. "If you don't mind, I'd like to co-author a research proposal with you. We can submit it to the Hokage's office for formal approval."
Shibi blinked. "You want me to file the paperwork?"
"I think it would carry more weight if it came from someone of your standing," Garou said with a small smile. "I'll handle the science. You handle the politics."
"…Alright, fine. I appreciate your honesty," Shibi said, both amused and impressed.
Still, he couldn't help but worry.
Garou had already redesigned ration pills and medical baths, products now distributed across Konoha. He clearly wasn't lacking money.
How was he supposed to return such a favor?
Shibi was quietly panicking.
"And the antidote?" he asked.
"No need. You all should handle the poison yourselves. I can't take over that. Just let me know if the adaptive immunity works."
"Understood." Shibi walked away, head buzzing with ideas and concerns alike.
Garou stepped back onto the main street, where he spotted his teammates lounging at a street food stall, happily skewering grilled meat while waiting for him.
He strolled over, grabbed a stick of skewered sausage from Tenten's hand, and took a bite.
"Hey! That was…!"
"Thanks," Garou mumbled between chews, a satisfied smile on his face.
Tenten looked like she wanted to protest but quickly fell silent.
She had already licked that sausage earlier.
'Whatever. Just pretend that didn't happen,' she told herself, sighing internally.
Instead, she turned the topic. "So? What did the Aburame clan head want with you?"
"Cough, cough!"
Kakashi choked slightly on his drink, but his face remained unreadable thanks to his mask.
Kasumi was also curious, but she sensed the topic might brush up against clan secrets, something best left untouched.
Garou answered casually, "Oh, he just wanted to consult me on something related to medicine. I gave him a few suggestions and asked if his clan might consider developing insects for medical use."
Kakashi nearly spit out his drink but managed to hold it in.
A squelch echoed under his mask, soaking the cloth from inside.
"Wait, wait, wait. The Aburame clan? Medical ninjutsu?"
"Yeah. Think about it," Garou said with a raised brow. "If kikaichū could store medical chakra and deliver it directly into wounds, they'd outperform most healing techniques."
Tenten and Kasumi visibly flinched.
The thought of insects crawling into their bodies to heal them was terrifying.
Kakashi sat still, processing the implications.
Actually… it makes sense. Not every team has access to a medic ninja on the battlefield. If the kikaichū could handle minor injuries on their own, they'd be a huge asset. They could even serve as mobile medics during combat.
Kakashi sighed. 'The longer I stay around this kid, the more he makes me feel like a dunce.'
"I'm heading to the Hokage's office to report in," he said, getting up.
"Awesome!"
As they waved, he added, "Tenten, hold on. You still have the sealed ninja tools, right?"
"…"
Her joy drained instantly.
Too early to celebrate.
She waved to the others, then caught up with Kakashi on the way toward the Hokage building.
They hadn't walked far when she suddenly smirked and said, "Kakashi-sensei, are you feeling a little… defeated?"
"Hm?" Kakashi glanced at her. "Why would I be?"
"Just saying. Garou keeps dropping these outrageous ideas. Doesn't it sting a little?"
Kakashi chuckled. "Not really. But speaking of training, how's your Earth Release practice going? Still keeping up?"
Tenten froze.
"I… uh… well…"
"Great. Tomorrow, we'll schedule a special training session."
"I take it back! I'm sorry!"
"Hm. In that case… we'll train a different technique instead."
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