Darkness.
Flickering lights.
Reflected on a face beaded with cold sweat.
The face, originally wracked with Pain, showed a meaningful expression in its eyes after Kabuto left.
"Uchiha Sasuke, whether you can achieve my goals depends on your talent.
The Eye that Reflects the Heart, an eye that brings infinite unknowns…"
Why is he fixated on the Sharingan and Sasuke's body, instead of trying to get Pain's Rinnegan?
Nor is he coveting the Byakugan?
Besides Pain's immense strength, Orochimaru's research indicates that the Sharingan has greater plasticity than the Rinnegan.
According to historical records, the Rinnegan is the Six Paths Sage's eye, possessing great power.
However, in terms of plasticity, it still falls far short compared to the Sharingan.
It's not that he hasn't obtained a true Sharingan; he even conducted in-depth research on it for a period.
He ultimately discovered that the internal structure of the Sharingan could evolve into a stronger Sharingan in bodies with different talents.
And the ability of the Sharingan is that, with mental stimulation, there is a chance for it to evolve into a powerful Sharingan that surpasses the Rinnegan.
Although historical records do not mention such an eye appearing in the Uchiha clan.
He had already drawn this conclusion from the genetic factors of the Sharingan.
This is also the origin of the Eye that Reflects the Heart; the greater the heart, the greater the power.
"Jiraiya said that the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku foresees a future battle concerning the survival of the Ninja World.
That's why he's so invested in the Child of Prophecy, even searching for so many years.
But how can people place their hopes on a mysterious destiny?
Can't we humans create our own Child of Prophecy?
Let's see whose strength is greater, mine or the Child of Prophecy Jiraiya is searching for.
I will not place my hopes on others."
He wants eternal life; relying on others is impossible.
Why he would believe Jiraiya's prophecy, of course, was because he had consulted with the Snake Sage.
Although the Two Great Sage Locations are at odds, the Snake Sage clearly did not refute the Toad Sage's prophecy.
And the Three Great Sage Locations have always been the strongest forces maintaining the natural order of the Ninja World; there's no reason for them to deceive them.
Uchiha Sasuke is his important chip for controlling destiny.
As for Satoru, whatever his intentions, as long as it doesn't affect him, that's fine…
Konoha Hospital.
Satoru didn't know that the barrier he adjusted after becoming Hokage had already been deciphered by Kabuto.
At this moment, he handed the data he extracted from Lee to Tsunade.
"Your ability is more suited for a Medical Ninja." Tsunade looked at the data in her hand, shocked by Satoru's ability.
The data was even more detailed than what she, a professional Medical Ninja, could find.
Although their thought processes, medical techniques, and investigative approaches were different, combining the two could lead to better solutions.
"However, this little guy's situation is not optimistic.
Even with the body data you extracted, the success rate can only be increased to 60%."
Tsunade finally concluded.
Might Guy anxiously asked, "What happens if it fails?"
"He will die."
Tsunade's single sentence silenced Might Guy and Lee.
He will die.
"There's no need to be so disheartened. In the sealing scroll, there's a Ninjutsu called Edo Tensei.
It's the Ninjutsu Orochimaru used against the Third Hokage.
Even if it fails, we can go capture Orochimaru.
And have him summon Lee's soul back from the Pure Land."
Satoru said, seeing their downcast faces.
"This is also a form of medical treatment, isn't it!"
"No, how can the dead be summoned back?
This is a forbidden Ninjutsu; it will completely shatter the order of the Ninja World."
Tsunade's first reaction was a firm no.
Might Guy and Lee also shared the same thought upon hearing this.
They also didn't want to be summoned back after dying.
Traditional beliefs made them resist this approach.
"Uh… don't be so rigid…"
"No means no. There's no need to suggest such things.
The two old geezers were right not to make you Hokage."
Tsunade directly interrupted him.
She also realized why Satoru, despite having sufficient ability, was not directly voted Hokage by the two Advisors and many Jonin.
His way of thinking… Satoru seemed to lack traditional beliefs.
Just like Orochimaru.
This was absolutely unacceptable.
"Hmm… alright, but Lee's situation, based on his current physical condition, besides getting a new body,
can only be improved by developing a Ninjutsu to create protein cells, combined with Lady Tsunade's abilities,
to increase his survival success rate."
Satoru secretly rejoiced and proposed a suggestion that Tsunade would have thought of anyway.
"Protein cell creation Ninjutsu?"
Upon hearing this, Tsunade recalled Orochimaru's subordinate.
"This technique is called Yin Healing Wound Destruction. It uses Chakra to create protein cells, thereby healing injuries on the body.
It was this ability that made Lord Orochimaru take notice of me."
Kabuto, who had been hit by the Rasengan, had told her this.
That technique was strongly related to her Creation Rebirth, so she remembered it clearly.
The Creation Rebirth ability uses Chakra to rapidly divide the body's protein cells, thereby achieving rapid healing of the body.
Since cell division leads to a reduction in lifespan, she was deeply impressed by Kabuto's technique.
Now, Satoru's words made her eyes light up.
Considering Lee's physical condition and the possibilities during surgery.
If an ability to divide the body's protein cells could be developed, it would indeed increase Lee's surgery success rate.
"That's a good suggestion, much better than the last one.
But I warn you, don't learn that Ninjutsu, or I will personally arrest you."
Tsunade said with a cold face.
"Don't worry, I haven't even fully researched my own Ninjutsu yet; how would I have time to learn that kind of Ninjutsu?"
Satoru gestured to reassure her.
In his heart, he had already said, "Sorry, this technique is too simple; I've already learned it."
It's just that there's no point in using it, after all, it's only the initial version of Edo Tensei, not Orochimaru's version, nor Kabuto's version.
"Really? That's truly wonderful."
Might Guy and Lee both smiled, hearing there was still a chance.
"Don't celebrate too early; it only increases the success rate, it's not 100% successful.
You still need to consider it carefully.
Actually, I suggest he doesn't have to be a Ninja.
I can also help him recover to the point of living a normal life."
Tsunade said.
Giving hope only to destroy it, she didn't want to do this either.
But compared to life, what does that matter?
"I…"
Lee lowered his head upon hearing this.
Death was a heavy topic for him, still just a boy.
Might Guy also fell silent.
"Didn't Satoru also say that those who believe in miracles are greater than the miracle itself?
Lee, do you believe in miracles?" Might Guy then brightened up and laughed.
"I…"
"Even if it fails, it's okay. As your Teacher, even if it fails, I will accompany you to the Pure Land."
Might Guy gave Lee a thumbs-up.
Lee's eyes flashed with inspiring light upon hearing this.
"Teacher Guy"
The two of them started crying in front of Tsunade and Satoru.
Tsunade looked fiercely at Satoru, listening to Might Guy's words.
Satoru could only turn his head away.
How did it get dragged back to him? This scene was originally in the source material; it just happened a little earlier due to his interference.