The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension as Konohamaru reentered. Witnessing Sarada's blind and eyeless state yet with an optimistic smile was deeply unsettling, like witnessing a duality of hope and despair.
"Sarada... what did he say?" Konohamaru asked cautiously, eyeing Orochimaru with suspicion.
Her voice, full of renewed hope, explained the situation. But Konohamaru's protectiveness was clear. "Orochimaru, what did you promise her?" he demanded, his stance tense.
Orochimaru raised a hand, signaling peace. "She's under my protection, Konohamaru. I've offered her a chance, a hope. It's nothing more than restoring what was unjustly taken from her."
The room seemed to be caught in a delicate dance of hope, caution, and the tenuous trust between past enemies. Konohamaru's eyes, always sharp and observant, darted between Orochimaru and Sarada. It wasn't just the Sharingan at stake here - it was Sarada's happiness and her identity.
"I understand your reservations, Konohamaru," Orochimaru began, his voice smooth and almost reassuring. "But rest assured, my intentions are purely scientific."
Konohamaru exhaled heavily. "For her sake, I hope you're sincere."
Though distrust lingered in his eyes, Konohamaru couldn't ignore the potential solution. "Alright," he murmured, albeit hesitantly, "Do what you must."
The snake sannin's smile seemed genuine, albeit with its typical hint of mischief. "Glad we understand each other."
The whirlwind of emotions and information left Konohamaru grappling for answers. His inherent mistrust of Orochimaru, combined with his fierce protective instincts towards Sarada, created an inner turmoil. Yet, seeing the hope in Sarada's face, he couldn't deny her this potential chance.
Orochimaru handed him the scientific jar, Konohamaru could feel the weight of its implications. The jar wasn't just a vessel holding damaged eyes; it symbolized the fragility of hope and the dangerous allure of forbidden jutsu.
"Give this to my acquaintance Karin, she will know what to do, just tell her I said 'do the thing'," Orochimaru held a sly smirk
"Karin... 'do the thing'," Konohamaru muttered to himself, trying to make sense of the cryptic instructions.
Orochimaru's voice, smooth as always, interrupted his thoughts. "Karin understands the nature of my work. No further details are necessary."
Curiosity etched Konohamaru's features. "Why Karin? What does 'do the thing' even mean?"
Orochimaru's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Some secrets are best kept hidden, even from you. Just ensure she gets the jar and my message."
"Be careful with it," Orochimaru warned. "Karin will understand what needs to be done."
Taking a deep breath, Konohamaru clutched the jar tighter. "I'll ensure its safe delivery. Sarada is like family to me, and I'll do whatever it takes for her."
Orochimaru's rare nod of approval acknowledged Konohamaru's determination. "Good. Return once it's done. Our work here is far from over."
"I'll be back as soon as I can, Sarada," Konohamaru said, determination evident in his voice.
Sarada, even in her vulnerable state, smiled. "Thank you, Konohamaru-sensei."
As the door shut behind Konohamaru, Sarada and Orochimaru were left in silence. The ticking of a distant clock was the only sound as they both pondered the potential outcomes of the choices they'd made.
The room's ambiance felt heavier, a thick tension settling in. The glow of the dim lighting set the perfect mood for Orochimaru's proposition, one filled with potential and peril.
"If you're interested," Orochimaru began, his voice smooth like silk, "I can offer you power beyond the confines of the Uchiha lineage."
Sarada's brow furrowed, her skepticism evident. "How?"
Orochimaru's snake-like eyes gleamed with a blend of mischief and scientific curiosity. "I have gathered DNA from the Ōtsutsuki that visited. Their lineage is the origin of the Sharingan — albeit a diluted version." He paused, letting the weight of the revelation sink in. "Imagine harnessing that potency."
Sarada's heartbeat quickened. The weight of her clan's legacy had always been heavy on her shoulders. This could be her chance to elevate that legacy. But the gravity of the choice before her was not lost. "Are there dangers?"
Orochimaru tilted his head thoughtfully. "Combining DNA is never without risks. However, the Ōtsutsuki possess a unique quality of amalgamation. Their bodies seamlessly integrate foreign elements, enhancing their power. In theory, your body should accept and evolve with their DNA."
"If I agree to this," Sarada started, her voice wavering slightly, "what happens if things go wrong?"
Orochimaru leaned back, his fingers steepled in contemplation. "If something goes awry, you might experience unforeseen side effects. However, I'll do everything in my power to ensure success. My scientific endeavors are never entered into lightly."
She took a deep breath, mulling over the information. But before she could speak, Orochimaru added, "But remember, Sarada, this is experimental. While I anticipate the eyes becoming more potent, other changes might occur, given the invasive nature of the Ōtsutsuki genetic material."
Sarada felt the weight of her lineage press upon her. Visions of her father, Sasuke, her mother, Sakura, and even her idol Naruto flashed before her. They had all faced challenges, taken risks, and emerged stronger. She wanted to do the same, not just for herself. Before she could ever become Hokage she needed to clear the Uchiha name, absolved of its darkness.
Sarada closed her eyeless lids, picturing a future where she became a beacon of hope for her clan's future. "I want to reshape the Uchiha legacy, to overshadow the dark past with a brighter present and future. If this is the path, then I accept."
Orochimaru's snake-like eyes seemed to glitter with anticipation. "A commendable decision, Sarada. Such bravery is reminiscent of your forebears. We will begin tomorrow"
She stiffened slightly at the suddenness of the timeline. "Tomorrow? So soon?"
His smug laugh filled the room. "I am no ordinary scientist. I thrive in making the unimaginable a reality."
The prospect of the procedure being so near brought a rush of anxiety and excitement. The room echoed with the weight of decisions made and the future yet to unfold. The path ahead was uncertain, but Sarada's resolve was unwavering. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay in store. The future of the Uchiha clan, and perhaps the Shinobi world, hinged on the morrow.
