Chapter 52: Nagato's Health

In a dimly lit cave, Nagato was deep in concentration, using Yin-Yang Release to enhance the Deva Path of Pain.

"Nagato." Obito appeared beside him without a sound.

Nagato glanced at the suddenly materialized Obito and asked, "Madara, is something the matter?"

Obito's gaze bore into him as he spoke in a low voice, "Nagato, moving around must be difficult for you now, isn't it?"

Nagato was silent for a moment before replying, "Madara, when I forcibly summoned the Gedo Statue, it drained my life force. Because of that, my legs are beyond any hope of recovery."

Recalling that fateful day, Nagato remembered how the Gedo Statue had left him weak and emaciated, a shell of his former self.

"I'm aware," Obito nodded. "While restoring life force would be near impossible for most people, it's not so difficult for me."

Nagato's head snapped up, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes. "Really, Madara?"

With his legs useless, Nagato had been dependent on Konan's care until he'd crafted the Six Paths of Pain. The chance to regain his health was an opportunity he wouldn't let pass. Only in full health could he wield the true power of his Rinnegan. The Six Paths technique was a compromise, a way to use the Rinnegan's abilities by dispersing them. But the full power of the Rinnegan was meant to be wielded by the body that housed it.

"Of course it's true." Behind his tiger-masked face, Obito's mouth curled into a smirk. "All you need is a transplant of Hashirama Senju's cells. They'll replenish your lost life force."

"Hashirama Senju's cells?" Nagato looked skeptical. "Isn't he the First Hokage of Konoha? His cells are that powerful?"

"Absolutely. Hashirama's cells carry immense vitality. Once transplanted, they can even grant the user Wood Release." Obito's tone turned wistful. "Hashirama's Wood Release was the ultimate testament to his life force. He could heal from any injury in an instant, no medical ninjutsu needed. His chakra surpassed even the tailed beasts, and under his Wood Release, they were nothing more than playthings. 'God of Shinobi' was a fitting title."

"Hashirama Senju was that powerful?," Nagato murmured in awe.

"Indeed, he was my only true rival!" Obito said, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

Looking at Obito intently, Nagato finally said, "Please, Madara, help me!"

"That goes without saying." Obito's eyes glinted with satisfaction.

"Prepare yourself. I'll get you new limbs; your legs won't do, so we'll have to replace them."

After Obito left, Konan emerged from the shadows, her face etched with worry.

Seeing her concern, Nagato reassured her, "Konan, don't worry too much. Even if there's a trap, nothing can escape my Rinnegan."

"This so-called Madara… he reeks of malice. He's nothing like a normal person," Konan replied, her worry evident.

"It's all right, Konan," Nagato said, his voice calm but steely. "Once I'm healthy, I'll grow stronger than him in time. When that day comes, his plans won't matter."

"In this world, strength is the only language that truly matters." Nagato's voice turned cold and unyielding.

Konan glanced at him, her worry deepening. Since Yahiko's death, Nagato had changed drastically after unlocking the Rinnegan's full powers. His transformation had been so complete that it had taken her a long time to adapt.

A while later, Obito returned, carrying Nagato, whose body was riddled with black chakra rods, into the depths of the dark cave. Konan watched with apprehension as the doors shut, her eyes never leaving the sealed entrance.

Two hours later, the doors opened, and light footsteps echoed from within.

In Konan's expectant gaze, Nagato emerged from the chamber. His red hair was vibrant again, and his once skeletal frame was now robust and healthy. He looked even better than he had before.

"Nagato!" Konan quickly stepped forward, reaching his side. "How do you feel?"

"Konan." Nagato looked at her with a broad smile. "I've never felt this good. I'm even better than I was before."

"The effects of Hashirama Senju's cells are that strong?" Konan asked, almost in disbelief.

"Yes." Nagato nodded, stepping forward and clenching his fist. "The First Hokage's cells are even more powerful than I imagined!"

"Also, Konan, look." As he spoke, Nagato swiftly formed hand signs.

Crack.

A fissure split the rocky floor as a sprout emerged, growing into a tree as tall as three men in mere seconds.

"Wood Release?" Konan's eyes widened in amazement before filling with excitement. "To think that transplanting the First Hokage's cells would have such a bonus effect."

"It's not exactly a bonus." Nagato shook his head. "Madara knew I'd gain Wood Release and taught me its techniques immediately after my recovery."

"Madara taught you Wood Release?" Konan was astonished. "Isn't he worried that you'll slip out of his control?"

"Oh, he's not that generous." Nagato sneered. "He insisted I master Wood Release quickly because he's planning something against Konoha and will need my power."

"Against Konoha?" Konan frowned. "Konoha is powerful. They have nearly ten Kage-level shinobi. This is incredibly risky."

"Nagato, you should find a way to refuse him. You haven't reached your full potential yet, and we can't let hatred cloud our judgment," Konan said firmly.

"Don't worry, Konan." Nagato shook his head. "If his plan truly seems foolish, I won't go to Konoha with him."

Hearing his words, Konan breathed a sigh of relief. She had feared that Nagato's desire for vengeance over Yahiko's death might lead him to act recklessly.

...

Meanwhile, in Konoha...

In the Uchiha clan head's residence, Fugaku stood with arms crossed, looking at his young son Itachi with a stern expression.

"Itachi."

Though only four years old, Itachi held a quiet, mature demeanor, appearing far beyond his years. He gazed steadily at Fugaku.

Fugaku's voice was serious. "Starting tomorrow, you'll visit the Uchiha clan's ShinTen Biotech every three days. Follow all instructions once you're there."

"I understand, Father," Itachi replied, nodding solemnly.

The purpose of sending Itachi there was to have him receive the newly developed Ascendance Elixir.

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