There had been tension earlier, but this time, Nagato drank the solution without hesitation.
As "Kabuto" had said, Orochimaru was the one in complete control of the operation. There were too many delicate steps only he could perform. Replacing him simply wasn't an option.
Besides, compared to other rogue medics like Konoha's Hiruko, the rogue Sky Ninja leader Shinno, or Hōran, Orochimaru—through Kabuto—was ironically the one with the most professional integrity.
"Let's begin. You'll feel some pain—bear with it."
Orochimaru gave a casual warning before starting. He began manipulating Nagato's bones with careful precision.
He didn't approach this lightly. For all his cruel methods, Orochimaru took the operation seriously, intending to restore Nagato's body as best he could.
"—Hhsss…"
Nagato exhaled sharply after drinking the solution, trying to endure the searing discomfort.
His leg injuries had become chronic over the years, layered with numerous complications. Now, one by one, those ailments were being addressed: torn muscles realigned, abnormal bone growths removed, blood clots drained, and inflammation soothed by medication.
"As expected of the Uzumaki clan… such formidable vitality," Orochimaru muttered, wiping away blood and applying antiseptic. The wound began healing before his eyes. "Anyone else would need months of recovery after this."
"Are you really going to continue with the transplant now?" Konan asked, concern in her voice. "His body's still fragile—no stronger than an average shinobi. Wouldn't it be better to let him rest before proceeding?"
Konan wasn't trying to halt the operation—just postpone it to ensure better results. She could see the improvement already and had developed a grudging trust in Kabuto.
But Orochimaru shook his head.
"There's no need to delay. Now is the optimal window."
He turned to her calmly.
"I told you before—White Zetsu cells accelerate cellular regeneration. Everything I've done so far was not just treatment—it was preparation. His body is now primed for the procedure. Any delay could cause destabilization."
Konan fell silent, and Nagato, licking his dry lips, nodded. "Let's continue."
Orochimaru gave a slight nod but didn't start right away. He retrieved a series of diagnostic tools from a scroll, placing them around Nagato in a ring.
"They're auxiliary monitors," he explained without prompting. "They'll help me better understand Nagato's reactions and adjust the procedure in real time."
Konan held her tongue but couldn't hide her discomfort. She let out a soft huff.
"Focus your chakra through all your meridians," Orochimaru instructed. "Your Rinnegan's power will assist in stabilizing the transplant."
The procedure began.
A syringe slid into Nagato's chest. Slowly, Orochimaru pushed in a pale green fusion solution.
The moment it entered his bloodstream, a deep, thunderous heartbeat echoed through the underground room.
His heart pumped hot blood, circulating the serum quickly throughout his body.
"AAAGH!"
Nagato screamed, body arching in agony. He nearly rose from the bed, but the chakra-forged restraints Orochimaru had prepared held him down.
"Nagato!" Konan rushed forward, worry all over her face. But Orochimaru's warning glare stopped her mid-step.
"Don't panic," he said flatly. "This is all within expectations."
He watched the instruments carefully, recording data as Nagato's screams gradually weakened. His heartbeat remained strong, and color began returning to his pale face.
The treatment was working.
Konan exhaled in relief. Her gaze toward Kabuto was no longer filled with distrust.
Fifteen minutes later, Orochimaru removed the restraints and injected Nagato with a second solution—this one a nutrient-rich compound to restore strength.
Nagato lay back, breath steady.
"…This is the most relaxed I've felt in years," he murmured. He looked at Kabuto with newfound respect. "Seems your estimation was off. Even just the White Zetsu transplant has lightened my body significantly."
"That's good to hear," Orochimaru replied, licking his lips faintly. "So—shall we proceed to the next phase? Or do you want to stop here and savor the results?"
He knew the answer. Once someone tasted power, they wouldn't stop halfway.
"You don't need to ask. Just do it."
Nagato settled back down. Orochimaru smiled.
"Very well. But this next part is riskier," he added, glancing at Konan. "I'll need you to refrain from interfering."
Konan crossed her arms and gave a sharp nod.
—
Outside, the skies above the Hidden Rain Village remained gray and oppressive, but—for the first time in ages—the constant drizzle had stopped.
To ordinary citizens, it was a small weather shift. But to those who knew better, it meant something deeper.
The "God" watching over the village had finally closed his eyes.
"Tsk… looks like Kabuto's already operating on Nagato."
High above, peering through twin pitcher plants, Zetsu emerged from a stalk and turned to speak. "You're not going to stop him?"
He glanced at Obito.
"You know better than anyone—Kabuto's transformation surgery turned him from a mere Chūnin into a Kage-level threat. If that same process strengthens Nagato…"
Zetsu didn't want Nagato to become too powerful. He didn't share Obito's vision of the Eye of the Moon plan, nor could he control Nagato's Rinnegan.
Still, only the Rinnegan's wielder could cast the Moon's Eye.
"I won't stop it," Obito said coldly. "Interfering now would only turn Nagato against us. It's not the right time."
He touched his left eye socket, where his Sharingan lay hidden.
He didn't like this outcome—but he had retrieved his eye. That was enough.
Armed with Kamui, Obito feared no one. Not even Nagato—strengthened or not.
"You're too confident," Zetsu muttered. "You underestimate what the Rinnegan is truly capable of."
He said no more, but his gaze darkened.
Madara's legacy was misunderstood. The Rinnegan was more than just a powerful tool—it was the Sage's birthright. So far, Nagato had only scratched the surface.
But if his body fully adapted…
Zetsu would need to make other arrangements—soon.
—
Back inside the tower, Nagato's agonized screams echoed through the basement.
His body had sprouted thick branches and fibrous growths. He was completely entangled with the living tissue from the transplant.
"Ah… a true complete fusion of First Hokage cells," Orochimaru breathed, marveling at the grotesque sight. "Terrifying. Beautiful."
"Do you have time to admire it?" Konan snapped, furious. "He's screaming in agony!"
"Which means he's still fighting," Orochimaru said calmly. "If it were anyone else, they'd have lost consciousness or gone insane."
He clapped his hands together and activated Sage Mode.
A thick tentacle emerged from his chest and snaked into Nagato's torso.
Konan recoiled.
Even with her battlefield experience, the sight was disturbing.
"I'll help suppress the initial surge," Orochimaru explained. "But overcoming the proliferation is up to him."
"The Rinnegan's chakra is equal to—or greater than—Sage energy. He has what it takes."
Orochimaru was experienced in First Hokage cell transplants. He had learned that performing these surgeries often yielded strange feedback into his own chakra, subtly changing him.
He believed that if Nagato had enough exposure, he might unlock the Rinnegan's full potential.
Then Orochimaru's eyes narrowed.
"…Strange."
"What is it?" Konan asked, tense. "Did something go wrong?"
"The opposite," he said slowly. "It's going too well."
Nagato was syncing with the graft at an astonishing rate—faster than Orochimaru himself ever had.
But that just meant one thing: the danger was passing.
Orochimaru carefully withdrew the tentacle and injected himself with a restorative solution.
Konan still watched the writhing branches around Nagato's body with concern.
Time passed. An hour later—
Nagato's eyes shot open. Chakra burst from his body in a wave. The branches disintegrated into dust and collapsed.
"Nagato!" Konan rushed forward. "How do you feel?!"
"…Better than ever," Nagato said.
Though pale, his Rinnegan gleamed, filled with power. His presence felt… solid.
Konan, teary-eyed, asked the question that had haunted her for years:
"Can you… stand?"
For a long moment, Nagato didn't answer.
Then, just as he moved, Orochimaru raised a hand.
"I wouldn't recommend it—not yet."
Nagato blinked. "Why?"
"I gave you medicine to ensure the procedure's success. It's not without side effects," Orochimaru said honestly. "With your Uzumaki resilience, you'll recover. But for now—rest. At least a hundred days."
Nagato was quiet, then nodded.
"I understand. I'll wait. And… thank you."
His voice was calm. Grateful.
"I owe you for this."
_____________________
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