In the deepest chamber of the underground base, Obito sat cross-legged, his eyes calm. Before him stood Orochimaru, Tobi, and Uzuki Xiyang.
Orochimaru produced a glass vial filled with shimmering golden liquid—every drop a product of his tireless effort. This small tube held the potential for Obito's evolution.
"Obito-kun," Orochimaru said, "before we begin, is there anything you'd like to know?"
"How long does the entire process take?" Obito asked.
Orochimaru replied, "It varies. For most, it's over in under a second—because the moment Hashirama's cells enter the bloodstream, the overwhelming vitality becomes toxic and causes instant death. Ironically, that's the kindest fate—quick and relatively painless."
"And if the subject doesn't die instantly?" Obito asked.
A sinister smile curled across Orochimaru's lips. "Then congratulations. You'll experience something worse than death. Within sixty seconds, Hashirama's cells will flood your circulatory system. Your blood will literally boil—hotter than boiling water."
"Your blood pressure will skyrocket. Blood vessels will rupture. Your body temperature will soar to impossible levels. Every system will shut down. You'll enter a suspended state—on the edge between life and death."
He continued, "In this state, your organs will necrotize due to oxygen deprivation. Heart, liver, lungs—everything. The brain has about fifteen minutes before irreversible damage. If you wake before then and use chakra to control Hashirama's power, there's a chance to repair the organs. Otherwise… it's eternal sleep."
Obito calmly summarized, "So if I don't wake within fifteen minutes, I die."
"Exactly," Orochimaru nodded.
"What determines whether I wake up or not?"
"I wish I knew," Orochimaru shrugged. "My field is the body, not the soul."
Obito pressed on, "Assume I wake and repair my organs—does that mean I've succeeded?"
"Not quite," Orochimaru said. "That just means you've survived Phase One. The next 24 hours are the true trial. Hashirama's cells will start replicating uncontrollably inside you, replacing your native cells. We call this condition 'Hashirama Cancer.'"
"It's like an advanced form of cellular takeover," Orochimaru explained. "Your own cells will start producing antibodies. These will try to balance or reject the invading cells. The next 24 hours determine whether your body perishes… or adapts."
Uzuki Xiyang spoke softly, "So the outcome depends on whether his cells can resist long enough to develop tolerance?"
"Exactly. If your cells are wiped out, you die. If antibodies are produced in time—you live. But every second will be excruciating."
She swallowed hard, staring at Obito with concern.
Obito's voice remained steady. "Continue."
"If you survive the day, congratulations—you're halfway there. But Hashirama's cells are immortal. Even with antibodies, they'll continue dividing. Your body will reach equilibrium with two possibilities: assimilation or fusion."
"What's the difference?" Obito asked, eyes sharp.
"Assimilation means the cells adjust to each other—a middle ground. You get a semi-Hashirama body. Still powerful, but not perfect."
"And fusion?"
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed. "Fusion is total integration. Hashirama's cells become yours. No distinction. You achieve a complete Hashirama body."
Obito clenched his fists. "Fusion is the only acceptable result. Otherwise, I'd rather die."
Orochimaru smirked. "That's the spirit. Still, the risk is immense. Just in case… is there anyone you'd like to leave final words for?"
Obito nodded.
Orochimaru bowed and silently exited.
Obito looked at Tobi. After half a year in this world, Tobi was the only one he could call a friend. A strange, loyal friend—but a constant companion nonetheless.
"Tobi, we've known each other long enough. I won't say anything sappy. But thanks—for everything."
Tobi replied, "If you die, I won't be sad."
"Gee, you're too blunt."
"It's just more fun when you're alive. And you know, Hashirama had to eat and poop like everyone else."
Obito blinked. "How do you know that?"
Tobi leaned in. "Madara told me… in a dream."
Obito chuckled and shook his head.
Tobi turned to leave, thinking, If you really die, I'll ask Nagato to revive you. It would be too boring without you.
Now only Obito and Uzuki Xiyang remained.
She burst into tears. "Why… why must you do this? You're already strong. Why take such a risk?"
Obito softened. "I'm touched you'd cry for me. If I don't make it…"
"Don't say that!" she shouted. "You still owe me that hot spring!"
"Ah, so you really love hot springs."
"You try going a month without a hot bath! Baka!" She suddenly rushed forward and hugged him tightly.
"Then when the hot spring's built, shall we bathe together?" he asked, brushing her cheek.
She looked up, eyes glistening. "Wash together? That enough for you?"
"What else are we doing?"
"What we didn't finish last time," she said. "But this time, it's not for Konoha—it's for me."
"Will you bear my child, then?" he teased.
She blushed crimson. "I'm only 17! Maybe in two years…"
"You're even cuter when you're embarrassed," Obito smiled.
"Promise me you won't die."
"I promise."
She kissed him deeply.
Five minutes later, Orochimaru returned.
"Are you ready, Obito-kun?"
"Let's begin. Life or death—come what may."
Orochimaru approached, holding the golden vial. A fine needle protruded, not a single drop wasted.
He found the vein, inserted the needle, and with a breath—pushed Hashirama's perfect native cells into Obito's bloodstream.
The transformation… had begun.