Konoha Hospital.
For the past few days, Nagato had been working with the Medical Research Division in Konoha.
At first, his role was simple — cooperating with the medical-nin by providing samples like blood and tissue.
But as time went on…
Having trained in medical ninjutsu under Shizune recently, Nagato had made noticeable progress. Through both being studied and participating in studies, his grasp of medical techniques was advancing at an astonishing pace.
At first, he merely observed.
Then, he began to understand what the others were doing — and why they were doing it.
Before long, he could clearly discern the function and operation of all sorts of instruments.
He didn't yet understand the underlying principles — but even that much was enough for him to truly appreciate the vast gulf between Amegakure and Konoha's medical technology.
And this was only the tip of the iceberg.
The difference between the two villages wasn't just "somewhat."
The disparity wasn't limited to shinobi strength — that was only the surface.
The deeper divide was in economy, medicine, and education — areas where Konoha utterly crushed the competition.
And it wasn't just Amegakure.
To be precise — no other village in the entire shinobi world could match Konoha's completeness and power.
That was why it remained the number-one village.
They were too well-rounded.
With no weaknesses, there was no way to effectively target them.
Iwagakure, Sunagakure — their shortcomings were obvious at a glance.
Even Kumogakure, for all its raw might, lagged behind economically.
And besides… most of those in Kumogakure were Lightning Release specialists; their other jutsu were lacking.
They simply couldn't compare with Konoha's balance.
Nagato was observing and thinking quietly when—
"Tsunade-hime!"
"How's Nagato's analysis going? Can we proceed with the transplant?"
"After multiple tests, his body is showing excellent compatibility with those special cells. There's virtually no rejection. We believe he's fully qualified for heart transplantation."
They handed Tsunade a detailed report.
She read through it carefully.
"And how's the compatibility with the First Hokage's cells?"
"Extremely high — around eighty percent. If the special cells fail to meet medical needs in an emergency, we can use the backup protocol."
Tsunade nodded.
"...Nagato, what about you? What's your stance?"
Her tone grew solemn.
Nagato's decision mattered most — if he refused, she'd have no choice but to move on to the backup plan:
Removing the Rinnegan.
That was the core issue — the Rinnegan.
Over time, they had learned that its wielder needed to possess certain genetic traits —
Senju or Uchiha lineage.
Possessing either was enough to host and control the Rinnegan.
Currently, no Uchiha had the strength or aptitude to wield it. Shisui had potential, but he was far from ready. As for Obito — his knowledge and power were insufficient.
Even so, there were still other candidates.
Namely, Kushina Uzumaki and Oriri.
Especially Kushina.
The Rinnegan combined with the Nine-Tails' chakra — she wouldn't match the Sage of Six Paths, but the load and chakra drain of the eyes could be offset.
If not for Nagato's long familiarity with the Rinnegan, Kushina would actually have been the best choice.
Of course… there was another option —
Destroy the Rinnegan.
But as Kyoichi had said — unless it was absolutely necessary, destroying it was the last thing they wanted.
After all, beyond Madara… there was still Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
And likely, descendants of hers still existed beside him.
Without the Rinnegan, they might never find a way to fight them.
Even if Kaguya's revival seemed impossible, there were other threats —
such as the Ōtsutsuki clan beyond this world — the Valley Branch.
Tsunade didn't believe that clan bore malice.
But Kyoichi… didn't trust them at all.
He insisted they might one day descend to destroy the shinobi world, muttering things like, "Time erodes all things."
It sounded absurd — and yet, when she thought about it, there was a certain truth to his words.
They couldn't place the shinobi world's fate in the hands of others' goodwill.
This was their world — and it had to be protected by their own power.
Even if the Rinnegan once belonged to Madara…
Now that it was in their hands — it belonged to them.
Nagato looked around, then nodded without hesitation.
He understood.
Tsunade's sudden appearance meant something had happened — a shift on Kyoichi's end.
That could only mean one thing —
Konoha had located Madara's position.
Time was running short.
"I have no objections," Nagato said. "If necessary, please proceed with the transplant — and transplant the First Hokage's cells as well.
"I'm not coveting your village's power. It's just… I haven't yet fully mastered the nature transformation of Yang Release. At this rate, I won't grasp it before facing Madara."
He bowed deeply.
His sincerity was unmistakable — nothing hidden, no ulterior motives.
Still, the medical-nin hesitated, their eyes shifting toward Tsunade.
After all… these were Hashirama's cells.
And Nagato — he wasn't one of their own.
Even with Uzumaki blood, trust was not so easily given.
But Tsunade didn't waver.
"Very well," she said firmly. "If you've made up your mind, I'll not hold back. My grandfather wouldn't object either. But remember — once you gain this strength, use it for peace, not war."
Her face grew solemn.
"My grandfather devoted his life to peace. Though he never achieved it completely, I won't allow anyone to use his power to plunge the world into chaos."
Nagato bowed again, his voice steady.
"Yes. I won't disappoint you."
Tsunade smiled faintly and raised her hand.
"Everyone, prepare for surgery!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
The room stirred into motion.
With the lab's advanced equipment, there was no need to relocate — everything could be done right there in the Medical Research Division.
Just then, Kyoichi's wood clone finally arrived — a bit late.
He couldn't help it.
The pseudo-God Tree and Ten-Tails chakra were matters of utmost importance.
If Orochimaru messed with them, the entire plan could collapse.
So before leaving, he had left behind a wood clone and asked Mitokado Homura to keep watch.
Orochimaru wasn't pleased — but he couldn't argue.
He knew himself too well.
Without supervision, he might not be able to control himself.
That was the chakra of the Ten-Tails, after all!
He had only a tiny fragment for study — yet even that had revealed incredible mysteries.
If he could obtain it all, his power would surely reach new heights.
But reason told him — that path was forbidden.
Still, temptation tugged at him.
Kyoichi's precautions — leaving a clone and having Homura monitor him — ironically brought Orochimaru relief.
At least now…
He wouldn't have to struggle against his own desire to take a bite of the forbidden fruit.
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