...can lose track of it completely. The eerie silence, broken only by the occasional hum of machinery, amplified the intensity of Orochimaru's focus. Yakushi Kabuto glanced nervously at his master, unsure if this experiment would yield results or lead to another disaster.
Naruto, meanwhile, leaned against a wall, watching Orochimaru and Kabuto work. His calm demeanor masked the unease bubbling beneath the surface. He trusted Orochimaru as much as one would trust a viper—it was a delicate dance of necessity and mutual interest.
---
Outside the Lab
Tayuya, Sakon, and the other Sound Four members huddled together, exchanging wary glances.
"What do you think he's doing in there with Orochimaru-sama?" Jirobo asked, fidgeting with his sleeve.
Tayuya sneered, "How should I know? That brat walked in like he owned the place. What kind of psycho has the guts to boss Orochimaru-sama around?"
"I don't like this," Kidomaru muttered. "What if he's planning to betray Orochimaru-sama?"
"Shut up!" Tayuya snapped. "You think Orochimaru-sama would let that happen? He's playing the long game, idiot. Just focus on keeping out of their way."
The group fell into uneasy silence, the tension thick enough to cut with a kunai.
---
Back in the Lab
Hours passed. Orochimaru's face lit up with excitement as the cells began to fuse under his meticulous guidance.
"Naruto-kun," he called, breaking the silence. "The results are... interesting."
Naruto straightened, walking over to the workstation. "Define interesting."
Orochimaru turned to face him, his golden eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Your cells show an unprecedented level of compatibility with both Hashirama's cells and Sasuke's. This level of fusion... it's almost unnatural."
Naruto smirked. "Unnatural, huh? Guess that means we're on the right track."
Orochimaru's grin widened. "Indeed. However, there's still the issue of chakra rejection. We'll need to test further to ensure your body can withstand the strain of implantation."
Naruto crossed his arms. "How long will that take?"
"A week, at most. But," Orochimaru added slyly, "if you're willing to take a few... risks, we could expedite the process."
Naruto locked eyes with Orochimaru. "Do it."
Kabuto's head snapped up in alarm. "Orochimaru-sama, that's—"
"Silence, Kabuto." Orochimaru's voice was sharp. "Naruto-kun understands the risks. Who am I to deny such determination?"
---
The Experiment Begins
The next few hours were a blur of activity. Orochimaru prepared the necessary equipment, while Kabuto handled the final preparations.
As Naruto lay on the operating table, he closed his eyes, steeling himself for the pain to come. Orochimaru hovered over him, syringe in hand.
"Brace yourself, Naruto-kun," Orochimaru murmured, a note of genuine excitement in his voice. "This is the moment of truth."
The needle pierced Naruto's arm, delivering the mixture of cells directly into his bloodstream. Almost immediately, his body reacted violently. His muscles spasmed, and his chakra flared uncontrollably, filling the room with a suffocating pressure.
"Fascinating!" Orochimaru exclaimed, his hands moving deftly to stabilize Naruto's vitals.
Kabuto, on the other hand, looked far less enthused. "Orochimaru-sama, his chakra is spiraling out of control! If this continues, his body might—"
"Silence!" Orochimaru barked. "This is the price of evolution. Let's see if Naruto-kun can survive it."
---
A Battle Within
Inside Naruto's mind, a storm raged. The power of the Nine-Tails clashed with the invasive energies of Hashirama's cells and Sasuke's chakra.
"You think you can control me, brat?" the Nine-Tails roared, its crimson eyes burning with fury.
Naruto smirked. "Not control, Kurama. Cooperate."
The fox growled, but a flicker of respect crossed its face. "Hmph. Fine. But if you die, don't blame me."
Drawing on the Nine-Tails' power, Naruto forced the chaotic energies into submission, bending them to his will. The storm began to subside, replaced by a strange, almost serene balance.
---
Back in the Lab
Naruto's body went still. The oppressive chakra dissipated, leaving an eerie calm in its wake.
Orochimaru leaned forward, his eyes wide with astonishment. "He... he did it. The fusion was successful."
Naruto opened his eyes, a faint glow emanating from them. He sat up slowly, testing his newfound strength.
"How do you feel?" Orochimaru asked, barely able to contain his excitement.
Naruto flexed his fingers, a small smile playing on his lips. "Stronger."
Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "Excellent. Naruto-kun, you may very well be the perfect experiment."
---
Aftermath
As Naruto left the lab, his mind was already racing with possibilities. This newfound power wasn't just a tool—it was a game-changer.
Orochimaru watched him go, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "Such potential... I must keep an eye on him."
For Naruto, the experiment was just the beginning. There were still battles to fight, alliances to form, and a ninja world to change. But for now, he was content to let the world wonder what he was planning next.
---––-------------------------------
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