Chapter 248: Do You Believe in the Light?
Dimness.
Flickering lamplight.
It reflected on a face drenched in cold sweat. Once Orochimaru's face had been contorted in agony, but after Kabuto left, a look of profound intrigue flickered in his eyes.
"Uchiha Sasuke... whether you can fulfill my objectives depends entirely on your talent. The eyes that reflect the heart—eyes that bring forth infinite unknowns..."
Why was he so obsessed with the Sharingan and Sasuke's body, rather than finding a way to take Pain's Rinnegan? Why not covet the Byakugan?
Beyond the fact that Pain was incredibly powerful, Orochimaru's research suggested that the Sharingan possessed even greater plasticity than the Rinnegan. According to historical records, the Rinnegan was the eye of the Sage of the Six Paths—a powerful eye, certainly. But its potential for evolution and adaptation paled in comparison to the Sharingan.
He had obtained genuine Sharingan before and had studied them deeply for a time. Ultimately, he discovered that the internal structure of the Sharingan could evolve into something even stronger depending on the talent of the host body. The Sharingan's power was tied to mental and emotional stimulation; there was a chance it could evolve into a powerful eye that surpassed even the Rinnegan.
Although history didn't record such an eye appearing within the Uchiha, he had drawn this conclusion from the Sharingan's genetic factors. This was the origin of the "eyes that reflect the heart"—as great as the heart's desire, so too would be the power.
"Jiraiya said that the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku predicted a future battle concerning the survival of the ninja world. That's why he's so obsessed with the 'Child of Prophecy' and has searched for so many years. But how can a person pin their hopes on something as ethereal as fate? Can we humans not create our own Child of Prophecy? We shall see if my prowess is greater, or if the Child of Prophecy you seek, Jiraiya, is stronger. I will never place my hope in others."
To achieve immortality, relying on others was impossible. As for why he believed the prophecies Jiraiya spoke of, it was naturally because he had consulted the White Snake Sage. Although the two Great Holy Lands didn't see eye to eye, the White Snake Sage clearly did not refute the Toad Sage's prophecy. The Three Great Holy Lands had always been the strongest forces maintaining the nature of the ninja world; they had no reason to lie.
Uchiha Sasuke was his vital bargaining chip to seize control of fate. As for Tonbo Tobitake—no matter what his goals were, as long as he didn't interfere with Orochimaru's plans, it was fine.
Konoha Hospital.
Tonbo Tobitake was unaware that Kabuto had already found a way to bypass the barrier adjustments he had made as Acting Hokage. At this moment, he was handing over the data he had extracted from Rock Lee's body to Tsunade.
"Your abilities are better suited for a medical ninja," Tsunade remarked, shocked by the data in her hands. The figures were even more detailed than what she, a professional medical ninja, had probed. Though their logic and medical theories differed, combining their findings led to a much better solution.
"However, this little guy's situation is not optimistic. Even with the physical data you extracted, the success rate can only be raised to 60%," Tsunade concluded.
Guy asked anxiously, "What happens if it fails?"
"He will die."
Tsunade's words cast Guy and Lee into a heavy silence. Death.
"No need to be so gloomy. In the Scroll of Seals, there is a technique called Reanimation (Edo Tensei)—the same one Orochimaru used against the Third. Even if it fails, we can just go catch Orochimaru and make him summon Lee's soul back from the Pure Land," Tonbo suggested, seeing their dejected faces.
"That could be considered a form of medical treatment, couldn't it?"
"No! How can we just summon back those who have passed? It's a forbidden jutsu; it would completely dismantle the order of the ninja world," Tsunade's immediate reaction was a sharp rejection. Guy and Lee shared her sentiment; they didn't want to be summoned back after death. Traditional values made them recoil at the idea.
"Uh... don't be so rigid..."
"No means no. Don't mention such suggestions again. The two old advisors were right not to let you become the official Hokage," Tsunade interrupted him. She finally understood why Tonbo, despite having sufficient ability, hadn't been voted in as Hokage by the advisors and Jonin.
His mindset... Tonbo didn't seem to possess traditional values. In that sense, he was just like Orochimaru. That was something she could not allow.
"Mhm... alright. But given Lee's current condition, aside from changing bodies, the only way to improve his survival rate is to develop a ninjutsu that creates protein cells to complement your abilities, Lady Tsunade," Tonbo suggested, secretly pleased and offering a suggestion he knew Tsunade would eventually arrive at herself.
"A protein cell creation technique?" Tsunade recalled Orochimaru's subordinate.
"This move is called Yin Healing Wound Destruction. It uses chakra to create protein cells, thereby healing injuries. It was because of this ability that I was favored by Lord Orochimaru." That was what Kabuto, who had been hit by the Rasengan, had told her. That move was highly related to her own Creation Rebirth, so the memory was vivid.
Creation Rebirth worked by using chakra to force the body's protein cells to divide rapidly for instant healing. Since forced cell division shortens one's lifespan, she had been deeply impressed by Kabuto's technique. Tonbo's words now sparked an idea. Combined with Lee's physical condition and the risks of the surgery, if she could develop a way to create cells rather than just force division, the success rate would indeed climb.
"That's a good suggestion. Much more decent than your last one," Tsunade said, her voice turning cold as she warned him, "But I'm warning you, don't you dare learn that technique (Reanimation), or I will personally arrest you."
"Don't worry, I haven't even finished researching my own jutsus yet. I don't have time to learn that one," Tonbo reassured her.
In his mind, he apologized silently. Sorry, but that move is too simple; I've already learned it. It was just the early version, though—not as refined as Orochimaru's or Kabuto's versions.
"Really? That's wonderful!" Guy and Lee both beamed upon hearing there was still hope.
"Don't get happy too early. It only improves the success rate; it's not a 100% guarantee. You still need to think it over. Honestly, I suggest he stops being a ninja. I can restore him to the level of a normal person's life," Tsunade said. She hated giving hope only to take it away, but compared to his life, what did being a ninja matter?
"I..." Lee lowered his head. Death was a heavy topic for a young boy. Guy also fell silent.
"Didn't Tonbo once say that people who believe in miracles are even greater than the miracles themselves? Lee, do you believe in miracles?" Guy suddenly cheered up and laughed.
"I..."
"Even if it fails, it's fine. As your teacher, I'll go with you to the Pure Land!" Guy gave Lee a big thumbs up.
Lee's eyes erupted with inspired light. "Guy-sensei!"
The two of them began bawling in front of Tsunade and Tonbo. Tsunade shot a fierce glare at Tonbo. Tonbo could only look away. How did this end up being my fault? This scene happened in the original story anyway; he had just interfered enough to make it happen a little earlier.
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