Chapter 53: Mutual Replacement

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In his previous life, Naruto had lost his right hand while stopping Sasuke during the Fourth Great Ninja War.

Later, under the supervision of Lady Tsunade, Shizune successfully improved Hashirama's cells and fused them with Naruto's, allowing him to regenerate his right arm through a successful transplantation.

When Naruto became the Hokage, he naturally gained access to classified documents regarding the Hashirama Cell Project.

At the time, he had considered making a new arm for Sasuke as well.

Thus, Naruto followed the research closely, ensuring he understood the key advancements in the procedure.

More importantly, Naruto believed that this technology could serve humanity—offering medical advancements for those with disabilities, not just remaining an exclusive tool for shinobi warfare.

However, due to high costs, civilian applications of the project had been stalled, limiting its use primarily to military research.

Now, Naruto had a new goal—he intended to help Nagato stand again, allowing him to walk and fight like any other normal person.

Orochimaru licked his lips in anticipation.

"Naruto-kun is becoming more and more interesting."

Excitement flickered in Orochimaru's golden serpent-like eyes. This pursuit of science, the endless possibilities of reshaping the shinobi world—this was the kind of research that made his blood boil.

With a quiet chuckle, he resumed his work.

Following Naruto had given Orochimaru something unexpected—purpose.

He had spent years chasing after immortality, seeking power and knowledge. But this? This was something entirely different. A new frontier.

A future shaped by truth, science, and Naruto Uzumaki.

Nagato, on the other hand, was equally excited.

During the battle against Hanzo, his legs had been caught in an explosion, torn apart by countless explosive tags. His nervous system had been irreparably damaged—there was no cure.

But now, his kohai Naruto had given him hope.

According to Naruto's research, it was possible to transplant new tissue, regenerate lost limbs.

Nagato could walk again.

He could fight alongside Naruto, run toward the future they both sought—a world free from endless cycles of hatred.

As Orochimaru finished wrapping the last of Nagato's bandages, he turned toward Naruto and said,

"Naruto-kun, get ready. It's your turn."

With that, Orochimaru formed a hand seal, summoning three Shadow Clones to assist him.

Naruto calmly walked toward the adjacent operating table and sat down.

Orochimaru took a syringe and gestured for Nagato to lie down.

"This might sting a little," he murmured.

Nagato simply nodded.

Orochimaru inserted the needle into Nagato's shoulder, slowly pressing down the plunger.

"Count to eight," he instructed.

Nagato exhaled softly, staring at the ceiling.

"Eight… Seven… Six… Five… Four—"

Before he could reach three, his vision blurred, and he slipped into unconsciousness.

Naruto blinked. "That was fast!"

Orochimaru handed the syringe to one of his Shadow Clones before turning to Naruto.

"It's general anesthesia. You'll go under just as quickly. Lie down."

Naruto obeyed, feeling the cold prick of the needle as it entered his bloodstream.

A familiar drowsiness crept over him, crashing against his consciousness like waves in a storm. Each wave heavier, stronger—until his mind finally sank into the darkness.

The last thing he saw before slipping away was Orochimaru turning toward Nagato—his fingers reaching toward the Rinnegan.

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Naruto didn't know how much time had passed when he finally stirred.

His body felt heavy, sluggish.

He struggled to sit up, only for someone to steady him.

"Naruto, how do you feel?"

It was Konan's voice.

Naruto instinctively raised his hands to his face—only to find his eyes tightly wrapped in bandages.

Before he could ask, Orochimaru's voice cut in smoothly.

"Don't try to open them yet. The transplant was just completed. Your body still needs time to adapt."

Naruto nodded slightly.

"I'm fine, Konan-Senpai. Just a little out of it. By the way, how's Nagato-Senpai?"

A soft chuckle came from the bed beside him.

"Cough… cough… I'm right here."

Naruto turned his head in Nagato's direction, a grin spreading across his face.

"How do you feel, Nagato-Senpai?"

Nagato let out a slow breath before answering,

"Not bad. I just hope that when I recover, I'll be able to see the world through my kohai eyes."

Konan, who had remained silent, suddenly noticed something.

A small, genuine smile had formed on Nagato's lips.

Naruto laughed.

The procedure had been a success.

Orochimaru had successfully swapped their eyes.

For Nagato, it was a form of liberation.

Ever since Jiraiya had told him he was the Child of Prophecy, ever since he had awakened the Rinnegan, he had been burdened with a fate that was never truly his own.

Uchiha Madara had chosen him long before he was even aware of it.

The Rinnegan had been forced upon him—his destiny shaped by powers beyond his control.

Now, for the first time, he was free.

The weight of those eyes, the weight of prophecy—it was no longer his to bear.

Naruto had taken that burden in his place.

Nagato inhaled deeply, his body feeling strangely lighter.

He was no longer Pain.

He was no longer the man carrying the Rinnegan's divine might.

"Who am I?"

The answer came naturally.

"I am myself."

"I am Nagato."

At this moment, he had been reborn.

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