Chapter 309: The Heir of the Scented Pouch
"Symbiote?"
Orochimaru was taken aback, having never heard such a term before.
Tonari had suddenly recalled a movie from his previous life, and the thought of the way White Zetsu functioned made him come up with the idea.
"Maybe calling it a symbiote is a bit much. A parasite might be a more fitting term," Tonari mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"You mean to say that this body acts like a special kind of parasite? One that benefits its host?" Orochimaru quickly grasped the idea.
"Exactly. Though, to call it a parasite might sound a bit harsh, given its size."
Tonari thought of the combat-type White Zetsu known as Tobi, who once wrapped around Yamato and even managed to use the Wood Release: Wood Human Technique.
If the symbiotic boost wasn't substantial, Yamato, who could only use a diluted form of Wood Release, would have never achieved such a powerful technique.
Orochimaru nodded, his interest clearly piqued.
"Regardless of whether it's a parasite or symbiote, it's fascinating. This thing looks human but clearly isn't human at all."
Tonari remained calm. He knew that White Zetsu was originally formed from people who had been absorbed by the God Tree during the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Therefore, it wasn't surprising that it had both human characteristics and plant-like abilities.
Orochimaru continued, his enthusiasm growing:
"It has human-like organs, but lacks critical systems like digestion and excretion. Its activities are sustained solely through chakra and a process similar to plant photosynthesis.
In essence, it's a hybrid of human and plant—truly a marvel of nature."
Tonari listened without much surprise.
The God Tree's transformation of humans into White Zetsu inherently gave it a mix of human and plant traits.
Its ability to enhance Wood Release was a natural extension of its role as a nourisher of the Divine Tree.
Deciding to hand the body over to Orochimaru for further research had proven to be a wise decision. The scientist's insights were far more profound than what Tonari might have uncovered alone.
Orochimaru's eyes burned with passion as he speculated:
"If a human and a plant can coexist like this, why not a human and an animal? My direction of integrating animal traits into myself may not be wrong after all!"
Tonari could only shake his head slightly, seeing how obsessed Orochimaru had become with his own biological transformation.
Already, faint scales were visible on his skin—a sign that his experiments on himself were progressing rapidly.
But the White Zetsu research was far from over.
Orochimaru revealed more shocking details:
"Tonari-kun, this body has another fascinating feature."
"What is it?"
Orochimaru lifted a scalpel and cleanly sliced off one of White Zetsu's fingers.
Without hesitation, he then sliced off one of his own fingers, his face expressionless as no blood spilled from the wound.
Tonari's brow twitched in discomfort.
Even knowing Orochimaru's unconventional methods, seeing him casually slice off his own finger still felt eerie.
Orochimaru then fused White Zetsu's finger onto his own hand using a simple medical ninjutsu.
In just a moment, the grafted finger began to integrate seamlessly with Orochimaru's hand, becoming indistinguishable from his original skin.
Tonari watched with intrigue.
"This... it's like it was naturally part of your body," Tonari commented.
Orochimaru smiled.
"It's not just a visual effect. The blood vessels and chakra pathways perfectly realign as if the finger always belonged to me. There's no rejection reaction at all."
Tonari's eyes widened.
"You mean it can seamlessly integrate with any body part without rejection?"
"Precisely. It's almost as if the cells inherently know how to adapt to the host's system."
Tonari immediately realized the implications.
"This could revolutionize medical ninjutsu! Reattaching limbs or organs would become so much easier if this was applied widely."
But Orochimaru suddenly winced, and his hand began to sprout tree-like branches.
In mere moments, his entire arm transformed into a mass of writhing vines and leaves.
Before Tonari could react, Orochimaru's mouth opened unnaturally wide, and a new, fully-formed Orochimaru slithered out of his own mouth, leaving the now completely wooden body behind.
"This is the side effect. Just like Senju Hashirama's cells, without proper control, it will take over the body, turning it into a plant."
Tonari nodded in understanding.
"So it's not entirely risk-free. Any way to control it?"
Orochimaru pondered for a moment.
"Actually, it's far easier to control than Hashirama's cells. The Wood Release ability within White Zetsu can be neutralized, leaving behind a pure biological structure.
You, being proficient in Wood Release, can directly suppress and refine the cellular structure, keeping only the useful parts."
Tonari considered the idea.
"It sounds feasible. If it truly boosts my Wood Release without much risk, it's worth a try."
Orochimaru nodded approvingly.
"Indeed. Since you're gradually phasing out Hashirama's cells, using this more controllable alternative might enhance your abilities without compromising stability."
Tonari took a severed finger from White Zetsu's hand, contemplating its potential.
"Alright, I'll take your advice."
Orochimaru looked pleased.
"It's a valuable asset, Tonari-kun. Use it wisely. If you need help, I'm here."
"I know. Thanks, sensei."
Leaving the laboratory, Tonari made his way to the cat shelter, where Kushina and Lingxiang were busy playing with little Naruto.
Spotting him, Lingxiang's eyes lit up, rushing to greet him.
"Tonari, you're back!"
Smiling, Tonari gently patted her head.
"Yeah. Is dinner ready? I'm starving."
Lingxiang giggled and nodded.
"Yes, I'll prepare some more for you."
Naruto, now a few months old, was babbling on the floor, and Tonari couldn't help but squat down and poke his chubby cheeks.
Kushina, watching from the side, gave him a sly look.
"Back at last, huh? Thought you'd abandoned us for good."
Tonari chuckled.
"Not at all. Just busy handling the Mist Village."
As they played with Naruto, Tonari suddenly remembered something and pulled out a faintly fragrant yellow pouch from his ninja bag.
"Here, little Naruto. This is a lucky charm that brought me through tough times. I'm giving it to you now."
Naruto grabbed the pouch with his tiny hands, instinctively putting it in his mouth.
Kushina raised an eyebrow.
"That's pretty important to you, isn't it? Are you sure?"
Tonari waved it off.
"It's just a keepsake now. Let the little one have it."
Just then, Minato appeared, instantly catching Naruto's attention.
"Pa...pa!"
Minato's eyes widened with surprise and delight.
"Did he just say 'papa'?"
Kushina gave a little huff.
"Yeah, the little traitor's first word wasn't 'mama'."
Minato just laughed and picked up his son.
As they sat down for dinner, the family atmosphere was warm and lively.
Looking around, Tonari couldn't help but feel a deep sense of fulfillment.
Everything felt... just right.