Chapter 51: Transplanting the Rinnegan
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Naruto opened his eyes.
Seeing his parents again had given him a profound sense of peace. Though the ache of parting lingered, he knew he had to move forward.
Exiting his Mindscape, Naruto focused his chakra, condensing the Nine-Tails' chakra into a massive swirling sphere of blue energy. He guided it into a designated sealing space within himself and reinforced it with four Torii (Myojinmon) Gates, ensuring it would remain secure until the time came to reclaim it.
After sealing it away, Naruto turned toward the cage where Kurama—now devoid of his chakra—lay. The once-mighty fox, who had towered over entire battlefields, now seemed frail and weakened, his breath slow and heavy in his slumber.
Naruto sighed.
"I'm sorry, old man..."
He clenched his fist as painful memories resurfaced—the battle against Isshiki Ōtsutsuki, the desperate gamble of Baryon Mode, and the devastating price that had been paid.
Back then, to protect the world, he and Kurama had unleashed their ultimate power. But unlike the past, where Jinchūriki would die if their tailed beast was extracted, Baryon Mode had burned through Kurama's very existence.
Kurama had died, leaving Naruto alone.
"This time... it's different."
Naruto placed his palm over his navel, feeling the pulse of the newly sealed chakra.
"This time, I'll protect you, Kurama."
He took one last glance at the sleeping beast before turning away, determination burning in his eyes.
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Inside the Hidden Laboratory
Meanwhile, Orochimaru had been carefully monitoring Naruto's condition. Though he had witnessed countless transformations and mutations, what Naruto had just accomplished was beyond anything he had seen before.
"Incredible... he didn't just take control of the Nine-Tails' chakra—he mastered it completely," Orochimaru thought, suppressing a smirk.
The golden glow surrounding Naruto had finally receded, leaving him in his normal state. Konan, who had been waiting anxiously, finally spoke.
"Is it over? Did it work?"
Though Orochimaru had studied Tailed Beasts, he was no expert in Jinchūriki transformations. Even so, the result was clear.
"Yes," he answered. "At the very least, he hasn't gone berserk, which means he has full control over it."
At that moment, Naruto opened his eyes.
He stretched his arms, grinning. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Konan-neechan, Uncle Orochi."
Orochimaru chuckled softly. "Oh? You've come back even stronger, haven't you?"
Naruto smirked. "See for yourself."
With a flicker of chakra, golden flames erupted around his body. His hair spiked slightly upward, and intricate black markings traced across his golden cloak. The air itself seemed to tremble under the sheer power of his transformation.
"This is my new form—Nine-Tails Chakra Mode."
Orochimaru circled him like a scientist observing a rare specimen. His golden eyes gleamed with fascination. "This chakra... it's astonishing. The vitality alone is on an entirely different level!"
Konan, standing beside them, nodded. "Your chakra signature has changed completely. I'll need to remember this so I don't mistake you for someone else in battle."
Naruto grinned. "Speaking of perception, my senses are sharper than ever. I can now feel malice, hatred, and negative intent from others—even if they're trying to hide it."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "Ah, so it's different from simple sensory abilities—it's a direct response to emotion itself."
Naruto nodded. "Exactly. It's a unique ability of the Nine-Tails' chakra, allowing me to detect hostile intent before an attack even happens."
Konan crossed her arms. "Then, in terms of raw power, how strong are you now?"
Naruto thought for a moment before answering. "I'd say... Kage level, at least."
Orochimaru chuckled. "At least? How modest."
Konan smiled. "That's good. The stronger you are, the better you can protect our home—Amegakure."
Naruto's expression turned serious. He knew that without strength, the peace they were working for would never last.
"Power rules this world. The Ōtsutsuki saw us as nothing more than ants because of their strength. If I want to change this world, I have to be stronger than them."
With that thought in mind, he turned to Orochimaru.
"Uncle Snake, it's time."
Orochimaru tilted his head, a sinister smirk forming on his lips. "Time for what, exactly?"
Naruto met his gaze. "I want you to perform the surgery. I'm going to transplant the Rinnegan."
Konan's expression changed instantly.
"No!" she snapped. "Naruto, do you even realize what you're saying? If you take Nagato's Rinnegan, then what happens to Pain? Without him, Amegakure will lose its leader!"
"And what if something happens to you?" she continued, stepping forward. "If you're far away and can't return in time, who will protect our home?"
Naruto remained silent. He had anticipated this reaction.
She wasn't wrong—Nagato's Rinnegan was the foundation of Pain. Without it, Amegakure would be vulnerable.
But he had to do this.
The world was heading toward an inevitable war, and his strength wasn't enough yet.
Just as he was about to respond, Nagato himself spoke.
"That's enough, Konan."
Konan turned to him, disbelief in her eyes.
"Nagato, you can't seriously be considering—"
"I trust him," Nagato interrupted. "Naruto wouldn't make this decision lightly. If he says he needs the Rinnegan, then he has a reason."
Naruto met Nagato's gaze.
No words were needed between them.
After a moment, Naruto nodded firmly.
Konan sighed. She knew there was no changing their minds now. "I'll go prepare... I can't watch this." With those words, she turned and left.
Orochimaru licked his lips. "Fascinating... a live Rinnegan transplantation. This will be a first, even for me."
Nagato gave Naruto a small smile. "If these eyes couldn't guide the world to peace... then maybe they can serve a better purpose in your hands."
He closed his eyes. "Take them, Naruto. Use them to see the future I couldn't."
Naruto clenched his fists.
"I won't waste this gift, Nagato-senpai. I'll carry your will forward."
Orochimaru chuckled as he pulled on his gloves. "Well then, let's begin the surgery."
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To be continued...
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