The Uzumaki clan's constitution was formidable. While not on par with the Sage's body, it still far surpassed that of ordinary humans. Yet the White Zetsu cells they had now were not true, first-rate Sage Body cells.
They had been diluted multiple times.
The effects—and especially the drawbacks—were far weaker compared to Hashirama's cells.
For most people, White Zetsu cells were already immensely powerful. But for someone of the Uzumaki bloodline—especially someone like Nagato, whose body was uniquely suited to bear the Rinnegan, whose life force was already overwhelming—
The role of White Zetsu cells…
Couldn't be called useless, but the effect was very limited.
"Kyoichi-kun, you see, I told you this thing was still a step below. We'll have to bring out the First Hokage's cells. Those might carry severe side effects, but their effect is the strongest. With them, the backlash of the Rinnegan can surely be balanced."
As Orochimaru spoke, he licked his lips.
The Rinnegan carried backlash, and Hashirama's cells carried backlash as well. If combined, perhaps they could cancel each other out and achieve balance, unleashing their greatest potential.
Nagato furrowed his brows, weighing the matter.
First Hokage's cells…
He had heard Kyoichi mention them once before—their recoil was terrifying. The reason Kyoichi had opted for White Zetsu's cells was precisely to lessen that burden.
Hashirama's cells were undeniably stronger, but their side effects would be far harder to control.
Nagato hesitated.
"Don't even think about it. Impossible. The First's cells cannot be controlled. Not just me—even the Hokage would never permit it. This proposal is off the table."
Kyoichi shook his head.
Nagato nodded lightly in agreement.
Orochimaru sighed in regret.
Konoha's restraints were many. If it were up to him, he'd directly test the Rinnegan's capabilities step by step, amplifying them with Hashirama's cells.
Yes, it would be dangerous and could cost Nagato his life. But at least one thing was certain now: the body of an Uzumaki could indeed withstand the Rinnegan. And at present, Konoha had not one, but two Rinnegan users.
They did not lack for wielders of the Rinnegan—what they lacked was the eyes themselves.
But…
Too bad.
Kyoichi did not agree. Smacking his lips, he said: "Very well. Since that's the case, while these cells aren't the strongest, they're better than nothing. Go on, let them spread gradually and strengthen your body step by step."
Nagato nodded slightly.
The effect of White Zetsu cells wasn't nonexistent. After transplantation, his ocular strain lessened significantly. Yet he could still feel it—
Even so.
Even if he could use the Summoning Technique, the price would remain steep. The burden was lighter than before, but far from safe.
But then…
Kyoichi raised a hand.
"No need to rush the spread. These cells need time to take root. It won't happen overnight. Let's wait a few days—we still have time."
"Yes!"
Nagato agreed readily.
Orochimaru only sighed in regret.
It wasn't that he wished for Nagato's death. It was just that, when faced with data and experimentation, he couldn't suppress his impatience. Yet with Kyoichi insisting on caution, he had no choice but to comply.
Otherwise…
In Konoha, he truly wouldn't be able to keep his footing.
Nagato was escorted away.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, then chuckled hoarsely, pulling out a scroll. He recorded some data, and at the end, scribbled down an unrelated note:
Change bodies!
Kyoichi had reminded him once—
"The body is but a vessel. Even snakes must shed their skin. For humans, when age comes, why not simply exchange the body and achieve eternal life?"
At that thought, Orochimaru licked his lips again.
As for the material for a new body…
There was no need to look elsewhere. The perfect cultivation material was right before his eyes—
White Zetsu's cells!
Of course…
The raw material was there, but many obstacles remained before his idea could be realized. Chief among them: how to ensure the soul remained intact and transferable to another body.
That was the greatest hurdle.
Still…
At least now he had a direction.
Before, Orochimaru's obsession with immortality had stemmed mainly from his frustration at being unable to master all ninjutsu.
But now, things were different.
The Rinnegan. Madara. And these creations bred from Hashirama's cells…
He had no desire to die early.
So…
Though life in Konoha was dull, safety was irresistible. Bound by Kyoichi's rules, Orochimaru still had experiments to run and research to pursue.
He didn't mind working for Kyoichi and Konoha under these conditions.
Kyoichi, meanwhile, had taken Nagato away—
Because his Slug clone had delivered him a message:
Fugaku was looking for him!
Ever since the last Uchiha rebellion, Fugaku had fully relinquished control of the Police Force. He hadn't stepped out of the clan compound in ages, remaining in seclusion at home.
Those who knew understood that Fugaku was stuck between two impossible choices, utterly tangled and unable to unravel the clan's mess. Those who didn't might think he was simply enduring hardship and biding his time.
But now—
The fact that Fugaku had come meant that the intelligence Inoka had brought back from ANBU had shaken him to the core. Fugaku could no longer sit idle. He had to seek out Kyoichi to clarify matters and exchange information.
Finally meeting Kyoichi, Fugaku immediately bowed lightly.
He could tell at a glance—
What stood before him was just a clone, not Kyoichi's true body. But these days, meeting the real Kyoichi was next to impossible. And besides, for many matters…
Discussing them with a clone was no different.
"Kyoichi-sama."
"Fugaku-senpai, no need for formalities. I've been buried in affairs lately, so the true body hasn't had much time. If you have urgent matters, you may speak directly."
Kyoichi didn't bother with politeness.
At a time like this, empty words were unnecessary.
After all—
The one who needed answers most urgently wasn't him.
"Yes. Kyoichi-sama, I've already heard the reports Inoka brought back. Those traitors of the Uchiha deserved their deaths. But your speculation… it reminded me of something else."
Fugaku paused, then continued: "I searched through the records and found a note. Our clan possesses a secret technique—Izanagi."
He proceeded to explain Izanagi's effects to Kyoichi.
Kyoichi pondered briefly, then nodded. "So, Fugaku-senpai, you've arrived at some suspicions."
"To require so many eyes… and to have such intimate knowledge of the Uchiha… Hah, the only one I can think of is… that man from back then."
Fugaku sighed.
Seeing that Kyoichi wasn't the least bit surprised, he understood. Konoha must have long suspected as much. They hadn't informed the Uchiha simply to avoid driving the clan into a corner.
After all—
The clan had just gone through rebellion. The people were already unsettled. If they were told this on top of it, it would only plunge them deeper into chaos and sow more distrust of Konoha.
So he explained Izanagi's workings to Kyoichi in detail.
Kyoichi frowned.
"So, that's how Madara deceived the First and Second Hokage—using this technique to feign death and escape, even seizing the chance during battle to obtain the First's flesh…"
He revealed to Fugaku much of what intelligence they had gathered.
Fugaku listened, his heart pounding.
Konoha's information was far more complete—and far more terrifying—than he had imagined.
Madara…
What in the world was that man plotting?
"You are the head of the Uchiha. From your perspective, Fugaku-senpai, do you think Madara's current actions might be aimed at artificially creating Mangekyō Sharingan?"
"…I've come to the same conclusion."