I planted a sacred tree in Tokyo.

Chapter 372 The Stage Built by the Commonwealth
“Those researchers aren’t idiots,”

"No matter how well we disguise it, they must have already guessed it."

A chubby boy who looked rather simple and honest scratched his head, squatted in the storage room, and added a sentence after speaking.

"Don't underestimate adults."

"No one will underestimate them, but they shouldn't belittle themselves either."

The boy with dark circles under his eyes and tousled hair weakly lifted his eyelids.

“We are all elites who have emerged from hundreds of people, and we will never let those guys order us around.”

"That's right,"

The spiky-haired boy, called "Ie" by the girl with twin braids, took over the conversation.

“We are all people who have awakened ‘extraordinary abilities’. If we work together, we may be able to escape from here.”

Once they leave this laboratory, with their 'strong wolf' level strength, they can live a good life anywhere.

They weren't initially in this laboratory; instead, they were scattered in several military camps outside, where they underwent rigorous training with hundreds of others, drinking all sorts of strange potions every day and participating in all sorts of bizarre experiments. Sometimes, they would even wake up to find themselves covered in stitches.

It's not that no one tried to escape, but how could ordinary people like them possibly run away from the military camp?

Many people disappeared during training and experiments, leaving the remaining people to fight with all their might.

After several months of fuss, they were all finally sent to this secret laboratory.

Then came all sorts of experiments I couldn't understand, and every day was spent either training or lying on the operating table.

Then some of them gained extraordinary power, surpassing the limits of adults and even normal living beings.

By this time, the number of people had been reduced to a dozen or so, and their treatment had been greatly improved: food, toys, and everything else were provided.

Even though they were all only teenagers, in this age of information overload, how could they not understand that they were being used for 'human experiments'?
In fact, this is quite understandable, since they are not from Australia; and having been 'abandoned' by their parents, whether actively or passively, it's normal for them to end up in whatever way they are.

Even in the past 'peaceful times', the sex trade was a black industry that many countries 'turned a blind eye to'. As long as the person wasn't a citizen, they were simply killed. How much more so in this chaotic era, where would anyone have the time to conduct animal experiments?
Let's go straight to human trials!
The technology for extracting extraordinary potions is mature, but a large amount of fresh extraordinary substances are needed.

Moreover, starting at the 'weak dog' level, which barely breaks the human limit, would have been enough to win the Olympic decathlon championship two years ago.

In this era, however, he would be nothing more than cannon fodder!

"The doctor and his colleagues don't take us seriously at all."

With her spiky hair, 'Yijiang' calmly analyzed that the boys and girls in the storage room were all outstanding individuals who had fought their way out of hundreds of people. With the development of their 'spiritual power,' their intelligence and action capabilities completely surpassed those of their peers.

“I have a feeling that if the doctor finds out that we have awakened superpowers, something bad will definitely happen.”

These kinds of plots involving clandestine human experimentation are all too common in movies and anime; they usually end in conflict, or the subjects are used as cannon fodder, or worse:
"Using us as a source of extraordinary potions?"

Some people have made this guess.

"I do not want it!"

It was a matter of life and death, and the group of teenagers were in agreement.

"Tsk, if they send us to the battlefield, we can take the opportunity to slip away."

"Therefore, we can only try to save ourselves."

The girl with two braids, 'Ogura', looked at the boy with dark circles under his eyes and messy hair.

"I'm counting on you to find an escape route, Xia Yin."

"no problem,"

The boy with tousled hair nodded.

"My ability to split allows me to create small 'clones'."

As he spoke, the boy raised his hand, and flesh and blood extended from his palm like roots, quickly wrapping around his palm to form a three-headed doll.

"With these tiny clones, we can dig out the passage we need to escape!"

Don't let their comical appearance fool you; these little puppets are actually creations of extraordinary abilities, with strength that rivals that of an ordinary adult. They can even 'swim' through the mud at will, and digging tunnels is a piece of cake for them.

"And my ability can interfere with electronic devices,"

Xiaocang, with her double braids, raised her hands and placed them in front of her chest.
"At the same time, it can sense the strength of extraordinary individuals."

This is also why she was able to gather everyone together: after awakening their extraordinary abilities, these young men and women all chose to hide their abilities.

"Everyone, please don't reveal your abilities. Once Xia Yin has prepared the passage, we'll set off—"

The girl clenched her fist and waved it lightly towards the sky, which invigorated everyone.

free,

And a wonderful life awaits them!

"Thanks to you, Kogura."

After the discussion, the other boys and girls returned to their rooms.

The spiky-haired boy, Ie, looked at Ogura with her twin braids; although he could escape the laboratory by himself, it would be best if everyone could leave together.

After they get out, they still need to consider their future: they are only wolf-level and have limited abilities. They will have to support each other to survive in the face of being hunted down by the Australians.

"I just use electronic devices to fool people,"

The girl with twin braids shook her head slightly, not taking credit for it.

"If we want to leave this godforsaken place, we'll have to rely on your strength."

"Don't worry, I will protect you!"

The spiky-haired boy patted his chest. They were both from Japan, and having spent so much time together, it was inevitable that feelings would develop between them.

All I can say is that 'spiritual power' is a very rapid process of development: it's not just about intelligence and action.

In the world of Naruto, it's common for teenagers to be jealous of each other.

Some even went to the battlefield to kill people when they were five or six years old.

"Then I'll leave it to you, great hero~~"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

the other side,
Inside the control room of this underground building.

"Guess what abilities those little guys have awakened?"

On the control panel in front of them, screens monitored the entire underground laboratory: the living area, training area, experimental area, raw material area. The corpses of all sizes, soaking in the nutrient tanks, made the place feel cold and evil.

Leaning back in the ergonomic chair, the talkative doctor in the white coat seems to never be idle.

"Electromagnetic interference, miniature clones, claw deformation, limb regeneration."

Extraordinary abilities emerged from the mouths of those wearing black-rimmed glasses and white coats—the extraordinary abilities of those young men and women!
"Knowing the answer, there is no need for guessing."

"You're so boring."

The talkative man in the white coat shrugged, got up, poured two cups of coffee, handed one to his colleague, and asked a question.

Of these abilities, which one do you want?

Their research is already halfway successful.
Mass production of D-level superhumans has been achieved. Next, we will continue our efforts to achieve the designated acquisition of 'superhuman abilities'!

Since Yahweh has not yet appeared, the Commonwealth no longer holds back and secretly accelerates its research into supernatural abilities. Using the corpse of 'Black Flame' as raw material, they attempt to acquire supernatural power through cell fusion, gene grafting, radiation mutation, and various other means. They don't need to know the underlying principles; they just want to possess this power first.

After losing a large number of 'volunteers', the Commonwealth, which was fortunate enough, obtained a relatively 'stable' method of mass production of the extraordinary.

"Once the technology matures, the first to benefit from the upgrades will be federal lawmakers; it won't be our turn yet."

He accepted the coffee and calmly answered, wearing black-rimmed glasses and a white coat.

"If I had to choose, of course it would be—"

The doctor put down his coffee cup.
Electromagnetic interference! Modern people have a deep sense of awe for modern technology: ubiquitous cameras and eavesdropping devices; drones, reconnaissance planes, and satellites overhead; and mobile phones in everyone's hands, all of which can become the culprits that betray our whereabouts.

However, once electronic devices are interfered with, the level of technology will instantly regress to the level of World War II, and the advantage of superhumans will be amplified rapidly!
"Becoming an extraordinary person means no longer being an 'ordinary person'."

He pushed up his black-rimmed glasses.
The doctor in the white coat spoke calmly.

"Without the deterrent power of the 'Nine-Tails', the whole world would start fighting over this power first."

Unless everyone is a superhuman, 'ordinary people' will inevitably start a war: no one wants their boss, superior, or neighbor to be a monster beyond human comprehension, because that would mean that they and their families would not only be in constant danger, but would also be relegated to the 'lower class' from which they could never rise again.

Before that happens, a desperate fight is the only reasonable course of action.

"Relax, buddy; what do those things have to do with us?"

The talkative doctor in the white coat was too lazy to consider such 'social' problems; what he wanted was:
"If I could, I would want the ability to regenerate limbs."

"Only by living can we have a future."

As for those 'self-righteous' little guys, they are nothing more than test subjects whose fate had already been sealed!

We continued our research while appreciating their struggles.

It's a way to pass the time.

"Ah,"

"These white guys are still so arrogant and like to court death."

Above this 'pharmaceutical factory', a refined middle-aged man dressed as royalty from the Heian period of the island nation, with wings on his back, floats in the air.

His gaze pierced through the pharmaceutical factory on the surface and penetrated two hundred meters underground, taking in everything: whether it was the secret schemes of the teenagers who were being used as 'test subjects' or the leisurely demeanor of the Australian government officials leading the research, it was all under his control.

Great Tengu, Chutoku-in!
Of course, it's actually just someone else's pseudonym.

"Using 'Black Flame's' corpse to create stronger superhumans through surgical fusion?"

Although this was originally a backup plan deliberately left behind by someone.
But it must be said that these Commonwealth scientists are quite capable.

The growth cycle of ordinary superhumans is too 'long', and they cannot quickly develop combat power.

So these scientists set their sights on 'Black Flame': if they used the tiger-level 'Black Flame' corpse as raw material, could they mass-produce wolf-level superhumans?

The answer is yes!

The boys and girls in this underground laboratory are the results of the research.

The so-called 'Black Flame' is essentially the vegetative state 'White Zetsu', which inherently possesses the ability to absorb, integrate, and assimilate.

As long as someone doesn't deliberately lock access, with the technology of this world, it's not impossible to use these corpses to create superhumans.

only--

“If you do your research honestly, I won’t hold it against you.”

With the tacit approval of the Commonwealth, a large number of children from island nations, Africa, and Nicaea were collected here, and a batch of 'experiments' were bred with an extremely high attrition rate.

Moreover, the 'Great Tengu' in the sky knew very well that even these successful 'experiments' could not escape the fate of being destroyed!

With 'wolf-level' strength from the start, how could we possibly let these 'lowly' foreign races get their hands on it?
The Commonwealth had long ago secretly issued an order that only Anglo-Saxons were qualified to control it!

"If we don't step in, wouldn't it be a waste of this stage?"

Muttering to himself, the Great Tengu's gaze fell on the perimeter of the 'pharmaceutical factory': a figure with spiky hair silently emerged from the soil.

Just you!
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Panglao Island,
Located between the two large islands of the non-Concession,
Whether it was when the Nine-Tails' forces occupied the north or now that they have fled to the southern islands, this island has never wavered, because it is the territory of the infamous 'News King' KYG.

Behind this 'dog of the sea kingdom' is Crab Princess, who is the most 'friendly' to humans among the great demons.

With the protection of both maritime and island nations, this place remained safe and sound during several major wars.

Today, many extraordinary individuals from the island nation reside here.

"Shura, can't sleep?"

On a boulder in a remote part of the island, the bandaged boy turned around after hearing the voice behind him.

"master?"

The newcomer was none other than Totsuji Oni-Ohma, who was wearing a vest and trousers and had messy hair.

"Why are you here too?"

"Don't even mention it, those bureaucrats are driving me crazy."

With a light leap, it landed on the boulder and casually sat down.

"They're always hanging around me, subtly probing, as if they're afraid I'll side with 'Hyuga Toneri.' Or rather, they hope that when I side with them, I'll bring them along?"

Martial artist Ten-Headed Demon King Ma was extremely disgusted by those bureaucrats, big and small: however, each of them was more humble than the last, and given King Ma's arrogant nature, he disdained to lay a hand on such people, so he simply went out for a walk and enjoyed some peace and quiet.

"Master was personally invited by that 'Disciple,' which is a testament to your abilities."

Xiao, with his bandages covering his face, replied that he understood this principle, and everyone else did too.

After that previous battle, the name Toja Oni-ohuma came into the view of all nations and nobles.

Previously, the Kengan Association was managed by Hina Hongo. The participants were all wealthy and powerful figures from the island nation. The martial artists fought fiercely and improved their skills quickly, but they did not gain much fame.

Not to mention abroad, even in Tokyo, the so-called "Kengan Association" is just a kind of "urban legend" to most people.

Now all of this is exposed to the public eye, and countless people are eager to dig out even the color of Wang Ma's underwear.

Troublesome~~
"My abilities don't need anyone else's approval."

The Ten-Headed Demon King showed no joy.
"To be complacent because of an opponent's praise is the mentality of a weak person."

Having fought for so long in the Kengan Association, Toja Kiohama has experienced hardship, defeat, and ultimately reached the pinnacle; now he increasingly possesses the composed demeanor of a grandmaster.

"I've learned a lot, Master."

Xiao was startled, bowed and apologized, the beheading sword on his back sticking up.

Tell me about yourself—

Xiao sighed when his master brought the topic back to the present.

“I’m worried,”

“I have a friend, or rather an enemy, who has also come to this area of ​​the sea.”

"This time, I'm confident I can beat her; however, I also seem reluctant to see her defeated."

Despite giving himself the chuunibyou name "Shura" and having his face wrapped in bandages to look like a "mysterious assassin," Takashi is actually a "good person."

"Don't overthink it. For us martial artists..."

"Going all out is the greatest respect."

A victory gained by the opponent deliberately losing is a complete disgrace.

Unfortunately, Xiao was not a martial artist, and what he faced was not a fair and just competition.

"I understand, Master."

But no matter what, there's no point in hesitating.

"This time, I will sever everything!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

PS: To put it simply, the situation these past few days has been as follows:
The novel coronavirus and the immune system battled to the very edge of the respiratory tract, with every move unleashing a surge of proteases! Lymph nodes were shattered, and even the bronchi were worn away.
The author really wanted to say, "Stop fighting, go fight somewhere else." But there was nothing he could do; he was the battlefield himself.

I want to update, but I lack the energy to write. I'm truly sorry (tears welling up in my eyes).
(End of this chapter)