Chapter 123 - Chapter 122: Rinnegan Activated, A Strange Yet Familiar Voice!

"Lord Orochimaru, it seems the current situation is unfolding exactly as predicted by the experiment," said Kabuto, adjusting his glasses as he stared intently at the figure floating in the culture tank before him—Uzumaki Naruto.Suspended in the luminous green fluid, Naruto remained motionless, his chakra surging silently beneath his skin. This very solution was crafted painstakingly by Orochimaru, originally intended for his own use in obtaining Uchiha Sasuke's body.And yet, without the slightest hesitation, Orochimaru had offered it to Naruto.Even Kabuto, usually indifferent and composed, couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. He had never seen Orochimaru place such trust—or interest—in anyone before.But something else about Naruto also disturbed him."His… physique," Kabuto murmured, narrowing his eyes behind his glasses. "He's still just a teenager, and yet… some proportions just don't seem natural. Is it the Nine Tails' chakra?"Kabuto made a mental note. This anomaly could become an entirely new area of research. The fusion of Uzumaki vitality, the Nine Tails' chakra, and now Senju and Uchiha genes—Naruto was a living convergence of the three greatest bloodlines in ninja history."As expected of Naruto-kun," Kabuto muttered, watching Naruto's body rapidly absorb the power of both Uchiha and Senju cells. "His body is adapting… astonishingly fast."Suddenly, Orochimaru coughed violently, blood spraying from his mouth and staining the floor beneath his feet."Lord Orochimaru!" Kabuto rushed to his side, alarmed. His master's body, already weakened and temporary, was deteriorating faster than expected.This vessel had only been meant to last long enough to retrieve Sasuke, nothing more. Now, with Sasuke back but the medium given to Naruto, there was no benefit left for Orochimaru—only risk."Master, Naruto's assimilation process will take at least another full day," Kabuto began cautiously. "If you act now—""I know what you want to say," Orochimaru interrupted, voice raspy yet calm.Indeed, Kabuto was suggesting they use this opportunity to seize Sasuke's body while Naruto remained unconscious. With the control Orochimaru had over Naruto, the boy would never even realize what had happened.But Orochimaru shook his head slowly."I'm more interested in Naruto-kun now," he said, an almost mad glint in his golden eyes. "If his body can truly adapt to this transformation, he will surpass even the God of Shinobi—Senju Hashirama."Orochimaru's breathing was heavy, his steps unsteady, but his gaze remained unwavering as he turned and walked away.Kabuto stood frozen, watching his master disappear into the darkness."Orochimaru-sama... his feelings for Naruto... they're not just scientific curiosity anymore…" Kabuto murmured.---[Ninja World Commentary Panel Appears]Ohnoki: "Orochimaru and Naruto from that world… they're both complete lunatics!"Orochimaru: "Tsuchikage-sama, a dusty fossil like you can never comprehend the beauty of science! One day, the entire ninja world will understand—and worship—me, Orochimaru!"Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Keep dreaming, you traitor!"Senju Hashirama: "Incredible… Naruto actually integrated my cells? I can't wait to see what transformations await him. Truly fascinating!"Senju Tobirama: "I don't know what lunacy led to this, but one thing is clear: a monster is about to be born in that world."Jiraiya: "Unbelievable… The Uzumaki already had remarkable vitality. Add Hashirama's regenerative powers and Uchiha eye techniques? That's a terrifying combination!"Uchiha Sasuke: "Orochimaru! If Naruto could do this, then what about me? Could I also…"Orochimaru: "Sasuke, what a good question! I was hoping you'd consider it. Come to my base—test it for yourself."Uchiha Sasuke: "Tch. I'll deal with Naruto first. Get everything ready, Orochimaru!"Uzumaki Naruto: "Don't trust him, Sasuke! Can't you see he's after your body too?"Uchiha Sasuke: "So what? Naruto… You still don't get it. If gaining that kind of power lets me kill him once and for all, I don't care what happens to me afterward!"Uchiha Mikoto: "Sasuke… my child… how can you speak like this? Your brother, Itachi, he—"Uchiha Fugaku: "Enough. If this is Sasuke's decision, then let it be. This is the fate of the Uchiha clan. Maybe Madara was right—our downfall began the moment we turned our backs on him."Uchiha Madara: "At least someone gets it. Don't worry—once I remake this world, the Uchiha will be reborn stronger than ever."Senju Tobirama: "Madara, spare me the delusions. You're dead. No need for more nonsense."---Meanwhile, in the black-screen world of the broadcast…Naruto's body remained floating peacefully in the nutrient solution, but his consciousness had traveled elsewhere—into a mysterious, boundless void."…This place…" Naruto whispered, looking around. There was nothing but empty space, stretching endlessly in every direction.Before he could explore further, an unbearable pain suddenly surged through his eyes."Ahhh! Ahhhhhh!!!"Clutching his face, Naruto fell to his knees, blood pouring from his eye sockets and trailing down his cheeks like crimson tears."Naruto?! Naruto!" came the frantic voice of Kurama, the Nine Tails, within him. For once, his tone was filled with concern and panic."I-I'm okay… It's stopped…" Naruto panted, breathing heavily as the searing agony gradually faded.He lowered his hands from his eyes.What he saw next left him stunned.In place of his usual ocean-blue irises were two blood-red Sharingan, each displaying three fully-formed tomoe, rotating slowly."This… is the Sharingan!" Naruto gasped.Kurama, watching through the seal, was speechless.Naruto, a pure-blooded member of the Uzumaki clan, had awakened the Uchiha's legendary dōjutsu—and not just a basic form. It was a fully-evolved Sharingan with three tomoe!Suddenly, the red hue in Naruto's eyes darkened. The tomoe stopped spinning.Buzz!A strange chime echoed in his mind. His eyes began to morph once again.The red faded.Now his irises glowed a light purple, with concentric ripple patterns spreading out from the pupil—the Rinnegan!Naruto's vision sharpened instantly. He could see chakra swirling through the air, currents of invisible energy dancing around him.Even Kurama instinctively shrank back within the seal, trembling at the overwhelming power those eyes exuded."So this… is the power of the Uchiha clan…?" Naruto whispered, raising a hand.An overwhelming surge of vitality coursed through him, radiating from every tenketsu point in his body.And then—something miraculous happened.From his palm, a tiny green sapling sprouted.Though small and fragile, the chakra-rich space around him began converging toward the plant. Even in this void-like realm, the life force was unmistakable."…Wood Style," Naruto breathed in amazement. "It really can… absorb chakra…"In that moment, it all clicked."The powers of the Uchiha, the Senju… and the Uzumaki. They really can be fused into one!"As Naruto stood, awed by his transformation, a voice echoed through the emptiness—a voice deep and ancient, filled with both familiarity and gravity."Ashura… Kurama… it has been a long time."Naruto spun around, heart pounding."…Who's there?!"---To be continued...