Ch.237 A Solution

Hearing the first part of Shinji's sentence, Yakumo's expression dimmed, as if she had expected the answer. When she asked for help, she hadn't held much hope—disappointment had long since become familiar to her.

But as the second half of Shinji's words reached her ears, she froze. "You… you have a way to help me?"

Shinji nodded lightly. "Yes, but it's a bit troublesome."

Yakumo, quick to pick up on the meaning behind Shinji's words, lit up with excitement. "Really? You can really help me?"

Switching his vision to Hogan, Shinji once again examined Yakumo's body and said, "Your organs and chakra pathways are underdeveloped due to congenital deficiencies. This is the primary reason for your frailty."

Yakumo nodded repeatedly.

Shinji continued, "If it were a matter of simple treatment, even Lady Tsunade of the Hidden Leaf wouldn't have much to work with in the short term."

Medical ninjutsu was for healing.

For someone like Yakumo, whose frailty was congenital and nearly disabling, medical ninjutsu wasn't completely useless—but the progress would be painfully slow.

This situation required the extreme regenerative abilities brought about by high-level Yang Release chakra.

The simplest and most effective method would be to transplant White Zetsu cells into Kurama Yakumo, using the Yang Release chakra and God Tree properties within the cells to stimulate her body's potential, triggering a secondary development to compensate for her congenital deficiencies.

Recalling how her parents had mentioned that even Lady Tsunade was powerless, Yakumo found Shinji's assessment incredibly accurate.

Suddenly, Shinji shifted the tone of the conversation. "So, aside from me, there's no one else in the shinobi world who can help you. But… why should I help you?"

Yakumo froze, silently reflecting. "That's right… I'm just an ordinary shinobi academy student. Why would Akatsuki help me?"

Glancing at 'Ido,' Shinji smirked. "And besides the physical issue, it seems you have something else that needs dealing with."

Yakumo's gaze drifted toward 'Ido,' her expression complicated.

Sensing danger, 'Ido' cried out, "Yakumo, don't listen to him! I'm the only one who truly cares about you!"

Yakumo slowly shook her head. "I'm sorry. You're too dangerous—I have to destroy you!"

'Ido' shrieked, "No! I am you! If you kill me, you won't survive either!"

Shinji chuckled silently.

'Ido' was indeed a part of Yakumo—much like the relationship between Shion and Moryo.

But unlike Moryo, 'Ido' could be destroyed.

Chakra at a certain level attained immortality—but this threshold was incredibly rare in the shinobi world.

Moryo's indestructible nature was the exception, not the rule.

Most shinobi lacked such abilities. 'Ido' was no different.

'Ido's' pleas didn't waver Yakumo's resolve.

Remembering how her parents had nearly died at 'Ido's' hands, she was terrified and determined. Even if the price was her life, she would destroy 'Ido,' the embodiment of her inner demons.

As Yakumo prepared to eliminate 'Ido,' Shinji suddenly stopped her. "Think carefully before you act."

Yakumo turned to Shinji.

He said calmly, "She is the manifestation of your talent. If you destroy her, you will become like the rest of your Kurama Clan—mediocre. You won't even make it to jonin… becoming a chunin would be a struggle."

Yakumo hesitated immediately.

She had grown up under the expectations of her clan. Without her talent, even if she gained a healthy body, she wouldn't be able to restore the declining Kurama Clan.

Thinking of the disappointment from her parents and clan, she wavered.

Sensing hope, 'Ido' quickly added, "He's right! If you kill me, you won't be the Kurama Clan's hope anymore!"

Yakumo turned to Shinji with pleading eyes. "Then… what should I do?"

Shinji replied, "If you're willing to serve me, I might consider helping you."

"Serve…?" Yakumo hesitated, then shook her head. "I'm sorry… I can't harm my comrades or the village."

Shinji laughed. "Who said I wanted you to harm your comrades or the village?"

Yakumo cautiously asked, "If you can promise that, then I'm willing to serve you."

Shinji didn't offer any grand promises—he simply nodded lightly.

Yakumo breathed a sigh of relief.

At this point in time, she hadn't fully embraced darkness like in the original timeline. She still valued her village and comrades. If a few more years passed and she descended into her inner turmoil, she would likely have agreed without hesitation.

Shinji then shifted his gaze to 'Ido.' "What about you? Will you serve me?"

Without hesitation, 'Ido' nodded eagerly. "Yes, my lord. I am willing!"

Shinji smirked. "Good. You're sensible."

Yakumo ignored 'Ido' and urgently asked, "When can you begin treating me?"

Shinji shook his head. "Ordinary treatment won't work in your case. Only surgery will help."

"Surgery?!" Yakumo and 'Ido' exclaimed in unison.

"Yes, transplantation surgery."

Shinji didn't hide the details, briefly explaining his plan.

Yakumo asked, "If I undergo the transplant, will my body recover?"

"Those special cells are miraculous. Even if half your body was gone, they'd restore you." Shinji smiled, but quickly sobered. "But… the real issue is whether you'll survive the surgery."

'Ido' grew anxious. "Is it dangerous?"

Shinji explained, "Those cells contain terrifying amounts of Yang Release chakra. Without sufficient Yin Release chakra to balance it, the cells will take over, consuming your body the moment the transplant begins."

Yakumo insisted, "My Yin Release chakra is strong!"

'Ido' echoed, "Yes! Our Yin Release chakra is far superior to the others at the academy!"

Shinji contemplated for a moment, then shook his head.

Yakumo's Yin Release chakra was indeed exceptional for her age.

But White Zetsu cells were unpredictable. Based on his judgment, only chakra on the level of Mangekyo Sharingan could effectively reduce the risk.

Even with 'Ido,' Yakumo's chakra hadn't reached Mangekyo levels. Her natural frailty further worsened the odds.

Attempting the surgery recklessly could easily kill her.

Narrowing his eyes, Shinji thought, "Unless…"

Yakumo tensed. "Unless what?"

Shinji replied, "Unless, before the surgery, you receive a transplant—eyes with dojutsu nearing the level of Mangekyo Sharingan."