Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 364: Kakashi's White Zetsu Cell Transplant

Kakashi stared intently at the Tenseigan glowing on Haneda's forehead for several seconds before nodding.

"All right."

As he said those words, his expression softened, looking more at ease and even a little happy.

Perhaps it was the thought of regaining his vision with a gift derived from Obito, or maybe it was his relief at seeing Haneda making progress with the Tenseigan.

Haneda said, "The procedure is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9. If you leave from the Memorial Stone, you'll arrive at the research lab just in time."

...

The Next Morning

Haneda arrived at the research lab early. Orochimaru was still in bed, though the sound of movement outside caused him to stir. Opening his eyes, he called out:

"Is that you, Haneda-kun? So early… it seems you really care about your friends."

"Yes, it's me." Haneda knocked on the door, and upon receiving permission, he stepped inside.

"The White Zetsu cells are ready, I assume?" Haneda asked.

As Orochimaru began dressing, he replied, "Just as you suspected, they're very similar to the First Hokage's cells. I've tested them, and they can suppress the Sharingan."

"White Zetsu's cells share the same origins as the First's cells but are far less active, by a factor of dozens."

"Correspondingly, the rejection rate during fusion is much lower. As you guessed, they integrate with the human body more easily than the First's cells."

By now, Orochimaru had put on his research lab uniform—a white outfit designed to protect against radiation. The fabric was both durable and flexible, making it quite comfortable to wear. It was one of Orochimaru's own designs.

Opening the door, Orochimaru gestured invitingly.

"Let's go, Haneda-kun. We need to prepare the necessary instruments and materials."

"The White Zetsu cells for today's procedure were processed last night. I need to retrieve them."

"All right." Haneda, trusting Orochimaru's expertise, let him handle all the technical aspects.

Of course, Haneda remained vigilant, keeping a close eye on Orochimaru—before, during, and after the procedure.

The transplant would take place in the same lab where Itachi and Shisui had received their First Hokage cell transplants.

The setup was nearly identical, though the old equipment had been replaced with state-of-the-art machines.

The black-and-white mechanical instruments had a complex, futuristic design, exuding an impressive technological aura.

Konoha's rapid economic growth and Haneda's increased funding for the research lab had propelled it to new heights over the years.

Especially with the addition of Orochimaru and Hiruko, both of whom were experts in biological and human tissue research. Their work on integrating the First Hokage's cells into medical applications had yielded remarkable results.

This progress had also driven several upgrades to the lab's equipment over the years.

Looking at the intricate machines—though he couldn't fully understand them—Haneda felt reassured about Kakashi's transplant.

Years ago, when Itachi and Shisui underwent their transplants, the technology had been less advanced, and White Zetsu cells hadn't even been available.

Now, with both better technology and White Zetsu cells at hand, the success rate had to be higher than before.

As Orochimaru brought over a mechanical arm-like device and installed it on the experimental table, Haneda glanced at the clock. It was just fifteen minutes until 9 a.m.

In the past, Kakashi would've been in Haneda's office by now, handling Konoha's daily affairs.

But lately…

Ever since Obito's arrival, Kakashi had been revisiting the past, often spending his mornings at the Memorial Stone with Obito, supposedly to catch the "flower-throwing culprit."

Haneda wasn't sure if Kakashi would revert to his old habits. To be safe, he had scheduled the procedure for 9 a.m., a time that should fit perfectly into Kakashi's routine.

As the clock struck 9, Kakashi arrived at the lab right on time—his punctuality was flawless, down to the second.

"I'm not late, am I?" Kakashi said with an apologetic smile.

"I'm sure you just got lost on the path of life again, right, Kakashi?" Haneda teased.

"Mm. Life is unpredictable, full of crossroads and choices," Kakashi replied with mock seriousness.

"All right, Haneda-kun, Kakashi—save the small talk for later," Orochimaru interjected.

He had his own experiments to attend to and wasn't interested in wasting time on idle chatter.

"Let's get started, then," Haneda said, before turning to Kakashi with a smile.

"You seem to be in good spirits today. Ready, Kakashi?"

"Yeah." Kakashi nodded and lay down on the experimental table as instructed by Orochimaru.

Orochimaru activated the machinery, pressing a button that set the device in motion.

"This is a semi-automated setup. The machine will handle most of the procedure with precision beyond what a human can achieve," Orochimaru explained.

"More precise than you?" Haneda asked, skeptical.

Orochimaru responded with a hint of pride and humility:

"Far more precise. Machines operate at the micrometer level, whereas human precision is limited to millimeters. The difference is enormous."

"Machines can also perfectly time actions, like when to inject the transplant cells or when to administer stabilizing agents. Humans, by nature, are always slightly slower."

"You understand this concept, don't you? Think about the Flying Thunder God Technique—it requires incredibly fast reaction speeds."

"Minato's reaction time was extraordinary, earning him the title of the Yellow Flash with the Flying Thunder God. But even his speed can't compare to a machine."

"Machines are also more accurate in decision-making. Of course, they have their shortcomings—they can't handle unexpected situations. That's why I'm here to oversee everything."

"Just as you're here to keep an eye on me."

Orochimaru's words reminded Haneda of the advanced AI and automation technologies from his previous life.

He nodded in agreement. "Technology truly is the ultimate productive force."

"It automates repetitive, labor-intensive tasks, boosting efficiency while reducing human workload."

Orochimaru chuckled, his snake-like tongue flicking out. "Yet it also replaces human jobs. People don't always appreciate it."

Haneda smiled. "That's why humans are still needed to oversee the process."

Orochimaru paused for a moment, caught off guard by Haneda's use of his own words to propose a solution.

After a brief silence, Orochimaru smiled. "You really are an interesting one, Haneda-kun."

As they conversed, the transplant procedure progressed smoothly.

The White Zetsu cells, with their high compatibility and minimal rejection rates, integrated seamlessly into Kakashi's body.

Even without Uchiha blood, Kakashi's heart rate remained stable throughout the process.

The procedure was so safe that Orochimaru didn't even need to use the sedatives or stabilizing agents he had prepared.

Just as Haneda had anticipated, White Zetsu cells proved to be exceptionally compatible.

Both Obito and Madara were living proof.

Obito had survived the destruction of half his body at Kannabi Bridge thanks to the integration of White Zetsu cells. If these cells had a rejection rate comparable to the First Hokage's cells, it would've been impossible for Obito to recover.

As for Madara, during the Fourth Great Ninja War, he had used White Zetsu tissue to replace his severed arm with ease.

Even with Madara's mastery of the First Hokage's cells, the simplicity with which he used White Zetsu tissue highlighted its exceptional compatibility.

...